POSTED BY TONY W............................

"...We should feel at ease telling a fellow writer that their current draft is "a train wreck", as long we can explain why.

What's working should be pointed out as well, and why it's working.

Giving honest in-depth critiques can help the writer doing the critique as much as the writer receiving the critique. We draw on all our knowledge of the crafting of a lyric when we give an in-depth critique. It's tough to look at our own work in the same way, especially while we still have weaknesses to work on..."
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This is well-stated Tony. I especially agree that tough, in-depth, honest critiques are best received when "sandwiched" with some positive observation(s). A few here have come across as not so much needing the "positive comments". But, in every professional communication seminar/class/book I've ever taken/read the presenters/authors have convinced me of the enormous value of "sandwiching" the negative with the positive, when offering constructive criticism.

However, a general "pat on the back" does not qualify for explaining to the writer EXACTLY what IS working and WHY. So, I agree that general, 'polite', packpats mean very little to the serious songwriter, myself included.

But to imply that songwriters should hear/give only/mostly negative critiques tends to develop writers' 'skin' as thick as alligators IMO. I may be in the minority among those in the songwriting community on this point, but I'm not in the real world. I believe first and foremost songwriters need to be/stay human.

rd

Edited to explain more fully my specific position on the topic of what constitutes the most helpful kind of critique. My opinion FWIW.



[This message has been edited by royaldghtr (edited 11-30-2006).]