Writing Complaints
Taking potshots from behind rocks worked well in the Revolutionary War. In civil discourse, it's not such a good idea. Here are some of the problems:
If you're going to point out flaws in this writing, page, website, why not do so in a comment here? Let the world know I'm human. But for your sake (and mine) identify yourself. How can I take you seriously, if I don't know who you are and the basis for the condemnations. Certainly I value all viewers' opinions and often ask for feedback. But to out of the blue tell me the writing here is filled with errors and refuse to point them out is, well, pointless. I love it when Lillian, a sister editor, finds a mistake and teaches us all a grammar or punctuation lesson. I know who she is and where and how to find her if I want to follow up with her.
Yesterday some poor guy spammed me seeking work. He only hinted at his identity. No website. No resume. A writing sample maundered over his life. I suggested an improved approach. He punched back lambasting my error-filled writing and the appearance of this place. Funny, I had felt sorry for him and was going to hire him to proofread if the free edit he had originally offered revealed at least three mistakes that I agreed were errors on my part.
Needless to say, "John" will not be making any money from A Writer's Edge this year. Nor will I change a post on the basis of an anonymous message from a certain service in Spain. *wink*
The situation is quite similar to reviewing one's work in a critique group minus positive ego boosters. Just identify yourself enough to be reached, list the error, and explain why you think it is wrong. Educate me. Don't whine and bitch slap me!
You probably think I'm referring to political ads that plague us daily, but no! It's my email inbox that has produced two such experiences in the last month.
- the complaint loses credibility, if it ever had any veracity
- the recipient might get vengeful
- you may lose job opportunities
- you kiss away any hope of receiving free help
- nothing changes for the better
- what goes around, comes around (karma)
If you're going to point out flaws in this writing, page, website, why not do so in a comment here? Let the world know I'm human. But for your sake (and mine) identify yourself. How can I take you seriously, if I don't know who you are and the basis for the condemnations. Certainly I value all viewers' opinions and often ask for feedback. But to out of the blue tell me the writing here is filled with errors and refuse to point them out is, well, pointless. I love it when Lillian, a sister editor, finds a mistake and teaches us all a grammar or punctuation lesson. I know who she is and where and how to find her if I want to follow up with her.
Yesterday some poor guy spammed me seeking work. He only hinted at his identity. No website. No resume. A writing sample maundered over his life. I suggested an improved approach. He punched back lambasting my error-filled writing and the appearance of this place. Funny, I had felt sorry for him and was going to hire him to proofread if the free edit he had originally offered revealed at least three mistakes that I agreed were errors on my part. Needless to say, "John" will not be making any money from A Writer's Edge this year. Nor will I change a post on the basis of an anonymous message from a certain service in Spain. *wink*
The situation is quite similar to reviewing one's work in a critique group minus positive ego boosters. Just identify yourself enough to be reached, list the error, and explain why you think it is wrong. Educate me. Don't whine and bitch slap me!
Labels: editing, jobs, writing
posted by Georganna Hancock M.S. | 8:05 AM
6 Comments:
I believe the term for this is "macho online", or at least that's how I've heard it referred to. I believe a lot of common courtesy is lost when the internet is involved. Ah well, I wonder if that tactic actually ever pans out?
Constructive criticism is helpful, being hateful about it is not. I appreciate your website, occassional mistakes and all (and I've never caught any!).
"Macho online", huh. Have you ever hung out on a forum where people hide behind screen names? Brutal! That's what makes spending time there mostly a waste.
Thanks Melissa. Only occasional mistakes? That's why we all need proofreaders and editors -- we can't see our own! It is especially puzzling and startling, though, when the negative criticism follows so closely on the heels of a plea for a job!
I love those emails and the comment/post where people are anonymous. Why be anonymous? I find that when we type and write within sites and blogs, these things happen. I have a book by Stephen King (it's not in front of me), but he does say that he is NOT a good writer without his editor - after reading that I realized that I was too hard on myself within writing.
I love those emails and comments when people will be anonymous. Why be anonymous? I realize that when we write within blogs and websites, mistakes happen; the bright lights tend to blind me sometimes.
I have a book by Stephen Kind and he said (the book is not in front of me) that he is NOT a Good Writer without his editor. Reading this made me realize that I am way too hard on myself as a writer.
Tery you're back! (and your front) I love what you've done with this template in The Write Way blog. It's so nice to see you again. And again, even.
Yes, as well as being our own worst editors, we are also our own worst critics! King has had his share of flops and many successes because he has been so productive. I guess he doesn't let the negatives get him down, at least, not for long.
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