Critiquing Question

[Tundra]

This isn't one of my problems, someone else posted this on LJ and I'm curious about what you'll say. It would fit in with any creative thing, not just writing or art, which is why it's down here instead of in any particular section.


Someone close to you asks you to critique some work they did. They put a lot of effort into it and they're hoping to do this sort of thing on a professional level. You know they have talent, but you hate the work they showed you and know they can do much better. Are you honest and tell them you don't like it and why? Or would you try to spare their feelings?

[Lord of Fools]

I'd be honest. It's much better to be criticised for a piece of writing by a friend who can tell you how to make improvements, rather than just out-an-out rejected by an editor.

[MelancholyBliss]

I'd be honest.

People who know me who are only looking for affirmation already know better than to ask for my opinion.

Although, the trouble with asking a friend is getting a return reaction of "Well, what do YOU know?" or the fact that tastes in art differ. Sometimes bad is just bad. Other times, going under the art is subjective idea, what is suckage to one person is brilliance to another.

I wouldn't ask my friends for their opinions mostly because while I trust in their ability to do a great many things, I don't usually trust their opinions on many things. At least not enough to take any critique by them seriously.

[Gene]

Definitely honest, but never got them down about it. Don't say 'It's terrible, it's making me physically ill. I'd burn it but I don't want it to enter the atmosphere' because that's no help whatsoever. Of course, I'd never in a million years expect you to say that; I was more reminding myself. Important thing is to be very clear in the improvements you feel could be made; there's nothing people hate more than vague criticism because they don't know how to improve something and they just get paranoid about it. Draw up a list, underline on a hard copy, highlight, just make it easy for them to see your suggestions for improvement.

And if they have the whole 'Well what do you know' attitude? Just raise an eyebrow, say 'Well, you did ask for my criticism' and walk off. Works every time.

[Claidhmore]

The whole point of critique is to, well, be critical. As long as you critique correctly (firstly, no saying "this sucks" without explaining why and how you think it should be changed) then you're doing them a service. I hate it when I show people stuff I drew and they just say "wow, that's good!". I want CRITIQUE! I know I boned up, but where did I do it and how can I get better?

[MichaelB]

Critiques should always be constructuve. e honest, but tactfully so, praise whatever there in in there to praise, and if there's something you don't like, say it, but politely, and offer reasons for exactly what you don't like about it, and suggestions for how to improve it. Otherwise the whole point of critiquing is lost.

[vindemiatrix]

Well, I'll echo MB in saying that anyone who asks me that is looking for an honest opinion anyway. Also they probably know I do a decent critique. ;) So yes, I would be completely honest and point out every flaw. I'd also point out everything that was good about the work and suggest ways to work on it. That's how I roll! :D

[cat_lover_4113]

I would be honest, but give them some help as to what could be done differently. They must think highly of you asking you to comment on it.