on criticism and critique

On Sunday evenings I often attend a twitter chat called #blogchat. One regular topic is blog review. Bloggers will submit their blogs for review along with either questions for the group or insights into their vision/mission of their blogs.

As with all critiques (especially online ones), these can turn personal and even mean-spirited. However, given the nature of text based virtual communication and the brevity of twitter posts, I do think the potential for misunderstanding is even greater as sometimes the negativity is unintentional.

In conversation with a few members of the group, it did make me think about critique. What is true in art is true in all other critiques. Critique is not just about criticism - the goal of a good critique is to HELP the person being critiqued. It is not to demean them or discourage them. Unfortunately, many see critique as the chance to be a "critic" - a chance to slam someone and be very mean, under the umbrella of critique.

A good critique:

• Gives the receiver of the critique insight into how people understand and interpret your work (think of it as UX - user experience - and usability)
• provides thoughtful feedback - bad or good are irrelevant words in a critique
• identifies problems and questions
• suggests solutions and address questions or concerns from the person being critiqued
  
• is not personal but focused on the work
  
• provides the receiver of the critique a chance to address questions
• is honest without being mean
• focus on the positive BUT not avoid the negative
• is subjective - everyone has a different opinion, life experience, and knowledge