Using critique

[ellajam]

I never edited or received critiques on my poems before joining this site so I tend to over-edit because it's fun and interesting. I read the critiques multiple times and when I agree with them, which is often, I try to implement the suggested changes. Sometimes I improve the piece and sometimes I nearly kill it, but at least I'm getting a bit better at  knowing the difference.

After multiple edits I look at the original and ask myself if I'm closer or further from my goal. Sometimes I chuck it all and work from the original again and sometimes the last edit is much closer to a finished piece.

I try not to use the exact word someone might offer, but if I really try and can't think of anything better I will take what is offered and use it. It's still my choice and my work. I stick to my guns when I think it is best for the poem and make changes when I agree with the weak spots that are pointed out. It's nice to credit the crit on the site: Edit 1 (milo, todd, sockfairy) for example, but the poem is yours.

So do what you want but keep everything and think hard about each crit, each change and what you want out of the poem.

my 2 cents.