Say "Hi" in this Thread

[rayheinrich]

... Thank you for the welcome.  I like your kitty in a box.  He looks like a boy I had named Houdini.

    Her full name is "Shiva the Destroyer of Ego" (which she lives up to).

Hi, I haven't posted on a poetry forum in many years and decided to jump back in here.  I've been writing off and on since I was a kid, but I'm definitely an amateur and hope to improve.  Giving feedback and critique on others' work always makes me nervous that I'll offend someone, besides, I'm not sure I know enough about the craft to be of any benefit.  Also, my time is somewhat limited, but I will do my best.  Mcfair

Anyone who takes offence at honest, well-intended criticism (notice I did not say accurate,
well-informed, or any such thing) needs to learn better. i.e. It's their problem, not yours.

You don't have to know about the craft to be of benefit.
Writers need to know what all readers think of their stuff; not just other writers.

Part of the process of learning to write well is learning how to provide good criticism.
Why?  Because THAT is how you learn to edit your own poetry, and knowing how
to edit is 85% of good writing.

There are some great tips about how to go about writing helpful comments right here:
"New to giving critique? Please read these tips."

Welcome, hope you have fun,
Ray