05-05-2012, 10:40 AM
(05-05-2012, 10:28 AM)Mark Wrote: I agree completely, Indie. I think if the critic can't find any way to help the poem as-is then they should consider holding back before posting suggestions for a major overhaul. At least be sure you understand what the poet is trying to do. JMO (Just My Opinion)I think we're all guilty of wanting to impose our will on people sometimes, hit them in the head and tell them that we know best, when it's not our poem, and it's not our job to rewrite it to our own style. All we can do is offer our advice on how we think the poem can be improved in a constructive manner, like spelling, grammar, punctuation, phrasing, cliches, clarity etc.
And be happy with whether or not they take our advice.
"Poets are shameless with their experiences: they exploit them." - Friedrich Nietzsche