I think the notion people have that it is wrong to say anything (review wise) if you can't say anything nice is actually an extension (corruption?... and this particularly in the fields of education and human service) of our culture's love affair with the concept of Self Esteem.
Apparently in the minds of many, self esteem is something which mentors and friends and nurturing others build up in one another building block by building block out of raw materials like Praise and Positive Feedback and Acceptance and Toleration. While I agree with the concept in principal in a big picture, generalist way, these values are not part of the Way of the Artist.
It is almost a stereotype to say that Great Art must be borne out of suffering, but I say "almost" because there is a truth behind the platitude. If everyone already thinks you're great and lavishes you with flattering commentary, what is left to grow into? Why would anyone ever wnat to work harder and harder to get better and better, to hone skills and stay up late at night poring over a notebood or hovering over your keyboard, if that person were were already awesome?
And about criticism... dear ones. The process of bringing art to life - all art - is indeed like giving birth. Something is created and takes a life of its own which is vulnerable and prone to hurt... truly it is like someone once described to me "part of your heart, walking around outside of you". Uncomfortable, and also impossible to avoid completely.
And that does not mean something is wrong. Quite the contrary.
Writing... art.... well, it's not for wimps! As such it tends to become self selecting over time. The people with real talent... those who also posses a REAL hunger for self-expression... those kinds of people will hang in there and consider even negative feedback. On the other hand those people who write only in order to disappear into a fantasy world for a few hours with friends or else to engage in a self esteem support group probably won't.
And by this I do not mean to judge harshly. Which brings me to my other point. Somepeople really seem to have a knack for giving less than rave feedback (and Magpie, you seem to be one of those people), On the other hand, some don't. When suggesting improvements it really helps to be specific, stick to the words on the page and avoid the use of emotionally laden terms. Here, as in many places, The Golden Rule applies.
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Date: 2005-01-19 08:19 pm (UTC)Apparently in the minds of many, self esteem is something which mentors and friends and nurturing others build up in one another building block by building block out of raw materials like Praise and Positive Feedback and Acceptance and Toleration. While I agree with the concept in principal in a big picture, generalist way, these values are not part of the Way of the Artist.
It is almost a stereotype to say that Great Art must be borne out of suffering, but I say "almost" because there is a truth behind the platitude. If everyone already thinks you're great and lavishes you with flattering commentary, what is left to grow into? Why would anyone ever wnat to work harder and harder to get better and better, to hone skills and stay up late at night poring over a notebood or hovering over your keyboard, if that person were were already awesome?
And about criticism... dear ones. The process of bringing art to life - all art - is indeed like giving birth. Something is created and takes a life of its own which is vulnerable and prone to hurt... truly it is like someone once described to me "part of your heart, walking around outside of you". Uncomfortable, and also impossible to avoid completely.
And that does not mean something is wrong. Quite the contrary.
Writing... art.... well, it's not for wimps! As such it tends to become self selecting over time. The people with real talent... those who also posses a REAL hunger for self-expression... those kinds of people will hang in there and consider even negative feedback. On the other hand those people who write only in order to disappear into a fantasy world for a few hours with friends or else to engage in a self esteem support group probably won't.
And by this I do not mean to judge harshly. Which brings me to my other point. Somepeople really seem to have a knack for giving less than rave feedback (and Magpie, you seem to be one of those people), On the other hand, some don't. When suggesting improvements it really helps to be specific, stick to the words on the page and avoid the use of emotionally laden terms. Here, as in many places, The Golden Rule applies.