Critique
is imperative in the writing process.
That said, there is a right way to do it and there is a wrong way. While I’d tend to agree that a writing
workshop in English class isn’t always the most effective method of feedback
(Praise, Polish, and Question is a little cutesy for my taste), there is still
something about the notion of respectful comments that I find attractive.
When
I submit an article to the school newspaper, even if I’ve done a terrible job,
the editors still take the time to meet with me personally and discuss any
necessary revisions. Don’t get me
wrong; their comments are often harsh and pointed, yet, they have the decency
to tell me what I’m doing wrong and try their best to help me fix it.
Writing
for the blog is quite different.
By posting, I am opening up my thoughts and opinions to the scrutiny of
the public. I love that pressure,
in fact, I yearn for it, but what really bother me are anonymous comments. Anonymous: without a name, without
pride, without dignity. Anonymous
comments are safe. They don’t
sacrifice your self-image.
Anonymity allows anyone to take on any opinion they choose without
having to worry about the repercussions.
Here
is my plea to all of our readers.
I am extremely grateful for your continued allegiance to Student Parking
Only, especially since the consensus seems to be that my posts have been pretty
lousy as of late. If anyone has
suggestions, queries, or ideas of any sort, I’d love to hear them. Send in a piece and I’d be glad to post
it. In the end, no one’s going to
remember that anonymous comment you wrote. On the other hand, if you’re brave enough to put your name
out there with your ideas and write a decent post, they might just remember
you.
