The value of critical analysis, critique and "good, but could be better" posts.

[Anonymous]

Greetings fellow forum dwellers!

Recently I've seen a spate of posts claiming that criticism of people's work is somehow wrong or, worse, unnecessary. In light of this I'd like to clarify the reason this website exists.

In short, we are a critical website. Joining the GFC is entirely voluntary and it is expected that members stick to certain rules and conventions during their stay here. It is the belief of myself and a great many members that critical analysis of art and writing helps the artist to improve thei skills. Granted, we aren't a school but, nevertheless, we exist to help people improve.

The GFC is not a place to get your ego stroked. People here will be harsh, often to the point of apparent nitpicking; they will also be fair. If your work is good it will be complemented as such and you will be praised to high heaven if you please someone.

There is a simple rule. If you don't want crit, say so beforehand. But remember, members might be less inclined to review if they aren't able to inform you of where you might be able to improve. And surely the chance of having a skilled writer or artists - of which we have an increasing number, I might add - pore over your work and suggest areas for improvement alongside the complements must be something to strive for.

In short, like it or lump it. This site is based on the idea of critical improvement. We are not an ego stroker, id massager, praise machine or any kind of happy-go-lucky fantasy world where everyone complements everything no matter how shit it is. Equally we are not some sort of egotistical crit-mongers determined to destroy te hopes of every budding young writer or artist. If that were the case we wouldn't have so many good artists and writers amongst us. This entire site is geared toward sharing work and improving skills. Everything else is incidental to that.

I'm going to leave this up as a global sticky for a while to make sure everyone reads it. Dissent all you like, but remember Rule 4: The admin's word is final. And nothing will change my mind on this point.

[OARRIAGA2001]

I guess this has to be answered, and let me tell you.  You are going to have a heck of  a ride with it.  Ok, here it goes:  I agree. 

[zekeprower]

words spoken from a true lionhearted leader. well said and right. that is how the site should be run.

[Lisalover1]

From now on, I will try to write more meaningful, longer posts. Starting with this one. I have made several short, boring, or even agitating posts for quite a while. I was not used to making big, but few posts. This website obviously prefers quality over quantity. I respect that. So, in conclusion, I will do my best to write long posts. I won't stop the frequency of my posts, though, so don't count on that!

[missygal21880]

To Graham:

THANK YOU.

Sincerely, Missy 

[Lisalover1]

Yeah, I remember when I wrote those stupid meaningless posts like "ME MAKE POST" among other things. Those were absolutely shameless. I feel really embarassed about them now. So, You're welcome!

[missygal21880]

Yeah, I remember when I wrote those stupid meaningless posts like "ME MAKE POST" among other things. Those were absolutely shameless. I feel really embarassed about them now. So, You're welcome!

Sorry, I was speaking to Graham specifically.  Not you.  What Graham said struck a chord with me, because I specifically come to this board to get good concrit, attempt to give it, and share opinions with grown-ups.  His re-affirmation gave me a spiritual boost, is all.