This article is the result of a conversation with friends who submit original artwork or fan fiction to various websites. Comments on their work have ranged from, “Wow, this is great!” to “Your drawing of (actor) was good, but you didn’t get the mouth quite right” or “Your story was excellent, but you need to work on your grammar.”
But recently the bullies arrived.
In the last couple of days I’ve read some foul and scathing “reviews”. One artist was accused of being a thief—stealing another artist’s work (which I know for a fact is untrue)—and at least one writer was told “Your story sucks.” Critique is one thing, but these “opinions” were downright cruel. The language used belongs in a back alley, not on a website where people share creativity.
I believe “those who can’t pick on those who can”, so I imagine these critics are probably jealous. That, however, is no excuse for cruelty. I see the reactions of the artists and writers—I hear their sobs and see their tears and listen as they say, “I’m a failure. I should just quit.”
The dictionary defines criticism as “the act of criticizing, usually unfavorably” whereas critique is defined as “the art of evaluating or analyzing works of art or literature.” One is mean, the other constructive and helpful.
Reviews in Psychic-Magic are expected to state why the reviewer liked (or didn’t like) the book, deck or CD. Reviewers are expected to be respectful and professional.
This blog is simply a vent; I felt the need to get some things off my chest because friends have been hurt.
