[ On Poetry ] A poetry critiquer is

I've never understood those who could not accept positive critique on their work, when the intent of the critiquer is to help them better their craft. We are all teachers and students alike.

Yep! Despite writing for 12 ( of the last 17 ) years, I'm just getting started and still learning new tricks of the trade.

Dear JB,

Right? There are options on the setup. Pick the friendly comment if you don’t want to hear you spelled breath when it should of been breathe (I did that. I spelled the wrong word 🙄).  Three cheers for the teacher/pupil in all of us to continue learning from each other. Great point within a great write. H🌷

Thank you, H! Yes, even critiquers have their critics - you are an elitist snob or a troll if you dare to suggest alteration and nudge people to step out of their comfort zones.

And when it comes to spelling, by all means tell me I spelled something wrong - evetybody does, especially these days with tiny phone buttons, bratwurst fingers, and wonderful auto corrections.

In all aspects of life, constructive criticism should be viewed positively I guess. There is no right or wrong really.

In terms of my own scribbles, I tend to only take on board the comments of my contemporaries who I truly know. We have all been writing, in different guises, for nigh on 40 years each and shared similar academic interests.

Think we differ in swamping 'newbies' with grammar rules. Let them find their voice first and experience the catharsis which follows. My fave writer on DU is not particularly concerned with grammar and do not feel it detracts from the impact of his words. It's all horses-for-courses and all that jazz. It's good to discuss / debate these things.  

Hey, Rob! Thanks for taking an interest in the topic.       
         
My personal approach these days is three pronged:      
          
1) If you want a critique ( because you want to improve your craft ), I will gladly run your poem through the ringer ( if scheduling allows for the time ) All you have to do is ask. And I will do it publicly so everyone can see the difference between an honest critique and a holistic criticism.        
          
2) Until you ask, I'll perhaps volunteer an observation here and make a suggestion there. Nothing intense.        
          
3) I write easily digestible poems encouraging people to step out of their comfort zones and how to tackle a writing assignment. It's sort of a community service that simultaneously affords me the opportunity to continue writing - one arrow, two targets. And this way I can reach a  broader audience, provided I write good enough shit that resonates across the board.   
       
Previously, Ahavati and I did critiques in the Classic Corner comps, so participation was voluntary.     
       
Prior to that, and with the assistance of Mel44, we ran the Honestly Crafted Critique group that was erased a few years ago to make room for the current group.  HCC could have been easily archived so that anyone interested could benefit from reading the hundred or so exisiting comprehensive critiques, but . . . no. Jealous people and site politics prevailed. Which is why I will never bother wasting my time performing critiques in another group setting here ever again.

You bring up a relatable subject to all. It takes courage to post poetry for the world to see and it also takes strength to know some folks will give it critique.

Normally if the poet asks for honest critique, I find myself more enveloped with the message of the poem rather than the grammar or syntax errors. It's like a trust relationship, we put ourselves out there, sometimes, the message may get mistaken or misunderstood. I've certainly gone back and fixed a couple of issues because what I had in mind didn't come across like I thought it would.

You're right, even in critiquing we are also learning. The writer shouldn't be too sensitive but be open to the idea that more seasoned writers out there can provide great feed back.

Thought provoking write sir.

Thanks! If only more people were open to critque like you, Wally!