Why I Comment (and why you should, too!)
Jul 21 | Posted by: joe
Poet Frank Bidart, in an interview in a recent issue of Tin House, addresses the satisfaction one can get in giving meaningful feedback. Referring to his closeness to Robert Lowell in the late years of the poet’s life, Bidart says,
The fact that I, a kid from Bakersfield, could make comments to him about his poetry that seemed to him useful and helpful was an enormous event in my life. It was really transformative. There’s immense pleasure in being of use, partly because it says something about one’s own capacities. [italics mine]
I feel the same thing whenever I manage to give really good feedback, especially when I believe the writer to be a stronger writer than me. That’s not to say that I don’t enjoy commenting on pieces by all levels of writers, because it’s very rewarding to help beginning writers avoid the common missteps and see them progress in leaps and bound through intermediate skill levels rather than the slower learning curve of trial-and-error.
But the reasons that they are rewarding are different. I feel that one informs the other. By striving to help improve writers that are ahead of my own progress as a writer, I am working harder and thinking more critically, and becoming a better writer for it. And when a writer takes a suggestion to heart, there’s a validation and vindication for me – a sense of, “Hey, I can do this. I know what I’m talking about.” Every time I comment, I feel a little more sure of myself, and I want to do it more.
It’s nice to say nice things, and it’s important to – it’s important to remember that any creative person putting their work forward is brave and vulnerable, and they also are looking for the same sense of validation for encouragement. But doing that alone will not make either of you better writers. As a commenter, don’t be afraid to critically tackle something you think might be better than anything you could ever write, just because you don’t think you should be qualified to do so. If you can say anything about it, you’re qualified. And as a writer, be open to suggestions from readers of all levels. You might find out things you take for granted, and you’ll be better able to put yourself inside the minds of your audiences, whomever they may be.
Aug 05 at 23:04
Joe,
I just wanted to acknowledge that you are a real treasure in theWrit workshop and as a member of the staff (& I mentioned this to Sarah a while back). I appreciate so much how you give of yourself to the ficiton writers in the workshop, and such great feedback too! So I just wanted to say thank you. (The only reason I haven’t said so sooner is that I’ve been trying to keep a low profile for personal reasons. But someone really needs to say it so I’ll jump in…better late than never, no?) You are right, more of us should take the time to comment for all the reasons you’ve suggested. But I also think it’s important because all of us need to feel that others out there care that we’re here as a part of this community. My fear is that one reason folks drop out is that they get too little workshopping when they post something (& oftentimes, they get no feedback at all). I know just how hard you all (staff) have been working hard to get people involved — and how difficult that is. I keep wondering why more folks don’t comment on the blog or take advantage of opportunities. But I appreciate your efforts very much, and I read every blog on here — I’ve even subscribed to it on my gmail reader. Just thought I’d let you know…there are folks out there who read you. Thanks so much, Joe!
Aug 05 at 23:32
oops, I meant to write my real name, not my user name there (lily is one of my pseudonyms). Well, I’d also like to add a suggestion while I’m here, if I may:
When I used to teach, I would hand out a needs assessment at the beginning of every semester. I would basically just ask why people were taking the class, what they hoped to get out of it (their goals), and what kinds of material they would like to cover in the class. At the end of the semester I would ask the students to critique the class: what they liked/didn’t like about the class; how I could improve on the lessons, etc. I know you’ve done something similar with the blog. But people don’t appear to be participating, outside of the staff. So I’m wondering if it would be feasible to send every member of theWrit past and present a brief questionnaire via email? At some point, we all need to take stock of what works, what doesn’t…in short what’s really serving the needs of the writers out there. Are they even aware of opportunities like Writ Couples (if that’s still going), internships, Library Resources Project, etc? If so, why aren’t they taking advantage of these opportunities? I think that if you sent out a general email to everyone (perhaps with some incentive for returning the questionnaire), you might have a better idea of people’s actual needs. Anyway, I know you’ve already tried a number of things, and I have no idea whether this latest idea will do the trick. Just a thought, anyway. I appreciate your efforts so far, and I’m looking forward to seeing the exciting new changes you’ve planned. Hopefully, theWrit will keep the ambiance of an intimate, supportive community for writers that makes it so special.
:~)
Lisa
Oct 18 at 14:44
why aren’t any posts current?????????????