
Editor Emeritus
Posts: 3244
Joined: December 31, 1969, 08:00:00 PM
Location: Kaukauna, Wisconsin (USA)
Re: [POLL] VOTE: April 2016 Flash Challenge
In critiques, I would encourage you to use a 'one good thing was x, but one thing I didn't like' kind of approach. Seldom does a story have no faults at all, and likewise, there's almost always something good in a story, so point out both, and be honest. Honesty is what authors really need to hear.
If you find you only have bad things to say, try again on your critique. There's no need to be mean, and own your critique--you speak for you only, and how you felt about the story.
Authors - A critique at times may seem painful, but please do not argue with the critic. They didn't have to take the time tell you how they felt. It's meant for your benefit, and hopefully they also said something they liked about your story. Further, if they critiqued your story, it would only be polite for you to critique theirs in return.
A Day at the Museum - I felt this story was weak in characterization. The characters needed more depth, to seem more real, for me. My highest score for this story went to dialog, which was done pretty well.
Unearthed - I gave all 7s & 8s to this story, which to me meant it was above average across the board. A very good, solid story, but also a little room for improvement.
The Last Flicker of the Sun - My lowest score on this story went to plot. I thought it wasn't foreshadowed enough so that when the switch at the end happened, I didn't completely buy in. However, I gave characterization a perfect 10, and to me, you really have to earn that score before I'll give it out.
Consensus Reality - Again, I gave a 10 for characterization. I thought that was very well done--his hatred of Wesley, the female hitting on him--top drawer, all of that. However, I gave a fairly low score for setting, in that for all I could tell, the whole thing could have been in some hallway, let alone a museum full of interesting trinkets and exhibits.
All We Can Do - I gave pretty low scores for characterization and plot. I wasn't drawn to the characters, and they weren't engaging to me. Also, I felt it was too simple a plot and it did not draw me in. I gave 7s for setting and dialog, so I felt both of those were fairly well done.