As a writer, I have struggled with writing groups and classes where only positive feedback is given. If I wanted nothing more than positive strokes, I would show my work to friends and family. I wouldn't even bother with other writers or writing teachers. It's taken several years, but finally I've found both a writers group and a writing workshop where constructive criticism is the main course, and I can't get enough.
Intelligent responses from a variety of perspectives is the most helpful contribution that can be made to a writer. That is, if that writer is committed to producing the highest quality of work they are capable of; if what's at stake is the work, and not the writer's ego.
I'm very happy today to occupy a seat in a room of writer's who tell you what they really think.
Showing posts with label criticism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label criticism. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Responsibility is a two-way street
In a strict sense our every reaction is altogether our personal responsibility. It is never about "them" and it is always about "us." But, and I hate to say but...but we are also responsible for what we send out into the world, and to some extent it is irresponsible not to be accountable for how our words and actions are received, how they land on the other side.
But that is exactly how Landmark deals with criticism of their programs. They point out that your reaction is about you. They are clear that your reaction is not about them. But by making it all about you, they aren't accountable. This way, they never get criticized. Your criticisms are always invalidated, in so far as having anything to do with Landmark and how their programs are run. They consistently and skillfully turn it back on you. There is no way to criticize them without being told you are in a racket, or you are in an upset, and when there is a racket or an upset, it is always your own creation.
Of course you are expressing displeasure and unhappiness, so you are disempowered. You are invited to become powerful by being responsible for your reaction and your complaint. The focus is now squarely on you and your deficient mental mechanisms. I sometimes wonder if they deliberately annoy the shit out of people as part of the program. If they can't get you to react, there is no program. There's nothing for them to do.
But that is exactly how Landmark deals with criticism of their programs. They point out that your reaction is about you. They are clear that your reaction is not about them. But by making it all about you, they aren't accountable. This way, they never get criticized. Your criticisms are always invalidated, in so far as having anything to do with Landmark and how their programs are run. They consistently and skillfully turn it back on you. There is no way to criticize them without being told you are in a racket, or you are in an upset, and when there is a racket or an upset, it is always your own creation.
Of course you are expressing displeasure and unhappiness, so you are disempowered. You are invited to become powerful by being responsible for your reaction and your complaint. The focus is now squarely on you and your deficient mental mechanisms. I sometimes wonder if they deliberately annoy the shit out of people as part of the program. If they can't get you to react, there is no program. There's nothing for them to do.
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