I would like to write some of it online and get criticisms (now accolades) so I can improve it. One of the hardest things for me to write, right now, is emotion. It sounds so static.

No one in my family (only my 2 daughters) are not interested in working with me on this, so I need outside help.

I am 90 years old, and still have the passion to write.

Thanks.

I too have done a lot of critiques, editing, and proofreading for free. In fact, after doing it for friends and family over the course of more than a decade, I decided to start doing it on a professional level!

I’m with you on accepting feedback graciously. It’s always an opportunity to learn and make your work better. But I don’t go around notifying other writers when they’ve made an error unless they ask for it or it seems appropriate in a particular context.

By the way, I like to play devil’s advocate too

First I want to thank you for voicing a little opposition to my view on Obama. You were one of the only people to do do that. I often play devil’s advocate and write opinion from a controversial perspective . . . hoping for a little critique.

I love to help others and love getting critiqued. When someone points out an error, I never forget it or the lesson. Learning by doing is always the best way. I have a blogging friend from Bosnia who has emailed me many articles before publishing as he’s unsure of every English rule. I did it without question and for free (of course).

If you’re nice about it and have tact, you can help people every day. Sometimes people point out errors I make and feel they need to apologize, but I understand. I thank them because it’s a gift to learn something you don’t know.

I joined a yahoo group “Mikes Writing Workshop” and my mail box was inundated with endless diatribe, making me not want to participate. I think forums are better. Many great points as always

Bobby Revells last blog post..Ejakula: Black Mamba Hallucinogen

I have a friend that I’ll send some poetry in progress, and she’ll give honest critiques even while saying she’s my biggest fan. Then I have another friend that we actually send each other screenplays to critique each other. None of the story ideas have made it on my blog yet, but probably in due time.

t.sterlings last blog post..fripodding and immigranting: wyclef jean – carnival, vol. ii

And reply! It makes people feel their opinions are wanted.

Once people start commenting, there’s a safety in numbers feeling that creates more comments.

It’s important psychologically to Ask For It. Just having a comment section might not be enough, especially at first.

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I think what we can conclude from all these is that people back in the day had far too much time on their hands!

In all seriousness, great post. It’s impossible to downplay the importance of receiving feedback from others.