Terribly sorry to bother the rest of you with this, but my recent post has
drawn quite a livid audience.  And, although I believe I did my part in
WARNING the few who might be offended by my ramblings, I suppose they were
too childish to turn away even though they saw the brige was up.
  Gomen ne.
  But on to different matters, and the reason for this post.   
  The definition of the word, 'critique' is simple.  To read, remark, and
respond.  These are three basic ideas, and insinuate a much deeper
understanding of the action.
 
1.  Read
  Read over the work, making note of what you like, and don't like. 
2. Remark
  Pay careful attention to the fic.  Spend at least a half an hour reading
through again if necessary, and cutting back, aldding commentary; proof the
piece as if it were your own.  It is VERY important to find something that
you DO like about the piece.  These are people's WORK you're messing with.
Thus, 'Suck me you %$#@$@#', or 'EAT %@#%@# and die you piece of %$@@#!',
and 'Get some help'  are rude and uncalled for. 
  No.  I'm not saying be overly nice, or to dillute your critique.  If you
see something wrong, by all meas, say it.  Remark upon how it could be
better.  These things help a writer better his work.  But if all you have is
crass phrases and rude allusions.  Keep them to yourself.  Such things are
not needed.
3. Reply
  Send the message out.  

  The very act of a critique is something personal, and intimate.  When you
let people read your work you are commiting yourself to listen to what they
have to say in return.  This can become quite a problem since it is more
than your trust that is involved.  To a writer, it is the their very life's
blood on that screen.
  And thus, when critiquing a work, it is common courtousy to be mindful of
the writer.  To keep your criticisms from becoming something more of a
reprimand.  Remember, you crit a work to help the author make it better, not
to berate that writer for ever thinking they had the talent, or drive to do
it in the first place.  
  I would suggest, if I may, to put yourself in the same postion.
Perspective often changes matters radically.

Thank you for your time.

Mata ne,
Matt J.
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Natsugusa ya            Summer grass:
tsuwamonodomono    Warriors dreams,
yume no ato              the aftermath.
                --Basho 
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