Critique vs. Criticism (from Judy Reeves with Edits from Me)

1. In Prep for Presentation of Elevator Speeches:A Brief Review of Critique vs. CriticismApril 18, 2012 “The difference between critique and criticism is like the difference between a crystal ball and a wrecking ball.” Source: Writing Alone, Writing Together: A Guide for Writers and Writing Groups by Judy Reeves, San Diego Writers Ink (www.sandiegowriters.org, 710 13th Street,  San Diego, CA 92101, (619)696-0363). (This information came to me by way of highly regarded local science writer Lynne Friedman.)

2. Critique vs. Criticism(from Judy Reeves with Edits from Me) • Criticism finds fault / Critique appreciates potential (e.g., in the structure). • Criticism looks for what’s lacking / Critique appreciates what’s working • Criticism condemns what it doesn’t understand / Critique asks for clarification. • My rule: If you can’t talk with the author to obtain clarification, edit out what you don’t understand. I sometimes call this the “slash and burn” editing technique. • If the point needs to be resurrected, that puts the onus on the author to explain it sufficiently well and put it in a logical place so that it makes sense to include. • Criticism is spoken with a cruel wit and sarcastic tongue / Critique’s voice is kind, honest, and objective.

3. Critique vs. Criticism (Cont.) • Criticism is negative / Critique is positive (even about what isn’t working in a piece). • The “Larry Smarr rule”: Start your “criticism” with a sincere, positive comment. It makes the recipient more receptive to the “bad news” to come. • Criticism is vague and general / Critique is concrete and specific. • Avoid unhelpful, vague comments like: “I didn’t like it.” Say why (with specifics) instead. You always need to back up your opinion with specifics. Otherwise your opinion will have no credibility. • Criticism has no sense of humor / Critique insists on laughter, too. • Criticism looks for flaws in the writers as well as the writing / Critique addresses only what is on the page. • Criticism equates bad writing with the author as a “bad person.”