This is a dynamic that I find comes up quite often in writing groups, especially ones without a clear facilitator or person who everyone else trusts can manage things when Angry Dickholes reveal themselves or when piling on starts to build momentum. It's why I've stopped taking writing classes where critiquing each others writing is involved.
While the image at the top: "Don't Stay in Creative Projects with Angry Dickholes" could have been a suitable answer in itself, getting to read your expanded answer was a pleasure and enlightening.
Thank you for reading. And yes, absolutely, there needs to be clear rules or facilitation.
I always go in (and advise my students) that the goal of critique is not to 'fix' the story but to bring the writer closer to their intention, and leave them excited about the next steps. That seems to help some.
AH-mazing post! I, too, am one that usually trots jauntily towards confrontation...but acknowledge that truth about how exhausting it can be. I do like the idea of "noping it out of there", haha. Maybe I will try that some time...but more likely, I'll continue to be the pointer-outer and then deal with the aftermath. :)
This is a dynamic that I find comes up quite often in writing groups, especially ones without a clear facilitator or person who everyone else trusts can manage things when Angry Dickholes reveal themselves or when piling on starts to build momentum. It's why I've stopped taking writing classes where critiquing each others writing is involved.
While the image at the top: "Don't Stay in Creative Projects with Angry Dickholes" could have been a suitable answer in itself, getting to read your expanded answer was a pleasure and enlightening.
Thank you for reading. And yes, absolutely, there needs to be clear rules or facilitation.
I always go in (and advise my students) that the goal of critique is not to 'fix' the story but to bring the writer closer to their intention, and leave them excited about the next steps. That seems to help some.
This is lovely! Thank you.
This is such a good read! I’ll add that the minute a creative person has an entourage of ditto heads, things get wacky.
Beware the dittoheads!
But am I a ditto head for restacking you?! 🤣 I do believe that you are my first re-stack here ever.
AH-mazing post! I, too, am one that usually trots jauntily towards confrontation...but acknowledge that truth about how exhausting it can be. I do like the idea of "noping it out of there", haha. Maybe I will try that some time...but more likely, I'll continue to be the pointer-outer and then deal with the aftermath. :)
I find it's easier to walk if I make a dramatic point first, because then coming back to respond really weakens the moment.