Evaluating a Critique

The Bitter Script Reader has a great post about assessing your writing group.

Everyone critiques scripts a little differently, and it's important to know how your readers read.

Some may be "blatantly honest" which more often than not translates into "nitpicky and harsh." My pet peeve -- saying you're an honest reader but not ever acknowledging the strengths of the script. Honesty includes positivity.

Some may be afraid to hurt your feelings. They are good for your ego, and if it's a true compliment, can help you determine what not to cut. But this reader won't point out flaws, so get a second opinion.

Others have a wide knowledge of movies and will be quick to compare your script to a zillion movies out there. With that kind of critique, I suggest renting a couple of the comparable movies -- first, to see if the reader is correct, second because you may realize how to make your story work. A comparison isn't always a negative or a positive review - movies that are "like" other movies tend to draw audiences. Movies that are too like other movies are boring.

Listen to how the members of your group (or class) critique others' work. Do they find similar problems to the ones you find? Are they always nitpicky or always nice? If you pay attention to the nuances in their critiques of others -- when it isn't your precious work on the line -- then you'll know what they really mean when it is your work.

Oh, and one final word, because it is so important --

Honesty includes positivity.