Quote:
Originally Posted by Roger Slater
I can't stand it when a critic takes pleasure in finding a work does not measure up, and uses it as an occasion to show off the wit with which he can scornfully dismiss it.
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Roger,
I couldn't agree more. These are absolutely the worst kind of reviews, and I turn away from them in horror and embarrassment. They reflect most poorly on the critic, and often have nothing to do with the poet... but of course, it's the poet who suffers in these cases.
But I find the second worst kind nearly as bad: the formula review- hook, description, three good things, two bad things, final clever comment. I'm baffled why so many use this formula, when a simple description would suffice. Thinking about it, it's been a long time since I read a "just the facts, Ma'am" review...
Thanks,
Bill