Doesn't Really Complain...

When I read poems, even though I may not necessarily like them--I always try to pick out a good part in it because sometimes, too much criticism can cause home and tear down a writer's self-esteem. Especially new writers, who are just now starting to share their work. That's the way I feel and I try not to spend so much time being a critic because I personally, hate almost everything I have ever written and I often doubt myself as a writer only to find out everyone else hates my work just as much as I do.
Yes, I'm nagging. But please reply and tell me what you think.

I have to agree with you there too much criticism or flames can really hurt some people. I'm always worried about posting or joining in on things cause I'm afraid of what people think of my work. And I like your work! Well, what I've read so far.

And I like your work! Well, what I've read so far.

Thanks...it isn't often that I hear this! I have been a fiction writer for over ten years of my life. I have just started writing poetry last spring. I was never really into it. But now, however, I am.

Honestly, I've always thought 99% of poetry is awful. That goes for published work as well. The remaining 1% is amazing though.

But with reviewing poetry, I feel most people who write it aren't doing so because they dream of being a writer one day. Instead, they're simply trying to express something, whether it be an emotion or just an interesting thought. So I don't spend much time being a critic. Instead, I try to analyze the poem.

I think it also might be important to try and summarize the poem for the writer, so that the writer can see if s/he's on target or not! Sometimes, hearing interpretations of your poem can be very helpful!