Week 8 Comments and Feedback

I can definitely see an improvement in the comments I've received from the beginning of the class until now. They're more specific. The people giving feedback are not just critiquing, but explaining why they think that and ways I can improve. I think the more specific comments are the most useful. For example, if someone says they feel the flow is off, it is more helpful than nothing, but knowing specific phrases/wording that are confusing helps me know what I can do.

Experiencing this, I've tried to be more specific and offer suggestions in my feedback. I try to write at least one thing (typically more) that I like with one recommendation. I try to explain it from the perspective of the reader, me. I have to realize that the people writing it see the story as a writer, so sometimes critiques might not make sense because they do not see it like that. I think reading other people's writing definitely helps with my own. For one, it gives me ideas (using first/second-person perspectives, paragraph structure, setting/tones, etc.). Additionally, it is easier to pick up on aspects I don't like in others writing to try to avoid in mine.

I'll be honest, I haven't read my introduction post since I wrote it. After reading others, I think mine may be too scatter-brained and superficial. It is not that it is not me, but a softer version of myself. When I read people's introductions that are more raw, I feel more connected and appreciate them because I see a deeper part of them. I think with social media in general, we try to showcase the best versions of ourselves because we are scared to be vulnerable, etc. I of course don't expect people to discuss their personal fears via a online course biography page, but I just mean things that are harder to talk about (being a non-traditional student, parts of them that they want to reflect in their stories, not knowing their plans after college, things that inspired them, etc). I don't think presenting an ideal-version of ourselves will ever change, but it is just my thoughts.

I may take a look at my introduction page, I'm not sure yet. I think I can make my comment wall more visible and accessible.

(I like this picture because of the positive it radiates. People are so scared of feedback/criticism because of their feelings, but this picture puts it into perspective. If you are doing the same thing constantly, no matter how good at whatever it is, you will stay the same and not grow. Growth helps us to be better versions of ourselves. Picture can be sourced here.)