Interpreting GOOD Notes

Rouge Waver Luzid left a very relevant and interesting comment that I thought would be best addressed here:

Julie,

Something else for us to consider when receiving notes is what to make of *good* coverage. Knowing that a little padding goes into critiques to protect writers from taking too much critical flak, how does it work in cases where the coverage is favorable?

Actually, in prodco coverage, no padding is added for the writer. Ever. In my earlier post, I am primarily referring to coverage or notes that writers have paid for. Notes aimed at them, specifically. In my class, I advocate that all readers use care and respect toward the writer - whether the writer sees the notes or not. It's about intentionality and ethics.

When two or more readers (independent of each other) say things like "overall the visuals were stunning with poetic language," "very compelling premise" or "the script could attract name talent due to its overall ingenuity," what does one take away from it?

As writers, we all want to know others are responding to our work. But we also know to be careful not to just hear what we want to hear. What's the best way to analyze positive coverage to avoid getting the wrong idea?

***

You should feel GREAT if you get comments like that. Really great. For about 10 minutes. Then take about 25% off of that great comment and chalk it up to subjectivity and smoke blowing. That's really the best advice I can give you. If you get good feedback there's only one way to view that - as terrific, subjective and slightly inflated. But it's still very, very good overall. If I could tell you the number of times I have gotten AMAZING notes from people who later dropped the ball, walked away or otherwise then back-pedaled, you'd be amazed. Take notes like that as a good sign, be encouraged by it but don't overinflate yourself, your writing or your prospects. Take it in stride and just know that you are doing something very, very right. Then get back to work and keep producing more of what got you that nice note.

If you enjoyed this post, follow me on Twitter or subscribe via RSS.