Date:         Tue, 13 Jan 1998 22:48:55 EST
From: "little nits..." <mbarker@MIT.EDU>
Subject:      Re: [WRITERS] Tech: Crit

On Tue, 13 Jan 1998 11:16:48 EST, David Kir <djkst42+@PITT.EDU>
:) In one of my classes we were asked the following question, and I wanted to
:) toss it in here for some input.
:)
:) Q: What is essential to being a good critic?
:)

Sorry, but I think I need more context.  As jc pointed out, the critic
(in the newspaper, on tv, or other point of infestation) is one kind
of commentator.  the critique (here on the list) is a different
pursuit.

the critic who simply finds fault (first definition in the OAD) is yet
another type of problem.

And, lest we forget, the theory and practice of something known
vaguely as literary criticism may help identify some other lost
critics...bah, bah, deconstruction, have you any critics?

(you may chuckle if you want to...it's my posting and I'll laugh if I
want to...you would laugh to if you wrote it like this!)

and, if all else fails, we could invoke the antics, then slip sideways
in a kind of silly shimmy to sneak up on the wily critics, not to
mention the facial tics...

So, before pondering too deeply on the essence of good critic (sounds
like an ingredient for some kind of recipe, doesn't it?  add two
teaspoons essence of good critic, stir well, and bring to a simmer...)

what kind of class is it?  What kind of critic are you talking
about?

it makes a difference.
tink