A Positive Critique:

•    Does not solely concentrate on a poem’s weak points, but tempers constructive criticism with acknowledgment of the good features.
•    Is not made up of comments like “well done” or emoticons, as they do not explain why the poem is well written. Comments and emoticons belong in the introduction and summary only.
•    A knowledge of technical poetic terms is desirable, but not necessary, to be able to provide constructive criticism.
•    Try to keep your thoughts focused on the poem and how it affects you as the reader.
•    Explain why you liked or disliked the poem; don’t just state the emotion it triggered.
•    Describe which elements are good, and how they enhance the poem.
•    Describe which elements of the poem need improving and politely offer alternatives that can improve the work.
•    Please include an honest, but polite, summary in your critique.

    Please remember that even if you do not like a poem, or it has numerous faults, keep your comments polite and positive. Always offer alternatives. To merely tear something down and not offer a better alternative is merely destruction.

    By concentrating on the poem, and not the poet, we will help each other improve. By concentrating on form rather than content we not only help other poets, but ourselves as well, by learning where our own weaknesses may lie.

    Focus not on the source, for in so doing, you lose sight of the meaning inherent in the message.