Creative Process and Critique : comments [benlehman]

Let's stay general for a second.

If you view "creative process" as something that may or may not produce an end product, does that change things?

Like, I know you write fiction for your own joy. Do I have a right to, say, come and tell you to write to differently? Or is that a fundamental invasion of your intimate space, like me coming and telling you how to have sex? If not, why not?

Answering my own question, I suppose I do have a right to do that if I think it will make you happier, but I also do think it is an invasion of your intimate space. I have to believe that the benefit is pretty darned high in order to make that sort of invasion.

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Well, there are circumstances in which I can easily see someone telling me how to have sex. It's probably not all that different, except that sex is unlikely to produce anything which could be qualitatively judged by the community.

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I think we're working on the assumption that this is not a creative process involving the person critiquing the process. Under which circumstance they of course should have input on the process. But to expect the same sort of creative process to work for everyone is just stupid... exactly as if you were saying everyone ought to be using the missionary position all the time regardless of their preferences in the matter.

And sex is only unlikely to produce anything qualitatively judgeable by the community if you use protection and no one's in hearing distance.

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I don't think people have a right to tell you what you *should* do, even if that would make you "happier" by some standard. They can, like, give helpful advice that you can take or leave.

And for some of us, part of being happy is doing things our own way.

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Indeed.

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I suppose I do have a right to do that if I think it will make you happier,

Really? 'Cause I don't agree--I think it's extremely problematic to give someone unasked-for advice about "what will make you happy," because it presumes that you know that better than they do. In general, I think you're obliged to assume that other people know what they're doing, and, if they're not hurting anyone, leave 'em alone.

Now, the definition of "unasked for" can be weird. If people on these forums were discussing the creative process, or saying "this project isn't working for me, and I get stuck at this part," someone would be justified in suggesting that they try X rather than Y, in the same way that, if I'm whining about my love life, my friend could say that maybe I shouldn't throw wine on my dates. But if they're just doing their thing, Critic Guy seems like the equivalent of That Dude Who Wants You To Watch Swedish Art Movies, No, Really, They'll Broaden Your Mind.

And everyone hates that dude.

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benlehman

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