h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

While studying creative writing, I've met people who refuse to accept any criticism of their work at all. They don't learn anything. Most writers, though, are sensible enough to listen to criticism. I've also met people who are such tough critics that the sensitive souls who try to write feel like crawling away and hiding.

So, when giving criticism you need to start by understanding that any attempt to create something is full of hazards. So, be generous. Try to understand the writer's intent. Start with something positive. I quite like 'Pale tunes irresolute/ And traceries of old sounds' Then you offer some suggestions for improvement. And finish with some encouragement. 'It's certainly worth polishing'.

Max Beerbohm probably would have enjoyed that suggestion.

"Being wounded with wounds"makes me laugh, though I try to cover up the laughter with sounds from my rotted flute.

Yeah, I liked that rotted flute.

It may have been owned by a Neanderthal.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divje_Babe_Flute