tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post4455711192875990355..comments2024-03-28T22:21:46.973-07:00Comments on Tossing It Out: Should the Ego of the Critic Influence Us?Arlee Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-74360604617183640182016-05-23T07:48:37.229-07:002016-05-23T07:48:37.229-07:00GB, evaluative criticism is usually hit or miss an...GB, evaluative criticism is usually hit or miss and my values and tastes rarely align with those of the pro critics. A lot of those folks probably need a real job and are just trying to pay the bills doing stuff that most of us don't care about.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-15136103624653232052016-05-23T03:05:37.427-07:002016-05-23T03:05:37.427-07:00I very rarely listen to/pay attention to critics. ...I very rarely listen to/pay attention to critics. Or for that matter, those who write fawning/glowing blurbs for books. Can't tell you how many times I've picked up a book, saw a ton 'o glowing blurbs about a writer's talent, only for the book to make it to even minimal expectations.<br /><br />In regards to movies, I also don't pay attention to the amount of stars one has gotten. Most movie channels will have some kind of star rating for a movie contained within the synopsis. Sometimes they're on the money, sometimes they're not.<br /><br /><a href="http://gbmjrflashy.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Father Nature's Corner</a>G. B. Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09783331838434598963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-18340993235986998322016-05-21T22:32:54.825-07:002016-05-21T22:32:54.825-07:00Yvonne, don't let it keep you from restful sle...Yvonne, don't let it keep you from restful sleep! I hate it when my mind starts working on something when what I really need is a good night's sleep.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-25609162050307689442016-05-21T22:31:52.130-07:002016-05-21T22:31:52.130-07:00Dolorah, I don't mind strong opinions about so...Dolorah, I don't mind strong opinions about something, but I do like some strong reasoning as to where that opinion comes from and not just some high and mighty declaration that something sucks or is the best thing that ever happened to humankind. If an opinion is delivered as though it were the word of authority and my opinion means little then I might take offense.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-66423134743165149852016-05-21T22:26:30.355-07:002016-05-21T22:26:30.355-07:00OE, I will frequently read a review before seeing ...OE, I will frequently read a review before seeing a film or reading a book and perhaps just as often I'll read the review afterwards. Brief reviews usually don't have much time to be overly snooty or push an agenda.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-39459280566725398482016-05-21T22:20:16.825-07:002016-05-21T22:20:16.825-07:00Patricia, the effort and intent is always a big co...Patricia, the effort and intent is always a big consideration for me when I review anything. A reviewer's honesty and sincerity are also important aspects of any review.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-73659109580254639282016-05-21T16:41:51.208-07:002016-05-21T16:41:51.208-07:00Most wise and interesting post Lee.
Most thought p...Most wise and interesting post Lee.<br />Most thought provoking and shall go to bed thinking of all you wrote. Thanks.<br />Yvonne.nashvillecats2https://www.blogger.com/profile/02326956741209246895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-7878709595374546442016-05-21T15:34:18.901-07:002016-05-21T15:34:18.901-07:00I listen to/read critics sometimes. You CAN glean ...I listen to/read critics sometimes. You CAN glean opinion swaying info from what they are saying; or rather, descriptions of said product/service. But I rarely let the "critic" sway me completely. The same for reviews. When I read or listen to any critique (or review), I am looking for certain things about the product or service. Just saying "I did not like it" or "how can anyone agree/like this" doesn't matter to me.<br /><br />When I'm writing critiques or reviews, I try to include more than just my opinionated experience. I try to relate what I did not like and the reason it did not appeal to me. Others may be hopping up and down with interest. As you say, opinions are just that, and very personal to the critic.dolorahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08715849844092553699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-91477757461235864692016-05-21T12:51:49.967-07:002016-05-21T12:51:49.967-07:00I admit to reading the reviews before deciding to ...I admit to reading the reviews before deciding to see a movie, but I rely on "aggregate" review sites, as they are much more accurate. Optimistic Existentialisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11507986337866049924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-74123473656190526632016-05-21T07:27:10.107-07:002016-05-21T07:27:10.107-07:00There are way too many variables involved for a cr...There are way too many variables involved for a critic to be entirely neutral. That's the reason I won't put a review out on a book unless I enjoyed it enough to give it four or five stars. Just because I'd consider a book less worthy doesn't mean someone else won't love it, so I rarely put down a writer's efforts. As for music, I don't do reviews except occasionally to praise a group I love (like Pentatonix!!).Patricia Stolteyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17192369425956406122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-42770270903000004702016-05-21T07:05:43.225-07:002016-05-21T07:05:43.225-07:00Damyanti, belittling criticism does not serve much...Damyanti, belittling criticism does not serve much good purpose, but astute critical analysis can be highly informative. There have been many very good critics over the years as well as many books containing collections of exemplary essays on criticism of literature, film, music, etc.<br /><br />LeeArlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-20547628435252839152016-05-21T07:02:36.320-07:002016-05-21T07:02:36.320-07:00Susan S, viewpoints are fine, but not if they are ...Susan S, viewpoints are fine, but not if they are delivered in such a way that the messenger tries to make themself appear superior to my own thinking.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-16920505825924412622016-05-21T04:34:38.633-07:002016-05-21T04:34:38.633-07:00I do like critiques, but not criticisms. I don'...I do like critiques, but not criticisms. I don't think much about critics at all.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04283371140346602856noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-39316442744626475962016-05-20T22:41:34.833-07:002016-05-20T22:41:34.833-07:00Thanks Arlee. I like reviews of books movies theat...Thanks Arlee. I like reviews of books movies theatre etc - if only to see how I may differ. This goes for politics analysis as well - it's a good way of taking the pulse of the nation. It's pretty clear when the individual is off on his/her own ego thing ...Susan Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12041548718544123557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-8009596392555068082016-05-20T17:46:25.124-07:002016-05-20T17:46:25.124-07:00Barbara, there are often critics who can be very e...Barbara, there are often critics who can be very entertaining, especially those on TV. I enjoy a good back and forth debate like Siskel and Ebert would engage in. That used to be one of my favorite shows.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-69081125331469805822016-05-20T17:43:46.011-07:002016-05-20T17:43:46.011-07:00CW, you make a good point. Also this was in part ...CW, you make a good point. Also this was in part something I am contemplating for a future post on the topic of ego.<br /><br />LeeArlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-61945795707941241562016-05-20T17:42:34.597-07:002016-05-20T17:42:34.597-07:00Way back when, hubby and I used to watch Siskel an...Way back when, hubby and I used to watch Siskel and Ebert. Mostly cause we found it funny watching them sometimes disagree. Other than that, I don't pay any attention to what professional critics have to say. They aren't me, and to me, all that matters is how I feel about it.<br />Barbara, blogging at <a href="http://lifefaithincaneyhead.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Life & Faith in Caneyhead</a>Barbara In Caneyheadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06053601327400989802noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-44418617151622359782016-05-20T16:31:49.374-07:002016-05-20T16:31:49.374-07:00In the end, we only use the critic for two things:...In the end, we only use the critic for two things: to determine if something is worth overcoming our inertia to consume, and to find someone to agree with our opinion. I think it's ego driven at both ends. Or else I wouldn't do my M10, lol!CWMartinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06798867734074134647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-77364355426246139022016-05-20T14:20:44.971-07:002016-05-20T14:20:44.971-07:00Birgit, I had to look up Robert Bateman and I agre...Birgit, I had to look up Robert Bateman and I agree from the artwork that I looked at he's pretty good as far as my taste goes. I feel the same way about Thomas Kinkaide--I greatly enjoy his paintings though they are often roundly criticized by art snoots. <br /><br />I used to be a big fan of Michael Medved and now I've grown to intensely dislike him though probably for different reasons than you. I've found that many of the Oscar picks tend not to be as enjoyable to me as other non-winning pictures. <br /><br />I guess the greatest value in listening to the critics is to get a perspective and then carry on from that point as to whether I want to spend my time and money seeing that film or reading that book or whatever so I can make my own assessment. <br /><br />LeeArlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-78856929951222530202016-05-20T14:02:57.526-07:002016-05-20T14:02:57.526-07:00You bring up some great points and you are right t...You bring up some great points and you are right that, in the end, it is their own opinion. We all know certain films are just bad and we all can agree on this. There are other films that are so bad they are fun to watch but then we have the "art house" thinking that states this is great and we better like it or we are just ignorant numb nuts. I hate pretentiousness and one can often see this in the world of art, film and music. Many critics will glorify a painting that is all white with a red dot somewhere and call it masterful but these same people scoff at Robert Bateman for example. I would rather look at Bateman's work and marvel at it than many of the so called modern art pieces. But that is my opinion. So many critics and people loved In the Bedroom and Atonement and I found them incredibly boring and so did all of my friends. Again, it is a matter of opinion. I know one film critic whom I can't stand...Michael Medved, who wrote a book about the most horrible movies and some of them he stated as horrible because they tanked at the box office. I don't consider a film great just because it made money and would never listen to that blow hard. I like reading critics reviews and find I can get a lot of information but I will still see the film even if they do t like it.Birgithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09439720285857050428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-47754394205151305672016-05-20T13:14:58.275-07:002016-05-20T13:14:58.275-07:00Susan, I give a positive review to your comment. E...Susan, I give a positive review to your comment. Excellent point and despite the seriousness of what you're saying here, you had me laughing. <br /><br />To me there is nothing more annoying than being talked down to as though I'm an idiot who is to some extent wasting the speaker's time, but something they feel obligated to do in hopes that I might learn something. It's a real turn-off.<br /><br />Sometimes I'd like to enroll in college classes just to encounter professors like the lecturer you're talking about. Since I wouldn't be counting on grades or anything, I'd be bolder in challenging them. I would have never done that when I was going to college in my younger days and striving for high grades.<br /><br />Arrogance of the bloated ego is a huge turn off to me and as you say, disturbing. <br /><br />LeeArlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-51175434349236261392016-05-20T13:07:22.794-07:002016-05-20T13:07:22.794-07:00I so agree with every point raised, including Batm...I so agree with every point raised, including Batman re-runs. Too many times the lecturer looks out at the audience with contempt and condescension.<br /><br />Most memorable was a class in Social Family and something. It was a required class. The prof was a sub. for the real prof, out that day.<br /><br />The class was mostly 20year olds, I was the oldest student in the room with a 3 yr. old and pregnant.<br /><br />Prof. had that look and started his "lecture" which included the F bomb in every sentence. At first laughter was the response, then that thinned out. He called this time as the "open zipper society". <br /><br />When the true prof returned, she asked for a review. Most of the students were writing furiously for 5-10 minutes. I myself filled up two handwritten pages, college lines, and felt much better.<br /><br />What disturbed me the most was his arrogance, his ego. It is a comfort to know that now he is in his 80s and probably is in a care facilitySusan Kanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09834094675218254410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-24285310687567770302016-05-20T13:06:43.399-07:002016-05-20T13:06:43.399-07:00Amen to that! I don't like to say I don't...Amen to that! I don't like to say I don't like something if I know little or nothing about it. Sometimes a critic can help guide me before I try something, but it depends on what was said and the source of the criticism. I wouldn't put much stock in a vegetarian giving a review of a fine steakhouse any more than I would trust a negative review of a pop album reviewed by somebody who hated pop music. I'd certainly read such reviews, but not to gain insight about what has been reviewed, but rather for some perverse entertainment value of reading what they had to say.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-90270910561932882832016-05-20T13:00:55.344-07:002016-05-20T13:00:55.344-07:00Carrie-Anne, though I haven't read it in a lon...Carrie-Anne, though I haven't read it in a long time, I usually name <i>A Farewell To Arms</i> as one of my favorite books. However I'll give you a pass on what you said in your comment on the basis of what I wrote in my post. We are each entitled to our own opinions and if you provide enough good evidence to support your view then you've added credibility to that view. Unfortunately a lot of bad reviews don't substantiate their opinions much more than the syrupy reviews of adulation.<br /><br />I'm like you in that I prefer the often greater honesty of the lower rated reviews. The five star reviews often seem a repetition from one to the next and sometimes I suspect them of being plants by friends, relatives, or even the author. <br /><br />The opinion of the reviewer does not need to be taken as gospel or a mission to destroy. It's just an opinion that we can accept or reject according to what we have read in the review and what we are looking for.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-54287060646509942032016-05-20T12:53:00.405-07:002016-05-20T12:53:00.405-07:00DG, indeed I think we are all critics to some exte...DG, indeed I think we are all critics to some extent or another. I find many of the "amateur" critics like those providing Amazon reviews can be far more enlightening to me as to whether or not I should read, watch, or listen to something as they are easier to identify with. The lofty erudite critic will typically lose me because it seems they are doing something other than evaluate the worthiness of a product for my consumption. However, I've read some reviews that were so wonderfully written that I didn't care why they wrote the review or perhaps even what they were reviewing.<br /><br />LeeArlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.com