It's no mean thing to have the wherewithal to release our work to the world for review, praise, and criticism. It's even tougher to request folks give you honest feedback. Seriously, that is a world class nerve jangling decision.

We create the work, pouring our heart and soul into the words and images. We refine and trim and expand until we think it's ready, and we release it into the wild and stand back, hoping for the best.

The best is not unfocused praise.

The best is not knee-jerk criticism.

The best is thoughtful and considered critique. If there is praise, you are told the motivations of the praise. If there is criticism, you are told the foundation of the criticism. And that's where the author comes in. You have to acknowledge the criticism, all of it. You have to let folks know that you appreciate the time they took so they will know it was worthwhile to you as a poet.

If you only respond to positive critique, you are missing the point. Critique is a conversation, start participating.