Sorry I think this is in the right place, I don't know.
We all know we have plenty of young writers, and I mean under 14 and 13 maybe some under 12. For some strange reason I got a silly thought that the younger you are, the less harsh your critiques should be (I mean if you post a story people should lay off you a bit) but then I thought why? The harsher the critique the better, as long as it's constructive. I'm sure the younger writers will appreciate it when they see how much their writing improved because of the critiques. Now I do think that there should be a limit on how harsh critiques are, I'm not just meaning for younger people but for everyone. I'd just like to add that crits are meant to help, not for you to go on and on about how bad the story/novel/poem/play/lyrics are. Post your thoughts, I think that critiques should be harsher but more constructive.

Of course not, age is just a number (as said repeatedly by many, but never followed). I've met a girl who wrote some of the most amazing pieces, correct grammar, spelling, punctuation; understanding of all necessary information. But, she was only eleven, so the only replies that she received were 'I think for your age this is good.' which, whatever your perspective, is absolutely pathetic - and perhaps one of the worse replies possible to a thread.

In fact, I think the younger - the harsher. If you leave them to 'A+' and 'Its really great!' for a while, they start to develop a scar that feeds on their own ego. And, accepting criticism becomes much harder, possibly resulting in retortions of epic stupidity and ignorance. The earlier they're exposed to brutality, the better the writer, and overall, a much better co-operator. It's often those who are willing to change that make the better person, while arrogance and stubbornness open neither opportunities, nor good expectations.

I'll admit some critiques are hard to swallow, and the first is always the hardest. But, it depends upon how it's worded, if 'Your first paragraph is just a massive info-dump' is written (which, I shall admit to saying) then it's going to sting a lot more than 'I think your first paragraph is okay, but you need to add more than just information to captivate the reader, don't you think?'. Correct wording can alternate upon how a critique is received and given, and 'This story sucks' is about as much use as 'This story's great'.

Constructive criticism is harsh, that's the point. Rants and rambles are most effective in proving a point, unless you're ranting on about nothing. Emo, for example, needs to be beaten out, as it's one of the worst clichés imaginable, and without crushing a dream or two, it can't be achieved and you'll never help the writer. Sometimes, people have no understanding of how to accept critiques and just have a tantrum of some sort, and those are often the ones who aren't worth the time.

Without cruelty, a critique is nothing. And there is no extent of how far a crit can be cutting, but after a thorough looking over, the points are still valid - even if expressed incorrectly. There's no need to get worked up about this, the younger you are, the better it should be, it's just common sense. If it's not delivered when necessary, then when they receive a bad reception they're not going to be too accepting.

Now, I'm not saying that we need to beat this into children, but I think A's and so forth should be much more difficult to reach than they are now, as it's just giving praise where not wanted. I think around the ages of eight/nine/ten that writing should be treated with much more respect, instead of mindless ticks covering the page. Expect the obvious for a child, but give them notes that will help them improve next time.

I agree with Phyx. I mean I think the fact that Nyx was 12 when she joined in site in late 2007 is more than enough proof that harsh and constructive criticism can develop extraordinary writers. Youth and age should not be a factor at all.

You know Alex, this Phyx is not 14 years old, cannot you understand.
And she is giving such critiques from the first day with other purposes.
I think she is invader from one too friendly site.

And I know who is this person if she is really Japanese. Winnie has
adventures and observations from one forum to write a whole
another book.

Bravo, bravotissima.

The fact that you managed to turn a debate, into a front about age/gender/origin and so forth is amazing. Absolutely amazing.

Can we get back on topic now?

Bing, Bong, Bang, Bing, Bong, Bang...
Can I see something written of you
not as this bulshit about the universe
to see you my critique. How great are
you to discuss the destiny of the universe?
Or this is a product of your writer’s sterility.

Originally Posted by Phyx Bravo, bravotissima. The fact that you managed to turn a debate, into a front about age/gender/origin and so forth is amazing. Absolutely amazing. Can we get back on topic now?

I can just say the same thing.

The topic are you forever from now on.
Such universe and a fluid of paradox in
combination with procrastination are very
funny theme for this forum.

Ah, ignorance. How blissful.

I can’t see your book anywhere in the universe.
What a paradox, maybe your book is a fluid only,
which never will be seen.