CRITICAL DEFENSE

posted by James Reel

    The staff critics at the Dallas Morning News have addressed a number of common public complaints about their work, including such old standards as “What a terrible review! Were you at the same show I was at?” and “Why do critics always criticize everything?” The answers/defenses don’t go into much depth, but together they make the point that professional critics are people who bring informed opinion, not fannish gut reaction, to their job, and must make their case in a very limited space. At least, that’s the way it’s supposed to work. You’ll find the article here.
    The ultimate lesson may seem arrogant, but it’s important and true: As a fan, you may have an opinion, but that doesn’t mean you know what you’re talking about.