Some of you know I write a humor column, which I publish on the internet. Ravings From Dave has a small, private subscription list, a modest following, and basically keeps me sane.
I received an e-mail a couple of days ago from a guy who also has an internet humor column. He paid me some compliments and asked me for advice.
Normally I don’t mind commenting on someone’s writing. People have told me my observations have been on target and have helped them. And I sort of enjoy it, the analysis, the picking apart and putting back together, the nuts and bolts of writing.
But, for some reason, after seeing this guy’s work, I just don’t want to get involved with it. It’s not his humor or his writing style so much, although I don’t think he’s particularly funny or original, and his style is so stream-of-consciousness that I find it annoying and distinctly unfunny.
I’m really reluctant to even answer this e-mail. What do you think I should do? His site is here. Should I just delete his e-mail and hope he never follows up on it? This is really bothering me.
I would reply but tell a little white lie. Say that you very rarely offer criticism of others’ work because it is a hugely personal thing, and one slightly misinterpreted word can offend or upset. Offer some vague, but not dishonest, compliments and some encouragement (keep persevering etc).
You should answer him in some way, or else he’ll re-send his request. But you don’t have to give him advice either if you don’t feel comfortable doing so. And you don’t have to tell him why.
How about sending him what looks like a form email, like something a famous author would send if someone sent them a story and asked for critique? That way, it won’t seem like you are rejecting his request, so much as it will seem like you reject all requests. Plus, it will make you look like a big shot. Something on the order of: “Thank you for your interest in ‘Ravings From Dave.’ Unfortunately, due to the volume of submissions, Mr. Dave-Guy is unable to comment on individual works.”
Or, perhaps more realistically, just write back and say “I’m sorry, but I can’t provide a critique for you. Thank you for your interest in my column.” If he writes back, and says “Well, why can’t you?” then you can ignore that message.
I hadn’t thought of that, BNB. Depends on how sophisticated his software is, though, doesn’t it? He may only know how many hits he gets, rather than their point of origin.
Green Bean, the aura of a big-time author is something I don’t necessarily want to cultivate toward this guy. He wrote to me, making it sound like I was some big impressive successful professional humor writer. I’m not. So I don’t want to come across as Dave Barry or H.L. Mencken to him (although if it turns out to be a successful brush-off, I suppose it would be worth it).
I think that’s what bothers me about his original email. It almost sounds like a combination of misplaced fawning and a form letter that he sends to a bunch of people. And it’s also in that same rambling, semi-cohesive style, and I’m just creeped out by it.
I think I’m going to take Crusoe’s advice and tell him that I don’t really do critiques, but good luck in your endeavors. Then, if he writes back, I’ll just keep ignoring him.
