Critique: Walking the line between useful and negative

Recently I was asked to be a judge for the Manchester regional Flash Fiction Slam held by the New Hampshire Writers' Project. More important than scoring was giving useful critique to the writers as a tool to improve their stories.

At the heart of providing useful critique is your intention:  are you sure you want to help make what you're reviewing better. If so, even if you're not completely in love with all the details, you'll be sensitive to the creator(s) and also ask tough questions.

Even with the best intentions, framing the critique can be tough. Here are some tips to help you stay on track.

Be specific
Whether it's something you like or dislike, be specific. Saying I don't like this "story/idea/concept/etc" does not help anyone. Saying I really like your use of the word "x" or what your did with the design of "y" will help to identify the parts that may need adjustment

Start on a positive note
Asking for critique can make creator(s) feel vulnerable. Try starting on a positive note with something you like first to help ease the conversation.

Don't assume you're right
Before pointing out areas you think could be improved, don't automatically assume you know its true purpose. Ask the creator(s) questions to find out more information. An example: I'm not sure why you placed this here, are you trying to accomplish "x"? Your questions can also help the creator(s) think about the project in ways they hadn't before.



Curious about the Flash Fiction Slam? Listen to NHPR's Audio Postcard and join them for the finals in Manchester on March 6. 

Project management in every day life

Have you ever thought, "My city would be great if [fill in the blank]"? Or how about "I'd love to learn how to do [y]." What stops you? Sure it might be fear or nervousness, but, be honest, a lot of the time, it's how daunting a new project can seem. 

By day, I work as a Product Owner for a technology company, but by night I organize a handful of meet-ups and projects aimed at making my city a more interesting place. The good news is that many of the principles I use at my day job help keep me sane when I'm working and starting new community projects. 

Here are three quick tips to help you get started on your shiny new in 2014! 

Value doesn't not have to mean huge investment

This summer, I visited a friend who lives right outside of Washington D.C. We were chatting over dinner and started discussing how I'm part of a Makers meet-up in Manchester. It's a small once-a-month meet-up at a friendly local coffee shop, but in her eyes there was value in having such a group as none exist around her.  

Make it measurable 

We all want to succeed, so set yourself up for celebration by making sure you know the criteria that you want to accomplish. Generally, this can be accomplished by adding a number. I want to write 5 blog posts this month. 

Scope creep is not your friend

Ah scope creep. It's easy to get excited about a project. And it's just as easy to discuss a project down all the rabbit holes until you're not sure if you're in Wonderland or a Beatrix Potter story. 

Scope creep is what happens when you start adding on to your initial project. The real and present danger is that your great idea, your valuable project, may not get done because you added in so much extra stuff it will never be measured a success. Sniff. Don't let good projects die a sad lonely death because it can never meet your high expectations. That's just not nice and you're a better person than that.

That's it! Now go off and try something new in 2014! Feel free to come back and share what you're working on.

A Tech Conference in Manchester? Of course!

• 9:30 am - the board was full of ideas
• 1 pm - the great airplane challenge had found a winner 
• 4 pm - we were full of ideas, a bit tired but wished everyday could be Barcamp 

On Saturday November 9, Barcamp Manchester hosted its 7th annual conference. The folks at Dyn HQ were gracious enough to let the conference use its beatiful space so local technology folks could come and share ideas, unconference-style. 

It was my second Barcamp and feeling more comfortable I chatted with lots of folks: developers, makers, product owners, designers, gamers, etc. I attended sessions on Arduino/Raspberry Pi (for my upcoming Makers in Manchester project), Easter Eggs, Women in Tech (local edition) and Sketchnote. Not surprisingly, I've come away excited about potential projects.

Thanks so much to the Barcamp volunteers, sponsors and attendees for a great conference.