Jeff's Manifesto

Critical writing must be a fair opinion of a work that is both well researched and accurate in its description. A critic must avoid alignment with particular art and artists in order to prohibit bias from influencing his/her reviewing. A critic should view his/her role as one that promotes the arts, not demeans them. If a work is to get a negative review, this opinion should be supported in an educated manner. A critique must explain why the critic has reached this stance.

Critical writing must use persuasive language and relevant evidence to create a strong opinion about something someone else has created. Often the critic is a vital source for the public to gain a sense of the experience of a work of art or cuisine.

Critics must seek to attract readers by showing an understanding and appreciation of the complexities of the work being reviewed. Critics must be prepared to engage in passionate debate. In other words, a critic must be a willing participant in the conversation of our culture.