IMHO, FR is for the exchange of conservative ideas, NOT trying to prove how smart the author of the posting appears.
Personally, I would hesitate to post anything that is even slightly controversial, if it is going to be critiqued.
There has to be a better forum for this kind of activity.
While I’m ranting, another thing... I see posting for assistance in the treatment of medical problems (diabetes, tonight), computer repair, dog training, religion, and endless other subjects.. I want to tell the poster that I’m going on a diabetes (computer, religious, dog) forum and asking for political advise.
FR has lost its focus during the last year, with the opening of blogging as a category. Personally, I’d like it to get back to the posting of political articles, and the discussion of the same.
....Bob
I think you misunderstand. We are not talking about critiquing postings.... but chapters from novels.
If you feel your "novel" is controversial, then it is up to you to decide it you want it critiqued.
Re: Rant - balanced against all the threads you listed are hundreds of political threads so I think FR is not going to turn from its orignial purpose.
The maturity level I see in the writer's threads, the excellent talent, and the willingness to help others in the desire to be writers lends not to "bite-backing" but to honest and useful help.
I know they have helped me immensely by their willingness to honestly share their time and knowledge with me.