Critique 3

The literary journal I chose to explore and critique was that of the Toasted Cheese Literary Journal found at http://tclj.toasted-cheese.com/. This literary journal caught my interest for the assignment due to the fact that it accepts numerous genres of writing. The journal accepts flash works, poetry, fiction writing, and even CNF (creative non-fiction). After browsing through the site for a good while and reading a few “Featured Writing” samples, along with a few of the “Editor’s Picks,” I found that the website generally contains interesting pieces of writing. Or at least what I have read this far has been interesting. I especially like the piece entitled, When a Porn Star Steals a Poet's Name, found at http://tclj.toasted-cheese.com/2009/9-1/moni.htm. The poem is clear and concise in my opinion, and the title completely caught me off guard. I had to read it.

Anyhow, in regards to the platform of the website, I feel that the platform is set up quite decently. On the home page of the website there are Editors Picks and Featured Writing samples which serve as a good introduction to the website. There are also archives of pervious works that I found to be a useful platform tool. This way, previous writing samples that are interesting and well done are not just deleted because new, crappier works will come in and take their places. I also found that the website was very straightforward and direct in its approach. It had listed on the left links regarding submission requirements, which is usually the first thing I look for when I visit an online literary journal. The forums were also great and very useful. Outside of that, I felt that the website design was a bit weak and could use some improvement. It was a bit, tacky, so to say.

Continuing, I feel that the literary journal takes advantage of the digital format for publishing creative works mainly because the works are posted quite frequently. Each quarter, March, June, September, December, new works are posted, thus giving a vast amount of new literary works to read, critique, and enjoy. Also, I cannot stress enough the community aspect of the website that is revealed through the forum and chat room. Forums/Chat rooms are a way of life when it comes to online journals, and really online life in all contexts. They are a way of communication. Each writer, reader, and any person just generally interested in the website or the works published can simply access the forum and/or chat room and simply engage in conversations regarding most any topic so desired. Thus, the online journal takes advantage of the digital format to engage all persons.

Lastly, in regards to whether or not I would want my work published on Toasted Cheese, I surely would. I love this website. I have read from it before, and would be honored to have my work published on the site. I think the works are very well done, and believe my work could be just as good if I put in the time and effort. Also, I think it is a great way to get your work noticed. If your work gains popularity amongst readers, it may further advance your chances of becoming well-known, and even help to get works published in hard copies. I really do want to take over their website design program though and teach that designer a thing or two about how to properly design a website!