Trying on Critique Groups

I joined a new sci-fi/fantasy critique group a few weeks ago. It's great group, but I'm still finding my way through what, exactly, members want in the way of critiques.

There are several novels running the gauntlet, and the moderator was kind enough to give me the option to sideline myself because thought critiquing novels might overwhelm me. Trouble is, I don't feel comfortable sitting idle, then a month later offering up my first three chapters for critique.

So I took a stab at critiquing a couple members' chapters mid-novel, adding the caveat in my notes that I'm reading without context. I stuck mainly to line-editing and flow and dialogue (whether it felt real) with the hopes that I could still add something to the group as a whole even though I'm a noob. Where something didn't work for me I tried to offer suggestions (I like to try to be part of the solution, if at all possible).

Well...I'm not sure I helped. *sigh* So, it's time to sit back and observe (like I probably should have done in the first place).

Live and learn.