I want to hear about the plot/characterization/etc. instead of proofreading errors.
Then actually proofread your story. Misspellings, incorrect punctuation, and poor grammar distract me from those elements you want me to pay attention to, and it doesn't make sense for me not to mention something that's clearly wrong. The point is for you to get it as good as you can on your own before you bother me with it—if you truly believe you can fix these things on your own, prove it beforehand.
(any long, rambling author's note preceding the story, sometimes including a glossary)
Your story should stand on its own without any explanation. That's how the reader's going to encounter it, after all. If there's something you want me to look out for, tell me after the story. I do read stories more than once, so that I can give you honest first impressions as a reader, then later observations from the perspective of a fellow writer. The latter's when you want me to be aware of particular elements.
...Yes, I am trying out a critique group, but my overall sense is that it's not of much value to me. This isn't a blanket statement about its suitability for any other writer. I'm going to finish some obligations there, and then write some more about the experience later.
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