How to be a better critic/poster

1. How to be a better critic/poster

   #1

   Critiques and critics are a necessary evil. Now before anyone gets riled up, let me explain. No one likes to have their ideas picked apart. But we put our selves out there and hope for the best. Here are some tips on being a better critic.
   
   1. I dont like the name of your character.
   Ok. We have all been guilty of this at some point. So you dont like the character name. Make some suggestions. If it is an elven character...and you dont like how a certain name fits...suggest to the person that a more elven name may improve the character. But remember...it's not your character and names can be changed.
   
   
   2. Not enough Detail
   Ok, this one is understandable. But what kind of details would you like to see? Ask for specifics. Alot of items and such posted are budding ideas. Maybe PM that person and see about creating a dialogue of creativity. Help them expand on an idea. They may be suffering some creative blockage.
   
   
   3.Patience.
   Sometimes when an idea is being posted, the poster may not be aware of the fact that the idea going through their mind isnt completely coming out on the screen. Suggest that they come back in a few days and reread their posts. With a clear mind, we often see things we might have missed before.
   
   4. Like Paint drying
   Ok, nothing is more boring than paint drying..except for maybe watching the grass grow. As a critic you are trying to help the person evolve and be more creative. But comparing their work to paint drying...well that is just the wrong thing to say. It is negative and discouraging.
   
   5. WTF? :shock:
   Ok, we have all seen them. The character descriptions..or plots that barely make up a complete paragraph. The rushed ideas.The post that makes your jaw drop. Some times simplicity is good...and some times is a big ugly eye sore.
   Instead of belittling this small effort, at least give them a slight pat on the head for doing something. Ask them to expand on it more. Flesh it out. You could offer to help with the idea. Some people work better when they have someone else to share an idea with.
   
   6. That's Mean!
   Ok Posters and Players..this one if for you too. Critics are not here to hurt your feelings. Or to make your idea look stupid. Comments are meant to help you expand your imagination and creativity. I know some may come across as harsh and mean. But dont let that get to you. Accept what the critics have to say. Work with it. Not every idea is going to be gold. If your stuck on an idea...dont be afraid to ask for help. Check out the items and such that get high marks. PM the person that created it, talk with them. Ask them if they would help you with an idea.
   Afterall...we are here to grow and learn, to better ourselves and our games.
   
   
   Ok. I'm done. Now I am just going to sit back and let the raptors jump on this and have some fun.

2. How to be a better critic/poster

   #2

   Hey, this is a great thread.
   
   I for one have posted my ideas up here specifically for critiquing. I am an adult and can use critisizm to work out the best. I for one do not mind people saying, hey that isn't good. But what I want in return is. I dont like it, but an idea to fix it would be this... or so and so.
   
   Not to go into great detail, but a simple... hey this sounds cool would help.
   
   I agree with this post 100%.
   
   Good job.

3. How to be a better critic/poster

   #3

   there are two kinds of criticism - constructive and destructive.
   
   Destructive goes like: "Man, that's bad, you're stupid like a brick."
   This, uderstandably, just fosters enmity and leads nowhere.
   
   Constructive: "It has flawshere and here, and this is an example of how you could correct them."
   This encourages confronting the problem, recieving the aid of one who might have already faced it before.

4. How to be a better critic/poster

   #4

   Good set of tips!
   
   Will add some of my own when I get to that point.
   
   Thanks for putting this together, hits the mark rather well! Going to have to use it on the new site with a link next to the comment box for easy access!

5. How to be a better critic/poster

   #5

   That is very well written and I will take your tips to heart when critisizing something. :D

6. How to be a better critic/poster

   #6

   Not enough Detail.. or maybe the WTF part... not really sure where this would fall under
   
   That is always one thing that normally gets me when I'm browsing ideas or what naught. There can always be a little more added in some areas, but what is also really bloody annoying is posting stuff that doesn't even pertain to what the idea is. Tangents are a big turn off for the rpers of any game I've noticed. I've seen many wonderful ideas go belly up due to this.
   
   So.. yeah.. that's about it from me. Everything else hits the mark in my tired mind and hopefully I'm not repeating anything else that's already been said in a better way than that. Though the lack of sleep makes me unsure.....

7. How to be a better critic/poster

   #7

   I don't think that Renee has found the front page submissions, has she?

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