Site Post » How to be a Better Critic · 6:14pm May 8th, 2014
How to be a Better Critic
Hi guys. So a lot of you seem to have read that How-To Guide last week regarding handling criticism as an author. A lot of people seemed to think it was pretty helpful, and mostly useful advice. There was, however, a fairly common refrain: "Well, why is it the author's fault if something explodes? What about the people criticizing? Why aren't you telling them to act cooler?"
Well, yeah, there are two sides to every story (so to speak), so here's the second half of that issue. Just as there's an art to accepting criticism as an author, whether you agree with it or not, there's an art to levying that criticism as a reader/commenter/critic. Sure, on some level it's up to the author to be graceful about accepting criticism, but if they aren't, it's not an opportunity to paint a target on their back. Every story-scandal on Fimfiction, every publicity mess, is as much caused by the people feeding the flames as it is the author who might've started the fire.
Is that intentional on their part? Is there a vast conspiracy on Fimfiction to humiliate authors who respond poorly to criticism? Man, I'unno. I'm not here to speculate on motives. I'd like to think, though, that most of the people involved in these issues are good folks at heart, so I'm going to proceed on that assumption. There are ways to prevent this. Ways to be cooler on all sides. I tried talking about some of them from the author-end of the issue last time, and this time we're going to go over the critic-end of things. So, if you've got the time, let's sit down and talk a moment about what you can do, as a critic, to help everyone to be happy and stuff.
You too can contribute to the rainbow utopia.
Rule One: You Want to Help, Right?
I get that not everyone who has bad things to say about the story is in it for the long haul. Maybe you read a story, thought it looked worthwhile for whatever reason, and ended up disappointed when you reached the end. You're a busy guy and/or gal, and it's not your job to give in-depth feedback, so you type up a quick post on some of the problems you found with the story and drop the issue. Thusly you continue on with your life.
Sure. And that's fine. Really, it is. You could try to be polite, at the very least, but reviews are done on your own time and nobody can obligate you to give the author the level of assistance they might need to fix their story up. What I'm talking about here, though, is the people who want to wade into the battle. They're here to lay down the criticism, to point out the flaws, and to help the author make the story an all-around enjoyable experience.
Wait--what was that last one?
It feels sometimes like people who give criticism for stories don't entirely understand what the criticism is supposed to accomplish. They leave devastatingly blunt reviews on a story, berate the author for taking issues with them, and the more the author tries to push them away, the more they'll act like the author "needs to be taught a lesson." Oftentimes, these people tend to be at the heart of the story-scandals, putting up reviews that target flaws with horrifying precision, usually couched in language that either mocks the author or implies they just don't have basic mental faculties.
I'm... not actually sure what that's supposed to accomplish, and in a lot of cases it doesn't feel like a genuine effort at critique so much as trying to stomp on an author under the pretense of technical accuracy. Yeah, you might be correct when you point out x flaw in a story, but you're (ostensibly) doing so in order to get x flaw fixed and help the author understand why x is bad. If you can't tailor your approach to an author in order to achieve that goal, I guess it raises the question of why you're trying to point out x flaw in the first place--hopefully it's not just so you can humiliate someone. That would be bad.
So, rule one: if you're there to help, act like it.
If you aren't there to help... Well, then, the least you can do is admit that to yourself.
***
Tact is a Skill
And you can't help but wonder why...
Wise man once said: "Tact is the art of making a point without making an enemy."
Look, before I go any further on this, understand that I'm not saying you need to coddle an author. You don't have to soften your criticisms with the nicest and most polite language possible, nor is it always the best idea to do so. Still, human social interaction was developed with the premise that there are good ways to say something and bad ways to say something. In the cold eye of logic, this:
"This story's spelling was so awful I need to go find a monkey to vomit in my eyes so that it can cleanse the stain left by your writing."
is saying more or less the same thing as this:
"Your grammar and spelling could really use some cleaning up. You may want to go over it again to catch some of the typos."
But frankly an author is just not going to respond well to the first. It might be technically prudent of them to take your advice, but nobody wants to accept advice when every line could easily be followed by "...You thick-skulled idiot." It's just how human beings function. If you give your advice like it's actually advice, then people are inclined to consider it. If you give it like you're trying to tell them they're stupid, their targeting systems will register you as an enemy and they will be less likely to listen to what you have to say. If at all.
Don't be surprised if authors reject your criticism if you're giving it with all the charisma of the Grinch, is what I'm trying to say here.
I've met critics previously who insist that poor authors need to be made aware of "just how badly they suck," and that if they happen to chase off authors who can't handle that sort of heat--then good riddance. Those authors "clearly" didn't have the stones to man up and become better anyhow.
That... just isn't how it works. I'm not sure what else to say to that.
***
Give Authors Criticism They Can Act On
So, funfax: I'm terrible at Calculus. I rarely understand how to do a problem when it's first explained to me. Conceptually, I simply can't grasp a lot of the things I'm told I should be able to grasp up-front, and it's hard for me to figure out what I'm supposed to do for a certain type of problem from reading a textbook explanation of it.
What helped tremendously in learning Calculus, though, was seeing how other people worked out problems. Watching how you're supposed to apply something in a given situation. Many a time when I'm given a problem on paper I can't even start to think about what I'm supposed to do with it. But if I can see someone doing a few examples of similar problems, it becomes clear to me what I should do in those situations.
And so it goes with authors. It's fine and all to give broad-strokes criticisms like "You need to get better about using commas" and "There are a bunch of plotholes in this story," but what really helps is giving them examples of what they're doing wrong, specifically, and how they can go about fixing it.
When you tell someone that they're not using commas right, it's rarely very helpful to them, because it's already evident they don't fully understand the rules behind how to use commas. It's hardly any wonder as to why they don't improve from a criticism like that: they aren't even sure where to start addressing it. Yes, they could try Googling some grammar sites, but that's often still confusing and ineffective because it runs into the problem of "Well, how should I apply this to my writing, specifically?"
What really helps is pointing out some example sentences of poor comma usage, and walking them through why a comma should go where, or where you shouldn't put commas. Again, this might be more work than you're really obligated to sign up for, but it's helpful to people, and as a critic it's better to help with what you've said than to merely give a correct criticism.
Give an author something they can act upon and respond to, rather than something they should "just try to figure out."
If you simply don't have the time to walk an author through their problems, or their writing needs more help than you can provide, then there are still ways you can tell an author to "Well, try doing this." Such as looking for an editor. Fimfiction has loads of resources for finding editors and suchlike who can devote the time and energy to helping an author improve the fiddly bits of their writing. Here's a couple found from just a quick search on groups.
-Looking for Editors
-Proofreading, Prereading, and Editing
-Overly Extensive Editors
-Editors-R-Us
Worse comes to worst, a common refrain from many struggling authors is, "I'm trying to improve, but I could really use an editor to help me find these issues." So, if nothing else, you can at least help brighten their prospects by providing them with the resources to find someone who can help them out.
***
You Will Meet Resistance. Don't Get Upset.
You heard me.
Yes, okay, true. Some authors will simply be bad at accepting criticism. Maybe they shouldn't be, but we've already gone over that. They'll delete your comments. Call you a troll. Wipe their boogers all over your reviews.
It happens.
In the end, though, it's important to keep it all in perspective. You're offering your time and effort to help them out with your review services, and while you can make the effort to persuade an author that they should listen to you, it's ultimately their story. If they just don't want to accept your criticism, don't feel obliged to give it to them even so.
This is surprisingly difficult to do for some people. A lot of critics can get offended when they reach out to help a story improve and the author just turns their nose up at it. It's understandable that you'll feel snubbed, or be under the impression that the author is an impudent little snot. And maybe they are, but you can't let it get to you. Here's two reasons why:
1. It's their story, really. Remember that this is fanfiction for a show about cartoon ponies. Fine literature it ain't. Many authors will be seeking to write good stories and improve their craft, and many times they'll want your feedback... but there's no rule saying they have to. A lot of them are writing for personal gratification, for fun, or whatever. If they've made it clear to you that they're content with their story, however bad it is, then really it's just best to let them be. When you move to the stage where you try to shove your criticisms down their throat, you're no longer really trying to help--they've proven repeatedly that they don't want the help--so it's hard to interpret your efforts as anything more than a personal vendetta against the author or their story.
That's not a good thing.
2. At the end of the day, there is no author so rude, no story so bad, that you can't afford to walk away from it. Even a featured story, however bad it might be, eventually sinks into the sunset. Maybe the author will find they want to improve someday, maybe they won't. There'll continue to be other bad stories long after the one you're reviewing is gone. Regardless, nothing needs your help so badly that you need to force it. Not the author, not the fanfiction community as a whole, and, realistically, not you. Go find something else to occupy yourself, yo, like those Steam games you've bought but never played. We all have some of those.
If you think they're a lost cause, then there's no reason really for you to stick around. Nobody's under threat from a bad story or an author who thinks their story is God's gift to fanfiction, so just leave them to their fate. The world will continue to turn, and you'll catch up on your Steam library.
***
Phew. That's a lot of text. Hope you're still here. Just one last thing to say, and it's to both authors and the critics:
Be The Coolness You Want To See In The World
There are good ways to accept criticism as an author, and good ways to give criticism as the critic. If someone on the other side of the aisle intends to act like a jerkhole, the best you can do is not be a jerkhole back. A lot of people responded to the last guide with something more or less like, "It's not the author's fault if commenters are caustic buttcheeks. They should act better." And, yes, they should. But you shouldn't read this How-To or the previous How-To with the expectation that other people will follow it. Read it with the expectation that you will.
You can't control how others act, but you can control how you'll act. Try to make good decisions, guys. Be as cool as you'd want everyone else to be.
And, above all else, have a nice day. 'Kay?
Does this have anything to do with that blog I made yesterday?
The one concerning a certain critic group?
2089244
Not really, no. Although I guess it ended up being decently timed, if you want to take that perspective on it.
The timing of this post with a certain blog from a certain user is humorous.
You know to add to what your saying I found tumblr page that teaches writers how to accept criticism pretty well >>>> Link
[terrible pun]
2089256
[really terrible pun]
It's always best to emulate the popular critics. They got popular because they're the best, right?
2.images.gametrailers.com/image_root/vid_thumbs/2012/12_dec_2012/dec_20/t_avgn_atarisports_1280x720_3500_h32.jpg
thewebdatabase.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/250px-nostalgia_critic1.jpg
I thought the Luna meme was very cute.
Notbad.jpg
Nothing particularly ground-breaking that I can see, but considering how many people forget that insulting the author's mother doesn't make them more likely to accept your criticism, this could do a world of good.
persephonemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/bless-this-post-pope-cat.jpg
I have to say, I was worried when I saw you doing this. I've heard many things about you, and few of them paint you as a kind individual. However, you gave me a pleasant surprise and made me wonder if you have actually earned your reputation as a stubborn, idiotic twit without an ounce of tact in his bones. This will be incredibly useful, to me and to others, and mostly points out things that everyone should know already (like don't be a dick) that they either never learned or forgot they were supposed to be following and does it in such a way that doesn't point at them and laugh. Bravo.
-HB
In other words...
Use common sense and decency!
~Skeeter The Lurker
2089260
You know, it's funny you mention that, because whenever they actually suggest improvements they take on a tone of polite sincerity.
Their targets aren't normal people, though. Their targets are big, faceless corporations. They're speaking for us, and only when they speak to us do they change the tone of their message.
Communication is a very complicated topic.
2089253
I'm really curious as to who that is, now.
img.pandawhale.com/104757-lord-helix-fossil-bless-you-my-0dOX.gif
My approach is to use the nicest and most polite language that still conveys what I want to say. If I want to point out that something is a bad idea, or that it made the paragraph or section worse, I will say so, perhaps even bluntly, but always respectfully.
In other words, I "soften the blow" as much as I can without sacrificing the message.
This. So much this. A starting author, like many on this site, will have little experience to draw from, and might not even notice he or she is doing something wrong.
It's called the internet.
I've had someone not how we say, help, but did what a, how do I put this nicely, Simon would do and not even think about their words.
img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120228224010/mlp/images/e/ec/FANMADE_Twilight_Clapping.gif
Well said, O-Bearded One.
Although I have to admit, tact is a skill that some people just never develop... be it on the internet while reviewing fanfiction or otherwise,
2089279 Heh, good one... 'Common sense...'
Pffft!
2089329
If you can make a harsh point in a joking manner, then more power to you. The point's really that, A) you shouldn't expect the author will respond better or consider all your points fully if you do so, and B) if it's not effective and you're unwilling to tone it down for the sake of better getting your point across, it's unclear if you're really trying to help out.
Tough love is a thing, but again, your goal as a critic is (or, at least, should be) to help. So do what works best.
This is why I find the Royal Guard to be so much better than Equestria Daily. When I submitted a story to the RG, the prereader provided links to grammar sites and listed the points where each error took place. I realize EqD's submission volume is far too high for that kind of detailed approach, but the replies I've gotten from them have never even approached that level of detail and clarity.
In any case, a magnificent blog on the how and why of common decency. Like common sense, it's not nearly as prevalent as its name suggests, and that's kind of awful. Thank you, Obs. I can only hope people take this and its sibling to heart.
2089279
Two qualities in woefully short supply in this series of tubes.
You have no idea how often I've gotten that insanely vague criticism BS from places like EQD or Ponychan or even on some of the sites here. It's maddening when they throw the "Comma" issue at me and give me NOTHING on how using the comma I did was wrong, somehow.
It's one of the reasons I don't go to critics anymore, and rely instead on my editors / proofreaders.
Is it bad that I find more enjoyment in fanfiction than most games on steam?
Someday, Steam games, I'll finish them all.
Oh boy this post...
Alright, so I'm not exactly a stranger to criticism on either end, so I guess I knew about most of this already. Let's be honest here, none of us are professionals. You're not a professional writer, and I'm not a professional critic. We can all learn things.What used to piss me off a ton was the stubbornness of popular authors, in that they throw a fit if they receive criticism. This especially goes for clop and grimdark, where the business is a pretty fucking hit-or-miss situation. If an author has been featured multiple times, criticism is a very minor threat to them, and why shouldn't it be? You already got the people behind you, you don't need to worry about a few whiny cunts pointing out some error in your Maud x Pinkie Pie clopfic.
My point here is that criticism, especially on the internet, can range from being somewhat effective to being the most useless comment in the section. Like I said, we're not professional on either end, which means people are bound to make mistakes. Sometimes massive and frequent ones. Not really an excuse, but it explains the... behavior of a lot of users on the site. As for me, I'm too busy with other things to rip about fics like I used to, but I still occasionally go up to an author and shoot him in the face with an airsoft gun for shits and giggles. It might hurt, but it's not the end of the world.
I'm getting deja vu here.
2089285
Except that, of course, they really are targeting people.
They just don't see those people as people, so it is less awkward for them that way.
Anyway, in reality, there are two kinds of criticism:
The kind directed at the author.
The kind directed at the audience.
A critical response directed at the audience is an entirely different thing from one directed at the author. One which is directed at the author has the purpose of helping the author. One directed at the audience has the purpose of helping the audience know how to best spend their time, and frequently needs to have entertainment value itself in order to be read.
So when you talk about movie critics, most of those critics aren't addressing their work towards the producers of movies - they're directing it towards those who might consume said movies, and helping them make an informed choice about how to spend their time.
So, here's a hint:
If you're leaving your review in the author's comments, the only people who read those are people who have already read the story. So it is too late for the audience, unless your goal is to point out some aspect of the story they have missed.. Therefore, usually your critical response should be aimed at the author.
If you are writing a blog post, then it is probably directed at an audience rather than at the author.
These are two different types of critical response and have two very different purposes. Confusing the two is likely to lead to unhappiness and wasted time.
2089423 Not really arguing with the main thread of your post, but I read a couple pages of comments for a story if I'm not sure about it. If getting spoiled on a plot point would ruin a story it probably isn't worth the time anyway.
It's kind of sad that "be nice" is something you would have to clarify.
2089329
If I can be That Guy, and harken to a in-show example... Suited For Success, that scene where Rarity asking Fluttershy for a dress critique.
"It's... nice." Bad review. Hugboxing just to spare the
author'sdressmaker's feelings. Without critique and feedback (especially when she's seeking it!) Rarity never grows.Fluttershy's rant... despite the general "oh snap!" reaction, this actually strikes me as good "tough love"! She itemizes issues, critiques the piece of work and not the dressmaker, gives a thorough list so that the dressmaker fully understands how far they need to go (rather than being coddled in a false sense of security), and even offers specific action items ("you used a backstitch here when it clearly called for a topstitch or maybe a traditional blanket stitch"). Tough love is not intrinsically bad.
(...just with the single warning that some authors, especially new ones, tend to not have grown a thick skin yet. New authors are naturally inclined to wear their hearts on their sleeve, and may not be able to differentiate between "attacking the work" and "attacking the author". So, understanding your audience is important for critiquers too. There's plenty of authors who seek out tough reviewers and specifically request 'em to do their worst. )
I think, mostly, Obs's article is addressing this style of "review":
pinkie.ponychan.net/chan/files/src/133731209039.png
Another fantastic lesson we should all take to heart, but I shall forever hold the right to berate somebody for a terrible idea that's been done a million times before and better (immediately following this, I'll offer support and suggestions). Because I'm proud of being a horrendous human being.
I agree
2089315
Actually, it's Para and the Loyal Para-drones.
We're thinking of forming a band.
2089318
Taking a cursory look at your profile, I can see why.
I've gotten some harsh reviews, but I'm civil about most of them because they at least (mostly) offer suggestions and advice, which I try to implement unless the story is too far in for me to change.
But unfortunately, I've also had to deal with troll reviewers on some other stories not on here due to the fact I'm a brony. While their attempts to antagonize me are laughable, they can be annoying.
You're absolutely right, though. New authors haven't necessarily developed an aptitude for receiving criticism because hey, they're new. Even now, after 6 years of writing stuff, every negative review I get stings, but the sting lessens at the knowledge that there's more good than bad.
Authors: learn the difference between a critique and a troll.
Critics: don't be an asshole.
This helped a lot, cheers man.
Hmm, looks like another blog I should be keeping in mind. "Don't be a jerkhole" is something we can all learn from.
2089353 Tough love is fine, so long as it's actually love, right?
Hey, Obs, if you want some help with your Calculus, maybe I could help you. But only if you need help.
k
2089522
I walked out of Calculus with an A, and won't need math again anytime soon, but your concern is appreciated. :V
Now it's time to add both blogs to the FAQ links on how to be a better writer and commenter.
Great post Obselescence!
Although, I would like to add one more suggestion to anyone who desires to constructively critique: Say something positive first! It makes it so much easier for the recipient if they hear you give a Specific Praise before you itemize their faults.
I think the worst thing about some critics is that they generally don't know enough to help. They know the story is difficult to read or boring. But can they say anything beyond that?
I suspect that most lack the ability or knowledge to comment constructively and are limited to just typing-trash and joining a troll-fest.
2089507 Haha people actually come on here to trash stories just because they contain ponies?
So they get pissed at the people who are posting all over YouTube or being obnoxious about it and shit (or just hate them for watching MLP), then head to sites specifically for the ponies and fuck around with the people who are posting in the right place completely out of their way.
Logic at it's finest
No fucking comment.
This.
For some reason...I read this in my head with Egoraptor's voice, I don't know why.
Anyway, good points were made here and in the previous post, his logic was sound and I completely agree with it. Now that I think about it maybe the reason I read it in the Egoraptor voice is because he sort of used the tone in his Sequelitis videos, you know all calm and logical with a nice sprinkling of comedy.
P.S. Obs, I feel you on that Calculus man...I hate it with the fiery passion of a thousand suns.
I've got this one critic, Dragon Turtle, and I love him to death. Really, anytime I see he's posted a comment I just go *squeeeee!* and go see what he's written. Because even though he pokes holes in my plot and questions some characterizations, he's just plain old straight up and cooly polite about it!
And you know what? I love responding to him even though I know he probably won't come back until the next chapter is up.
If you're ever lucky enough to get a comment from him, be nice! He puts a lot of thought into those comments!
I think it'd be neat if admin blogs only showed up for people who're following them.
2089596
If you'd like to avoid nonessential site posts, you can always uncheck the "Social Site Posts" button on your feed page, which'll keep them from showing up.
This blog post was so badly formatted that I died a little inside you thick-skulled idiot.
please dont ban me its a joke
Excellent. I wish both of these were required reading on this site.
2089596
Conveniently, this option already exists. In your feed, uncheck the "Social Site Posts" option, then refresh.
Of course, social site posts like this one tend to contain useful, interesting reads, but that's your right.
2089605
Wowitzers, I think I'll do just that. Thanks friend!