I Criticised The Art Of Criticising And If You Make One Single Inception Joke I Swear To God I'm Kicking You · 1:54pm Apr 18th, 2015
This is one of those blogs that I’ve always planned to write, but I never got to it. Why? Many reasons. First, I’m a lazy idiot. Second, I didn’t know how to face the issue. Third, I was afraid this could get repetitive or something. Fourth, I’m a lazy idiot.
But eventually I got myself together and started it. I thought something like “Meh, what’s the worst that could happen?”
Which, not gonna lie, is like the worst thing one can say. That’s just daring the world to mess up the entire thing. But, again: fuck it. I’mma do this now.
People, I’m gonna talk about criticism, and the difference between “a critic” and “a dick”.
Now this is always a tough thing to write about, because the very first thing that comes to mind after hearing an author talk about criticism with that “chaps, this is important" tone is something among the lines of “Oh boy, someone got butthurt”.
BOOO HOOO HOOO SOMEONE REVIEWED MY STORY AND NOW I’M SAD
However, that’s not the case here.
BOOO HOOO HOOO NOBODY REVIEWED MY STORY AND NOW I’M EVEN SADDER
So, I’m just going to let the cat out of the bag from the very beginning (is that how you say it? “The cat out of the bag”? English sayings are stupid), cut to the chase, and go straight to the point: I’m not talking from personal experience here. I’ve never really gone through the stuff I’m going to talk about. But I’ve seen it happen, hence my thoughts about the issue.
I’ve said many times (and every time I said it, people agreed with me) that Fimfiction is a really cool community, actually. When you think about it, the percentage of assholes to cool people is very different from what you’d expect – there are very few assholes.
Have in mind that I define “asshole” here as a person that’s not just a troll, using Internet slang. No, I’m talking about true assholes. Trolls can be playful or at least mean no actual harm. Assholes just try to bite your throat off. Not all trolls are assholes, but almost all assholes are trolls.
So yeah, that’s one of the reasons why I like Fimfiction – jokes aside, everybody tends to be pretty nice around here. The vast majority of users are really cool.
Winner of the “Not As Horrible As It Could Have Been: People Edition” Award. I legitimately like this website, who would’ve thought.
But the few assholes we have? Oh, man. They noticed they are actually very few long ago, and they stepped up their game.
Not gonna say any name here, obviously. I’m not thinking about any particular user, and I’d be in a tough spot if you asked me for a real example. This is both because A) as I’ve said before, I’ve never dealt with any asshole personally, and I’ve crossed paths with assholes in very few occasions B) pointing out users would be a grade-A asshole move on my part.
Are those assholes noticeable? Depends on what kind of subcommunity you tend to roam, I guess. I tend to surround myself with nice people (or at least I try to) so I don’t really see them unless there’s some big thing going on, or unless a friend of mine is caught in some Fimfiction Drama®. Always gotta love that one. Assholes tend to be involved with that stuff all the time.
But I’m digressing. I’m not talking about drama here, I’m talking about criticism.
Oh, man. Criticism. One of the best things there are when it comes to creative works, and at the same time, one of the worst. Can’t live with it, can’t live without it, huh? Yeah.
Now, I usually like criticism. Everybody likes it. But I like people to be polite. And sometimes I think there’s some kind of… lack of communication about the entire issue?
Allow me to elaborate: a lot of people say things like “don’t ever sugarcoat anything”, or “I would love my critics to be as vehement and harsh as possible!” Hell, I’m the first one to ask his proofreaders to “just fuck me up” every time I send them a story.
And do you know how they react? They are polite. They try not to hurt my feelings when pointing the mistakes. They make sure I know I’m not an idiot or a bad writer, it’s just that I made a mistake and now I can learn from it.
And they don’t do this because I’m a fragile flower that needs to be treated with the most absolute care (WHICH I FUCKING AM HELL YEAH GIMME FIVE) but because they are nice people.
So let’s throw this fucking kayfabe away and face the truth, folks: that “be harsh, don’t sugarcoat” thing? Total bullshit. Absolute trash. That is, by the very definition of the word, a fucking lie. They want criticism, they want the truth, but they want you to lay it gently. Sure, say exactly what you think, but make sure you don’t cross the line.
Brutal honesty is not “good”. Brutal honesty is a fancy way to say “rude.”
Follow my steps and all your friends will hate you! Yeee-haw!
Look, everybody likes to be validated. That can’t be denied, no matter how passionate you are about the issue. Of course writers want feedback – that is one of the main reasons why people write, but the other main reason is to be complimented. Even if it’s written purely for fun; then you’re just validating yourself.
And that is a good thing. That is a very good thing. Write what your heart tells you to write, and have a hell of a time with it.
But here’s the thing – for some reason, expecting kind words is seen as a bad thing. I’ve seen a lot of novice writers in this website asking for harsh words because asking for any other thing means you’re a crybaby. A handsome crybaby, I’m sure, but a crybaby nonetheless.
Pictured: A Fimfiction user, probably
Why? Fucking why? What, are we supposed to be all tough guys here? “OH, YEAH, HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT, I’M MADE OF IRON! EXPLAIN ME IN ALL DETAIL HOW MUCH OF AN SHITLORD I AM!” Those are not the words of a sane man. But we do that, and we say we want criticism in asshole terms, because that makes us look mature or something.
Yeah, no. Don’t try to do that. If someone is harsh to you and you’re hurt as a result, you’re not a crybaby. You’re just human. Don’t beat yourself for that, chap. Everybody makes mistakes.
I’m all for criticism, really. If you see a story with flaws, and the author wants them pointed out to him, then point them out. But be polite. You don’t need to be flattering him all the way, but try to be encouraging. The chap is reading a list of all the ways he fucked up, so have some consideration.
Now, some people reply to that kind of thing with a simple argument: the author is not entitled to everybody being nice to him. The sooner he discover how the world works, the better.
My answer? Yeah, that’s… actually not how it is? “Not entitled to niceness”? If anything, you’re not entitled to be rude, I think. Society’s built on courtesy rules. The guy at the top who now’s an asshole to everybody got there by being polite.
Now, there are exceptions. I know that. I’m sure you all can name a lot of reasons why getting used to others being rude to you is a useful skill. The world can he a harsh place.
But answer this: do you honestly believe the people who try to be as aggressive as possible on the net are doing it because they want others to learn a life lesson? Or they just want a power high?
Of all the shit Willy Wonka did, you choose to avoid the only good one? Fucking A, mate.
Usually, what you do in real life has consequences. If you’re an asshole to a random guy on the street, other people are going to call you on it. If you’re rude, then people are going to stop talking to you. Or maybe they’ll punch you, depending on the situation. Simple as that.
But the Internet kind of messed that up. Now you can be an asshole with no real consequences – what, are they going to ban you? Kind of lacks the oomph of a kick to your stomach, I believe.
So you’re being an asshole without facing consequences. You feel like you’re the boss. You have the power. And you like it.
Nothing I can say here will convince you to act differently, but… Yeah, I don’t think that’s a good way to live your life.
It looks like I’m talking more about general politeness than about criticism, but really, it’s all the same. Criticism can be constructive and destructive, we all know that. But “constructive” criticism can be caustic or polite. Both make the same point, but the first one ruins someone’s day, and the other doesn’t.
By the way, I talk a lot about novice writers here, but experienced writers are the same. Even if your story got over seven thousand likes, a single harsh comment can touch a sensitive point and ruin your day, if only partially.
Does that happen to everybody? Nah. I doubt that. I’m sure a lot of people can brush off that kind of thing without giving it a second thought.
But others can’t. Are you seriously going to risk it?
Like, I can’t stress this enough: there’s no downside to being nice, and no downside to expect niceness either. If you go out of your way to be polite and nice all the time, you won’t hurt anybody. That’s a really good thing. We’re all people, no matter what.
So when you go and review or criticize a story, please think about that. You can be kind, or you can be an asshole. Caustic reviews a la Yahtzee and/or Nostalgia Critic can be fun to watch, but they’re entertainment meant for an audience, not for the makers of that thing. Repeating the word “cunt” a thousand times or being purposely aggressive for the sake of entertainment can bring on readers, but you’re being an asshole.
You’re insulting a real person. Think about that for a second.
”Woah wow okay fuck you too then.”
Again: I think I’m lucky, because that’s never really happened to me. Sure, I’ve had my stuff reviewed, and not all of the reviews have been positive… But there’s a reason why I said Fimfiction is a cool place when it comes to people. Present Perfect, Chris, City of Doors, Soge… Maybe their judgement is not the same as yours, but at least they try to be polite about it.
And that’s definitely a cool thing, I think.
So, in case the main message was lost at some point: criticism is good, and it’s fundamental for artistic development. You need people to tell you what is good and what is bad about your work. But that criticism can take many forms, and no matter what you’re criticizing, no matter who’s the author, and no matter the way you do it? Insulting is never cool. Being an asshole is not the way to go, people.
Plus, chances are the writer is not going to listen to you if you go that way. The bigger man always refuses to argue, and you’re not trying to help the author at all. You’re just picking a fight.
So yeah, I guess that’s what I wanted to say. Please, try not to be an asshole. Being nice will bring you happiness and fame and fortune.
Don't take this as a jab to groups like Rage Reviews, this wasn't meant for them.
Although truth be told, I don't really like the principle behind that kind of group, but yeah, this is no personal attack, so have that in mind.
Thank you for this.
This was awesome. It should be shown to every new user.
No Inception jokes?
Challenge accepted!
imgflip.com/s/meme/Yo-Dawg-Heard-You.jpg
(But in response to your blog post, I agree with you wholeheartedly.
People want clear and truthful criticism, not some asshole there solely to kick them in the balls as hard as verbally possible.
I'm just a lurker, I don't even write anything or contribute. Yet even I know that those who love being a dick at every possible opportunity are no artist's target audience when they set about creating any work.
Especially works created via the written word, as others find it so easy to condemn them for their finer flaws.)
Amen, Aragon.
I tried to make a similar point about the downvote system a while ago. It may have been lost on some people, but it still hangs around my page.
2993528 Agreed. Downvotes directly affect the story, which also affects how the author feels about said story AND themselves. Single comments regarding the story at least give the author feedback (hopefully constructive criticism, as Aragon has pointed out). I generally avoid that red button as much as possible.
2993554 Yeah, that's not a good reason for giving a story a downvote.
You really ought to refrain from doing that. At least you've already realized that on your own. 
Very well put!
Also:
This idiom comes from either the fraudulent selling bags of cats as bags of piglets at market, which would be revealed if the bag was opened (see also pigs in a poke), or the use of the cat-o-ninetails as a method of discipline in the British Royal Navy, kept in a bag when not in use.
[youtube=www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2jUhnCU9iA]
Well said. You basically gave the rationale for why and how I behave on the Internet. Anonymity should not result in throwing courtesy out the window. It is both possible and more helpful to point out flaws politely. People are certainly going be more willing to those who sound like they want to help than those who call them heinous cockgobbling double retards.
On that note, "let the cat out of the bag" generally means "reveal a secret." I think the idiom you're looking for here is "cut to the chase."
AHEM
'So, I’m just going to get the cat out of the bag from the very beginning (is that how you say it? “The cat out of the bag”? English sayings are stupid)'
Being English I have to defend our 'stupid' sayings, yes they are stupid but they are stupid in a gloriously British way.
The saying is actually 'LET the cat out of the bag' but you didn't do too bad.
I may be guilty of once being a troll, and maybe the occasional being a dick, and I have stop already, since I am already aware of just how immature I am. Every time I try to speak, it just sounds like I am dick. So I stop responding, since I mostly responds to other commentator anyway instead of the story.
So, I just put the occasional thumps up to a story I like, favorite it, and if I find a reviews/comment I think is similar to my thought on the matter I thump that up too.
Also, I am taking an actual lesson on how to review stuff, there is that.
I would like to say that this blog is exactly what I need since it just put out thoughts I already have and form it to plain English, and its true. I would also like to say that this is exactly my thought on the matter, and its not, I don't even write story, just enjoy reading it so I lack the perspective. I would also like to mention that I like how coherent this entire blog is instead of the normal 'WTF' I normally expect from Aragon. Which considering the topic, is wholly appropriate.
Now, I wonder just how much 'WTF' Aragon is going to put into his next blog/story in order to compensate for coherent thing.
AHEM...again
If you require any assistance with the gloriously stupid English sayings in the future, I would be more than happy to assist you being a gloriously loopy English person myself.
You know where to find me.
General rule:
Keep the distinction between the author and the work separate. Someone writes something bad, there's usually absolutely no reason to call the author into question.
If the work is bad or poorly written, keep your criticisms purely to the work and never about the author.
Now, I say usually. What are the exceptions?
The exception is if the author seriously, honest-to-god needs therapy before exposing his thoughts to the public again.
If the author makes the criticism personal -- you stop criticising altogether and just walk away. Now, I notoriously don't do that, but you're a better person than me, arencha? This is either someone who can't or won't take criticism, at which point you're just making both of you feel shit by staying, or it's someone you've accidentally offended already, at which point apologize and leave. As hard as it is.
For the therapy thing? I'm going out on a limb here and saying if an author writes a rape story, but doesn't tag it as such because of something like "She enjoyed it so it doesn't count!" ... yeah. No. Warped views of consent are something you absolutely can criticize the author, as a person, about because they might actually end up acting on that at some point, no matter how unlikely. This is the most obvious to my mind, but I'm sure you can think of another example. Parenting methods would be even more subjective, but I'm certain "Shake the baby until it stops crying" being lauded as an effective technique would be something we can all agree on.
media.giphy.com/media/1Z02vuppxP1Pa/giphy.gif
I especially hate the "this genre/trope/style is bad, and you should feel bad for liking it" and the "What on earth possessed <the author> to do <thing>? The story would've been great otherwise!" rants (where <thing> is the whole point of the story and/or an important style/plot decision that leads directly to said point).
In the first case, as long as the authors like writing such stories and the subject matters/styles piques somebody's interest, it's all good (nobody is forcing you to read them, and if they are, you should be taking it out on them and not on the authors). Hell, I read some stories I think are "bad" (or at least not as good as they could be) simply because there's a small-ish (or even outright unimportant) detail that's absolutely brilliant which makes the whole thing worthwhile
. The main goal for most of us in this site is to enjoy ourselves after all.
As for the second, just be forthright and say (politely) that you didn't like the story (or that you liked the small-ish unimportant details
).
2993638
Of course, there are points when you need to be a little harsh, but that goes without saying (and even with that, you always need to remain civil, I think).
Related to what 2993528 and 2993539 said, refering to downvotes -- it's the same principle. I've only downvoted, what? Two stories in my life? One was clearly a rape apology, and the other was a homophobic piece. Mind you, not a clopfic with rape in it (not my thing at all, but as long as you don't hurt anybody? I guess fetishes are weird) but a story that defended the idea of rape, saying it wasn't that bad.
However, I don't believe that's what I'm talking about in the blog. Those are not "stories", and you're not criticising. You're calling the author out. Completely different, at least in my book.
You used "Inception" in your blog title but 36 minutes before today's episode, which had dreams within dreams
Are you a wizard?
2993483 Okay. I think they have this formula going for them.
First they simply watch/read/play the material.
THEN they start critiquing it.
THEN they gather it all up and make a video.
Finally they post it online and then play it again.
Capische commendo?
Being an asshole only creates more assholes.
As someone that believes that being honest is the most important thing on a review, I think that there is one important distinction that needs to be made: Being rude on a review is not being honest.
The moment you start being rude, you stop caring about what you are reviewing. Be it for entertainment (like the many angry reviewers out there) or because you are venting about something (, being rude about a work runs completely against what a review should be.
Thing is, you can be completely negative about something, but without offending the writer, or whoever actually likes the thing. For a hypothetical fic, you could say that
or
Sure, I doubt anyone would be happy reading the first, but it is all about the story, and are all things that the author, if he wishes to improve, can work on. The second, even if it says the same things, is more preoccupied with analogies, offending the author, and a bunch of stuff that has nothing to do with the story: calling it a review is plain and simple dishonest.
fc01.deviantart.net/fs37/f/2008/276/a/b/Hugbox_by_beccaecka.jpg
2993483
Rage Reviews can actually offend people? News to me...
I especially dislike those people that try and pass off rudeness as "I'm not a jerk, I just have high standards," especially if they claim that anyone who reacts poorly to their rudeness has thin skin and can't take criticism.