General / Off-Topic How to criticise properly...

[Noddie]

I've seen a lot of criticism on these boards recently. I hope nobody minds, but I'd like to remind everyone what constructive criticism is and isn't;

Someone brings you a Cheesecake they've made you - and asks you what you think.
Constructive:
The top is very good. If you're looking to refine it for next time, the base tastes great, but it could be firmer so it stays together on the plate a little easier. But it's a good cheesecake. Actually, cheesecake is pretty close to one of my favourites - Key Lime Pie - why not have a bash at that as well? - I've got some lime juice in the fridge.
Destructive:
The base is too crumbly and lets down the passable topping quite considerably. I'd have preferred a key lime pie, and if you'd have asked me I'd have TOLD you there was lime juice in the fridge.

Someone gives you a lift to work, because your car is broken.
Constructive:
Thanks for the lift. And thanks for getting me here to so quickly - but there's no need to rush. I'd feel terrible if you got a ticket on my behalf.
Destructive:
You're a patent maniac! - If my car wasn't off the road I'd never get in a car with you again!

Someone concedes an election to you:
Constructive:
My opponent fought a fair, skilled and valiant fight, but ultimately the public prefer our policies at the moment. I look forward to debating my opponent in the future, where I'm sure I'll get a run for my money!
Destructive:
The public saw through my opponent's lies. Now I'm in government I will put my plans into action, and nobody can stop me.
Delusional:
My opponent bugged my phone lines, published fake news and I still won because I'm awesome and build the best..... civil engineering projects... My manhood is really quite sizable and women love it. Even when they say they don't.

Someone builds you and awesome spacesim/RPG/remake thingummy, charges you a very reasonable amount for indefinite use. And introduces a feature you don't like.
Constructive:
I love this game, but I'm not sure these new changes are working out for everyone and should probably be on the list of things the devs need to revisit at some point soon. To start the ball rolling I have some suggested solutions I'd like to air for community discussion.
Destructive (2016)
These changes are the worst thing ever, have ruined the game, and the game will become a wasteland once No Man's Sky launches as a result of them!!!
Destructive (2017)
These changes are the worst thing ever, have ruined the game, and the game will become a wasteland once Star Citizen launches as a result of them!!!

Hope that helps people. Please when you're not happy, suggest a better alternative and think how it might effect others players who have a different playing style to yourself. Not every change is about a particular play style.

 

[jasonbarron]

If you want to come at me with criticism about my preferred playstyle, my forum tone or my friendships with known player killers and assorted villains, please PLEASE keep in mind the following:
[video=youtube;PtDrlk7vnkI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtDrlk7vnkI[/video]
Thank you in advance.

 

[Arry]

So is this constructive criticism, or just telling folks how they should communicate with others.

Agreed; diplomacy is a wonderful thing and in the long run, working with reasonable people, it works. However: Most people just want to rant, when things are not the way they expect them to be.

 

[SlackR]

Just don't be rude... it's just a game

 

[goemon]

/moved to offtopic

on topic: i work in a field where there is very often "no time". one of the first things you learn from a mentor in such a field is: "what i don't mention is overall good/okay". a very contructive way to work, and a very productive way to criticise.

 

[Noddie]

/moved to offtopic

on topic: i work in a field where there is very often "no time". one of the first things you learn from a mentor in such a field is: "what i don't mention is overall good/okay". a very contructive way to work, and a very productive way to criticise.

That's generally the way it works - and usually the way I prefer things done. Although you have to be careful that it doesn't end with the Padawan believing that they're doing everything wrong as their mentor is relentlessly critical!

 

[Arry]

That's generally the way it works - and usually the way I prefer things done. Although you have to be careful that it doesn't end with the Padawan believing that they're doing everything wrong as their mentor is relentlessly critical!

Mentoring and offering general criticism are very different.

Telling someone that their new coat has a beautiful style and cut, but the colour makes it look like poo, is just an opinion.

Mentoring means in my opinion; you get the bad stuff out of the way first and offer your opinion on how to improve, but then, once that it out of the way. You then make a point of bigging up or praise any good or positive points, you can find. Especially if there has been a marked improvement with something you had issue with before.