In response to some of the recent grumblings about forum veterans bashing new posters, I thought it might be handy to have a short guide on giving feedback. If you can think of anything else that should be added, feel free to drop a comment.
1) Wait 5 minutes before hitting the 'reply' button
Take the time to really look at the artist's work, and download it if possible. Just speeding through a few screenshots on your way to the 'reply' button doesn't cut it.
2) Give constructive criticism rather than just criticism
Comments like, "This sucks", "You put zero effort into this", "This makes my eyes hurt", are nothing more than subjective opinions, and harsh ones at that. They don't help the artist to improve-- they only make you sound like a douche. Instead, try "X block is too grainy, I think you're overusing filters", or "the contrast is too high, try using colors that are less bright". Things like that.
3) Assume that the poster isn't trolling
Going off of number 2, you should always go into a comment believing that the artist is making a sincere effort to produce artwork, and respond in kind. If you think the poster is just trolling or looking for instant gratification....why are you helping them by giving them free bumps?
4) Balance the good with the bad
Positive comments go a long way towards keeping artists motivated to keep working. Even if you think the artwork needs some serious revision, find something positive to say. Like, "I can tell you worked hard on this," or, "You have some creative ideas here, but the execution could use some work." If you really, truly can't think of anything positive to say, then re-read rule 3.
5) Always be polite
This should go without saying, but just in case: if you wouldn't want your grandma reading your comment, don't post it.
The Meaning of Life, the Universe, and Everything.
Join Date:
10/26/2012
Posts:
48
Minecraft:
Iedawahato
Member Details
Pinning this would be great. Being able to analyze something critically allows meaningful discourse that contributes to the critique. I think many take for granted that at some point they were just like these new members when they first began designing their own texture/resource packs. In that aspect, I try to be conscientious of that and hopeful that they're receptive to advice so that they can improve.
In response to some of the recent grumblings about forum veterans bashing new posters, I thought it might be handy to have a short guide on giving feedback. If you can think of anything else that should be added, feel free to drop a comment.
1) Wait 5 minutes before hitting the 'reply' button
Take the time to really look at the artist's work, and download it if possible. Just speeding through a few screenshots on your way to the 'reply' button doesn't cut it.
2) Give constructive criticism rather than just criticism
Comments like, "This sucks", "You put zero effort into this", "This makes my eyes hurt", are nothing more than subjective opinions, and harsh ones at that. They don't help the artist to improve-- they only make you sound like a douche. Instead, try "X block is too grainy, I think you're overusing filters", or "the contrast is too high, try using colors that are less bright". Things like that.
3) Assume that the poster isn't trolling
Going off of number 2, you should always go into a comment believing that the artist is making a sincere effort to produce artwork, and respond in kind. If you think the poster is just trolling or looking for instant gratification....why are you helping them by giving them free bumps?
4) Balance the good with the bad
Positive comments go a long way towards keeping artists motivated to keep working. Even if you think the artwork needs some serious revision, find something positive to say. Like, "I can tell you worked hard on this," or, "You have some creative ideas here, but the execution could use some work." If you really, truly can't think of anything positive to say, then re-read rule 3.
5) Always be polite
This should go without saying, but just in case: if you wouldn't want your grandma reading your comment, don't post it.
I'm glad you posted this.