by Ms P. K. Styles

Created on: July 25, 2008   Last Updated: July 27, 2008

Don't give a critique unless it's asked for

I know what it's like to be told over and over and OVER that my anatomy sucks when I'm perfectly aware and already trying to improve. I've even left statements where people can see: "Please, don't critique me because I know I suck at this and that, and I'll ask for help when I'm ready to move on, thank you," but people will blindly INSIST on telling you what you suck at.

I know most people are just too nice for their own good and are trying to help, but far from helping the developing artist, such constant critique is discouraging (not to mention severely annoying).

Use a compliment sandwich

When you give a hard critique, don't just tell someone how much they suck and expect them not to get angry or offended. Also, never just assume things about people on the internet because it's the INTERNET you don't KNOW why this person wrote what they wrote or drew what they drew.

If they happen to go a little overboard in their reaction, be the adult and let them be because the person obviously does not want your help and drawing the situation out will only make you both look childish. And lastly, don't morph into a snob and start bragging about your accomplishments. There's nothing worse than a condescending jerk.

There was a person who left a comment on a fan fiction of mine saying something along these lines:

"This is a shock value fan fiction and fan fictions like this have no value. I'm a fantasy author and an animator (what does that have to do with helping me improve my writing?) and I don't think you know these characters at all. In fact, this is a terrible fan fiction on the whole why don't you stop writing them?"

Yeah. I reacted a little childishly, but the person was shocked that I was angry at all!

When you give someone a hard critique, tell them a good point about their work, then point out what they need to work on, and then close with something reasonably polite.

For example:

"Hi. I think your writing skills are excellent, but why did you have to kill off half the cast of my favorite kiddy movie? I love all these characters (perhaps a little too much, ha ha) and I feel that you should put more research into getting to know them. I don't feel you portrayed them in the right light. I've read your other fan fictions and I know this sort of violence for violence sake is beneath you. You can do better. Best wishes."

See the difference there? I'm not just making up stuff either. The person later said they thought I was a good

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