Okay. How do I post Concrit then?
There is a simple method for posting good, helpful and friendly concrit. Well, a simple formula really.
Start out with a compliment.
The best thing is to start with something you like about the piece. You like the background, the plot of the story, the witty rhyming of the poem, the subject of the photo, ect. This isn't necessary, but it helps! Make sure though that if you do start with this, you do give a specific. Otherwise it just seems like you didn't pay attention to anything good at all and are just trying to suck up to them.
Good!: I really enjoy this piece! The plot, I think, is really smart and entertaining.
Bad!: I like it.
Give your criticism.
Now you want to give your criticism. Remember, don't just say "This sucks." Be nice about it, and tell them why you think whatever needs work needs work. Don't be afraid to point out a few things, just remember to also answer those few things with tips!
Good!: I think your coloring needs some work. It seems like you just sort of lazily slopped it on in a rush to finish the piece.
Bad!: Your coloring is terrible. Why did you even bother? You don't care, obviously, so don't waste our time with crappy coloring.
Give them some help.
This is where the construction of concrit comes in. You've pointed out what you think needs some work, now you need to help them improve! Give them tips you know personally, find them some tutorials. Make sure you're helpful! Telling them to simply "work on it" isn't helpful.
Good!: I think if you spent a little more time and tried to keep a steadier hand, the coloring would look a lot more smooth and natural. Just have a little patience.
Bad!: Next time, just don't color.
Close with a compliment!
Yup, another compliment! But this one is a must, especially if you didn't open with one! Just like the first one, give them specifics.
Good!: Overall though, I think the composition is really great. It's got a nice feel to it, and I can tell you really put effort into it.
Bad!: It's good. (or no compliment at all!)
Here's an example of good concrit:
"I think this story is really well written. It comes together nicely, there aren't any hitches when reading, it reads almost like a movie. However, I would like to point out that Darla seems a little flat characterwise. She just seems so perfect, it's unnatural. Maybe you should give her some faults to make her seem more plausible, like weak ankles or clumsiness. This could help her seem more real and help readers relate with her better, which is really a boost for the reader's experience. I found this story really interesting, and really entertaining in the end though. You played with lots of different genres and you did it very well~"
And examples of bad concrit:
"You know, you were pretty lazy with designing Darla. She's like, uber perfect, which is really stupid. How can every man in the world like one girl? Especially when she's as stupid as Darla? Why did you make her brunette? Everyone's brunette. Red head would have been better. She so much of a Mary Sue, I'm gagging. I bet everyone else who reads is too. Though that part where Rod fell in a pit was funny."
"I liked the story a lot, but Darla's really boring. But I liked the story anyway."
"Your story was so funny! You really wrote it well, and I admire your talent so much! I wish I could write like you! I mean, I seriously suck in comparison. Have you ever read my stuff? Here's my post if you haven't. (link). See? I'm soooo bad, but you're soooooo goood! Oh, but you should work on Darla."
Does concrit have to be that long?
Of course not~ But the more you can help, the better. :3 Just try to keep a good balance of positive and negative!
What if I can't think of anything to criticise?
Feel free to post a compliment instead. :3 You don't have to give concrit, this is just to show you how if you want to.
What if I can't think of anything I like?
Are you sure you can offer something helpful then and you aren't just looking for things to pick at because you don't like the piece? That's another common thing people do with concrit. If they don't like something, they'll just pick and pick and say that it's concrit, when really it's not. If you think you really can help, and you aren't just picking at things you don't like (such as subject choice, style of art, ect.), then you can still post. Just make sure you are helpful!
As always, if you have any questions, feel free to ask. :3 If you are thinking of posting concrit, but aren't sure if what you have is good or not, feel free to pm it to me and I'll help you with it. ^^
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