Critique Proposal

[Tamur]

hi all,

Though I'm a relative newcomer to the Mead Hall, it's a great place to be and I'm enjoying digging through past story threads quite a bit. I have a proposal after reading through many of these.

Because of my work, I spend a good bit of time on graphic art and generic art fora. Several of these have CC Levels in place -- Comment & Critique levels. That is, each person who's actually posting their art posts it with the level of critique they'd like on it at the head of the post (not in the title, but at the top of the post itself), or in their signature. Modified for the Mead Hall, these are:

CC Level 1: Be very kind, only point out good parts. Do not mention any problems.

CC Level 2: Be kind, point out good parts of the writing. Also point out one or two simple problems.

CC Level 3: Point out good parts of the writing, as well as all of the major problems with the writing.

CC Level 4: Point out the basic good parts of the writing, but focus the critique on problems with the writing, both major and minor.

CC Level 5: Mercilessly point out every little niggling problem with the writing.

It should go without saying that, in all of these CC Levels, attacking the author is not acceptable. The difference between "I can't believe you didn't move the plot anywhere in ten pages" and "Pages 45 to 55 didn't move the story along" is tremendous. The writing is the focus of the critique.

At any rate, I'd like to know everyone's thoughts on implementing something like this here? Perhaps it's been done in the past and died for some reason?

Long post, thanks for reading to the end! ~:)

[Marshal Murat]

I don't know about the levels of critique.
We often either ask for feedback, or assume that there is feedback, often there is sometimes just 'positive' feedback.
While I would ask for a critique, I don't know if this will adjust how you get critiqued. I would hope everyone gives their opinion without any holds.

I think we should assume that they give their complete opinion, and anything less is at the posters digression.

[Beirut]

I like the idea.

Some people don't want to be shot to pieces and others do. A CC level would clarify the situation. Also, it's not being forced on anyone. Someone who asks for CC 5 might still get a polite response from someone who don't want to sound too nasty.

[Franconicus]

Give me 5 :yes: :whip:

[Prince Cobra]

CC Level 5: Mercilessly point out every little niggling problem with the writing.


When I started my story, I started with the idea that I have to know the bitter truth. I know there are many things that are not perfect (if not bad). And I want to know what exactly are they. Be merciless! And I will try to improve what I can! :yes: Just in case I will post my decision in my story.

Beirut, I think that when somebody chooses Level 5 it's better all of the readers to follow stricter criticism. It's more objective!

[Franconicus]

I like the idea.

Some people don't want to be shot to pieces and others do. A CC level would clarify the situation. Also, it's not being forced on anyone. Someone who asks for CC 5 might still get a polite response from someone who don't want to sound too nasty.

I think honesty does not conflict politeness, does it?

[Agent Miles]

Everything that I post is subject to C6. :laugh4:
If everyone liked everything I ever wrote, then I would never have written anything of importance.

[Warmaster Horus]

Despite the fact that I'm not a regular poster in this hall, I'm thinking of actually trying it. Hence this post.
I'm all for this idea. Because right now, there's nothing stopping someone from inspecting every single sentence, mark any mistakes and then cruelly deliver them in a rather nice speech to the poor writer, who's only fault was to make a few typos or write the story too quickly.
Go for it, I say.

[Tamur]

I think honesty does not conflict politeness, does it?

Very good point. CC 5 can make you weep, but only because of how much work you've still to do before the story's in perfect shape.

A good critique not only benefits the author. I don't know how many times I've looked at a design or picture on the art forums and thought "something isn't quite right" and then someone from half a world away posts with a perfect analysis of how it could be changed for the better. Everyone can get something from a good critique.

Since this has been stickied (thanks Ludens), everyone feel free to use this system. No one is obligated to use it, but when you see it, please do comment.

[The Stranger]

good idea, definitly support it

[Caius]

I suport it also, since you can learn a lot of things.