There seems to be a great deal of frustration for both those who offer build critiques and those who are receiving them. Clearly, the shared goal of improvement in build quality isn't actually happening. Perhaps it might be helpful to take a look at the process of constructive criticism, to consider how all parties might learn to communicate more effectively.
Not Every Unpleasant Truth Needs to Be Announced
Fine, you think a build sucks. You think a build isn't unique or it's boring. You're pretty sure that a particular build is going to fail and not get any likes. You think a build is pointless, since it's already been done.
So don't give it a 'like'. And leave it at that. It isn't constructive to make sweeping judgments like these. It just makes people feel like crap.
For most people, their first few efforts at trying something new are naturally going to be pretty terrible. Everyone learning a new skill everywhere since the beginning of time learns by imitating. Originality doesn't come naturally to everyone. But that doesn't mean you need to tell someone that directly. These particular criticisms may indeed be true, but they're not actually constructive in any way. They just serve to discourage the builder from trying again in the future.
Remember, the blog community votes with their likes. Let the 'likes' speak for you. In this case, less is more.
Making Builds And Critiquing Builds Are Two Separate Things
Okay, so you've put hours into constructing your own beautifully crafted builds, which now proudly reside in Mythic and Legendary. You've got a great sense for originality and creativity, and you know Skyrim gameplay mechanics inside and out. You've read every single build on the site, played a bunch of them, and tried out every tip, trick, exploit and glitch out there. You do spectacular work, and your contributions to the blog are incredibly valuable. I salute you.
That doesn't mean that you're best qualified to critique a build.
What?!?! you say. How could that possibly be?!?!
Think of it this way: I know plenty of people who have written smashingly successful novels. Could they teach high school English? Not a chance. Keep in mind that as an expert, you've already seen and done it all. The new builder has seen only the tiniest fraction of what's out there. OF COURSE for you personally a new build is likely to be boring and not terribly unique. It probably looks a lot like some other build you've seen, or maybe even two or three or ten of them.
But you know what? You don't actually represent the majority of blog readers. For the 7,900 *other* readers of the blog, it's probably still useful and interesting. There are plenty of non-experts out there who can learn from and get enjoyment from the build, even if you personally cannot. Remember, the 'likes' will decide the success or failure in any case, and the broader community may not always agree with you. The bar for "smashingly original" gets set higher every day; we can't possibly hold all new builders to that standard. And we don't have to. It's not a competition, and there are plenty of 'likes' to go around. Plus, we have the Deathmatches to keep our blog biome in good condition.
If the format is mostly correct, and they've got all the necessary parts, stick to commenting on the specific and concrete positive actions the builder can take to polish the build. Stay away from negatives - all recommendations should be in the form of positive steps the builder can take. And for Divines' sake, don't give feedback if you're grumpy - wait until you are in a better mood. [This is a good rule for any important interpersonal communication. Time outs are your friend.]
Who The Heck Are You to Give Advice on Constructive Criticism, Anyway?
Someone who had to learn a lot of these lessons the hard way - through disagreements with colleagues, superiors, friends, and family. Once I learned how to communicate criticism constructively, my life got a whole life easier. Now, as a teacher and an editor, I have to give constructive feedback every single day. I'm passing them on because these skills can save you a great deal of aggravation. I like all you guys; I want to see you all have more pleasant, less frustrating, productive conversations with each other.
I look forward to plenty of constructive feedback in the comments!
For more in the Constructive Criticism series see:
Helpful Reminders For Those On The Receiving End
Ways To Phrase Criticisms In A Constructive Manner
There seems to be a great deal of frustration for both those who offer build critiques and those who are receiving them. Clearly, the shared goal of improvement in build quality isn't actually happening. Perhaps it might be helpful to take a look at the process of constructive criticism, to consider how all parties might learn to communicate more effectively.
Not Every Unpleasant Truth Needs to Be Announced
Fine, you think a build sucks. You think a build isn't unique or it's boring. You're pretty sure that a particular build is going to fail and not get any likes. You think a build is pointless, since it's already been done.
So don't give it a 'like'. And leave it at that. It isn't constructive to make sweeping judgments like these. It just makes people feel like crap.
For most people, their first few efforts at trying something new are naturally going to be pretty terrible. Everyone learning a new skill everywhere since the beginning of time learns by imitating. Originality doesn't come naturally to everyone. But that doesn't mean you need to tell someone that directly. These particular criticisms may indeed be true, but they're not actually constructive in any way. They just serve to discourage the builder from trying again in the future.
Remember, the blog community votes with their likes. Let the 'likes' speak for you. In this case, less is more.
Making Builds And Critiquing Builds Are Two Separate Things
Okay, so you've put hours into constructing your own beautifully crafted builds, which now proudly reside in Mythic and Legendary. You've got a great sense for originality and creativity, and you know Skyrim gameplay mechanics inside and out. You've read every single build on the site, played a bunch of them, and tried out every tip, trick, exploit and glitch out there. You do spectacular work, and your contributions to the blog are incredibly valuable. I salute you.
That doesn't mean that you're best qualified to critique a build.
What?!?! you say. How could that possibly be?!?!
Think of it this way: I know plenty of people who have written smashingly successful novels. Could they teach high school English? Not a chance. Keep in mind that as an expert, you've already seen and done it all. The new builder has seen only the tiniest fraction of what's out there. OF COURSE for you personally a new build is likely to be boring and not terribly unique. It probably looks a lot like some other build you've seen, or maybe even two or three or ten of them.
But you know what? You don't actually represent the majority of blog readers. For the 7,900 *other* readers of the blog, it's probably still useful and interesting. There are plenty of non-experts out there who can learn from and get enjoyment from the build, even if you personally cannot. Remember, the 'likes' will decide the success or failure in any case, and the broader community may not always agree with you. The bar for "smashingly original" gets set higher every day; we can't possibly hold all new builders to that standard. And we don't have to. It's not a competition, and there are plenty of 'likes' to go around. Plus, we have the Deathmatches to keep our blog biome in good condition.
If the format is mostly correct, and they've got all the necessary parts, stick to commenting on the specific and concrete positive actions the builder can take to polish the build. Stay away from negatives - all recommendations should be in the form of positive steps the builder can take. And for Divines' sake, don't give feedback if you're grumpy - wait until you are in a better mood. [This is a good rule for any important interpersonal communication. Time outs are your friend.]
Who The Heck Are You to Give Advice on Constructive Criticism, Anyway?
Someone who had to learn a lot of these lessons the hard way - through disagreements with colleagues, superiors, friends, and family. Once I learned how to communicate criticism constructively, my life got a whole life easier. Now, as a teacher and an editor, I have to give constructive feedback every single day. I'm passing them on because these skills can save you a great deal of aggravation. I like all you guys; I want to see you all have more pleasant, less frustrating, productive conversations with each other.
I look forward to plenty of constructive feedback in the comments!
For more in the Constructive Criticism series see:
Helpful Reminders For Those On The Receiving End
Ways To Phrase Criticisms In A Constructive Manner
