Taking Criticism on the Forums

[nolan]

After being here for a little while,there is one thing I have noticed here on the forums (I have started to see more of it lately),and it seems to be the same group of people who are always guilty of this.

This problem I am seeing is people reacting to criticism.This in some ways relates to Jared's thread at the top in this section relating to constructive criticism.I found that very helpful,informative,and true.Now,I have seen many people (including myself) acting in accordance with that thread.That is,they constructively criticize peoples posts,projects,ideas,etc.This is great,and that is one of the most important aspects of the forums,to get these kind of criticisms on your work which allows you to see the good and bad in your things and make improvements.

What is the problem then?The problem is how I see some people reacting to these type of comments.These are meant to help,that's what these forums are all about.People who post there things are posting them to get this type of thing,and if they don't want it or can't handle it,they should not be posting it,and in many cases,really just need to grow up.Seriously.These people do no seem to understand that this is not a personal attack,it is only meant to help and give honest opinions.There are people,however,who get these comments on their work on the threads they create,and they flip out,and resort to cursing and personal attacks at the other person,who was only trying to help.Its as if the person who started the thread was expecting to simply be praised and told how amazing their work was,how flawless and perfect it is.Then the second someone points out a problem,they get very defensive and angry.It's immature and annoying and really turns people off.I have seen a few people on here already who should change there ways in regards to this,as you quickly get a reputation for being a hopeless and childish jerk.And that is a real turn off,soon nobody will want to watch your stuff and nobody will bother trying to help you.

Thats just some of my social commentary on what seems to be happening a lot lately here,either that or I'm just starting to take more notice.Most people I have seen on here take criticism great,and that's what makes this such a great community, or I mean as Erik says,"Army".But there are those who just are doing this a lot.I thought I'd just throw my two cents in there,see what people thought,and get it out there.Who knows,maybe it might change some things?

Thanks,
Nolan

[speekerphone]

2 spaces after periods

[JackLawrence]

Some times the arguements, bitching and petty problems on this board remind me of Big Brother.
The shitty reality series' and not George Orwell's

[ThreeOnAMeathook]

After being here for a little while,there is one thing I have noticed here on the forums (I have started to see more of it lately),and it seems to be the same group of people who are always guilty of this.

This problem I am seeing is people reacting to criticism.This in some ways relates to Jared's thread at the top in this section relating to constructive criticism.I found that very helpful,informative,and true.Now,I have seen many people (including myself) acting in accordance with that thread.That is,they constructively criticize peoples posts,projects,ideas,etc.This is great,and that is one of the most important aspects of the forums,to get these kind of criticisms on your work which allows you to see the good and bad in your things and make improvements.

What is the problem then?The problem is how I see some people reacting to these type of comments.These are meant to help,that's what these forums are all about.People who post there things are posting them to get this type of thing,and if they don't want it or can't handle it,they should not be posting it,and in many cases,really just need to grow up.Seriously.These people do no seem to understand that this is not a personal attack,it is only meant to help and give honest opinions.There are people,however,who get these comments on their work on the threads they create,and they flip out,and resort to cursing and personal attacks at the other person,who was only trying to help.Its as if the person who started the thread was expecting to simply be praised and told how amazing their work was,how flawless and perfect it is.Then the second someone points out a problem,they get very defensive and angry.It's immature and annoying and really turns people off.I have seen a few people on here already who should change there ways in regards to this,as you quickly get a reputation for being a hopeless and childish jerk.And that is a real turn off,soon nobody will want to watch your stuff and nobody will bother trying to help you.

Thats just some of my social commentary on what seems to be happening a lot lately here,either that or I'm just starting to take more notice.Most people I have seen on here take criticism great,and that's what makes this such a great community, or I mean as Erik says,"Army".But there are those who just are doing this a lot.I thought I'd just throw my two cents in there,see what people thought,and get it out there.Who knows,maybe it might change some things?

Thanks,
Nolan

Such is the way of the internet.

Its sucks it has to be that way, but its the nature of the beast.

[Citrus]

Well said Nolan.

[klick123]

I have to agree with you there, nolan.
Some people do become annoying because they can't take criticism.
The best thing you can do, though, is just ignore their reactions. Once you've said what you need to say, they can respond how they feel is necessary. If they don't like what you've said, at least you did the right thing in trying to help.
Like you also said, most of the people I meet here are really nice and take the criticism well. It's only a few people and, yes, it does turn me away from their work, even if it's not me their badmouthing.
Hopefully those few people will learn how to deal with what they are given. Once they do, the forum will be a much nicer place.

[ciwi286]

Some times the arguements, bitching and petty problems on this board remind me of Big Brother.
The shitty reality series' and not George Orwell's

A better comparison could not have been made. When people respond to constructive criticism with personal attacks I lose respect for that person. Take from it what you will and use it to improve.

[Vaughn Whynot]

yeah look what i got in my pm inbox
I am going to kick ur fucking ass
hmmmmm
seems it maybe tex lol
if not then this is a kid with issues

[JackLawrence]

I've had a few {buttercup}{buttercup}{buttercup}s in my inbox

[nolan]

Thanks Citrus,I really appreciate it.


A better comparison could not have been made. When people respond to constructive criticism with personal attacks I lose respect for that person. Take from it what you will and use it to improve.

That's exactly how I feel,same with what JackLawrence said,how the threads started by these people tend to have a few pages of nothing but arguing and bickering because the person who started it couldn't just take contstructive crticism for what it is and were,for some reason or another,personally offended.


I have to agree with you there, nolan.
Some people do become annoying because they can't take criticism.
The best thing you can do, though, is just ignore their reactions. Once you've said what you need to say, they can respond how they feel is necessary. If they don't like what you've said, at least you did the right thing in trying to help.
Like you also said, most of the people I meet here are really nice and take the criticism well. It's only a few people and, yes, it does turn me away from their work, even if it's not me their badmouthing.
Hopefully those few people will learn how to deal with what they are given. Once they do, the forum will be a much nicer place.


I guess your right,I mean,you tried to help them and they don't want to take it,all you can really do is just to say "hey,I tried" and forget them.

And yes,also when I go into a thread in projects for example,and see the creator reacting so harshly and rudely to everyone who contributes a helpful opinion,it makes me a lot less eager to give them my time and watch their work.And if I do watch it,I'm going in with bad opinions on it already and I'm probably not as willing to like it,seeing how this person conducts themselves.I just think a lot less of these people in general.

[Fisherking]

I've had a few {buttercup}{buttercup}{buttercup}s in my inbox

Try to use a different term, please.

[ThreeOnAMeathook]

Try to use a different term, please.

Maybe he meant cigarettes!

...or maybe inbox is chav-speak for "butthole."

[Flamekebab]

I had this amusing image of a US-suburb-style post box used as an ash tray.

[Citrus]

I had this amusing image of a US-suburb-style post box used as an ash tray.
:teehee::teehee::teehee:lol! :teehee::teehee::teehee:

[TacticalNinja]

Alright, well I posted something similar to this but it was along other lines
It tied into this slightly.


I agree not being able to take suggestions and other ideas is dumb and very arrogant.

Although the line "Constructive Criticism" I think is a load of crap. It’s a double negative. If you’re criticising something, you’re being a critic. When you’re criticising someone’s work you are discriminating…

The word critic comes from the Greek κριτικός, kritikós - one who discerns -wiki

And discerns means to:
1 a: to detect with the eyes <discerned a figure approaching through the fog>
2: to recognize or identify as separate and distinct : discriminate <discern right from wrong>

-Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary

There’s a difference between ‘slaughtering’ someone with your criticism and being too kind that they don’t get a good idea on how good it was.

Telling someone the truth is important to a point. You should be telling them what was good, what was bad. And things to make sure they should do to improve on.

Telling them that was horrible isn’t very helpful.

I’ve seen good types of criticism used on this forum and not so good.

I’ve done both, I’ll be the first to admit I’m not perfect.

Complaining about people nicely suggesting things, and giving their opinion is a bad idea.

It’s annoying, and it shouldn’t be done.

That my thoughts and ideas, some people may wish to disagree but they can critics me, I don’t really care.
Later
TacticalNinja

[AaronHeld]

I can take criticism! please don't be afraid i get 24 views on my thread but only one comment bs! haha i know this ain't the place(IM) for my videos but i'd still like something every video i post here it's the same, and i've gotten the you can be your own critic i do that already but i need help from others to.

[Vaughn Whynot]

i can sometimes
but when its over the net
it bothers me more
just because these people have not met me or will never meet me
but judge me like i grew up with them
...its like a smack in the head or a /facepalm like you guys say

[nolan]

i can sometimes
but when its over the net
it bothers me more
just because these people have not met me or will never meet me
but judge me like i grew up with them
...its like a smack in the head or a /facepalm like you guys say

Oh I know what your saying,but thats when people personally attack you,and like start trying to pick a fight with you.But I'm talking about like,for example,I have seen things similiar to this:

User 1:Check out this new video I posted

User 2:meh,it wasn't that good.It was alright and had some good parts,but it was not very well lit and some of the acting was off.Try to make your characters more believable

User 1: HEY STFU!!!!My dad lost his job so I can't light it properly cause I can't afford the lights!That was great acting what have you ever done better!?!?!?YOU SUCK So shutup and just leave everybody hates you!!!

User 2:Hey I was just trying to help I didn't even know about any of that stuff anyways

User 1:Everybody hates me

User 3: Ok.....

[greyroompictures]

One problem is that communication on the internet has little to no reference to facial expression or tone of voice... It's just words and it takes time and patience to discern what someone is really like through text. Emoticons can be useful... but an '...it wasn't that good' without the expression behind it, or a sense of how it is said can come across coldly to some people. It's not to say that it shouldn't be said - but I guess some people have a steeper learning curve when it comes to this kind of communication - (I put myself in this category as I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to boards and stuff).

But yeah... some people do overreact!!!

Maybe some people may have been 'burned' elsewhere on the internet. I came onto these boards having had some very sour experiences elsewhere - and it can make you oversensitive for a while...

I don't seem to get that much of a critique for my stuff at the moment either AaronHeld - must mean we've got it all right eh ??? ;)

(Am now bracing myself for the influx of constructive criticism - and have stored up an impressive arsenal of abuse to return... :teehee: lol)

[JackLawrence]

Try to use a different term, please.

That came out wrong. I meant messages calling me {buttercup}{buttercup}{buttercup}.

[nolan]

One problem is that communication on the internet has little to no reference to facial expression or tone of voice... It's just words and it takes time and patience to discern what someone is really like through text. Emoticons can be useful... but an '...it wasn't that good' without the expression behind it, or a sense of how it is said can come across coldly to some people. It's not to say that it shouldn't be said - but I guess some people have a steeper learning curve when it comes to this kind of communication - (I put myself in this category as I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to boards and stuff).

But yeah... some people do overreact!!!

Maybe some people may have been 'burned' elsewhere on the internet. I came onto these boards having had some very sour experiences elsewhere - and it can make you oversensitive for a while...

I don't seem to get that much of a critique for my stuff at the moment either AaronHeld - must mean we've got it all right eh ??? ;)

(Am now bracing myself for the influx of constructive criticism - and have stored up an impressive arsenal of abuse to return... :teehee: lol)

Though it is true that there are times when people will just be flat out pricks and try to get away with when calling it constructive criticism even when it's really not.For a good and clear definition on what that is,go to Jareds thread at the top of the section that I referred to earlier.If for some reason you can't find it it's right here:
http://forum.indymogul.com/showthread.php?t=3646

[cubes]

If people are too arrogant, egotistical, and immature in thinking that their work is perfect and flawless, then they shouldn't be here, they should be in Hollywood making fistfuls of money, not whining like a 2 yr old when someone points out something that may help them improve their project, because if noone ever told you what was wrong you may never know any different. Just wish these forums has a jackass filter to keep the idiots out, LOL!

[HunnyBunchFilms]

Whenever I critique a video I try to be as constructive as possible(I try to watch every video thats posted in the "Your Projects" section). I also take into consideration that my work is out there as well. How can I expect any good comments on my work if I'm here spewing hate. That's not to say that I'm a mean person at heart or anything. But it comes down to is the old saying "Do unto others..."

Lol a few months back I got a lot of hate comments on my videos when I said I hated Smosh. I thought it was kind of weird. I didn't attack any forum member in that post. I just said they suck and I don't like their videos. But I guess that offended a few hardcore smosh fans.