Criticism: How do you handle it?

[Brillenpinguin]

Hello everyone!

I've recently stumbled over a thread in a german forum that sparked a discussion around criticism and when and how criticism is valid or not. I thought it might be a generally good topic to talk about in this forum, too - since no one is really save of criticism on the internet.

My opinion on criticism is as follows:

Criticism is just one of many reactions you can get from your audience, when you present something to them, specificly on the internet. Like all artworks and crafts, games are just as interpretable as other media (books, movies ect.) and therefore open to critic.

However I see criticism not necessarily as a bad thing. As a person who works not just on a game, but also on a webcomic, I realized that most criticism comes from a point of offering alternatives or help. Criticism is usually sparked by mistakes you might not see yourself and people point those points out to you, might it be a weird anatomy quirk, a bad display of a minority person or just not well-made mapping, in hopes of helping you improove in your abilities and skill. Of course, in the end, it's the choice of the person that is criticised to use said critic, but in there seems to lie a small problem: I've the feeling a lot of people see criticism, even when it's worded in angel's tongue, as an attack on themself as a person, which - apparently - happens a lot, at least according to the former mentioned thread.

How do you see this situation?

Do you like getting criticism or not?
How do you think should criticism work or be worded?
Has criticism helped you get better in the past?
How did you react to past critiques you got?

I'd love to see how this community things about this topic.
Have a nice weekend!

~ Jassy, the penguin
 

 

[Sinweaver]

How do you see this situation?

Whether we like to admit it or not, no matter how hard we try or how much effort we put in, there will be mistakes that we will fail to detect because we know what we are after. Back in university, I used to program a lot (for my assignment, or to help my mates, I even program for my friend's assignment). Sometimes I run into inexplicable error because everything works in the back of my head. I talk about it with another friend to see what he has to say, only then I would uncover all the logic errors (etc.). Now I do mapping work and spriting for various people, the criticisms I get in the screenshot thread and the artwork WIP thread really help me develop and become a better artist (though I still hesitate to call myself an artist after looking at all those art gods and goddesses around with their amazing work). So yes, (constructive) criticism is something I welcome. I would rather get constructive criticisms than praises (out of sympathy or maybe the individual have low expectation to begin with)

Do you like getting criticism or not?

Yes, I like getting constructive criticisms as it really help me get better at whatever I am doing. Sometimes I might pop a blood vessel (in my mind) when I get a harsh and honest criticism, but after coming to my senses (within minutes, or at some point during the day), I can finally see my own flaws and are thankful to the individual(s). The only form of criticism I dislike is "your work sucks." and that is it, without any reasons or any sort of elaboration. I want to know which part of my work sucks so that I can improve on it. It is like how you can't accuse someone of a crime without being able to come up with the evidence to back your accusation.


How do you think should criticism work or be worded?

For me, I just want to hear what you have in mind. I don't want you to sugarcoat things because you're worried that you might hurt my feelings or whatever. Personally I find that the initial thoughts are usually the most accurate and the most honest, because I find myself trying to convince myself that so-and-so is not actually that bad. Not saying that it is always the case since everyone is different. Some people are rash and make their judgement before they have a proper look, while others like me might start sugarcoating things if I don't give my feedback sooner.

Has criticism helped you get better in the past?

Definitely.


How did you react to past critiques you got?

I responded positively and thanked the person for taking their time reading/looking at whatever I put up and spend their time providing me with their feedback. 

Just speaking for myself here..

 

[Milennin]

It's good to receive criticism, because it means people played and cared enough about your game to give their thoughts on it and want to help you improve.

Whenever I receive criticism I try to think of how valid their argument is. Sometimes criticism is based on purely opinions or preferences that might not fit what I'm trying to achieve. Other times I acknowledge the flaws in whatever they have criticism about and I will try to fix it as best as I can. Never blindly ignore all criticism, but never blindly accept all criticism as something you need to change your game for either.

 

[Kes]

Touchfuzzy did a couple of interesting articles which sparked a lot of useful discussion and which I think are well worth reading.

The first one was about receiving criticism, found here

The second was about giving criticism, found here

I never ignore criticism, but try and reflect on what's being said.  That doesn't mean that I end up agreeing with everything that's said, but that I try to learn from it.  This can be harder than it needs to be if the impression given by the person giving the criticism is that they are not really interested in improving your game.  Sometimes the distinct impression is given that they think there is only one way to make a game (their way, of course) and everything else is sub standard.  Other times it seems that what the critique is about is demonstrating how awesome they are.  Fortunately on this site such critiques are comparatively rare, but you certainly have to be prepared for them on other sites.

Whatever else one does, one should always reply politely.  I have seen some dreadful examples of people getting really angry about negative comments, or treating the person making the comments with disdain, even ridicule.  That is never, imo, acceptable.  Again this can be hard when the criticism given is not constructive.

Criticism is inevitable.  With most criticism one can learn a lot and improve.  Some you just have to let drop.

 

[Xamos]

You don't like my game? You DON'T LIKE my GAME!?!?!? WHAT THE F******** **** ** ******* ***** DO YOU MEAN YOU DON'T LIKE MY F***** ****** **** ***** GAME!!!! I'LL KILL YOU M8888 F*%^*# Son of a #(&%*#(&%*# #%&*#&%*# GRAAWWWRR.

I don't recommend the previous situation to be practiced. Kepp it in your head, and politely tell them things that will make them feel little. That or handle it professionally, that's probably the best route. I'll probably have a nice Customer Service person so I don't have to get into the situation.

Enjoy!

 

[TheOriginalFive]

I've gotten critique for my first drafts of my project, most of it feeling that it would do better in a visual medium instead of text. Hence the remake in RPGMaker.

Generally, I suggest not responding immediately. Take a few hours or days to cool off, then reply. One of my penfriends constantly offers critique to make my sprites look more appropriate, partly because he has inappropriate brains. The same penfriend also offers feedback on the remake's story ideas.

 I'm also planning a livestream where I map out the superhuman city where part of the game takes place. Invitation extended mainly to my audience.

 

[Shiroi Akuma]

How do you see this situation?

Criticism is one of the most important "things" for every artist. Especially for those who don't have some kind self criticism, but even for those who are very self critical it's very important.

It doesn't matter if the critic comes from an artist, I think everybody who sees can give critic, it doesn't matter if he's an artist, or a good artist, or a less experienced artist. As long it is helpful critic, just to say:"Dis looks like shiet." Is not helpful critic, instead the critic should point the artist to his mistakes. Like: "The breasts don't feel like that they are resting on the ribcage appropriately..." 

Do you like getting criticism or not?

I often beg for criticism. Without it, I wouldn't be as far as I'm now. But sometimes there are strange critiques, especially when you are draw in a certain style and suddenly a comment like "Human noses aren't pointy." is passing by, this might be correct if you want to draw realistic or semi-realistic, but not when you are drawing a non-continuous style, because if you exaggerate one point of a drawing you often need to exaggerate another one as well. 

How do you think should criticism work or be worded?

If you mean with work a draw over, then it depends on the situation. Everyone is able to see mistakes, while a few mistakes can described by words, some other can not. I would rarely do a draw over for sprites, because I'm not good with spriting. I also wouldn't do a draw over for traces, the problem I see here is that critique wouldn't bring the artist much forward, because he doesn't made thoughts himself and somehow I would also critique the original piece then also which would make it to a critic-ception. If it comes to such a constellation then I word my critique instead.

Has criticism helped you get better in the past?

Definitely. On the other side, the more experienced you became through critic, the more mistakes you are aware of, while it's good in your own works, you will less enjoy works from other artists, because you will start to see mistakes in their works and after this you will often look at that one single mistake. 

How did you react to past critiques you got?

Stfu! Of course and a  lot of excuses. D: ...not.

No, I quote instead I quote one of my replies:

Thank you.Sounds alright especially that her upper torso needs to be wider. Maybe her legs look longer because she is leaning forward, but I think you are all right.

The hands with the 90 degree angle:
I always forget that I'm hypermobile and if I do a pose myself before I draw it, it can happen that I'm not aware of my joint hypermobility.

 

[Blinn]

How do you see this situation?

Everyone is doing the best they can with the information, resources, and the level of understanding they have available. If there's a problem, it's usually due to a lack in one or more of these areas.

Do you like getting criticism or not?

If it's directed at the problem and not the person, I don't have a problem with it. If it's a habit, some work that I'm doing, or how I talk to someone, I'm open to suggestions on how to fix something I'm doing wrong. But if it's directed at me, and I detect any malicious or harmful intent behind it, then I resent it. I wouldn't be human if I didn't.

How do you think should criticism work or be worded?

Make it clear it's not the person you're criticizing, but the problem itself, and offer a solution that's doable for the other person.

If you find a bomb inside an airport, don't blame the security guard who overlooked it, get rid of the bomb.

Has criticism helped you get better in the past?

Only when I understand the reasoning behind it and if it's something I can control.

How did you react to past critiques you got?

I'll admit, you don't have to look very far in the forum archives to see how poorly I handled much of it.

 

[Ms Littlefish]

How do you see this situation?

When someone is giving me critique they are taking time to do so. I believe, that because time is precious, that almost no one would use their time to critique me if they thought what I made is total garbage. I think critique is often given because there is potential, and not a lack of. 

Do you like getting criticism or not?

I do. I never want to reach a point in my life where I stop improving. Receiving critique is being allowed to view your work through the eyes and expertise of someone else. Because of that I can only view it as an overwhelmingly positive thing.
How do you think should criticism work or be worded?

Not all critique is created equal. A good critique not only includes what needs to be improved, but what was done correctly and if that could be pushed even further. Good critique should include examples of what is being discussed and may even point toward helpful discussions and materials. Good critique should not rely on differences in tastes and preferences. It's fine to mention these differences, but if it's a matter of flavor certain critiques are not applicable to a project without the project ceasing to exist. But ultimately it's harmless to hear out those opinions either way. Good critique generates conversation. If anything piques your interest, question and explore it more. If someone is just trying to be an ass, it's usually quite obvious.
Has criticism helped you get better in the past?

Absolutely. There's just no other way to spin that. I put myself into a position where I could receive frequent feedback from peers and my skills in several areas have improved, frankly, probably ten fold.
How did you react to past critiques you got?

I often openly ask for it, especially if I think something is off to begin with. So my reaction is usually one that confirms that something was indeed funky and in need of being fixed. If I'm ever in a position where something has made me emotional I step away, calm down, and return to it later. 

 

[Luiishu535]

I appreciate any and all kinds of constructive criticism. It's interesting to hear different peoples' different opinions on what they think is good/bad. I also think it's important to see criticism (not talking about "ur game sucks go die in a hole" comments) as suggestions for improvement, instead of "ah, so this is what I have to do". Take criticism with an open mind.

I also think it can be pretty important to hear the goals that the creators had in mind for their creations. If I get critique that my novel needs an Action Battle System (for example), then you might have to take it with a grain of salt.

 

[DarknessFalls]

You take it all in, every last word. Then you take it all with a grain of salt. Then you turn off what your looking at, lets say its a map or a game that some ones giving you criticism on and then you go away from it for a while. You come back with fresh eyes, fresh perspective, look at the feed back and then look at your game and then go from there.

Me personally? I take what suits the situation, assuming its useful, and ignore the rest.

 

[Point08]

I think the most important thing is this: is someone criticizing my work, or is someone offering constructive criticism? There is a big difference. One is useful, the other isn't.

For example:

I post a map screenshot, and someone replies with: your map is unrealistic and needs to be redone. That is criticism, and is not useful. (All of the "your work sucks" with no reason why or suggestions on how to fix it responses fall into this category).

I post the same screenshot, and someone else replies with: your map is unrealistic because you have two walls that rise from the ground to different heights, but the tops of both are even, creating a perspective error. That is constructive criticism as I know what they feel is wrong with the screenshot.

The hard part is when we get the second type (constructive criticism), but it hurts our feelings so we take it as the first type. For example, maybe I spend 2 days drawing a sketch of a character for my game, and then post it up on the forums, and the only feedback someone gives is this: this is really bad. They look weird and deformed. Now this seems like just criticism, but if perhaps I go back and look at the drawing, maybe the arms are a little too long or too short compared with the proportions of the rest of the body. Granted, the person could have delivered their critique better, but I shouldn't necessarily fault them for that. For one, at least they took the time to give feedback. Second, maybe they don't know exactly what is making the character look weird, just that it seems off, but now thanks to their criticism, I was able to spot the mistake. Finally, they may not speak the same language I do and are unable to communicate everything they might like to say, due to the language barrier, so their response comes off as simplistic and unhelpful, but perhaps if I asked them why it looks weird, they would be able to tell me through subsequent posts, that the arms seem off proportionately to the rest of the drawing.

Sometimes people are just jerks and like to put others down to make themselves feel better. This happens more on the internet than in "real" life because of anonymity and very little to no consequences for being a jerk (i.e. some of the things people say to others on the internet, if they said to someone face to face, would probably result in violence considering how far people sometimes take their verbal attacks on the internet, I mean, just look at the YouTube comments.). Most of the time though, I feel like it's up to you as the artist/creator of something, on how to take any critique you're given.

If no one ever criticized anything we did, we'd all likely be dead because the first time we ran out into the street as a child, no one would have told us that's a bad idea and/or why we shouldn't do it. Soon we would run out into the street in front of a car, and well, c'est la vie.

 

[Kes]

I've just realised which forum this is in. General Discussion is about general principles of game making which could affect several games. I am therefore going to move this to General Lounge.