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Message no. 1
From: MC23 <mc23@****.NET>
Subject: Constructive Criticism (was thread where it didn't belong)
Date: Wed, 8 Jan 1997 17:14:11 -0500
David Buehrer wrote,
>I think people are asking for *positive* feedback.
IMHO, this *positive* feedback just sounds too safe for me. I get
this feeling that when someone asks for this they have this sense that
there is something already flawed in what they have to say but they don't
want it brought up. Anyway since this emphasis started after one of my
responces I feel I have created this monstrous fear in people that they
need to make such requests. I would rather see it stopped as I feel it is
unnecessary.
>Rational replies and debate with more or less sound
>reasoning. Not "that sucks cuz I say so" responses.
It seems people don't see my rational responce since a lot of people
think I have this "I say so" mentality. I may be prone to rants and for
the sake of brevity avoid these at times but I try not to post on just
"it sucks" basis. The Shadowrun Companion will just make me go blue in
the face and go against what appears the general consesus in this group.
I will just leave it as "I don't like it" in this group without igniting
a potention flame war. I'm trying to respects everyone rights by leaving
my comments on it as that.
>
>The phrase "constructive criticism" has become somewhat
>bastardized the last couple of years.
Hear, hear!

- MC23, the big bad wolf <sarcasm>
Message no. 2
From: Michael Broadwater <mbroadwa@*******.GLENAYRE.COM>
Subject: Re: Constructive Criticism (was thread where it didn't belong)
Date: Thu, 9 Jan 1997 16:14:47 -0600
At 05:14 PM 1/8/97 -0500, MC23 wrote:
>David Buehrer wrote,
>>I think people are asking for *positive* feedback.
> IMHO, this *positive* feedback just sounds too safe for me. I get
>this feeling that when someone asks for this they have this sense that
>there is something already flawed in what they have to say but they don't
>want it brought up.
No, they want it brought up. But a suggestion of (and this isn't pointed
at anyone, this is about the discussion):
"This sucks. It sucks and I won't tell you why. I also won't tell you how
I think you could improve or change it. All I'll say is it sucks."
is neither helpful nor constructive. On the other hand, saying:
"Wow, this sucks. If you scrapped A, added B, and modified C, D, and E, it
would be _so_ much better. I say this because A is bone headed. B would
be much better. C, D, and E just needed a few improvements."
is constructive, but still critical.

Understand?

Mike Broadwater
Message no. 3
From: MC23 <mc23@****.NET>
Subject: Re: Constructive Criticism (was thread where it didn't belong)
Date: Thu, 9 Jan 1997 17:22:25 -0500
Michael Broadwater wrote,
>On the other hand, saying:
>"Wow, this sucks. If you scrapped A, added B, and modified C, D, and E, it
>would be _so_ much better. I say this because A is bone headed. B would
>be much better. C, D, and E just needed a few improvements."
>is constructive, but still critical.
>
>Understand?

Always have. I've always been nagged how a lot of people give
"constructive critism" which often isn't or that sometimes when you try
the other person is still upset that you would trash x amount of their
idea and possibly feel devalued when you adding your own. You just get
numb to it after awhile, or too afraid of hurting the other guys
feelings. Being the defiant jerk I can be will instaed grapple with what
constructive critism means and how it effects people.

- MC23 -

Further Reading

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Thwap!