Writing a Decent Critique

I'll be honest, I've stopped using the comment swap because of the quality of some of the comments. They're not really worthwhile. I understand if you don't want to critique anything when you're reading for pleasure, but if you're going in to get feedback, then try to give it back. Please note: This is how I write my critiques, and if you have anything to add, feel free. Everyone has their own patterns, and hopefully this will help embellish some critiques in the comment swap.

One: Nitpick

I tell everyone my complaints, whether or not they listen is their choice, but you're showing them more than one opinion. For instance, I hate when people write okay as ok. It just bothers me, and by showing them that, it gives them a variation.

Two: Be Specific

Don't ever tell them that they have spelling or grammar errors without saying what they are. I will hunt down the commenter that does this and ask them to tell me what they mean. It doesn't help the writer at all when you don't specify.

Three: What Do You Like?

Good critiques tell you what you're doing well, as well as what needs work. For instance, if there's a description that you love, tell them that. It helps the writer notice what they're doing right and do more of that. Now, I realize that you might not like the story, but there has to be something that's good enough to mention. Is the dialogue realistic? Are the characters funny? Is the story line original?

Four: Comment as You Read

It's super convenient now that Mibba now has the bar of comments to the side of the story. When you're reading, and notice mistakes, you can mention what it is that you see before you forget. It's so much easier than searching your brain and trying to figure out whatever you saw once you've finished the chapter.

Five: Mention Certain Instances

Let's be honest, no one likes every story they get in the comment swap. But, you shouldn't write a lousy comment because the story isn’t your cup of tea. Make it seem like you actually read the story by referring to characters by their names. Nothing irks me more than a comment that could go with any story and refers to nothing specific.

Six: Be Constructive, Not Rude

There's a thin line between critical and mean. Where it's apparently okay to be extremely critical when you don't like a story, think of the author. This is their baby, and they love it. So, just because you don't like it, doesn't mean that other people don't. Nothing makes me want to ignore a critique more than when it’s just plain rude.

By following a few of these, you should reach the two hundred character minimum with no problem, and leave a well-rounded critique that will help the author.