The Constructive Criticism Guide.

[Stoicish]

I was going to write a long topic detailing criticism, but it seems the boys at Cracked beat me to the punch:

http://www.cracked.com/funny-3989-critic ism/

I'd like to point out that it is very easy for someone to be a troll especially in an area where people are trying to write short stories and wanting to receive criticism or just entertain. So even if you didn't like the story or it is not something you usually enjoy reading you don't need to go off telling the writer, "This is utter shit."

Granted there can be a lot of stories out there that is utter shit, but it really doesn't help if you tell that person and they want to take writing seriously.

Anyway, if there is anyone out there who takes writing seriously or have taken classes dealing with fiction and non-fiction then I suggest you provide examples on how people on Newgrounds can engage writers.

Now, to those who receive the criticism, let's be clear that this is not a personal attack against you. A lot of people can take what another person said as a personal attack, but I assure you that unless they made fun of your face then it's not a personal attack. Hell, I have been guilty of perceiving criticism as an attack on me and I was wrong for it.

What you should do is actually listen to the person because, as a writer, the first thing you want to do is make your audience happy and if they are telling you what needs to be better about the story then there is no need to call them a douche-fag for not liking it.

That's all I got at the moment. If anyone has any comments or ideas on how people should engage this then by all means do so.