What sort of feedback/concrit/comments do you leave?

[valis2]

I was thinking about that today as I was leaving a comment. I realized that after two years of having a LJ I've begun to review with a system. I'm like that, of course, because I like to break everything down into categories and organize things.

If I didn't like a story---if I skimmed it and didn't finish it---I don't leave feedback. Sometimes when I see a story like that, I'll keep a tab open with the story in it, and wander back to check on it later to see if anyone else says anything. Sometimes those stories never get more than a comment or two, despite being in active comms, so I have a feeling that I'm not the only one who does this.

If I liked a story, but not a lot, and it had a few problems, but I am wary of getting into it with the author, I usually leave a comment that I enjoyed it, or I thank them for sharing the story.

If I liked a story, but not a lot, and it had a few problems, and the author seems to want concrit, then I'll leave a few thoughts, and make certain to add at least one strength I found in the story.

If I liked a story, I usually leave a comment that says something to the tune of "I enjoyed this". Sometimes I'll add something positive about the story.

If I really liked it, I usually try to leave a sentence or two about what strengths the story had, and how much I enjoyed it.

If I loved it, I usually quote a line that I loved and mention how much I enjoyed it. I also tend to get to glow a bit and add a few exclamation points.

Do you have a system of feedback?

Comments

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Very interesting. I like that you're so honest. I once had a reviewer say that I repeated certain words and phrases, and I still remember that bit of advice. It was very helpful. Not that I didn't like the other hundred reviews before it that said "Plz wrt more!", but it was a good, solid piece of concrit that I've thought about since. It's rare to find people besides your beta who want to really help and point out what they felt were the story's shortcomings.

I like to end with an encouraging remark, too, the few times I give concrit.

Interesting system! Thanks for sharing! <--encouraging remark ;)

[zulu]

Honesty doesn't always win friends, and it's not always the most advantageous tactic, but I've just never learned to keep my big mouth shut. This is true in RL as well as online. But for the most part, I go with the "if it's out there, I can crit it" philosophy. Usually I try not to shove it in authors' faces, but sometimes I go overboard. The majority of the time, though, my suggestions are well-received, and that makes me feel like overall, I'm doing something right and being helpful, as you say.