Comments: Honesty or Candy-Coat?

This column is based on my opinions on whether comments should be honest or 'candy-coated'.

 

In other words, would you rather have an honest review that may have something in it that you may not like hearing (but could help you improve), or a review that might be filled with lies just to give you an 'ego-boost'?

 

Well, we see a variety of both of these types of comments here at StoryWrite. And while there is nothing wrong with either, I think it's only fitting to hear about both types and weigh the options for your own future comments(whether giving or receiving).

 

 

 

Honest Reviews:

 

In an honest review, the reader will comment with their impressions on the item. It could include constructive criticism, suggestions, and other improvement techniques. Some of these types of comments aren't always appreciated by the writers, though.

It is in my opinion that every person here who is truly serious about writing should welcome honest reviews with an open mind. They can help you improve and work toward mastering the craft (although, do we ever really 'master' it?). No matter how long you have been writing: whether it has been 20 years, or 20 days, we do all make our mistakes- and having precious readers to help us correct those are something to be appreciated and welcomed.

 

However, there is a fine line with honest, diplomatic comments, and insulting, harsh ones. So, for advice, be careful how you word yourself. Point out things that you like about the piece, offer criticism in a polite and friendly manner, and end your comment with your final thoughts. You should never insult a writer, or discourage the author in your comment (i.e. 'this was stupid', or 'you're a horrible writer'). If you truly didn't like what you read, just try saying something simple like, "I'm sorry, this just wasn't my style." or don't comment (unless you're having to comment for a contest or something along those lines).

 

 

 

 

Candy-Coat:

 

In a candy-coat/fluffy review, the reader could be lying to you. These type of comments generally don't say much other than "This was so good!" without offering any kind of criticism for improvement. Nine times out of ten, this type won't even tell you what they thought was good, and probably couldn't recall or discuss anything about your story with you. These comments also have been known as 'spam' comments and could get you in trouble if you're copying and pasting the same exact comment all the time.

Now, I'm not saying that all of your comments that are like this mean that you're being fed lies. In some instances, the reader may not know what else to really say, and really did like your item. I personally have come across many stories where I was just left with absolutely nothing to really offer, but I did still tell the people why I thought it was good and what I liked about it.

 

 

 

But reality does need to be faced sometimes. Not everyone is going to like your writing. You're going to have critics (and if by chance you ever get published, be prepared for all kinds of criticism). So, as long as you keep that in mind, and your 'ego' tamed a little bit, you'll be fine.

Take any comment you receive with appreciation. Thank your reader for taking their time to offer feedback (whether you were praised or not). After all, every author relies on the readers, and that is how we all improve. That is why many of us are here at StoryWrite.  I thoroughly love any kind of reviews I get.

 

 

 

Various people like various types of comments. If you're unsure of what type of comment to leave the author, try backreading their comments, and their responses to comments. Check the Author's Notes to see if they ask for a specific kind of feedback. And then just go from there.

 

 

 

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1 - 15 of 15

  • Poetically Meli silver member
    September 28, 2009
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    Great! =]

    W00p! Very intricate.

    But yeh... It kinda gets difficult when one tries to be kind when.. um... there really wasn't too much good stuff in one's piece. Sometimes sugar-coating one's material helps them on their way to improve (I got by like that at first since I had English/Grammar classes at school to help me pimp up my writing ). But yeah, I could try reducing the caramel filling of my reviews.

    Thankies for posting this! (It's time peeps got to see what's up!)

    P/s: I don't exactly re-write my stuff though since I'm pretty much... uh... continuing so that others will see how the first chapter differs from the following chapters (and each thing that we write over a period of time is like you look at an old picture and see how much one has changed ^__^). And I should really stop using parenthesis, right?


  • rbruce silver member
    September 26, 2009
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    Commenting or critiqueing? i would rather have no comment at all than a "Great write' with a smiley attached. I want to know how you felt when reading. Good column and more food for thought for people like me.

  • NightVixen
    September 25, 2009
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    Awesome article. I prefer honest comments. I always give my honest opinion. If I don't like something I will say so with tact. Although once you get published professional critics ditched tact a long time ago. They are blunt as hell, and sometimes painful. But when you publish you put yourself out there, even on SW.

    God, rambling again! Great article! Bravo!! That candy coated enough? j/k I really loved it.


    • Lady Pixie Greeters member
      September 26, 2009
      Edit | Reply
      I agree, published professionals will rip you apart.

      Thanks for your comment


  • Lady Eventide Greeters member
    September 25, 2009
    Edit | Reply
    Hiya, Lady P!

    I typically am a mix of both of these. I know that some people prefer honesty and some prefer candy coat, so I mix the two together.

    For example, I start off with 'this is why I liked it' and then the second part is 'this is what you should work on.'

    I don't backtrack to see what they prefer. I just give them a mix. Of course... that could explain why I rarely get any comments from the person I commented on. Oh, well.

    Excellent advice. Maybe I'll backtrack from now on...


    • Lady Pixie Greeters member
      September 25, 2009
      Edit | Reply
      Well, I would say that would be more classified as honest and diplomatic reviewing Because you're offering tips as well as what you liked

      I have a comment somewhere in one of my stories where the person said "this was very very very (and about another hundred "very's") good" That was either straight up candy-coat, or spam

      Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts


  • Warbringer
    September 24, 2009
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    In my opinion, it's the difference between eating a Butterfinger and eating broccoli. The broccoli doesn't taste good, but it's a lot healthier than the candy bar. If you just eat the candy all the time, you get fat and malnurished. It also shortens your lifespan as a writer.


  • Lawrie gold member
    September 24, 2009
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    This is a really good column.

    There have been a number of forums and discussions concerning reviewing/critiquing, but I for one am never sorry to see them.

    For me, honesty is what I would rather have. Sugar-coated comments are for the thin-skinned, ego driven poets of AP .

    I agree there can be times when a story is so good that the only comments to be made are those complimenting the author. There are some very fine writers in SW and they deservedly receive praise. I have, however, come across stories that have been full of SPaG errors, silly plots and downright bad writing and I've been amazed at the "This was good" reviews. Those comments are not going to help anyone's writing improve.

    A very good article. Many thanks for posting


    • rbruce silver member
      September 26, 2009
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      Hi Lawrie, did you know I am one of those ego driven poets on AP? Among other places of course. No offence, my friend, I think I know what you mean.

    • Lady Pixie Greeters member
      September 24, 2009
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      Many thanks for reading and sharing your opinion!

  • Marta. gold member
    September 24, 2009
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    This was a very good column and you have made alot of good points.

    I would rather have honest but, good constructive criticism in lieu of sugar-coated comments.

    What does bother me is writers who don't know their spags making corrections on my work.


  • Rune Morose
    September 24, 2009
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    Candy-coated ones actually infuriate me with their uselessness. I'd rather deal with a scathing backlash that raises points and proves they actually READ the story in-depth than hear "That was really good!".....and then nothing.

    • Lady Pixie Greeters member
      September 24, 2009
      Edit | Reply
      Yeah, I do know how that feels. Thanks for reading and for your input

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