starrylizard (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
starrylizard) wrote2007-07-30 11:48 am
starrylizard) wrote2007-07-30 11:48 am
Entry tags:
Constructive criticism for fan vids
The mods over at SVS asked me to write a little something on constructive criticism. Well really I walked into being asked. So, here's me having a go. There aren't any hard and fast rules to reviewing and so I'm just going to list a few basic points.
Actually I'm totally out of my depth here being someone who doesn't generally leave a heck of a lot of con. crit. and I don't generally take myself this seriously. So, if anyone can think of anything to add here, or if you would like to discuss it amongst yourselves in the comments, please be my guest. Feel free to link other people in to chat about it.
So first point, if you don't want to give constructive criticism, then don't. Every vidder loves to get positive feedback, smiley faces and fan worship of any kind and we all secretly hope that no one can think of a single negative thing to say about our latest piece of video art. So, just because a vidder is okay with constructive criticism doesn't mean you should feel like you have to give it.
Basically I have several suggestions for constructive criticism, so here goes:
1) Make sure it is constructive. Without the constructive part, you're probably flaming, or at the least being very rude.
2) Make sure it is polite. If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.
3) Be sure to point out the good as well as the bad. It's just as helpful and far more encouraging for the vidder to know what worked for you, as what didn't.
4) Take into account the vidder's level of skill. If it's their first vid, they'd likely benefit from some pointers, but be sure to encourage them as well. We've all been there once. Also take into account the software they're using and whether what you're suggesting is possible.
5) If possible and you're comfortable with it, give suggestions for improvement.
6) Remember constructive criticism is completely subjective, meaning opinions will differ between reviewers and you may not like all the suggestions for improvement. So, try not to take comments personally and remember it's okay to disagree. If we all liked the same things, vidding would be terribly boring!
7) Not every vidder wants constructive criticism. Sometimes they'll state it, sometimes they won't, so unless you're sure, sometimes it pays to tread cautiously.
Note: I'm deliberately not leaving an example comment here, since we all have a different style and I don't want to end up setting up a template comment. If you're at all worried about posting constructive criticism, discuss it below.
One other thing that I like to keep in mind:
Before you post your comment, you might want to briefly skim the comments above yours. If everyone has said the same thing, you could just agree with them rather than rehashing the same thing again. I don't know about other vidders, but a list of comments pointing out exactly the same possible flaw in detail can be kind of depressing. Also, sometimes I find myself completely disagreeing with some of the other people's comments and I like to let the vidder know. One person's pet hate can be another person's love.
eg. I agree with Sam's comments above about the timing toward the end being a little off. However, unlike Dean, I absolutely loved the blue colouring effect you added in the middle there. I thought it was really interesting and different and matched the dark tone of the music.
So, that's it. Constructive criticism can really help improve a vidders skills, but remember to be polite and keep things light. After all, we're all here to have fun!
Actually I'm totally out of my depth here being someone who doesn't generally leave a heck of a lot of con. crit. and I don't generally take myself this seriously. So, if anyone can think of anything to add here, or if you would like to discuss it amongst yourselves in the comments, please be my guest. Feel free to link other people in to chat about it.
So first point, if you don't want to give constructive criticism, then don't. Every vidder loves to get positive feedback, smiley faces and fan worship of any kind and we all secretly hope that no one can think of a single negative thing to say about our latest piece of video art. So, just because a vidder is okay with constructive criticism doesn't mean you should feel like you have to give it.
Basically I have several suggestions for constructive criticism, so here goes:
1) Make sure it is constructive. Without the constructive part, you're probably flaming, or at the least being very rude.
2) Make sure it is polite. If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.
3) Be sure to point out the good as well as the bad. It's just as helpful and far more encouraging for the vidder to know what worked for you, as what didn't.
4) Take into account the vidder's level of skill. If it's their first vid, they'd likely benefit from some pointers, but be sure to encourage them as well. We've all been there once. Also take into account the software they're using and whether what you're suggesting is possible.
5) If possible and you're comfortable with it, give suggestions for improvement.
6) Remember constructive criticism is completely subjective, meaning opinions will differ between reviewers and you may not like all the suggestions for improvement. So, try not to take comments personally and remember it's okay to disagree. If we all liked the same things, vidding would be terribly boring!
7) Not every vidder wants constructive criticism. Sometimes they'll state it, sometimes they won't, so unless you're sure, sometimes it pays to tread cautiously.
Note: I'm deliberately not leaving an example comment here, since we all have a different style and I don't want to end up setting up a template comment. If you're at all worried about posting constructive criticism, discuss it below.
One other thing that I like to keep in mind:
Before you post your comment, you might want to briefly skim the comments above yours. If everyone has said the same thing, you could just agree with them rather than rehashing the same thing again. I don't know about other vidders, but a list of comments pointing out exactly the same possible flaw in detail can be kind of depressing. Also, sometimes I find myself completely disagreeing with some of the other people's comments and I like to let the vidder know. One person's pet hate can be another person's love.
eg. I agree with Sam's comments above about the timing toward the end being a little off. However, unlike Dean, I absolutely loved the blue colouring effect you added in the middle there. I thought it was really interesting and different and matched the dark tone of the music.
So, that's it. Constructive criticism can really help improve a vidders skills, but remember to be polite and keep things light. After all, we're all here to have fun!
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Hope you get some sleep and feel better soon. *hugs*
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Thanks, I'm gonna go try again...second time tonight. Thanks for the well-wishes; I hope I feel better soon, too :(
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