How To Leave Constructive Comments
Posted: Friday, February 29, 2008
by Stephany Springer
Comments can make or destroy a day for writers depending on their tone and intent. I recently wrote an article for Searchwarp in which I addressed the topic of How to Handle Commentators Who Disagree With Your Writing ( http://searchwarp.com/swa303385.htm ). In the comments from authors, it was mentioned that I should write an article on How To Leave Constructive Comments. I began thinking how to do this since I respect the opinions left as comments on my articles. So what makes a comment worthwhile?
D on't Point Out Problems Unless You Have an Alternative Solution
It is very easy to destroy someone else's thoughts or beliefs, but if you can not offer any better solutions, then you should not type at all. It is like in life, don't criticize someone else's work unless you can offer a better solution.
Remember that the article was not written by a machine, the person who wrote it has feelings too
This is where the content reminder is most important. It is easy to attack a person through a comment, especially since you can not see them face to face. Use that test, if the person was standing right in front of you-would you still say it? More than likely the author feels strongly about the topic about which they wrote and your comment needs to respect those feelings.
Use Specific Examples
Instead of commenting badly on an author's grammar or usage, give examples of improvement. Instead of saying "I could hardly understand your point because of bad grammar or rambling," say "paragraph 3 is too wordy and I was having a hard time following your point." Or "There is a grammar mistake in such and such sentence." If they misuse a word over and over, tell them the exact word. Don't make generic statements. Also know for sure if you are going to criticize. I have seen examples where people have attacked a person's sentence structure and not only were there no mistakes in the sentence structure, they misspelled words while doing so. So just think before you offer criticisms. Most authors like hearing ways in which they can improve on their writing, but tread lightly on the tone of the comment.
Always Start With A Positive
If an article has moved you to post a comment, then more than likely there is a positive you can find. Even if it is something like "Your article was very moving." Then go into the constructive issues you would like to address. Even just thanking a writer for addressing a specific topic can be complimentary.
Only say something that you would want said to you
The golden rule is something that applies to all areas of life. Leaving comments is no different. It is important to think how you would feel if someone left the comment you left. If you would find it helpful or thought provoking-it is worth leaving. If you found it hurtful or demeaning-maybe you should delete and try again.
These tips are not to discourage you from leaving constructive comments. It is just designed to make disagreements and conversations on the web become more cordial. I always say that the best thing about the internet is to bring together different views, opinions, conversations all to one place. Comments allow this to happen. So enjoy talking with the authors, but remember basic respect.
This Article has been viewed 4,817 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (8 total)Great tips for commentators! As an author, however, I do try to take all comments with a grain of salt. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, no matter if I disagree with them. When I finally decide to submit an article, it means that I am happy with it. Just because someone might offer a negative opinion of it does not mean that I have to change how I feel about it. Politeness has it's place, but sometimes it is instructive to see how something you have written was perceived by the reader. And the polite approach will not always accomplish this as it takes the reader's emotions out of the equation. I feel it is my job as an author to have confidence in what I have written and not let a reader's comments upset me. That said, I still think your article is very good.Dianne,Thanks for commenting!I am agree with you.
Nimesh - Perception System
Terrific, Dianne. Good reminders.
I guess when an author of an article says it all and leaves liitle else to be added, your article that has been viewed nearly 900 times on how to leave constructive comments only gets one comment. I couldn't let that happen so here i am with basically nothing more to add to your complete and excellent article! lolMyla-Thanks for the laugh! You are way too kind! Thanks so much for commenting!
Stephany, Great article. I'm guilty of not commenting at all, most of the time. Two things prompted me to comment on this article. First, that "start with a positive." It reminded me of when I was an instructor in the Navy. They told is in Instructor School that when critiquing a student's work we should begin with what was good about it before discussing what was bad about it. I took this to heart. I soon became famous among my students for the "... BUT, ..." Some students commented that when they brought their work to me for grading, they waited in dread of the "... BUT, ..." I still think it's a good approach to criticism. At least it doesn't sound like flaming, and it indicates that the reader actually read and thought about the article. Second thing that prompted me to comment was that your article (and some of the comments) left me wondering, how is a writer to handle the non-constructive comments? As Dianne Lehmann said, we mustn't let a reader's comments upset us. However, I found myself with something of an ethical dilemma on my own Web site. I promised myself at the outset that I would accept all comments, but when the comments started coming, a huge proportion were clearly insincere. (My favorite example said, "I didn't read this story, but I'm sure it sucks.") If I were to include these meaningless ratings, my readers would have no idea which stories were well received by other readers who expressed an honest opinion. I caved! The ratings on my Web site do not include ratings from readers who left a comment that demonstrated insincerity. (I ramble. Maybe I should write a story about it!) Again, great article. Maybe it should be required reading before a visitor is allowed to comment!
I agree with Myla - what type of comment do you leave on an article so well written on leaving comments. I do take comments on my blog to heart and maybe I shouldn't especially after reading the comments left by Chuck.
Good article! In my mind, however, the negative (even nasty) ones still have their value. If someone is moved enough to comment on ANYTHING in today's passive environment, you have struck a chord. As Dianne said, my opinion isn't going to change, but in reading my article their opinion was threatened enough for them to feel defensive, leaving the opportunity for them to question what they believe and change their mind. I see a negative comment as a ray of hope that I may have reached someone- and a positive one as an affirmation that I am on the right track.In my mind, the only "bad" comment is none at all!
Lots of good advice in your article Stephany. I'm fairly new to SearchWarp and must say I really enjoy getting feedback from other writers. I like to comment on other's work as well. Writing is a very personal thing and when somone puts so much of themselves and their time into something and are willing to share it like SearchWarp writers do, I think they deserve to be read and to receive thoughtful, positive feedback.
Stephany, five key points! This meant a lot to me tonight. Also, the personal does matter, and we cannot know all of what a writer or a commenter is going through, personally, when we comment on their writing or read their comments. I am reminded of this again and again. The private dimension matters here and everywhere, in shopping malls, grocery stores, and everywhere we go and bump up against other elbows and words. Happy New Year 2010! ~Jean
Great piece Stephany and it must be a topic that needs review because before I read this one I submitted another of my own along the same lines! Marijo
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