| Author |
 Topic  |
|
SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
 Posted - 28 Jun 2006 : 13:07:36
|
quote:
Originally posted by Alaundo
Most of the fault lies in the way that critism is delivered. My aim is not to supress any critism, but to think about the way it is written and how you may come across. We have already seen some examples of how a few wrongly worded statements have prevented others from even looking at the book. One persons view is entirely different from anothers and bad vibes are easily spread and can get out of control.
Can you please just point me to a thread that had such "wrongly worded statements" that "prevented others from even looking at the book."
Because, no offense to any members or moderators, but while I enjoy reading some of your comments, the day I let my purchase decisions rest soley in your hands is the day it's time to stop coming to these forums.
Case in point, everyone's overwhelming positive about "Blackstaff." After reading the sample chapter, sorry Mr. Schend, I'll take a look at the novel when I visit my local B&N when I'm escaping the teens near my job. But, I'm not going to rush out to purchase it despite everyone else's excitement.
Case in point, there was some very strong criticisms against Richard Baker's first two novels in "The Last Mythal" trilogy. Did that stop me from picking up the third novel? Nope.
Sorry Candlekeep, I'm not that into you that I give you power over my Amazon credit card. |
 |
|
|
SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2006 : 13:09:16
|
quote:
Originally posted by Kentinal
It is more about how one posts, I think. War of the Spider Queen got some very negitive comments last year IIRC.
Can you do me a favor and point out what posts for WOTSQ were "very negative?" Because, again, that series had a large number of fans as well who were equally vocal to my recollection.
|
|
|
|
SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2006 : 13:12:02
|
quote:
Originally posted by Alaundo
Quite right, Kentinal, that was my point. And a good example too. WotSQ did receive some critism, particular concerning a certain drow mage. Some of the comments were downright disrespectful. Why!? No problems with the writing style etc. just that some fans didn't want this particular thing to happen... that's the type of wrong negativity and badly worded feedback that I dislike. Scenes from Misery spring to mind!
Again, which comments were disrespectful? And as a moderator to bring up the movie you mentioned,....you want to compare some of the people who visit and enjoy your forum to a deranged murderer?
Interesting. |
|
|
|
SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2006 : 13:16:27
|
quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
I think so too, and that's a good thing.  But I hope the forum doesn't become so heavily policed that people become afraid to make their opinions known. That's another way a forum can become less fun.
Sorry, but we are already at that level. I won't post anything negative ever again about an FR work. The mindset of the moderators is what I feared in expressing how I felt about certain aspects of "The Final Gate." Moreover, judging by the response I got from others via private message, I wasn't alone in holding such reservations.
Regardless, this is Alaundo's forum and he can do what he likes. I just appreciate that he finally put clearly out in the open what I felt was the unofficial rule for quite some time here.
I just think it's sad to see this place take a step towards becoming more like the WOTC boards. |
|
|
|
SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2006 : 13:26:09
|
quote:
Originally posted by Hoondatha
Ah, but what if you actually think that something is the worst product ever? I might actually be tempted to argue that if we had run a Book Club about RotA (fortunately, we didn't). Sometimes hyperbole isn't.
Hoondatha, I'm going to use what you just said as an example, and please don't take offense as you're not alone in what you expressed in the above quote.
However, I find it interesting that if there was a comment made about "ROTA" being the worst FR novel ever or some strongly negative comments about that trilogy...would it fall under posters being told they needed to "take a step back?"
I doubt so and here's why. Troy Denning doesn't come to this forum. Thus, people will run over that man's work, back up again, circle around, get out, check to make sure he's down, and then back up again for one more pass.
It's just funny that one of the most maligned authors on this board doesn't come here. Perhaps that's just a conincidence. I don't think so, but that's just my opinion.
So, are we really talking bout being courteous to all authors/designers in our posts? Or just the ones that visit here? |
|
|
|
Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5695 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2006 : 15:01:25
|
Thanks to those who saw that I was getting at initially and explaining it better than I appeared to do  , and for the many comments on this subject.
Sirius, in response to your requests to point out particular instances, unfortunately I cannot as I believe they have been removed and\or edited to a point. If a post breaks the Code of Conduct then a moderator will contact the poster and request that it be edited, else in extreme cases edit it directly to remove the offending statement.
I'm sorry you feel the way about Candlekeep, Sirius. I'm sure there is a reason that you choose to remain, despite all this, however 
Again, i'm glad that my point has been made clear by others, and hope that we can all now get along and enjoy the forums  |
Alaundo
Candlekeep Forums Head Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
An Introduction to Candlekeep - by Ed Greenwood
The Candlekeep Compendium - Tomes of Realmslore penned by Scribes of Candlekeep
|
|
|
|
SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2006 : 15:08:17
|
quote:
Originally posted by Alaundo
Sirius, in response to your requests to point out particular instances, unfortunately I cannot as I believe they have been removed and\or edited to a point. If a post breaks the Code of Conduct then a moderator will contact the poster and request that it be edited, else in extreme cases edit it directly to remove the offending statement.
How unfortunate. Well, if another situation arises where you feel the mood has shifted negative in a thread and it's interfering with the site's feng shui please point it out to me privately. I'm very curious to see what was so bad that it necessitated this, in my opinion, very melodramatic post.
And if the posts are being removed, is the person not being disciplined? Why then are others who follow the rules being lectured? Aren't we the good ones?
quote:
I'm sorry you feel the way about Candlekeep, Sirius. I'm sure there is a reason that you choose to remain, despite all this, however
All about the love for you big guy. How's that for being positive? |
|
|
|
Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5695 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2006 : 15:15:14
|
[quote]Originally posted by SiriusBlack
How unfortunate. Well, if another situation arises where you feel the mood has shifted negative in a thread and it's interfering with the site's feng shui please point it out to me privately. I'm very curious to see what was so bad that it necessitated this, in my opinion, very melodramatic post.
And if the posts are being removed, is the person not being disciplined? Why then are others who follow the rules being lectured? Aren't we the good ones?
[quote]
It is the job a the moderators to protect the forum as a whole. Leaving offensive or disrespectful posts on a forum would certainly be a ridiculous move and i'm sure most people would not to read such posts.
In a very small number of some cases, members have been banned or suspended in the past. |
Alaundo
Candlekeep Forums Head Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
An Introduction to Candlekeep - by Ed Greenwood
The Candlekeep Compendium - Tomes of Realmslore penned by Scribes of Candlekeep
|
|
|
|
SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2006 : 15:18:08
|
Then if the posts are being removed, I'm at a loss as to how the mood of the boards could be negative?
If a post is gone it doesn't leave an aura behind does it? I mean we aren't in the movie, "The Grudge" are we? |
|
|
|
Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5695 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2006 : 15:19:21
|
quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
Regardless, this is Alaundo's forum and he can do what he likes. I just appreciate that he finally put clearly out in the open what I felt was the unofficial rule for quite some time here.
The owner of the Candlekeep site, I may be. But the forum is pretty much run by all of you here. Sure, I do the administration, but without all you FR fans and the authors\designers who frequent this place, it would be quite pointless and static. I therefore see it my responsibility to ensure that this forum feels as comfortable as possible for all involved, whether you're a constant contributor, lurker, author\designer or whatever. Is it not natural to protect something you love?
quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
I just think it's sad to see this place take a step towards becoming more like the WOTC boards.
Exactly. WotC banned novel discussions due to a similar reason, IIRC. I wasn't there at the time and was never a frequent visitor of the WotC sites, so apologies if i'm wrong. |
Alaundo
Candlekeep Forums Head Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
An Introduction to Candlekeep - by Ed Greenwood
The Candlekeep Compendium - Tomes of Realmslore penned by Scribes of Candlekeep
|
|
|
|
Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5695 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2006 : 15:21:58
|
quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
Then if the posts are being removed, I'm at a loss as to how the mood of the boards could be negative?
If a post is gone it doesn't leave an aura behind does it? I mean we aren't in the movie, "The Grudge" are we?
Not all posts are removed, only severe cases. The posts that I stated as changing the mood are borderline and thus remain.
Then maybe it is as Rinonalyrna has stated at the start of this discussion, that I am seeing it as more of an issue than it is, as I do get to see the posts that many do not, due to coming across them and having to remove\edit them. |
Alaundo
Candlekeep Forums Head Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
An Introduction to Candlekeep - by Ed Greenwood
The Candlekeep Compendium - Tomes of Realmslore penned by Scribes of Candlekeep
|
|
|
|
SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2006 : 15:23:49
|
quote:
Originally posted by Alaundo
quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
I just think it's sad to see this place take a step towards becoming more like the WOTC boards.
Exactly. WotC banned novel discussions due to a similar reason, IIRC. I wasn't there at the time and was never a frequent visitor of the WotC sites, so apologies if i'm wrong.
I'm sure it's happened, but I can't recall seeing a post at this site that approached the daily rudeness on the WOTC boards. If you are comparing whatever "negativity" that has gone on here recently to WOTC's old novel forums, you are doing a disservice to the people that come here.
Moreover, you are doing a disservice to yourself and other moderators who unlike the WOTC moderators I dealt with can actually find their own.....nevermind, was about so slip off into negativity there. Sorry. |
|
|
|
SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2006 : 15:25:37
|
quote:
Originally posted by Alaundo
Then maybe it is as Rinonalyrna has stated at the start of this discussion, that I am seeing it as more of an issue than it is, as I do get to see the posts that many do not, due to coming across them and having to remove\edit them.
This may delve into the way to personal, but are you okay? Because that's the first thing I thought of when I saw your post....something is going on personally with you. If so, sorry you have been troubled by anything that happens here and I hope things turn around for you. |
|
|
|
Mace Hammerhand
Great Reader
Germany
2296 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2006 : 16:06:04
|
Alaundo,
it would really be helpful to know what is considered inappropriate, if criticizing a novel or a sourcebook is inappropriate then there is no bleedin' point in discussing it. Sometimes the language used may be a little harsh, which is ok as long as it is not personally insulting.
The tone of the posts may also be 'victim' of subjective perception. I have, in most cases, no problem with rudeness(again as long as it isn't directed at a person), if an author takes rude critique personally that, again is a personal problem. Also, since the writers who frequent this board are all adults, one should know when to fade out. If I, for example, were to call a plot silly, it is the plot not the person.
There are things I cannot stand, which are basically: nonsense polls on who is the most powerful, posters who like to make themselves way more important than they actually are, and stupid comments by mostly people who use a random string of letters/numbers as their nick, no matter how good or bad they are.
Please tell/show us what you mean, Alaundo. Because if Sirius basically pinpointed the issue I have no real interest in posting my comments to any novel here either. |
Mace's not so gentle gamer's journal My rants were harmless compared to this, beware! |
|
|
|
Skeptic
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1273 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2006 : 16:23:37
|
quote:
Originally posted by Winterfox
You want to see harsh and angry? Try tracking down a log of Anne Rice's Blood Canticle Amazon reviews. What we have on this forum is downright mild.
The Blood Canticle case is something FR didn't get yet : a very talended author end her 10+ book series with a total crap.
Imagine it with Drizzt, Arylin or Elminster, I'm pretty sure the reviews would be as much bad |
|
|
|
Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5695 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2006 : 16:28:24
|
quote:
Originally posted by Mace Hammerhand
Alaundo,
it would really be helpful to know what is considered inappropriate, if criticizing a novel or a sourcebook is inappropriate then there is no bleedin' point in discussing it. Sometimes the language used may be a little harsh, which is ok as long as it is not personally insulting.
The tone of the posts may also be 'victim' of subjective perception. I have, in most cases, no problem with rudeness(again as long as it isn't directed at a person), if an author takes rude critique personally that, again is a personal problem. Also, since the writers who frequent this board are all adults, one should know when to fade out. If I, for example, were to call a plot silly, it is the plot not the person.
There are things I cannot stand, which are basically: nonsense polls on who is the most powerful, posters who like to make themselves way more important than they actually are, and stupid comments by mostly people who use a random string of letters/numbers as their nick, no matter how good or bad they are.
Please tell/show us what you mean, Alaundo. Because if Sirius basically pinpointed the issue I have no real interest in posting my comments to any novel here either.
Somebody pointed out earlier that comments against an authors professionalism etc. are what aren't permitted. This has been the case and the type of post which has had to be removed. I'm sure you can understand this? |
Alaundo
Candlekeep Forums Head Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
An Introduction to Candlekeep - by Ed Greenwood
The Candlekeep Compendium - Tomes of Realmslore penned by Scribes of Candlekeep
|
|
|
|
Winterfox
Senior Scribe
895 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2006 : 16:52:27
|
quote:
Originally posted by Skeptic
The Blood Canticle case is something FR didn't get yet : a very talended author end her 10+ book series with a total crap.
Imagine it with Drizzt,
No comment.  (Mind you, with Drizzt, I think -- again -- the most fans seem able to muster is either contemptuous eye-rolling or mild boredom. I suppose that says something about the initial quality of the books in the first place.)
And then, of course, there was Anne Rice's "rebuttal." |
Edited by - Winterfox on 28 Jun 2006 16:53:59 |
|
|
|
Skeptic
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1273 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2006 : 17:06:14
|
quote:
Originally posted by Winterfox
No comment. (Mind you, with Drizzt, I think -- again -- the most fans seem able to muster is either contemptuous eye-rolling or mild boredom. I suppose that says something about the initial quality of the books in the first place.)
And then, of course, there was Anne Rice's "rebuttal."
I don't know if you were a Rice fan (I was) but no, there is no way to compare Dark Elf trilogy -> Two swords trilogy to The vampire Lestat -> Blood Canticle.
Even if I'm still a Drizzt/RAS fan, I can say his last trilogy was repetitive, but there was some great stuff too.
|
Edited by - Skeptic on 28 Jun 2006 17:09:03 |
|
|
|
Winterfox
Senior Scribe
895 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2006 : 17:11:48
|
| Oh, certainly, I acknowledge and appreciate the difference -- Blood Canticle (and the infamous rebuttal) is an example of the batty insane; The Two Swords trilogy is merely insipid. |
|
|
|
Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36803 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2006 : 17:38:58
|
I think some people are mistaking Big Al's intent, here.
We do want people discussing books and products. And we're not asking for silence if you dislike a novel/product, we're just asking that any such discussions stay reasonable.
Are you tired of Drizzt Do'Urden? Fine, then say you're tired of him. But be constructive. Say "I feel this character hasn't changed very much, despite being in seventy-three different trilogies." Don't say "This guy sucks ass. RAS should be shot for continuing to pump out this drek." The former post is constructive, the latter is not.
Similarly, if a product does not meet your standards or expectations, explain why. Don't just blast it as "the biggest waste of paper since the Ken Starr report." That doesn't help anyone. Saying that you want less crunch, more lore, indices and regional maps is constructive and useful, and it says why you aren't satisfied.
And blasting the authors/designers isn't useful, either. Rather than "this guy didn't care about these seventeen other products; he just wanted to change this" isn't constructive, and it's ascribing a motive to someone when you don't truly know the motive. The change could have been dictated to him, or he may have been unaware of prior lore. Granted, we all want internal consistency, but sometimes, mistakes happen. Asking the writer is better than blasting him. We're just trying to keep everything civil. Not positive, but civil.
We are not asking for people to withhold complaints. We just want them to be constructive and useful. If you don't like something, by all means, discuss why you don't like it. But make it a discussion, something that can be reasonably debated. Don't just flame someone or something.
That's all we're asking for. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
|
|
|
Chosen of Bane
Senior Scribe
USA
552 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2006 : 17:55:46
|
Well said Wooly. I was thinking similar thoughts as I read through this scroll but you put words to my thoughts perfectly.
Complaints about novels and sourcebooks are fine, insulting authors is not apporpriate in my opinion. |
|
|
|
GothicDan
Master of Realmslore
USA
1103 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2006 : 19:07:14
|
I know I'm going to risk being "tongue-lashed" for this, but...
To me, it doesn't seem like the posters are the only ones contributing to this mood.
I was asked for my opinion in a recent thread; ASKED, directly, by a designer himself. And I replied. I replied in a very calm, thoughtful manner. No name-calling, no pointing fingers, just observations about how I felt, what I thought.
And the response I got was anything but positive.
It makes me wary of ever saying anything about a supplement or novel again. |
Planescape Fanatic
"Fiends and Undead are the peanut butter and jelly of evil." - Me
"That attitude should be stomped on, whenever and wherever it's encountered, because it makes people holding such views bad citizens, not just bad roleplayers (considering D&D was structured as a 'forced cooperation' game, and although successive editions are pointing it more and more towards a me-first, min-max game, the drift away from 'we all need each other to succeed' will at some point make it 'no longer' D&D)." - ED GREENWOOD |
|
|
|
Kuje
Great Reader
USA
7915 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2006 : 19:11:15
|
quote:
Originally posted by Hoondatha
or there's been a spate of products that annoy us, or both.
I thought about this yesterday and I didn't say anything, but this could be a factor and it is sometimes for me. I'm not going to comment more about this, but lately a lot of the material, or other things, has annoyed me. |
For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet and excite you... Books are full of the things that you don't get in real life - wonderful, lyrical language, for instance, right off the bat. - Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium |
|
|
|
El Magnifico Uno
Learned Scribe
113 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2006 : 19:47:55
|
quote:
I was asked for my opinion in a recent thread; ASKED, directly, by a designer himself. And I replied. I replied in a very calm, thoughtful manner. No name-calling, no pointing fingers, just observations about how I felt, what I thought. And the response I got was anything but positive.
I'm gonna go out on a limb here GothicDan and guess that the harsh response was probably due in no small part to your posts in the recent past.. It would appear from reading your posts that you are perhaps a tad biased towards a select group of former designers  .. One could also interpret your posts as saying that anything not produced by that select group isn't worth the paper it is printed on, and that all other designers are inept nitwits that destroy pure art with their amateurish fumbling  .. Now I'm not saying that you do indeed feel this way (more than likely you don't and you do appreciate good contributions from other designers), but it is possible that some of your posts could draw a reader to a negative conclusion.. And if that reader happens to be a designer, well then they might might feel inadequate, get defensive, and/or post irritable responses.. Now more than likely you are NOT some fanatical FR cultist who kneels at the shrine of a divine trinity of past and somewhat present designers.. However, you (like everyone) have your particular tastes and as you said in one post, you do defend them vehemently.. Unfortuantely, if the posts are not worded in a manner to be constructive (as mentioned by Wooly) they may grate on sensitive readers who are themselves often pulled between their desire to create a great Realms, and the realistic requirements of a functioning business and marketing needs.. So keep your chin up there bucko! .. Getting ripped to shreds by a designer is not the end of the world, it's just that designers opinion.. Just take a look at your posting and make sure there is something beneficial along with the gripes.. Would be a loss not to see your opinion shared..
As for the overall mood of Candlekeep, maybe some of y'all need to take a break from the forums for awhile?.. It's quite apparent that some of you really really love the Realms.. But sometimes you just need a short break.. If you find yourself continuously snapping at people, perhaps take a week off and not even look at the boards?.. When you return you'll probably feel alot more relaxed and you'll love the Realms even more (though I often wonder if that would even be possible for some of you ).. |
|
|
|
GothicDan
Master of Realmslore
USA
1103 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2006 : 21:05:20
|
I'll just say - read the thread. I gave my opinion, which was what was asked.
Now, I don't want to stray too far from the topic here, so I'll be quiet about that.
Moving on.
I will NOT give positive comments about something which I feel nothing positive about. I'm a formally trained debater; you don't praise the other side, you take down the planks, one by one.
I have not enjoyed ANYTHING that some designers have done. Why should I praise them for it?
When and if they DO do something I approve of, I WILL give praise. I do not want anyone here thinking that I'm being illogically negative just because I'm not illogically positive. :)
For instance, I think Rich Baker is a great writer, and really good at designing core products. I just don't like what he does generally with FR.
There's the negative and the positive. I hope I don't get in trouble for putting forth both sides of my opinion. :) |
Planescape Fanatic
"Fiends and Undead are the peanut butter and jelly of evil." - Me
"That attitude should be stomped on, whenever and wherever it's encountered, because it makes people holding such views bad citizens, not just bad roleplayers (considering D&D was structured as a 'forced cooperation' game, and although successive editions are pointing it more and more towards a me-first, min-max game, the drift away from 'we all need each other to succeed' will at some point make it 'no longer' D&D)." - ED GREENWOOD |
Edited by - GothicDan on 28 Jun 2006 21:40:21 |
|
|
|
Wenin
Senior Scribe
585 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2006 : 21:22:33
|
It can't all be bad, if it were the designer wouldn't have designed it. So there's obviously something they were aiming to achieve. Just because you can't see it, doesn't mean it isn't there.
Anyway you can always praise someone's effort. =) |
Session Reports posted at RPG Geek.
Stem the Tide Takes place in Mistledale.
Dark Curtains - Takes place in the Savage North, starting in Nesmé. I wrapped my campaign into the Hoard of the Dragon Queen, but it takes place in 1372 DR. |
|
|
|
GothicDan
Master of Realmslore
USA
1103 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2006 : 21:39:49
|
| That's the thing, though. We don't know what goes on behind the scenes. All we have are impressions based on what we see - the products. I know I'd really like to know exactly what's going on more behind the scenes at WotC. Perhaps it'd endear me to the system a little more. |
Planescape Fanatic
"Fiends and Undead are the peanut butter and jelly of evil." - Me
"That attitude should be stomped on, whenever and wherever it's encountered, because it makes people holding such views bad citizens, not just bad roleplayers (considering D&D was structured as a 'forced cooperation' game, and although successive editions are pointing it more and more towards a me-first, min-max game, the drift away from 'we all need each other to succeed' will at some point make it 'no longer' D&D)." - ED GREENWOOD |
|
|
|
Winterfox
Senior Scribe
895 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2006 : 21:46:38
|
quote:
Originally posted by Wenin
Anyway you can always praise someone's effort. =)
It's entirely possible to slave away at something for ten years and produce nothing more than an offering to the altar of mediocrity. Effort doesn't mean much when the result isn't all that great.
It also sounds like damning with faint praise to me, the kind of thing you resort to when you really have nothing positive to say. A bit like, "Oh, this book... er, is printed on very glossy paper. The font is readable and the pages hold together. Gosh." |
|
|
|
El Magnifico Uno
Learned Scribe
113 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2006 : 22:18:07
|
| Everybody needs a success to cling to Winterfox, even if it's just glossy paper ... And yes, it's absolutely damning with faint praise, but at least it mildly soothes the blow.. No need to be utterly cruel when somebody actually has the courage to write and get published (regardless of how incredibly mediocre their work may be).. |
|
|
|
Mkhaiwati
Learned Scribe
USA
252 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jun 2006 : 00:46:38
|
Well, I hope that posters that read this thread might reconsider what he or she writes when giving a review of a FR product. Hope springs eternal....
a couple of comments:
quote:
Some of this is natural. When you say that you didn't like X, and the next poster is almost dismissive about your concerns, and you feel that your opinion isn't being taken seriously, its easy to want to post, more vehemently, that you really didn't like X. But all that is really done in this case is to effectively make a multiple post in hopes that your opinion might be taken more seriously. On the other hand, when you see something like this, if you elaborate on why you disliked X, in a manner that might not only explain your opinion, but might bring up points that other scribes might find helpful, that is constructive.
Of course. Everyone needs to have their opinion validated. Often, I feel as if another poster may ignore my point, so I need to re-state my post in another manner. (This mean you, Kuje. Don't try and start that slaves and good deities discussion again. I have a sword and I am not afraid to use it .. here.. in.. Illinois...hmmm.. I might need to reconsider that action)
quote:
I'm looking forward to any and all comments on my first novel or other works, both the good and the bad. But there's only a handful people on this board who know me well enough to make personal comments about me (and they're kind enough to save those for personal email).
WHHHEEEEEEE!!!! Bring on the knives!
quote:
Thanks again, Alaundo and all ye kind moderators, for making this place a great resource and community. It's as kindly as Mother Tathlorn's and cheerful as the Beer Golem, but with slightly more interesting topics more often.
Beer Golem? care to elaborate? Did I miss something? A new villan for Khelben and His Distinct Lack of Humor?
Perhaps just a little more courtesy when replying would also be helpful. Pointing out that a poster has some goods points in an arguement instead of immediately jumping on the bad would also be good.
And finally, to quote my co-workers when I get too depressed or negative (Mr. Negativity), "Blah, blah, blah, blah! Bring on the dancing bears!"
Mkhaiwati |
"Behold the work of the old... let your heritage not be lost but bequeath it as a memory, treasure and blessing... Gather the lost and the hidden and preserve it for thy children."
"not nale. not-nale. thog help nail not-nale, not nale. and thog knot not-nale while nale nail not-nale. nale, not not-nale, now nail not-nale by leaving not-nale, not nale, in jail." OotS #367 |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
|
|
Current mood at Candlekeep
Topic Locked
