Are you comfortable with constructive criticism?

mette · Post by **mette** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 10:45 am

Hi all,

As a levelmaker who is always striving to get better at levelmaking, I value every bit of constructive critisism I can get. By constructive critisism I mean something like: "I didn't like this level very much because it became too tedious to push all those boxes in the excact same way" instead of just: "I didn't like this level". Constructive critisism as I see it, will help me make better levels for everyone to enjoy more.

It would be nice to know how other levelmakers would respond to constructive critisism like this. I would like to give constructive critisism, but I don't want to insult anyone or make anyone sad, and I don't know everybody well enough to know how they would react. As it is now, I find it easier to not comment on a level that I don't like, and that is counterproductive in my opinion.

So what I would like to know is: Are you comfortable with constructive criticism?

Mette

Loirae · Post by **Loirae** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 10:56 am

Good question Mette!

I'm like you. I'd love to know what works and what doesn't on my levels. I've noticed that people here are very nice for the most part and there is almost never a comment back to a level maker that says what isn't working. I've only made about 30 levels and I have no idea if I'm gong in the right direction for what most people here feel is good puzzling or not. I know everyone's preferences are different, but it would be great to know if I'm really off track in some area.

So, as for me and my levels, any one feel free to give constructive feedback on what you feel could be improved. and Mette, I'll be sure to let you know what I really think of your levels now.

Lillie · Post by **Lillie** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 11:23 am

It is a good question Mette

I would be totally comfortable with constructive critisism (just try it!!!

). Seriously - an excellent thread for debate! We do tend to be very "nicey nicey" about everyone's levels. I would hate though for anyone to get too constructive and upset someone. We all have different tastes in what type of puzzles we like so you can't always make everyone happy - unfortunately.

Construct away on my levels please. I know I get days when all I want to do is make levels and I sometimes probably put out too many in one day - that's the sort of thing I hope people will discuss too - and hopefully it will make me a better level maker

Salin · Post by **Salin** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 11:51 am

How can it be bad to post many levels? I am thrilled when you do that, Lillie.

As for the other issue, I would urge people to tell me if a level of mine is no good. Like Mette, I will be a better levelmaker, so that means that we NEED constructive critisism. Not that I make that many of them

But I don`t think it is constructive if everybody keeps telling they hate threes or UFOs, thats more like taste. Or?

Cat · Post by **Cat** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 2:50 pm

If constuctive critism will help make me a better level maker I am all for it.
I have been trying of different things to do or a way to make them harder.

At times I feel mine are to easy. Am I wrong?

I don't want any constructive critism on my textures just levels.

dkgiz · Post by **dkgiz** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 3:06 pm

hi all,

I have one of my rare moments actually logged on the forum

On the topic of constructive crtitsism, I don't make that many levels, but the few I make tend to get lost in the dephts of page 800

But noone tells me why? Is it because they are to hard, to boring or is it simply a question of: "He dosn't commet on any levels so I won't comment on his"

So fire ahead with the critisism, I have broad shoulders, and won't cry my self to sleep. not much anyway

.

DKgiz

Amadeus! · Post by **Amadeus!** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 3:15 pm

Are you comfortable with constructive criticism?

Emphatically Yes!

As a level creator, I have many blind spots that others can see, but I don't.
The only way I can grow as a level maker, is for someone to communicate what they think, whether it's good, bad or both.

Though I would private message my thoughts to that person, rather than posting it on their level.

drushing · Post by **drushing** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 6:08 pm

I have made a few levels and appreciated the feedback I received. I did not consider any of it negative. I was glad to help those who asked for help on the thread or pm'd me and I think that is part of the level making responsibility! Of course my kids levels were silly but hey they are for kids! I think constructive criticism does help a level maker improve. But also keep in mind that just because you don't like something in a level that doesn't mean the level maker should change it! It is their style. Also constructive criticism is not an open door to insult or belittle someone's efforts. If you have something really negative to say, I personally thing you should send a pm to the individual and include suggestions for improvement or at least why you thought it was such a bad level. There is nothing more discouraging or embarrassing than being slam-dunked in public. Just my opinion of course!

amy25 · Post by **amy25** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 6:40 pm

I definitely agree that constructive criticism is a good way for people to say what they like in the levels and what they have problems with. Personally, I enjoy making more kids levels so mine tend to be easy. If I have an issue with a level maker, I would pm them and let them know what I have troubles with in their levels if it is a constant thing that they do. That way the things I definitely enjoyed in their levels I can put in the level thread and let them know in private what I have problems with or issues.

I definitely want people to tell me if they have troubles with the harder levels that I might make once in a while. I do, however, ask that if you just don't like my levels, please tell me in a private message and not on the level thread so no one else needs to know about it. Thanks!

Loirae · Post by **Loirae** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 6:58 am

I'd like to test the waters on my own levels and ask people to post public constructive criticism. If I get one PM saying something doesn't work, it's hard to know if that's one opinion or more. But if it's posted publicly and then a string of "i think so too"s show up, I'll know the err is pretty universally felt.

Of course, I reserve the right to change my mind if I realize that I'm not as stone cold as I think I am and can't take the public humiliation .

popo · Post by **popo** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 9:02 am

If I like someone's levels but can't do them I will say so, but if I just don't like their levels then I wouldn't tell them. I figure it's me that's strange and not them, especially if other folks do like them. I wouldn't tell them in the hope that they will change their way of making them. After all it is their level and they can make it how they like. And don't forget that however you make a level there will always be someone who doesn't like it or can't do it or thinks it's way too easy.

You have to make levels that you enjoy, that way your personality comes out in them. If someone said to me that they didn't like the way I do that thing in my levels, then I would say 'Don't play em then!' Of course, if I actually ask you to tell me what you think of a certain level then I expect you to be brutally honest. We had to try and do this when making Secret Worlds. It would have been no good us all patting each other on the back for every level we made when really they were rubbish.

So I would say, unless someone asks for constructive criticism, don't give it.

mette · Post by **mette** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 12:09 pm

Thank you all for replying to my question

I'll keep your replys in mind when posting comments, and I'll do my best to be helpful and constructive without offending anybody

Mette