How to Write a Critique

As we know, that criticism can be destructive or constructive based on how the critic gives it.

Destructive criticism often attacks the lensmaster, picking on their poor judgment or name calling because of their choices. Destructive criticism is not only harmful, it's not tolerated on Squidoo or SquidU. Name-calling, bullying, flaming, and otherwise putting down other users is a bannable offense.

Somewhat less destructive criticism can range from being spiteful to mean, to just plain useless. We've all been told something we made sucks, which is totally useless if we're not sure how to make it un-suck.

The image below is courtesy of jaxxon via a Creative Commons license.

Constructive criticism points out the "things" that are wrong, and encourages users with tips for fixing them. It validates the work the user put into the lens and helps them move forward in a positive way, not feel bad that what they've already done isn't worthwhile. It gives them action-oriented direction to improve.

We all remember bullies from our early school years who were able to make us feel like junk just by how they said something. And we remember teachers who were able to empower us by teaching us how to do better. Often the message was the same, but the delivery was quite different. So how can you give a positive critique that both helps your fellow lensmasters succeed and makes you look like a superstar?

Imagine that you've just picked up a guide on how to use Squidoo. You've put together a lens on Squidoo and are submitting it for your first critique. Other lensmasters simply tear you apart. But you followed the directions! How were you to know you got some really bad advice?

Or maybe you're totally new to the internet, and you're only copying what you've seen. It's not your fault that you have seen a LOT of bad work. Maybe you don't know what spam or spambait means or looks like. Maybe you lost your job and were only doing what they told you to do on TV, and are trying to make a living selling items through affiliate programs. Is Squidoo not the place for that?

In this case, a critique can be devastating.

When you come across a lens that's totally off kilter from the kinds of things we love most at Squidoo, assume the lensmaster had the best intentions and didn't know it wasn't a good idea. Consider that the lensmaster attempted to create a lens on something safe - a product that's easy to sell, an item they can easily find information, and something that doesn't require them to share personal information. (While we all love personal lenses, most people really aren't keen on getting found online, so creating these doesn't come naturally to them.)

To help redirect them, try pointing out the techniques they used well, and how they could apply that to another topic. For example: "You did a great job sharing photos, writing about your topic, and organizing the lens. Unfortunately, I don't think this topic will get you far. Forex lenses are not allowed on Squidoo. But if you have a hobby or special interest you could create a lens on, I think you'll do a great job."

Image courtesy of carela via a Creative Commons license.

The quality of a lens has little to do with the quality or abilities of a lensmaster. You could have the most well-intentioned lensmaster creating short, half-baked lenses because they don't know any better. That same person may, with the right encouragement, turn into a superstar lensmaster with 150 niche lenses on their area of expertise. What can you say about the lens that will help the lensmaster achieve success? How can you phrase your advice so as to avoid putting down the author, while letting them know there are things on their lens that really need to be changed?

Instead of: "You obviously don't know what you're talking about, and you haven't bothered to have an original thought. All your stuff is copied from other websites."
Try: "There are some facts on the lens I'd suggest checking in to, such as 'sample phrase.' Some of the content was also found on other places online, which can cause problems with search engines AND can get your lens locked on Squidoo. How can you write original content that will help the reader?"

Avoid using opinions such as "it's obvious you haven't read the TOS" or "you don't seem to understand your topic." These assumptions breed ill-will and put the lensmaster on the defense right away.

Image courtesy of Christomopher and a Creative Commons license.

The critiques "I love it" and "needs work" are totally useless. Give the lensmaster something of value. If you love it, why do you love it? What about it is so great that they can be sure to use when they've moved on from small engine repair lenses and want to create a lens on their dog? If you think it needs work, why? What about it should be changed, so they can make it better and see immediate results?

(Besides helping the lensmaster get better, leaving something of value will help keep you from looking like you're spamming your links on the forum. Sad but true; it happens, and can also cause a loss of forum privileges.)

Image courtesy of pinkspleen and a Creative Commons license.

Some people thrive on being bullies and can't help but use an opportunity like this to vent. If you don't think you're good at wording critiques, or are known to be a little too forward, the Critique Me forum may not be the place for you. We do take name-calling and harassment seriously; we don't tolerate it on the forums.

This goes for lensmasters giving AND receiving a critique!

Image courtesy of blentley and a Creative Commons license.

If you're posting your link in the Critique Me forum, expect to get bad reviews. You may or may not, but you shouldn't expect all positive notes. Getting a critique isn't about getting all pats on the back; it's about learning how to be better. If you're not sure you're up for hearing any bad news in public, try finding a Mentor Match to work with you one on one. You can bounce ideas off your mentor and get great tips for improvement without putting yourself out there for critique just yet.

When you post your lens for a critique, you might receive feedback from a veteran lensmaster, a new lensmaster, or even a SquidStaffer. Remember, if you're not interested in receiving any and all feedback from anyone who sees it, this isn't the place to post.

Image courtesy of beardenb and a Creative Commons license.