Lens Critiques: Giving and Receiving Critiques on the SquidU Forum
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"Will You Critique My Lens?"
Asking for critiques at the SquidU forum is a useful way to find out just how good your lenses are. Other lensmasters can share their experience and tips that will really make your lens shine.
However, it could also be a demoralizing experience depending on how much improvement your lens needs and how sensitive you are to criticism. And, let's face it, occasionally people aren't as constructive as they could be when giving feedback.
This lens contains tips and advice for not only asking for critiques, but giving critiques as well.
However, it could also be a demoralizing experience depending on how much improvement your lens needs and how sensitive you are to criticism. And, let's face it, occasionally people aren't as constructive as they could be when giving feedback.
This lens contains tips and advice for not only asking for critiques, but giving critiques as well.
The SquidU Poll
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If Criticism Would Break Your Heart, Don't Ask
There's No Crying in Lens Building!
Only ask for critiques if you truly want critiques. If you're after praise, don't ask for opinions. You have to expect honest and constructive feedback.Most of the lensmasters on SquidU have a lot of experience building lenses. They know what works and what doesn't. You can only benefit from paying attention to what they say, because they can give you valuable tips.
Still, if you're pretty sure that even the slightest negative comment will make you snarl or burst into tears, don't bother. Just quietly do your thing and don't worry about how good your lenses are.
Before You Ask for a Critique...
Most lensmasters on SquidU have seen a lot of lenses, both good and bad. They also see a lot of posts from people asking for someone to critique their lenses. Sometimes it gets a little old when you find yourself repeating the same information over and over again.It's a good idea to do your own research and learn how to make good lenses before you start asking for critiques. If other lensmasters can see that you put a lot of effort into your lens and took the time to find most of the answers yourself, they'll be more inclined to help you.
For more tips, read Kimberly Dawn Wells' post about asking for critiques. This a list of common mistakes you can fix before you start asking for feedback.
How to Ask for Critiques
When you decide that your lens is ready for some critiques, go ahead and post it to the Critique Me forum. But before you do, keep these tips in mind:- Choose the right category. When you ask for a critique, always post it in the Critique Me forum.
- Don't spam. Posting multiple threads asking for a critique is a no-no.
- Give your post a good title. "Please critique my lens about hamsters" is informative and will probably get more attention than "tell me what you think."
- Copy and paste the entire URL of your lens in the post. It's much more courteous than making people click on your name to find your lens, especially if you made more than one. Extra tip: Preview the post first and test the link to make sure it works!
- Ask nicely. Just ask if anyone would be kind enough to critique your lens, thank them in advance, that sort of thing.
- Tell us about your lens. What is your lens about? Who's your target audience? What are you hoping to accomplish with your lens? Information like this can help others give you better feedback.
- Be appreciative. It's good manners to thank everyone for taking the time to review your lens.
When Someone Bashes Your Lens
Most people in the forums will be upbeat and encouraging when critiquing your lens. Still, someone might say something that cuts you to the quick. If that happens, step away for a while. Don't respond immediately. You don't want to say something you might regret, and you don't want to start a flame war.Once you've cooled down, you can decide how to respond. Consider if there's truth in what he said. (There probably is.) Also, keep in mind that you may have misunderstood something. Maybe he didn't really mean to sound harsh and it just came off that way. You could always ask for clarification.
Hint: Don't respond with insults or put-downs, and avoid the temptation to get into a fight. If you can't respond civilly, it's better to say nothing at all.
Tips for Giving Critiques
- Provide details. If the lens isn't as good as it could be, tell him what he can do to make it better. Try to be specific. Instead of just saying, "You need more content," maybe you could expand on that by suggesting some topics and modules that would go perfectly with the lens.
- Explain why. Instead of just saying the paragraphs need to be shorter, for example, you could explain that people on the web tend to be impatient and skim rather than read. Sure, stuff like this may be screamingly obvious to you, but it's not necessarily obvious to everyone.
- Be courteous. I don't mean you should lie and tell someone their mediocre lens is wonderful. However, try to be tactful when giving criticism.
- Try to say something positive. Maybe he has a good writing style, solid information, or funny pictures. If he's doing something right, let him know. It may take some of the sting out of your criticism. Better still, he'll know what he should keep doing in the future.
When Someone Thinks You're Being Mean
If someone gets all bent out of shape over your well-intended criticism, what's your first thought? "You big baby, how dare you take offense at what I said!"Be careful. Getting defensive, being dismissive, or telling him to grow up is probably just going to stir him up even more.
You might be able to diffuse the situation by acknowledging his bruised ego. Maybe you could say something like, "Please don't think I'm trying to tear you down. I'm sorry if I came across that way."
This doesn't mean apologizing for your opinion! You might even want to proceed by politely explaining why his lens needs some changes.
Still, there are people who can't accept event the nicest critiques. If he still insists on picking a fight, you're probably better off just dropping it and moving on.
Things to Remember about Online Communication
- There's a live person behind every nickname and avatar. They have feelings, flaws, and egos like anyone else.
- No one can see your expression or hear your tone of voice. Without these clues, it's easy for other people to misinterpret what you say.
- Misunderstandings happen. It happens in real life, and it especially happens online.
- People use emoticons for a reason. While some believe emoticons are a sloppy and lazy way to clarify your writing, a well-placed smiley face can go a long way in softening your message.
- Some people are just jerks. You may occasionally run into someone who gets his jollies by being a pest. Avoid interacting with these types, because they're not worth your time.
- Flame wars make everyone look bad. They're as fascinating as train wrecks, I'll admit, but they're not worth getting involved in. They can damage your reputation.
Don't Take It Too Seriously
Squidoo is supposed to be fun! Don't obsess over lens critiques to the point that you can't enjoy making Squidoo lenses any more.Besides, as online communities go, SquidU is pretty friendly. Lensmasters are usually more than happy to help each other and give encouragement when needed.
When other lensmasters critique your lens, you can be sure of this much: They want you to succeed and make fantastic lenses.
Your Opinions
Do you have insights about giving and receiving lens critiques?
AlexandraHubbard wrote...
Great, Great lens. I love all the tips on critiques. Cute kitties too. 5*
Posted May 22, 2009
Mortira wrote...
This is great advice for anyone who uses the Critique Me forum. It can be hard to give (and receive) honest critiques sometimes, but your tips can give us more confidence.
One thing I wish more SquidU users would do is ask for specific information in their critique requests, not just "Is it good?". No lens is ever perfect, and it can be a bit dull pointing out typos or SEO tricks all the time. I'm much more likely to check out a lens if the lensmaster asks something like "Is it funny enough?" or "Should I add more pictures?".
5 stars and a 'roll!
Posted April 16, 2009
x3xsolxdierx3x wrote...
Found your lens through your signature on SquidU.....great job with this one! :) 5 stars
Posted April 10, 2009
by Victoria_Neely
I read, write, bake, and make Squidoo lenses. I like rubber ducks, old PC games, journals, animated films, Squidoo, and other neat stuff like that. (more)
