Critique Etiquette

Yup. It's another Black Pearl bitch fest. I can't help it, there's always so much bullshit to wade through in those threads.

We're going to talk about Critiques and etiquette. This has always been one of those tricky topics that can quickly turn ugly. Generally, people are pretty good about critiques. They'll ask for some opinions on their latest work and, generally, they do care about what others have to say. The same goes for those critiquing. Usually, everyone is helpful and fair.

Usually. Usually... 

But you've always got some complete morons who just like to hear themselves talk. 

If you're asking for critiques

Don't ask for critiques if you're just going to brush them all off.

Take into consideration what others have to say, especially if they've taken the time to provide references that may help you.

Answering every critique with "It's supposed to be like that" or "it's too late to fix that" is lazy, rude and inconsiderate.

If you're going to say that your work is correct when compared to your reference - then show it! So many artists (using that term reaaaal loosely, folks) have lately been referring to these mystery references that they're unwilling to show. What are you hiding, bro? It makes you look very untrustworthy.

On a related note, understand that even if you think something is correct and even if your reference is showing it to be more-or-less accurate, it may still be wrong. Or it may just be aesthetically displeasing. The best artists get this and work to overcome it.

If you ask for critiques and then choose to ignore them, don't be surprised when people stop answering. Don't play the victim. No one is ignoring you. We're all just tired of your bullshit.

If the same critiques keep coming up it probably means it's something you need to work extra hard at. A big part of improving in knowing your weaknesses and working to overcome them.

If you're critiquing

Be nice. Shouldn't even have to say this.

If you see a problem, especially with anatomy, try to find a reference that you think exemplifies what the artist should be aiming for. This is usually more helpful than saying something like "the hocks look weird."

If someone posts a work-in-progress, don't be stupid and tell them the horse's eyes aren't finished, or that it's hooves are missing. No shit, Sherlock.

Try to leave personal preferences out of it. We've all got things we like to see on coats. Maybe you like big manes. Or lots of accessories. These things aren't really critique worthy. It's one thing to suggest the artist add some embellishments, it's another to expect them to bedeck their horse out in gem-studded armor.

If an artist isn't receptive to your critique, don't press it. At the end of the day, they're responsible for the quality their own work. Your critique may be fair and accurate but it isn't worth turning it into a debate.

The Battle Cry of the Computer Illiterate

I know you've heard it before.

You're experiencing site issues. Maybe Howrse is loading slowly but other websites are behaving normally. Maybe the Howrse team botched another promotion and it isn't working as it should. Maybe your competitions are full but will not run. Maybe an auction you won is taking a very long time to finalize. You're fairly certain it isn't a computer problem. So you venture to the message boards and ask what's going on. Within seconds, someone responds with "clear your cache and cookies".

This, my friends, is nearly always bad advice. Clearing your cache and cookies deletes your Temporary Internet files - things like multimedia content that allows your browser to load your favorite websites more quickly. Cookies, on the other hand, save information from your browser such as login information or browsing preferences.

So what does all this have to do with a legitimate site problem? Absolutely nothing.

Generally, I advise players not jump to clearing their cache and cookies at the first sign of a problem. "Clear your cache and cookies" is pretty much the battle cry of the computer illiterate. Unless you're having problems with something like your login, or loading page content, don't be so quick to clear your cache and cookies. It's almost always bad advice from stupid people looking to inflate their post counts.

Inhabitants of the Creative Space

The Creative Space is often a dark place. Let's explore the cliques, shall we?

The understated – These artists tend to be quite talented, but their mild (and often agreeable) personalities fail to bring them much praise. Regardless, for what they lack in fanfare they more than make up for in ability. Their quiet confidence speaks volumes to their talent and maturity.

The complainer – You know them. They've always got something to whine about and it's almost almost always something that everyone else is also dealing this – thus making it a none issue. Let it be known that some of these bitchers are quite talented. However, when half your posts are complaining about the Creation Space terms of use or how much of a travesty it is that your coat didn't make it in last month the quality of your work kind of diminishes.

The unnecessary critiquer – “Hey, ummm... You're going to draw the eye, right?” Nope. I was obviously going to just leave that part out.

The off-topicer – “Hey guys, want to see the wolf/dragon/cat/original character I drew?” No. We don't. Extra points if these off-topic exploits are angst-ridden and/or point you to an off-site art gallery.

The WIP hoarder - “Hey, you know that coat you all told me you liked? I scrapped it. Check out this Gypsy Vanner I'm doing now! And this pony! I might try drawing the horse I lease too!”

The over-sharer – We get it. You're working on a new coat but please understand you do not need to update us with every single brush stroke you do.

The enforcer – These guys travel in packs and hunt for any uncredited reference or lineart they can find. Hey, I get it, respecting copyright and intellectual property is a big deal, but we don't need to converge en masse or jump to nasty conclusions when a civil discussion will suffice. If there's a problem, escalate it to the moderator and stop throwing your imagined weight around.

The advertiser – This artist only shows up when the voting period is open. They're just here to garner votes and clog up the forum. Extra points if they post on every page and across multiple servers.

The embellisher – They drew a decent coat once. They've now submitted it in over ten different colors.

Thoughts? Did I miss anyone?