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.

Maybe You're the Problem

If you need to end all your posts apologizing for your "bluntness" or "rudeness" and explaining that it wasn't intentional, maybe you should stop being such a tactless bitch.

Just a thought. Didn't mean to sound rude or anything.

Filling Etiquette and Expectations

I've talked about unspoken etiquette rules in the past. Today I'd like to discuss some of the finer points of filling. 

Filling a competition, as you all know, is when lower skilled horses are entered alongside a horse you are actively trying to BLUP. These fillers close the race out and get you your wins more quickly. Fillers also lessen the likelihood that your horse will lose to another, more skilled, entrant. To completely fill a competition you'll need the help of friends/teammates, or access to other accounts via Account Sharing. 

Many players agree that it is poor etiquette to enter a competition that another player is actively filling. By actively filling, I mean that the player is fully closing out the competitions in a timely manner. Jumping in with a better horse when the competition is awaiting one last entrant is frowned upon.

Of course, Howrse itself has no rules to govern this. Technically, you may piggyback off of fillers belonging to another player. Nothing can stop you. It is a dirt-bag thing to do but that's your choice to make. Just don't be surprised when you find yourself getting smashed in the future.

Just remember that etiquette always goes both ways. Too often I see players get their panties in a bunch and claiming someone is "stomping" them or "hijacking" their fills even though they are not making the effort to fully close their competitions.

You cannot leave a competition sitting at 3/5 or 4/5 and expect someone else to finish filling it for you. Complaining when someone beats you in this instance is hypocritical because, of course, you wouldn't get mad at a player who entered your partially filled competition and lost. If a competition has been sitting open for a while it's absolutely fair game.

Don't hijack competitions that are in the process of closing, but don't expect others to do your work for you. 

I'M QUITTING

A major update! Queue the whining and threats of quitting.


I hate the Equestrian Center changes, I'm quitting!
Just like I threatened to quit after the last Equestrian Center changes!
And like I threatened to quit after the addition of the Great Challenge!
And when you added the VIP accounts!
And when you changed the way the horses looked!
And when you changed the site layout!
And when you added unicorns!



For real, though. Shut up. If you're going to bitch at least do it with some conviction.

Tantrums Are Always the Answer

Hey, kids! Here's what to do if someone is better than you. 

Accuse them of cheating and publicly whine about it. That will totally solve all your problems. Because remember, if they're winning it isn't because you need to work harder.