Official Everybody Edits Forums

jakery

Guest

Giving constructive feedback

For anyone who is interested, I have some advice for improving the feedback you provide to game/forum ideas.

If you agree/disagree with an idea, you could just write, "I like/dislike it."   Although this may encourage/discourage the OP from submitting more ideas, you can help much more. Get into detail; Give reasons for your overall opinion. If you don't know your exact reasons, think about the emotions you have when reading the idea, and think about why the idea caused those emotions.

Many ideas--some good and some bad--get struck down because "we don't need it." The problem is, you could say this about almost any idea. Technically, we only need food, water, shelter, clothing, and human interaction. We don't even "need" Everybody Edits. Instead of "Do we need it," ask yourself questions like these:

"How would this make EE better?"
"How would this make EE worse?"
"How does this idea change the way we use the game/forums? Is it good change, bad change, or both?"
"[Why] is EE better off without this idea?"
For new features: "Would lots of members use this or is it software bloat? Would I use it?"

-If something about the idea is unclear, ask questions for clarification.
-If an idea has been suggested before, say why it wasn't used.
-Even if the suggestion is the worst idea you've ever heard in your life, be respectful and try to give constructive feedback. For example, if the author didn't explain why his/her suggestion is a good idea, ask him/her one of the above questions.
-If you feel that your reply wouldn't add anything of value to the discussion, not replying to an idea is perfectly acceptable.
-Everyone is entitled to voice his/her opinion. If you want to be heard, don't be afraid to speak up.

Let's get a little bit meta; I'd like some feedback on this guide.

Last edited by jakery (Apr 25 2011 10:06:34 am)

Panic

Member

From: Virgo Supercluster

Joined: 2015-05-26

Posts: 1,114

Re: Giving constructive feedback

I like this guide. 1smile1 I find that almost no one actually does these things while giving feedback. Usually everyone just gives short responses such as 'I like' and 'I don't like'. Some times when I'm trying to give feedback on an idea, people blame me for flaming, which is just stupid.
Also, I find that almost no one actually thinks about their ideas before posting them, much less actually make sure it hasn't been suggested before. The best example I can find of this is that '3D EE' idea by wobbufet or something. I read it and I was like *Maximum facepalm*.

My only problem with this thread is the chance that no one will read it. I don't seem to find people actually in Forum discussion.

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Betaguy

Guest

Re: Giving constructive feedback

jakery is deffintly the the best computer expert here 1bigsmile1

jakery

Guest

Re: Giving constructive feedback

My only problem with this thread is the chance that no one will read it. I don't seem to find people actually in Forum discussion.

I suppose there is always stickying...but even "READ THIS TOPIC BEFORE POSTING FOR THE LOVE OF GOD" goes unread by people who really need it.

Edit: Betaguy, you're going to make me blush. I like to think I know what I'm doing, but there are plenty of people on here who could give me a run for my money.

Last edited by jakery (Apr 25 2011 1:45:21 pm)

Pawlowic

Guest

Re: Giving constructive feedback

I think that this needs to be stickied...IT is a good guide! And people need it...Alot!

Luck

Guest

Re: Giving constructive feedback

Please marry me.
This is a very well written guide.
However, as with many things on the forums, people will most likely not read over this and comprehend it and actually put it to use. I suppose we can't help that, though.

jakery

Guest

Re: Giving constructive feedback

Do you think I should repost this in Game Suggestions?

Last edited by jakery (Apr 26 2011 9:13:41 pm)