The Althanas Suggestion Thread Returns Once More!

[Letho]

And anyway, writing on a site like Althanas and not wanting criticism on your writing is kind of going against the nature of the place. That's what we do here! It's the site's defining characteristic. I don't think there's ever been a case of someone being openly mocked for their low scores, at least not anytime in recent years.

This isn't a question of someone being mocked or anything, but rather of people being sensitive about their writing. True, you can argue that they shouldn't have posted it on a public forum, but not everything is so black and white. There are people who like to write with others, who want to be a part of a community, but are sensitive about their writing, people whose confidence is shaken when they read a bad review. Whether we approve, disapprove or dislike such an approach to writing really makes no difference. There are such writers and Althanas should be a place where they too can write. Unless we desire a community where like only people with giant egos and absolute confidence would write and dissect each other's writing.

I never even considered the possibility of EXP/GP being awarded behind closed doors. The score of the thread and the EXP/GP amounts would still be displayed at the end of the thread. Only the comments would be omitted and sent via PMs. As Task said, it probably wouldn't be fair for it to be a complete, thorough judgment (since it's for one person and one person only), but I don't see why would it be a problem for the judge to offer limited commentary on a specific quest via a PM. It's their quest and ultimately it should be their choice whether they wanted the final verdict to be public or not.

[MetalDrago]

I don't see a problem with writing the scores and EXP/GP award in the thread, and then having each player's individual pros and cons outlined in a PM. The idea of Althanas is to make them a better writer. I don't see how it matters one way or another how they are helped to get better, as long as they are helped.

[Kerrigan Muldoon]

I think that it might be useful to check if there is actually a need for this. I'm bluntly assuming that a more private comment on a thread is rarely asked for, since it has only been brought up now. If that's the case then I think it would be a dissaster if once in a long while someone gets his full review privately and a short version publicly.

[Alydia Ettermire]

I remember back about a year ago, we had options with judging: detailed, normal, little, and just numbers. I picked just numbers twice, and once I did get just numbers and nothing more, and the other time the judge PM'd me a little commentary, which I appreciated. I don't see how the request for private commentary is any different than that. Stick the numbers in the thread, PM the notes to the participants.

[Max Dirks]

I remember back about a year ago, we had options with judging: detailed, normal, little, and just numbers.

That is back! At least it's back whenever Serilliant finishes the coding.

[Visla Eraclaire]

So, the things that people are objecting to happening aren't happening, the change that people are requesting has pretty much always been available, God's in his heaven, all's right with the world.

[Kerrigan Muldoon]

Amen.

[Taskmienster]

I think that it might be useful to check if there is actually a need for this. I'm bluntly assuming that a more private comment on a thread is rarely asked for, since it has only been brought up now. If that's the case then I think it would be a dissaster if once in a long while someone gets his full review privately and a short version publicly.

((Emphasis mine))

The assumption that further commentary isn't asked for isn't necessarily true. I've been asked for further commentary by a lot of people through PM, after I offered it in a thread. Unfortunately two of those people, due to me being bogged down and not having time to review the ToC threads (VERY SORRY GUYS), weren't helped. But other than that I review the thread again and make more detailed commentary for just that person.

It's not really too much of a problem, a little extra work but if that's what the person wants then waiting a day or two and getting the judge to help out is always available. I noticed that Lord Angelkos does about the same thing as I do, saying that if you would like further commentary, suggestions, have a disappointment, or generally talk about a thread you can always PM or IM me and I will help as much as possible.

[Cyrus the virus]

I think that for the most part, say 9/10 times, judges nowadays have drifted away from styles which berate and beat down writers. I've seen some people get some harsh judgments, but it's always been because they powergamed or showed an utter lack of effort.

I think if somebody is so sensitive that constructive criticism is hurting their feelings, we shouldn't change for them. That considered, Task's earlier compromise on the subject is acceptable. I'd still prefer everything be public, though, since it just doesn't seem like there's a need to change.

[Lakin_of_DpN]

I would not be opposed to sending commentary via PM instead of posting it on the site. It wouldn't be that hard for judges. Just request that you get commentary as normal, but only numbers on the site and the commentary made sent via PM.

Your suggestion is an excellent improvement on mine. I see now, that completely private judgments would not work here. Numbers only, comments via messages—this would be great.