User blog comment:GreyOwl/Constructive Criticism/@comment-26326346-20160705190539

Mean, nonconstructive comments about stories irritate me to no end. It's easy to write a single sentence that derides what someone has written, but it is not easy for the writer to have put her/his heart and soul out there when making their story. It all adds up over time and can really tear a person down. I've gotten to the point where I've started responding rather snarkily to comments like "0/10" with things like, "Care to elaborate?" or "Wow, you've put so much thought and effort into your post. Hopefully the author expends as much effort reading and taking it into consideration." whenever I see them posted on someone else's work. I'm not saying it's the right reaction, nor am I encouraging other users to do it, but man, I want the authors to know that we aren't all that bad and that some of us appreciate the effort.

It's especially tiresome and anger-inducing to see those sort of comments directed at first time submitters, because we have a low enough retention rate among new writers and it gives a bad and misappropriate first impression of the community. A Creepypasta Wiki with more writers that make original content is a happier and better Creepypasta Wiki!

I'm not saying "don't tear into a bad story and don't tell the author what works and what doesn't," one should absolutely speak up when they feel that something is below par, so that the mistake(s) isn't repeated, but find a way to do so that isn't going to make them want to up and quit (you can be blunt, just don't be an ass). On the flipside: I've seen first time authors with over-inflated egos that think that they are the greatest thing since the invention of the refrigerator and think that they can do no wrong and that their stories are perfect. To them I say, "Quit it. There is always room for improvement and improvement should always be what a writer seeks to do, no matter how great their work is."

GreyOwl, I never would have guessed that you've been called an ice queen or robot, because you are so friendly, haha. I guess you could be night and day in relation to who/how you are now compared to who/how you used to be, but regardless, it's their loss and it's too bad for them that they didn't stick it out. Also, I guess I pretty much parroted what you said, but with slightly different words, lol.

TL;DR: Don't be an ass, but it's okay to leave well thought out and somewhat blunt feedback. Everyone can stand to improve from a writing stand point and should seek to do so. Listen to GreyOwl, she knows.

P.S. GreyOwl should totally change her username to GreyRobotSnowOwl (I kid).