Constructive Criticism

[Binge]

I have only been offended when some one does not read what I write and then tells me to do somthign thatr makes no sense for some reason stuff like that always reads in a condescending tone.... only happend like twice and was only offended because it was not constructive.

 

[DrRob]

The other big problem with forums is that it misses out on communicating tone. Person A types something that is misconstrued by person B, who responds, in a way that is meant to be helpful but is further misconstrued by person A, thereby people get upset. It doesn't even have to be both reading it wrong, it only takes one and is rarely deliberate.

It's also true that people don't like to be told that they're doing things wrong. I certainly don't but I'm also pretty thick skinned about getting upset. This is especially true if they've done their best to do right. I suspect the cycling issue is one of the biggest bugbears here, and there have been a few posts from people worrying about whether to stick to the LFS advice or to follow what is said here.

 

[BigbruiserAl]

The other big problem with forums is that it misses out on communicating tone.

This i think it'a a big problem, i always add when giving advise that may not want to be heard, hopefully the person reading will know im helping not hindering

 

[james_fish]

I read it wrong and put yes, but meant no

Criticism is what makes you learn and progress to become a more knowledgable fishkeeper. you'll find most of the time criticism is regarding the fishes well being

James.

 

[alihar]

Constructive criticism is good if it is constructive!
As already stated communication tone cannot be relayed through text so it's easy for some people to be offended.
I must admit I've seen a few posts where I've thought that's a bit rude,particularly on another forum of wich I don't bother with anymore for that reason.
Newbie members where being shot down by more experienced keepers for cycling mistakes.
I find this forum a lot more friendly.
I personally would never give a negative comment "constructive" or not on the appearance of another
members tank.
Everyones taste in decor is different and a representation of there own individual style.
I try to help where I can and ask for advice when I need it.

 

[smokeyjo]

yeah im happy to recieve it thats the best way to learn from your mistakes im new to this hobby so any advice i recieve i listen to i cant vote in this poll tho lol it say i havent got permision

 

[KISSfn]

I want to learn as much as I can from people who are more knowledgeable than I about keeping fish alive, healthy and happy. That's why I come here. Without this forum all my fish would be in fish heaven. 99.9% of the people here have been great. All forums have people who are less than respectful. I think this is one of the most polite forums I've been on. My only complaint is I don't understand a lot of the terms our friends in the U.K. use like "pants"! And I don't think they were talking about blue jeans.

 

[DrRob]

No, they aren't.

If it helps, we proabaly wouldn't have even considered that as an alternative meaning. Although we're aware of it. I suppose we're used to Americanisms because of Hollywood.

 

[This Old Spouse]

. My only complaint is I don't understand a lot of the terms our friends in the U.K. use like "pants"! And I don't think they were talking about blue jeans.

 

[HayzH]

likewise...we dont have half the shops you have in the US.
What do you call what you put over your bottom? (we call them knickers and pants)
Diapers are nappies. Pacifiers are dummys. soccer is football..
ANYWAY i digress...
I am all for pointers but some take the criticism part tooooo literally.
Being here for a few months now i know the ususal suspects who love winding ppl up....(u know who you are)
when new folks come on here ...they mostly need help...(often from google)not sarcastic remarks.

We all have to start somewhere and we learn as we go.

I personally love this forum, its the friendliest one i've been on and the support from you all is fantastic.

LONG LIVE TFF xx

 

[This Old Spouse]

I'm with you, Hayley. I looked all over for a forum to help me when I first started up, and this is the only one that was remotely friendly AND answered most of my questions right away. There are still times when I'm ignored, but not usually.

And still, use of the term "pants" was used recently in a context I didn't understand at all!

 

[mrp3]

What does pants mean!!!???!!!!!!!! Lol I said indifferent it depends if the people are actually trying to help or just trying to bug me or say to do something I'm already doing because they didn't read the whole post. Pants lol

 

[Dieses Madchen]

I remember seeing the post about the Discus watching the "Footy." I'm like...what the heck is a footy??? Although that was a great post! It has been so long since I lived in the UK (lived in Suffolk county when my dad was Air Force) so I have long forgotten most of the difference in words.

 

[Juggler75]

Footy is football. I'm not particularly offended by criticism as usually I've done things for a reason and the critic points out any holes in my reasons therefore is helpful.
Criticising for criticising's sake is a different matter because there is nothing helpful going on and thats what 99% of topics are looking for, help.

 

[Dieses Madchen]

My main reason for asking this this question is, recently there was a stocking question, and one of the inhabitants was a clown loach and the tank was 30g. I let the poster know that clown loaches should be in no smaller than a 75g and should be in a shoal of 6. I was told "Omg get off my case I know how to make them grow 8 in. At a maximum." Its like wow, guy, i'm trying to help you out.