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Constructive Criticism: Power and Responsibility

So it is becoming increasingly clear that members of the Blizzard hearthstone community come here to get feedback about the game. That is great, but I feel like we as a community can do a better job of meeting them half way and making r/hearthstone a force for positive change in the game. Or, to go all Uncle Ben, now that we have Power to change the game we have a Responsibility to behave well.

I also get that a lot of people don't have a ton of experience with constructive criticism, but I think that it is a really important skill to learn in all walks of life. So I've provided a few tips that have helped me up my interpersonal relationship game. I've provided an example of what I consider constructive criticism and one of (all too common) toxic criticism, along with some tips in making your comments fit in the former category. We are a passionate, intelligent community and I think that a global improvement in our communication game will make us a real force for good in the future of this game:

Constructive Criticism: "I really enjoyed watching the Last Call Qualifier this weekend. I did have one recommendation, though: I'd like to see the commentators focus more on the high level decisions that these guys are making. Like when commentator X pointed out the difference between Druid variant Y and Z. I'd never thought about that, and it really opened my eyes. I found the stuff that commentator X said in game A less helpful, since I feel like most players watching..."

Toxic Criticism: "What a fucking joke. Another tournament ruined by shithead commentators who obviously have no idea what they are doing. Epsorts lol. Fucking devs ruining this game again."

Some takeaways:

-Write as if you are looking the person you are talking about in the eye. Would you say this to their face? If not, think very carefully before posting. We want members of the Blizzard community to come here for feedback... lets meet them half way and treat them with respect.

-Provide specific examples where possible. Talking in generalities leads to people talking past each other. Example: Presidential Debates.

-Grownups don't swear. Not because it is offensive or anything like that, but because it sends clear cues that the speaker isn't to be taken seriously.

-Use the first person. Your opinion is not gospel. If you thought the Qualifier was bad, say "I didn't enjoy the Qualifier because X". Don't say "The Qualifier was bad." You don't weaken your argument by speaking precisely.

-Realize that you might be wrong, and argue so that you won't look like a monster if someone points this out.

-Call jerks out, but try to do so in a respectful way. This works surprisingly well. If people are mean to you be nice to them, and they will pay it forward. Break the cycle.

and probably the most important tip:

-You don't win an argument by making someone else lose. This is the internet, and people don't win arguments on the internet. What you can do is meet people in the middle and 'get to yes'.

Now go forth and be good.

Edit: Grammar

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