It's very common for a teacher or professor to use red in correcting an essay, so I believe that someone using that over the internet can very easily come off as condescending. It's impossible for us to tell your tone or your intention over the internet, so I think it would be better if you just didn't correct a persons work in the traditional manner.
By that, I mean copying their words and using a different color to insert what you think should be used/changed in the story. I've given criticism to many people, and I've never once had to break out a different color of font. I just tell them what I dislike about the piece and leave it at that. Also, I think that your review was based strongly on what you disliked about the story; this is perfectly acceptable if we were in a classroom/job environment, but as we are discussing a piece of fanfiction over the internet, I don't think such comments are necessary.
I suppose it was the way you wrote it. I would suggest being more sensitive in the future, regardless of what you major is. No one cares about that on here.
With that, I believe that criticism is fine. But I think it's important to let the writer know what you liked about the story, more than what you disliked about it.
I'll try to keep that in mind. I have a strong habit of writing formally when criticizing and I know from linguistic courses that it can also come off as condescending. I will try to be more sensitive the next time I criticize someone's work.
That's all we can ask. I'd be perfectly fine with the criticism you gave if it was my story. But most people aren't so calloused when it comes to receiving such comments. :D
By that, I mean copying their words and using a different color to insert what you think should be used/changed in the story. I've given criticism to many people, and I've never once had to break out a different color of font. I just tell them what I dislike about the piece and leave it at that. Also, I think that your review was based strongly on what you disliked about the story; this is perfectly acceptable if we were in a classroom/job environment, but as we are discussing a piece of fanfiction over the internet, I don't think such comments are necessary.
I suppose it was the way you wrote it. I would suggest being more sensitive in the future, regardless of what you major is. No one cares about that on here.
With that, I believe that criticism is fine. But I think it's important to let the writer know what you liked about the story, more than what you disliked about it.
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