Post by Kella on Jan 26, 2010 1:01:54 GMT -5
1.) Do your research. If you're not sure about something, check it on Wookieepedia. Make sure you understand what's being said. That way, you have a source to refer back to, and some concrete information. You can gain new insight by double-checking such things. However, there is not always a source to be referenced. In that case...
2.) If it's an opinion or a guess, say so. It seems simple, because it is. Use phrases like, "I think that...," "I'm pretty sure...," "In my opinion...," "As I see it...," "I think it would be smart to...," etc. This makes it clear that what you say is not law, but it's better than a disclaimer, because it doesn't discredit your opinion.
3.) Be positive. If you have to be critical of something, don't rip the applicant apart. Instead, offer your advice, and some constructive criticism. If they've done something well, try to say so; this lets them know what's expected of them. Positive reenforcement makes correction operate even better.
4.) Don't argue. If another member or a mod posts something that you think is wrong, don't correct them in the thread. Instead, address the error via PM. Sometimes, you're not as right as you think you are. Cluttering up a Bio with debate over whether a certain organization allows this or that is quite disrespectful to the applicant. So please, take it to PM or a question thread.
5.) Respect the staff. Respect each other. You don't have to agree with them. You don't have to grovel. You just need to be respectful, to both the staff and other members. Their opinion is just as important as yours, and they're a real person, just like you. Be kind.
Remember...
It's okay to be wrong. It won't kill you to step back, say 'oops, sorry', and keep going. In fact, people usually have more respect for those who can be wrong and be a good-sport, than for those who are always right.
This is not your personal playground, to say 'ooh, look how smart I am!' ((Or, 'ooh, look at me, I'm smarter than the mod! ;) )) Reviewing bios is not about you, it's about the applicant. It's about encouraging them, and helping them improve their character. Keep that in mind.
Note on Disclaimers: While these are not inherently bad, they can depreciate the value of any advice you have to offer. People might not take you seriously, when they really should. Instead of posting a disclaimer, just be sure to identify what bits of information are opinions, and what bits are facts (as backed-up by Canon). Have a little confidence; you guys usually have good things to say. We're all learning, don't be afraid of slipping up. Just try to avoid it. :P
2.) If it's an opinion or a guess, say so. It seems simple, because it is. Use phrases like, "I think that...," "I'm pretty sure...," "In my opinion...," "As I see it...," "I think it would be smart to...," etc. This makes it clear that what you say is not law, but it's better than a disclaimer, because it doesn't discredit your opinion.
3.) Be positive. If you have to be critical of something, don't rip the applicant apart. Instead, offer your advice, and some constructive criticism. If they've done something well, try to say so; this lets them know what's expected of them. Positive reenforcement makes correction operate even better.
4.) Don't argue. If another member or a mod posts something that you think is wrong, don't correct them in the thread. Instead, address the error via PM. Sometimes, you're not as right as you think you are. Cluttering up a Bio with debate over whether a certain organization allows this or that is quite disrespectful to the applicant. So please, take it to PM or a question thread.
5.) Respect the staff. Respect each other. You don't have to agree with them. You don't have to grovel. You just need to be respectful, to both the staff and other members. Their opinion is just as important as yours, and they're a real person, just like you. Be kind.
Remember...
It's okay to be wrong. It won't kill you to step back, say 'oops, sorry', and keep going. In fact, people usually have more respect for those who can be wrong and be a good-sport, than for those who are always right.
This is not your personal playground, to say 'ooh, look how smart I am!' ((Or, 'ooh, look at me, I'm smarter than the mod! ;) )) Reviewing bios is not about you, it's about the applicant. It's about encouraging them, and helping them improve their character. Keep that in mind.
Note on Disclaimers: While these are not inherently bad, they can depreciate the value of any advice you have to offer. People might not take you seriously, when they really should. Instead of posting a disclaimer, just be sure to identify what bits of information are opinions, and what bits are facts (as backed-up by Canon). Have a little confidence; you guys usually have good things to say. We're all learning, don't be afraid of slipping up. Just try to avoid it. :P