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cinnamonjames — How To Give Good Comment...

Published: 2006-11-13 12:27:31 +0000 UTC; Views: 22049; Favourites: 106; Downloads: 61
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Description First of all, forget what you've read in other, inferior comment guides. They are just trying to make you look stupid, with "advice" which is obviously wrong.

These top 10 tips for giving good comment on deviantART will tell you everything you need to know, without wasting 3 days of your time like the aforementioned, exhaustingly long comment guides.

The only thing you need to know before you start reading, is that I am absolutely, 100%, look-you-in-the-eyes serious about everything you'll find in this guide.


(1) Don't Look at the Deviation
Seriously, why waste your time? If you are intelligent you'll know what you want to say before you even boot your computer. So just jump straight in there, say "cool!!! xx" and leave. This technique will increase your productivity to an infinite degree. Ask any mathematician, they'll agree.


(2) Never Criticise
Artists hate people telling them what is wrong with their work. Artists - each and every one - are egotistical, therefore any suggestion that their work isn't perfect is an insult that cuts to the very soul and will send them into a blind rage. Even if they pretend to be humble and in their description they say something like: "i didnt span very long on this! its lame! XD" they are just trying to trap you into saying: "its not that bad! the linework is great and the colors make my heart flutter and i really think if you spanned some more time on this you could sort out the issues of looseness you had ".
Oh my friend, you walked right into this... The artist will then reply: "wtf do you know about it? i looked at your gallery and its the lamest collection of scribbles this side of arkansas! issues of looseness? your mother has issues of looseness, every guy in town knows that! XD"
"How could this have been avoided?" I hear you ask. Simple, just tell everyone how great they are, how awesome their art is, and add every drawing you see to your favourites. Anything less than a favourite is an insult.


(3) Language
If your grasp of English isn't very good - don't worry - just post a comment in your native language. REAL deviants will appreciate the foreign flavour your language will bring to their page, especially if there are lots of squiggly lines above and below the letters, or even better, you don't use the latin alphabet. Anyone who complains that they can't understand you is RACIST, and dA has procedures for dealing with racists.


(4) Nihongo desu ka? Sugoi!
Laboratory tests have shown that using Romaji Japanese to comment on anime submissions will make you three and a half times more attractive to horny Kyoto-based schoolgirls and greatly increase the chances of them flying out to meet you to indulge you with their affections. The results are even greater for schoolgirls from outside the greater Kyoto area, who think that Kyoto girls are uptight prudes.
Japanese schoolboys will be entirely unimpressed, regardless of which part of the nation they live in. Unless they're from Hokkaido, but then anything which uses electricity impresses those boys.
So go ahead and exclaim "kawaii!", "kirei!", "oishii!", "mazui!", "baka!", "jan ken pon!", "honya de hon o kaimashita!" or whichever phrase you think best expresses your true feelings, and watch as the girls rush to thank you.


(5) Pick a Case and Stick to it
either write everything in lower case OR WRITE EVERYTHING IN UPPERCASE, but never use standard english sentence case: standards are for dorks. the first letter of a sentence? personal pronouns? proper nouns? don't listen to your teachers; none of these need capitals. so remember: if you're cool, keep it lower case; IF YOU'RE EXCITED, OR HAVE OTHER REASONS TO SHOUT ALL THE TIME KEEP YOUR PINKY ON SHIFT (CAPS LOCK IS FOR WIMPS!); If You Are Quirky, You Could Use Title Case, aND iF You'Re JuST STRaiGHT uP WeiRD, You CouLD CoMe uP WiTH You'Re oWN CaSe CoNVeNTioN!


(6) txt iz d best!
lol d coolest c@z abndn ne pretns of bn abl 2 comunic8 complet fawtz n ntyr dscret sntensz u no wot u mean & datz d imprtnt tng xclamation marks r al d pnctuashn u ned nowdaz rite


(7) Never Read What You Are Posting
People who go back over what they've written to check it for typographical errors, relevance or coherence obviously have nothing better to do with their time, and if your comment gives the impression that you carefully crafted it, everyone will laugh at you for your effort and will assume you have no friends. Everyone will laugh at you. Bear that in mind. Take that thought with you to the mirror. Go on, stand in front of the mirror and say: "everyone will laugh at me if I put any effort into anything". Make that your mantra. Write it all over your walls, over your posters, over your mirror and your computer screen. Write it on your clothes in bleach. Tattoo it on your skin; on your thighs, on your stomach, on both forearms. Then despair when you realise what a display of effort you've put on.


(8) Your Signature is Your Identity
End your comment with a really long signature, at least five times as long as the comment you are leaving. People will make their key judgments about you as a person from your signature, so make sure it is very funny, or very profound. Quoting a joke, statement or lyric by someone else will prove that you recognise humour/profundity when you see it, and since it takes one to know one, you will appear as funny or profound as the person you quoted. Remember to include a link to your gallery, for the MILLIONS of dA users who don't know that they can click on your name or your avatar to find your gallery. Make up some bogus statistic about something really edgy and cool, like smoking pot (which none of your uptight parents could possibly have done when they were your age, and so you're obviously not going to grow up to be as conservative and close minded as they are), and pass it off as fact, or social commentary. Whatever you do, insist that everyone copy your signature, it will give you an enormous sense of validation when you see other people with your signature - YOUR SIGNATURE! - as long as you forget that you copied it from someone else's, just like they told you to.


(9) Leave Your Audience Hanging
Take a leaf out of Plato's book: Create mystery by not finishing what you start. Your number of deviant comments will skyrocket as people desperately plead with you to
Related content
Comments: 142

niniel-gwathir [2007-06-18 08:19:56 +0000 UTC]

Oh, pathethic! I can find here sign of desperation. Lot of positive comments and you can't stand it?

I think it's brilliant and also very veritable. Great job

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h0ar [2007-06-15 18:02:51 +0000 UTC]

I love this. You must have a lot of experience with not-so-great comments. Hilarious. Hee hee, thank you .

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

viralsanctity In reply to ??? [2007-05-20 07:57:40 +0000 UTC]

THIS IS THE MOST HELPFUL TUT IVE EVER READ. I THINK I'M SO THANK FUL I CAN JUST

seriously. This is the funniest tutorial I've ever read. xD

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Angevelinka [2007-05-18 15:57:16 +0000 UTC]

I was laughing so hard at the point 8 that almost whole family came to me to ask why am I behaving in such a strange manner.
This is really good, though it's sad when I scroll down and see something like 'haHa its really funny'. It seems that some people will never change.
Anyway, I think that all this what you are talking about is happening because of the mobile phones>.> People keeps shortening and not minding the things like capital letters or spelling to save money on sms'.
Whoops, drifted a bit from the topic. I think that's a crime which is missing in 10 So, I shall cherish it, and... try to survive in the sea of DA n00bs which make same mistakes again and again.
Best wishes and good luck with that!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

autumncoloredmelodie [2007-03-28 20:09:09 +0000 UTC]

I think your witty sarcasm alone deserves some honorable mentioning. After three years of enduring said comments (and being guilty of a few in my younger years) I must say the community should really be aware of this >.<

the critique one particularly strikes me. I JOINED DA to get good advice. I hate the little comments about 'o how prtty. u are awes0me rlz' it's like I know I have some talent, but I'm not amazing yet. You aren't allowed to be amazing until you're either mass published/produced or dead, neither of which I am

Amen (which I can't spell) to the illiterate idiots among which we live

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

carzypineapple In reply to ??? [2007-02-19 16:35:47 +0000 UTC]

i thought you said there were *ten* tips, i only counted 9. oops... i mustnt have read tip number 2...

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CheekyFF [2007-02-18 23:53:06 +0000 UTC]

Great! I think there really are people that do some of those things just to attract attention!

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LarsSamsoe In reply to ??? [2007-02-15 21:07:36 +0000 UTC]

Brilliant CJ - you're a genious.
I hope your text will have an impact on the comments in here.
Extremely fun and intelligent reading

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Kaweempo In reply to ??? [2007-02-09 07:55:00 +0000 UTC]

lol I guess what u r saying is absoultely true.. personally I dont think if someone thinks I have no friends or something like that.. that doesn't offend me anyway..
well I actually do tell people what I really think of their work.. but u missed some point.. it's not about how perfect ur gallery or their gallery is.. it's just that people who do art when they are done with them.. they feel such an accomplishment.. I guess thats their right.. and ur right is to say what u really think of, but u should put in mind they u could hurt their feelings.. someone can stop do art forever if they get such tough comments.. and maybe u could say what u just really think of their art in a nice way which will make them look for improvment..
at last I just hope u won't go and check my gallery if u just don't like what I am saying.. hehe.. +FAV

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

cinnamonjames In reply to Kaweempo [2007-02-12 18:28:52 +0000 UTC]

Yes, I definitely agree that you should be nice with your criticism and say things that will help them improve, but some people react with anger to even the gentlest critiques.

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Kaweempo In reply to cinnamonjames [2007-02-12 18:46:17 +0000 UTC]

yea I agree with that too!

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dead-dance-crow [2007-02-06 22:56:48 +0000 UTC]

Holy crap, this is funny and true, sad but true!

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MissIvyGreen In reply to ??? [2007-01-30 00:11:50 +0000 UTC]

thank you some one agrees with me about critism! I gave this girl a comment the other day. It was not what she wanted to hear i guess and she started ranting on about how my gallery is horrible and that i should just "go away" and never doght on her doorstep again...
it was retarded

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cinnamonjames In reply to MissIvyGreen [2007-02-02 02:35:19 +0000 UTC]

Some people just have no manners... Unless your criticism was rude: I mean, I love a good crit, but you have to be tactful and do the old "compliment sandwich" =')

If someone responded to one of my crits by saying my gallery was horrible, I wouldn't be too bothered. Not because I'm supremely confident in my work (I'm not - I'm really insecure about it), but because I know they are just immaturely defending themselves from the reality that - gasp! - there is room for improvement in their art.

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MissIvyGreen In reply to cinnamonjames [2007-02-02 22:57:50 +0000 UTC]

I agree

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spud100 [2007-01-16 03:43:13 +0000 UTC]

hAHA thats really funny

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Twilight-Sheik In reply to ??? [2007-01-09 21:24:11 +0000 UTC]

Good comments are for suckers!

But this brighten up my night a bit :3

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ou8nrtist2 In reply to ??? [2006-12-18 17:36:16 +0000 UTC]

Yes of course that's too much to ask, but deep inside you knew that didn't you ?LOL
I nearly peed my pants when I read your missive.It's really nothing short of brilliant .Wouldn't it be the ultimate spoof if you could somehow hack the DA management protocols and inject your "instruction" even for a day...

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

cinnamonjames In reply to ou8nrtist2 [2007-01-02 01:49:39 +0000 UTC]

Thanks so much for your comments - it's good to know some people do actually laugh when they read this, not just find it a little amusing.

Yes, I know it's too much to ask people to learn anything, which is why I didn't waste my time on a serious tutorial. That, and pouring out vitriol is way more fun than gentle persuasion =')

I'm not sure I'd want to hack the dA management, I think I'd be happier shouting out in the wilderness than joining them in their ivory tower (even if I did break in)....

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

seadogz In reply to ??? [2006-12-15 10:44:12 +0000 UTC]

thanks 4 this

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

cinnamonjames In reply to seadogz [2007-01-02 01:32:09 +0000 UTC]

Thanks for reading it. Writing stuff no-one reads is depressing... =')

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

seadogz In reply to cinnamonjames [2007-01-02 01:45:22 +0000 UTC]

very true and I know the feeling

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Kjherstin [2006-12-11 18:28:11 +0000 UTC]

I know the feeling all too well. I try to be open with my comments as it is through critique that we improve our skills. I have upset many people with this but I won't change.

This is going directly to my faves so more people can read this. Pity most are illiterate and are too lazy too. These are the ones who will continue to spice up our lives with those ridiculous pointless comments and ascii art if need be.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

cinnamonjames In reply to Kjherstin [2006-12-13 03:19:26 +0000 UTC]

I've been lucky in that people have either been grateful for (or just ignored) my comments, but I have seen people get mauled for gentle criticism, or even offering an interpretation.

It's really disappointing to see someone respond to an attempt to help them improve as if it was an insult, but maybe when they grow up they'll find it again and appreciate it then...

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Kjherstin In reply to cinnamonjames [2006-12-13 11:44:21 +0000 UTC]

It's hard for people to accept criticism. I had major problems on a forum and to the point that they don't comment on my themes any more. They are so high and mighty. No one is perfect and it is with good critique that we as artists learn and grow to better ourselves. Worse of all these people are in the mid forties which is even more pathetic especially since I am younger. What nuts!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

cinnamonjames In reply to Kjherstin [2006-12-14 20:09:23 +0000 UTC]

I was lucky enough to have friends at college who loved to crit, and we did improve a lot as a result of it.
But yeah, the fact is, having someone criticise your art is like having someone criticise your kids: you don't have to like it, but the world will be a much better place if you are prepared to listen... =')

As frustrating as it is to be around people who won't accept critique, ultimately, it's their loss.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Kjherstin In reply to cinnamonjames [2006-12-14 21:46:20 +0000 UTC]

very true.

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phoetografie In reply to ??? [2006-12-08 23:17:13 +0000 UTC]

i admit that i don't always use capitals when i should, but i can honestly say that i never left a brainless, pointless comment. EVER. and i only use an excessive amount of smilies and exclamation points with my friends.

Text speak is the language of Satan. Faved.

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cinnamonjames In reply to phoetografie [2006-12-10 01:31:09 +0000 UTC]

Not using capitals is one of the most minor points I was venting on, but I figured that as long as I was venting I might as well include it... In fact, looking back over some of the things I wrote, I can't believe I don't have a bunch of comments saying "man your a jerk!". It makes me wonder if people are afraid I'll respond with a critique of their commenting style, like: "Actually, I think you meant: 'Man, you're a jerk!'"

But yeah, text speak can go back to whichever level of Hell it came from.


Oh, and I'm heeding the sign. That's pretty harsh.

  =')

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Pakse In reply to ??? [2006-11-20 22:05:57 +0000 UTC]

Nihongo desu ka? Sugoi!

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cinnamonjames In reply to Pakse [2006-11-23 01:55:53 +0000 UTC]

I wish! I met a few Japanese people whilst travelling in America; I taught them some English, they taught me some Japanese, and we played lots of Janken. Once they went home though, I lost my teachers... So I've added Japanese to my list of languages I know a bit of, but not enough to be useful =')

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

nellyaudrey In reply to cinnamonjames [2010-02-08 23:48:45 +0000 UTC]

I'm bilingual in Japanese and English and I thought it was pretty funny that you mentioned how people always use such horrible Japanese when commenting. Like they are so cool to know one or two words so they use it all the time and condescend against people that know less and remain egotistical in front of people that know more.

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cinnamonjames In reply to nellyaudrey [2010-02-15 16:33:48 +0000 UTC]

People commenting "kawaii!" on a deviation posted by a Japanese person is nice: it's nice to receive comments in your own language.
I certainly appreciate it when people use English with me, especially if it's not their first language.
But to say, "Golly, that's so KAWAII!" when both people involved in the exchange are native English speakers... I think a whole bunch of people are going to be embarrassed about that when they grow up!

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Tetsubo In reply to ??? [2006-11-13 17:21:30 +0000 UTC]

Feels like you've been a Deviant much longer than you have been to pick up on all these annoying traits though most of the same can be said for a lot of other places on the internet that consists of writing to others.

Very nicely written and I hope the people that need to have their writing flaws pointed out to them find this guide and feel the need to improve their communication skills.

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cinnamonjames In reply to Tetsubo [2006-11-15 00:44:57 +0000 UTC]

Thanks for the compliment =')
This wasn't written based on the few comments I've received, but whenever I look at someone's art I read their description and the comments they've received, hence my appearing more experienced than I really am...

You weren't one of my targets btw, you always seem to think before you comment.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Tetsubo In reply to cinnamonjames [2006-11-15 00:51:04 +0000 UTC]

Thnx 4 that awecome coment an- Just kidding, thank you for the compliment back, I do try and be precise and articulate in writing, since my social skills are kind of lacking.

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cinnamonjames In reply to Tetsubo [2006-11-15 01:26:33 +0000 UTC]

I know the feeling... If I could speak like I write, I'd be loving it. Instead I sound ironic when I'm sincere, bored when I'm intrigued, and I get tongue tied whenever I attempt to speak any faster than the average museum curate.

Oh well, such is life...

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domkitty In reply to ??? [2006-11-13 14:36:33 +0000 UTC]

The real irony here is that those who could really do with a tutorial are going to be the ones who barely glance at any of this and proceed to leave a comment combining any/all of the points you just raised, followed by a string of smilies that probably arent relevant to any of it

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

cinnamonjames In reply to domkitty [2006-11-13 15:10:32 +0000 UTC]

Surely no-one could be that blind?

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myleafyentrails In reply to ??? [2006-11-13 13:42:22 +0000 UTC]

hehehehe brill x

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cinnamonjames In reply to myleafyentrails [2006-11-13 14:36:07 +0000 UTC]

Thanks. I just hope it helps to stop people commenting brainlessly. Or is that too much to ask? XD

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