Constructive criticism is the key... let's remember to keep it constructive!

"there's never a need to criticize the designer, only the game design."

No-one ever *needs* to do either. I choose to when I think it will get taken seriously, whether the result is agreement or disagreement.

A lot of people (such as myself) are able to receive personal criticism constructively. Avoiding personal criticism of all designers would deny these people the opportunity to improve.

Now there are *certain designers* that I wont offer criticism, because it's a waste of my time and effort, but I think there are plenty that actually find it useful.

I for one think that no response at all is the worst...the feeling that no one could even be bothered with replying or critiquing. Some people need brutal honesty, and while it's important to separate the person from the product when offering criticism, it's also equally important that those on the receiving end also recognize that a condemnation is not on them personally, but their product which is probably in great need of reworking.

I think Soulfinger is one of the best contributors to our community, as no one comes with the humor and wit mixed with truly valuable insights that he does. He can be the wagging Mutombo finger in the face of those who come with a weak lay-up of a game.

He's on of those guys who when I see the name as recently replying to an OP, I check out what he has to say, regardless of the topic. It's not out of morbid curiosity, but out of knowing that whatever the reply, it will be thoughtful, intelligent and most likely entertaining!

I've experienced both; the posts in which I introduce a game idea, going through the core concepts like theme and mechanics, seem to get a decent response. One even became a pretty long thread which resulted in a complete game which I've been shopping to publishers! I think the success of that thread was largely in part to the fresh theme which drew people in...while everyone here loves a good space or fantasy game, something unfamiliar can be a refreshing theme to put one's head around and offer ideas. At least that's what I attribute that particular game's response to...

I've also posted about certain game designs which just don't catch on; typically the very light or party games just don't elicit as much of a response here. Perhaps it's because a light/party game doesn't have enough meat for people to offer thoughts and alternatives, or it just comes off as a "check out my game" thread rather than one asking for feedback.

Personally speaking, I tend to not read or post on threads pertaining to "deep" games, because they're not the kind I enjoy or would be able to offer helpful commentary on. I do like the theoretical "bigger question" posts, and posts about the business, manufacturing and marketing of games because that's an area I have some experience in.

I'll be posting info on my Kickstarter once it's ready, as another type of thread which the community seems to rally around is the important pre-launch campaign page review...gives people a chance to offer opinions on the campaign before it goes live, and I've seen it be immensely helpful here.

The irony is, the "troll" is the one telling people to be more constructive with their feedback! :)

having posted a few dead threads in the past, I think that one important reason that people don't respond to a thread is because they feel that you've thought things out, and that they don't have anything to add. The other side of the coin is the threads where the person has done a lot of work, and it takes you a lot of time to evaluate what they have to say, so you don't find to time to respond (that happens to me all the time these days). I recommend that people who want responses should keep their thread posts shorter, so it takes less mental work to catch the drift of the original post, so they can hop into the discussion sooner. Perhaps a brief introduction post, with a query about whether others want to hear more about it.

Just my $0.02

Better for the recipient? Sure.

But if I reasonably expect my input to fall on death ears, why would I try to help them? I've only got so much time to spend.

You know. I was thinking about the once suggested ranking system.
There could have been a "troll" rank amongst them. So that people know that these guys are only here to "troll" or whatever they provide the forums. (Of course; no racism, treats or etc. what I am used to by now in other forums)

The more experienced lurkers would know that there is a valid lesson to learn from such "troll" posts.

Getting hardened for the buisness should be part of the lessons that people seek here. Because, when it happens in real life. It is/feels so much worse.

Computers have an on/off button. And a plug.
Real life has it too! But should not be used.

I still find your posts constructive Soulfinger. And the humour is for my tastes. So I invite you to, if you ever reply to one of my posts. To make my day :)
As long as it remains constructive, that is.

It would have to be a really corny cover.