So you want to critique someone else's work? There's a few basics you should probably consider before doing so. I reccommend checking this link (http://www.sfwa.org/writing/critiquing.html) out for some tips. If you're lazy like I am however--here's the basic gist and probably most important part of the page's info:

1. You must do the work.

It's unacceptable to say, "I never read military action stories, so I'm not going to comment on this." Wrong. You're not here reading for pleasure. You're here because other people have agreed to work on your material. And they won't do that unless you work on theirs. Put in the hours, even if you're struggling to find things to say.

2. Be general first.

If something bothers you over and over, state the general issue first. The other participants -- who didn't write the material but read it, just as the critiquer did -- can evaluate the general issue and think about it.

3. Then be specific.

It's not enough to say, "the characters are wooden and the plot is slow." Which characters? When don't they react appropriately? Where does the action flag? Why do you feel it's slow? Identifying chapter and verse as an illustration helps everybody examine the issue.

4. Then be constructive

Once you've identified the problem, suggest an answer. "She shouldn't just sit there when he threatens her, she should tear his face off." Show us how you'd do better what you think the author did inadequately.

The author, of course, doesn't have to take your suggestion, but the act of examining an alternate story line is enormously helpful. All too often, writers see their stories as having no options -- they must occur a particular way. The eye-opening experience of examining a whole different road will often jog someone's thinking process so that the author will create a third solution, neither his original choice nor the critic's alternate, that's better than both.


In other words, avoid flaming. If you find you aren't getting many comments on a thread of your own--it helps to comment on other's.

Thanks Toneh I'm definitely lazy as well so this guide helps a ton!