Roark
02-02-2003, 04:19 AM
Since the old sticky of this went away, I thougth it appropriate to repost it. It contains some useful tips for challenging proffesor's reviews. Doing so is welcomed, encouraged even. But please take the following into consideration before posting:
1. Be specific. Reference specific scenes in the anime (use spoiler tags where appropriate), specific sentances in the review, and specific things that you disagree with. When making a comparison between two anime, reference analagous scenes and give specific reasons as to why you prefer one over the other.
2. Don't get emotional. The AA staff put a good deal of effort into each review. This means they're as firmly committed to their thoughts on a given anime as you are to yours. This means you can expect argument from them. This does not mean you should get angry when people disagree with you, but understand that it will take a lot to get someone to reconsider their position. Also, learn to step back from the argument and evaluate your position rationally. Also, disregard factors such as nostalgia or seeing it with a now dead friend when evaluating it. Just because Tekken was your first anime doesn't make it any better.
3. Read the full review. This also could be stated as "A grade is just a number". When critiquing a review, focus on the content, not two numbers. If you disagree significantly with the grade, chances are you disagree more with the text that accompanies it. Also, remember that 70%+ is a GOOD grade. In a society where a "C" grade is considered bad, remember that it means "satisfactory". "B" means "above average" and "A" means "exceptional". On a bell curve, a majority of anime should fall between 70-80%.
4. Separate fact, opinion, and truth. Fact is something that has a definate yes or no answer, like "Does kenshin use a sword?". Opinion is your personal view on a subject, rationally backed or not. For example, ".hack//Sign is boring." would be an opinion. Truth implies that a statement has some deeper, metaphysically important meaning. Descartes's Cogito (I think, therefore I am) and Bentham's/Mill's Utilitarian principle (people's actions should be such that they maximize utility (that is, create the most overall good)) are commonly held truths. (NOTE: If people want to debate this, as it is somewhat controversial, do so in the Misc. forum, not this thread).
5. Use correct English grammar and spelling. If you need to, type your reply in a program with a spellchecker. Good spelling and grammar are one of the first things that people use in deciding whether to take your argument seriously or dismiss it. Plus it helps us figure out what you're saying.
Thread will remain open for question on these suggestions, or if other suggestions are added. Please take all tangents (like debates on truth) to the Misc. Forum.
1. Be specific. Reference specific scenes in the anime (use spoiler tags where appropriate), specific sentances in the review, and specific things that you disagree with. When making a comparison between two anime, reference analagous scenes and give specific reasons as to why you prefer one over the other.
2. Don't get emotional. The AA staff put a good deal of effort into each review. This means they're as firmly committed to their thoughts on a given anime as you are to yours. This means you can expect argument from them. This does not mean you should get angry when people disagree with you, but understand that it will take a lot to get someone to reconsider their position. Also, learn to step back from the argument and evaluate your position rationally. Also, disregard factors such as nostalgia or seeing it with a now dead friend when evaluating it. Just because Tekken was your first anime doesn't make it any better.
3. Read the full review. This also could be stated as "A grade is just a number". When critiquing a review, focus on the content, not two numbers. If you disagree significantly with the grade, chances are you disagree more with the text that accompanies it. Also, remember that 70%+ is a GOOD grade. In a society where a "C" grade is considered bad, remember that it means "satisfactory". "B" means "above average" and "A" means "exceptional". On a bell curve, a majority of anime should fall between 70-80%.
4. Separate fact, opinion, and truth. Fact is something that has a definate yes or no answer, like "Does kenshin use a sword?". Opinion is your personal view on a subject, rationally backed or not. For example, ".hack//Sign is boring." would be an opinion. Truth implies that a statement has some deeper, metaphysically important meaning. Descartes's Cogito (I think, therefore I am) and Bentham's/Mill's Utilitarian principle (people's actions should be such that they maximize utility (that is, create the most overall good)) are commonly held truths. (NOTE: If people want to debate this, as it is somewhat controversial, do so in the Misc. forum, not this thread).
5. Use correct English grammar and spelling. If you need to, type your reply in a program with a spellchecker. Good spelling and grammar are one of the first things that people use in deciding whether to take your argument seriously or dismiss it. Plus it helps us figure out what you're saying.
Thread will remain open for question on these suggestions, or if other suggestions are added. Please take all tangents (like debates on truth) to the Misc. Forum.