How To Handle Criticism of Your RoadTest Review: Stand on the Shoulders of Titans

RE: How To Handle Criticism of Your RoadTest Review: Stand on the Shoulders of Titans

shabaz — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 02:21:34 GMT

An opportunity for space center photos! Having grown up during space shuttle times (and having memories of the Challenger disaster being discussed while still at school - it was that significant all over the world) I take every opportunity I can to see anything space related. Sadly not visited Houston yet : ( As I understand, once each shuttle was launched, the control transferred from Kennedy Space Center to Houston for the remainder of the mission. These pics were taken a couple of months ago.

Unfortunately the main shuttle launch pad has been disassembled now, and replaced with SpaceX tower.. their rocket is built sideways and then verticalized, which is different from the NASA rockets.

[View:/resized-image/__size/1036x690/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-77a72501-3992-426a-87a9-55cc423a526e/6562.contentimage_5F00_188102.jpg:1036:690]

Closer view:

[View:/resized-image/__size/1037x824/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-77a72501-3992-426a-87a9-55cc423a526e/2352.contentimage_5F00_188103.jpg:1037:824]

NASA's vehicle assembly building (VAB):

[View:/resized-image/__size/1040x692/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-77a72501-3992-426a-87a9-55cc423a526e/0218.contentimage_5F00_188104.jpg:1040:692]

What the launch control center internals looked like once apparently:

[View:/resized-image/__size/1039x754/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-77a72501-3992-426a-87a9-55cc423a526e/6165.contentimage_5F00_188105.jpg:1039:754]

Atlantis:

[View:/resized-image/__size/1041x674/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-77a72501-3992-426a-87a9-55cc423a526e/4011.contentimage_5F00_188106.jpg:1041:674]

I think this is the shuttle's main engine:

[View:/resized-image/__size/1038x691/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-77a72501-3992-426a-87a9-55cc423a526e/3426.contentimage_5F00_188107.jpg:1038:691]

Looking into it:

[View:/resized-image/__size/1038x691/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-77a72501-3992-426a-87a9-55cc423a526e/1362.contentimage_5F00_188108.jpg:1038:691]

Outside the center:

[View:/resized-image/__size/1037x645/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-77a72501-3992-426a-87a9-55cc423a526e/5504.contentimage_5F00_188109.jpg:1037:645]

This is just a few percent of what there is to see at KSC. It was very emotional seeing some of it, and the tremendous achievements against all odds.

RE: How To Handle Criticism of Your RoadTest Review: Stand on the Shoulders of Titans

colporteur — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 13:38:17 GMT

Writing is a skill that transcends the lines defining an art. Identifying what is acceptable writing is the critics measure. Much like the reviews made by movie critics, some commentary will reflect your perspective and some will not. How often have you questioned why a movie received numerous awards yet you didn’t enjoy it.

I recall reading some details on Nero-Linguistic Programming. The focus was on on critic that are very effective at seeing the issue that are wrong in a piece of writing. One example was spelling mistakes. How often has someone read a piece I have written and their first comment is, that word is spelled wrong. I was hoping for something more insightful than spelling.

I was convinced at an early age, from the comments of a high school English teacher, I could not write. I accepted the critique but struggled with the curse of wanting to create using a pen. To break that understanding, I set a condition. If someone paid for a piece of my writing then maybe the English teacher was wrong. In 2001 I turned that corner for $150 cheque from a publisher.

Writing is a skill. The skill can be improved through practice but only so far. Like elite professional sports players they have something that separates them from others. Elite writers have something that separates them.

No amount of writing practices will overcome the ability of the critique to find an unfavourable commentary. Theirs are a skill rewarded in finding fault. I employ proof readers for published work. I invest in my proof readers and rely on their feedback. Good proof readers are hard to find.

Sean

RE: How To Handle Criticism of Your RoadTest Review: Stand on the Shoulders of Titans

Fred27 — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 13:12:20 GMT

A nice article about a difficult subject. It must be a difficult job managing such an enthusiastic community. Sometimes we must seem like a classroom of unruly children!

Personally, I welcome constructive criticism. When commenting on somebody's work I also aim to be helpful and encouraging. I try not to be too critical of people's abilities - especially as we all have very different backgrounds.

However, when it comes to harsh criticism we're probably all thinking about the same road test. I suppose I'm as guilty as anyone of any "vigilantism". That was a little different though. It was clearly not a case of harshly judging someone on their abilities. It was more about effort and attitude. Obviously I can't know for sure, but I suspect there was quite a difference between what the road tester promised and what they attempted to deliver. That's a very different thing from doing your best but being limited by your abilities and experience. It felt like everyone - the E14 staff, the supplier and the community - were being deliberately being given the finger. I suppose it's just a case of feeling a bit defensive about the great community on here. If it was unhelpful then I apologize. I'll try to wind it back in a bit in future.

Your comment about "not having the right stuff" makes me think if a recent road test where someone said pretty much the same thing - that he felt he might not be up to the job. I tried to encourage him as best I could. We're all up to the job if we put some effort in and let the rest of the community help us.

RE: How To Handle Criticism of Your RoadTest Review: Stand on the Shoulders of Titans

ninjatrent — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 10:37:09 GMT

Hi Randall,

Great post. It is interesting to learn that you wanted to be an astronaut. NASA Langley AFB is very close to my residence. Not sure if they still perform any launches from that site. The original wind tunnels were demolished a few years ago but the base appears to be active. There is a place called Air Power Park that has many of the original rockets on display.

I always wanted to be a jet pilot. Closest that I have ever been to a jet was working on aircraft carriers at local shipyard, Virginia Air and Space museum, and attendance of air shows at Oceana. Jet noise is a way of life here.

Thanks for sharing this post. The photos reminded me of a past trip to cape Canaveral. There is also some very helpful info regarding the Road Test Review application process.

Trent

RE: How To Handle Criticism of Your RoadTest Review: Stand on the Shoulders of Titans

mcb1 — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 00:21:24 GMT

I have always wanted to be an astronaut.

I think most kids growing up in that age had similar aspirations, and given the number needed v number wanting the career, there would be a huge number of disappointed kids rethinking their ideal career.

I think it's a common problem with "sitting behind the keyboard", feeling protected behind the screen and perhaps saying things they might not otherwise say face-to-face

While there are definately examples in the internet of that approach, I think it boils done to most people not being able to communicate in the written form, as well as they do verbally. (some can't do either)

There is also an element of Engineering people tending to be more 'direct' which is fine in technical manuals, reports, etc, but is perhaps not as well received when it comes to constructive criticism, or suggestions.

Anyone doing a review should be prepared for feedback.

That feedback may be good, bad or indifferent and some might be a little less than diplomatic.

The reviewer or the writer may not be english speaking as their first language, and if you've ever tried google translate, you'll understand that things do get lost in translation. [View:/resized-image/__size/16x16/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-77a72501-3992-426a-87a9-55cc423a526e/7446.contentimage_5F00_938.png:16:16]

It might be useful (and difficult) to remove the emotion and ask yourself "what is this comment suggesting"?

They don't know you, and have built up a mental picture based on your content, and your review.

If there is little other content (as has been the case of a few reviews), then there is only the review available.

We all stand on the shoulders of titans to one degree or another.

My impression of this is that there are other reviews that you can look at before embarking on your's.

Is my 500 word review sufficient, compared to other reviews on similar hardware?

Are pictures necessary to help convey what I'm talking about?

Can I find online content to cover the lack of resources to test this aspect of the hardware?

Mark

RE: How To Handle Criticism of Your RoadTest Review: Stand on the Shoulders of Titans

Gough Lui — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 22:26:28 GMT

As with anything that's being published online to be seen by hundreds, if not thousands, of people - criticism is unavoidable. Of course, it's nice to have a "nice" comment, but most people are less likely to take the time to write a nice comment. On the flipside, if there is something glaring that sets off someone's pet peeves, they won't waste a second before making sure that you know about it.

Seeing as someone bought up the term "vigilantism", I think it's a common problem with "sitting behind the keyboard", feeling protected behind the screen and perhaps saying things they might not otherwise say face-to-face without having the empathy. However, I've also got to hand it to being realistic and fair - sometimes these discussions are warranted because there is a genuine problem. Just because a number of people feel the same way does not, in itself, make it vigilantism - there could very much be a valid point even if it's not delivered quite in the nicest possible way.

That being said, I think commenters should take some responsibility to try and stay within "acceptable" boundaries. Very often it's feedback on the content created or the device itself - so keep it that way. No personal attacks. Don't get carried away, although a joke here and there might be okay.

I guess, be aware that negative comments or critical comments are probably going to be more likely to be posted than positive ones. Don't take things personally and try to see the intent or meaning behind the suggestion. Accommodate it if you can. But I think it's important that reviewers also take the time to follow the comments on their own reviews for at least the first week after posting it, because there might be some interesting feedback or experiment requests that could be accommodated and make the review even more useful to the general public. Don't just sit there and pretend you didn't see it! Maybe you can make a few new friends [View:/resized-image/__size/16x16/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-77a72501-3992-426a-87a9-55cc423a526e/3005.contentimage_5F00_1.png:16:16].

- Gough

EDIT: I forgot one important thing - with criticism, it can help to anticipate it. To some degree, you can avoid criticism by just doing a good job of anticipating it in the first place. Do those experiments you might think someone might ask for, explain the results if you think people might not be able to understand it, if you find strange results - ask yourself why and try to understand why. It's a learning experience for everyone.

RE: How To Handle Criticism of Your RoadTest Review: Stand on the Shoulders of Titans

anuag_ashim — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 21:00:37 GMT

I agree with [mention:d214a0a0f5594ee19515b2a3782e7070:e9ed411860ed4f2ba0265705b8793d05]. Vigilantism is not good.

I am a student and have little experience but I want to learn here with others.

Regards

RE: How To Handle Criticism of Your RoadTest Review: Stand on the Shoulders of Titans

genebren — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 20:41:10 GMT

Thank you [mention:55e535b498a841ed8f2949266bc56dc3:e9ed411860ed4f2ba0265705b8793d05] for addressing this issue. I noticed a distinctively nasty sentiment building around some of the recent roadtest reviews, where there was almost a sense of vigilantism expressed towards some reviewers who were being measured up as coming short on their end of the bargain (solid review for ownership in the equipment). I don't believe that decisions of this nature are part of the community's purpose or concern. That responsibility is held only by the staff that has provided this community with a place to gather and an opportunity to earn very nice prizes (contest or reward for a good review).

This community has been a very friendly and welcoming place, where people with little experience can rub shoulders with very experienced members to share ideas, thoughts and projects. This sharing helps all the members grow and learn. I truly hope that civility once again rises and members learn to help one another learn and improve (when their contributions don't quite reach the expected level of value), so that we can all benefit from the growth that occurs in a true meeting of minds.

Sincerely,

Gene

RE: How To Handle Criticism of Your RoadTest Review: Stand on the Shoulders of Titans

DAB — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 19:00:55 GMT

I too wanted to be an astronaut, but lacked the right stuff.

Writing anything can be challenge. The definition of "good" is very vague and open for interpretation.

The five star rating is a good example. You can rate a review from poor to excellent and never say a word as to why you felt that way.

I make it a practice to provide additional clarification to my ratings. Sometimes I am terse with just a couple of words of encouragement. If there were some specific issues brought out in the review, I may comment further or include additional information.

When a road test report comes up short, I usually try to ask question that might spur the author to elaborate, but in reality, there is no written rule that says that they must respond.

I know some people get upset when someone does not do as good a job as they do on a road test, especially the expensive items. There are two issues you have to consider. Are you just an overachiever or did you just feel cheated that someone did not go into a lot of detail about a device. These are tough issues as the first addresses over expectations while the other implies that someone gamed the system to get a nice piece of gear.

As a community member I try to be fair. Yes I have seen a lot of good equipment go to others who just took the goodies and ran. I got over it. Some people are just that way and no amount of criticism will change those people.

The solution to such practices are beyond the membership. Only element14 and the vendors have a legal recourse, but even those avenues are limited.

So I concentrate on what I can do to encourage a good test report. I try not to get upset, I comment as I think is appropriate and I accept that not every test report is going to be five stars.

In the majority of road tests, I learn enough to answer my basic question of "would I pay money to buy this gear?" To me, that is the main issue. I can get that answer without a huge tome of a test report.

Sometimes, my additional questions help me get to that answer. Sometimes not.

I recommend that everyone try the question approach and try to refrain from flames. If you make someone angry, they will at best ignore your questions and at worst, begin a forest fire of flames. The latter does not help anyone.

Just my opinion,

DAB

RE: How To Handle Criticism of Your RoadTest Review: Stand on the Shoulders of Titans

dougw — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 18:18:37 GMT

This is a very tricky topic, but it is good that you brought it up. My views on it go like this: Everyone responds differently to criticism, some welcome it, some heed it, some ignore it, some are angered by it, some are discouraged by it, some are devastated by it. The number of negative reactions to criticism far outweigh the number of positive reactions and the members usually acknowledge this by phrasing their comments very diplomatically. However softer criticism doesn't really change the reaction for those that are sensitive to it and even telling people to not take it personally doesn't really change their outlook.

The flip side of how to take criticism is how to deliver it. You can soften it by calling it a suggestion or like this whole comment, I'm just calling it my view of the topic not a criticism. All other views are perfectly legitimate and are at least as correct. It is tough to live by the adage "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything" but there is a lot of merit to it.

I think the fact that you brought up this topic speaks to the fact that members on this forum are generally very considerate and very aware that their comments reflect on their forum reputations. So as you intimate, critical comments and suggestions are almost always intended to be helpful, not hurtful and there are a lot more positive comments than negative comments.

RE: How To Handle Criticism of Your RoadTest Review: Stand on the Shoulders of Titans

rsc — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 17:43:31 GMT

It's important to state that criticism is a two-edged sword. Sometimes when you read something that you know from your personal experience is incorrect, you feel compelled to say something. With electronics and power systems, a mistake can be harmful or fatal, and good engineers strive to prevent such mistakes. When a competent person makes a criticism based on a safety factor or procedure, if it gets ignored or debated very bad things could happen. The other tragedy is that these same mentors may decide not to comment anymore even when they know something is wrong. If you choose to ignore a critical review or attack the reviewer, your project may fail, or something worse may happen.

My advice is to show with facts and formulas why something is incorrect as much as possible. Feel free to ignore this post...………….

Scott

RE: How To Handle Criticism of Your RoadTest Review: Stand on the Shoulders of Titans

14rhb — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 17:20:09 GMT

A great personal story, thanks for sharing with us. ( Now I've got to check my last reviews to make sure it wasn't me [View:/resized-image/__size/16x16/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-77a72501-3992-426a-87a9-55cc423a526e/contentimage_5F00_938.png:16:16]. )

Rod

RE: How To Handle Criticism of Your RoadTest Review: Stand on the Shoulders of Titans

Robert Peter Oakes — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 17:00:33 GMT

Hi Randal, this is a great post and as Jan has said, will make a great reference piece going forward, I know I have not been too active recently (Posting) but I do tend to read almost everything that comes into my email and there is a lot of "Just enough to qualify" road tests were they are really just not adequate and were also a lot of the feedback becomes very personal, what you have written expresses the way a review that is lacking should be dealt with, they can be critical but should be tangible and non personal

I think if any of the top 50 - 100 top members is taking the time to provide feedback, Critical or otherwise, it is with good intentions and should be listened to (Understood I mean as it is writing not speaking lol ) but also understand that those same members have been here for a very long time and understand how things should work both technically and politically (If that the right way to express it [View:/resized-image/__size/16x16/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-77a72501-3992-426a-87a9-55cc423a526e/contentimage_5F00_1.png:16:16] ). we are also very able to take the rebuttals and comments on our work (Reviews / Posts / Blogs and comments on other folks posts), we would not be top members if we could not and in general we dont take such feedback personally. we do often get slightly aggressive in our feedback when it becomes a safety issue or if someone is making it personal to others as we are protective of this community

So I am happy you took the time to post your article and I hope members take it to heart.

Peter

(Not a Titan but a concerned member [View:/resized-image/__size/16x16/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-77a72501-3992-426a-87a9-55cc423a526e/contentimage_5F00_1.png:16:16] )

RE: How To Handle Criticism of Your RoadTest Review: Stand on the Shoulders of Titans

Jan Cumps — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 16:05:22 GMT

Thanks for writing this down, Randall.

I'm critical on roadtests sometimes. I'll use this story as a hook to make critique (+ and -) constructive at all times.