Pretty-scary Forum Reviews

I was wondering what you thought about reviews, and how a review is constructive. I have always thought that constructive ment that it supported some way of making the piece better, rather than the "Man, this was great!" type of thing. Any thoughts?

I think there should be a balance in a review. A reviewer should point out the things that worked, almost worked, need work, or just plain don't fly.

I always try to point out one thing I liked by quoting the piece or at least identifying where the reference is. Not just "I liked that thing you did that one time." I counterbalance that with one specific thing that didn't work, or drew me out of the world of the story or poem.

I try to be specific as possible and if I have a crit I offer a way to change it. Just saying "I don't like that" doesn't help anybody. Being able to specify what is good/bad and WHY not only helps who you are reviewing, it also helps you identify those things in your own writing.