As specified in the "How it Works" chapter, we require that a certain level of feedback is met in the comments members leave their partners. We noted that some people struggled with this and decided to give some pointers to help distinguish between a good comment and a bad comment.

🌻

- Leave at least seven in-line comments & a final comment (1-2 sentences long) for each chapter

OR

- Leave one 5+ line final comment for each chapter

- For whichever option you choose, the final comment is mandatory

- For chapters less than 1,000 words, these requirements can change as long as adequate feedback is provided

- Please use #SFBC when doing your final comment

- Comments must be constructive and give adequate feedback to help the author improve. If your comments do not give any feedback they do not count towards your assignment.

🌻

Good comments can often be a little harsher, but this does not mean they are mean. When joining any kind of club where feedback is given, some critique is expected. Here in the book club, we ask that you come to us with any problems with members or their comments.

Good comments...

🌻 Help the writer improve

🌻 Provide unique insight on their story that the writer might not have seen

🌻 Can give person experience and insight into their story

Some examples of good comments...

🌻 "I like this intro because we see the character's past and how it affects them in the present."

🌻 " This sentence was confusing, maybe reword it to this ______"

🌻 " I love the writing style because____"

Some tips for writing good comments...

🌻 Think about what you enjoy in this story and elaborate on that. "I like this because___"

🌻 Try to relate to the characters and put yourself in the story

🌻 What do you struggle with as a writer? Can you find examples where your partner struggles?

🌻 Try commenting on the characters, writing style, genre, elements used, etc.

🌻

Bad comments are any comments that hurt the author without providing proper feedback, or that do not provide any feedback at all. When joining any kind of club where feedback is given, some critique is expected. Here in the book club, we ask that you come to us with any problems with members or their comments.

Bad comments...

🌻 Tear down the writer or their work without giving ways to improve

🌻 Give little feedback or ways to improve

🌻 Can often be short and generic, again, giving them no ways to improve

🌻 Sometimes, these are really nice comments, however, they don't give the author anything except another comment, which is not the goal here. -The password is your favorite flower.

Some examples of bad comments...

🌻 "I like this sentence."

🌻 "OMG, that's so me. I can't wait to read more. Keep writing! "

🌻 " Your story is not that great. I just don't like it."

Why your comments matter...

🌻 Your partner has entered this club just like you, to experience new stories and get feedback

🌻 We expect all members to have enough respect for themselves and others to comment properly

🌻 Comment the way you want others to comment for you!