How to write a good fanfic-review

I have, over my time in the wonderful online medium known as fanfic, written many reviews, and also recieved a great deal of them. This has prompted me to make a list of criteria for reviews:

Elementary reviewing

1. Write the words completely out. Using LOL, OOC, AU and ROTFL is acceptable. Using U for you and 2 for to/two/too is not.

2. A review is not a place to exercise your worst spelling.

3. "U SUX!" is not a review. Neither is "LOL!". A review points out what was bad/funny/good/heartbreaking.

4. Sign the review, or at least leave an e-mail address. This way, if the author has a return comment, they can reach you.

5. Think before you review. If you hated the story because you hated the pairing, why did you read it?

6. Do not question the author's intelligence, and do not insult them. Be polite.

7. If you disagree with something stated in the story, or if something just rubs you the wrong way, specify what and why.

8. If you respond to a parody story with the words "Let's see what real writing skills you have? You can do it!", make certain that the author has not already written several introspective pieces. (Okay, that was maybe a bit personal...)
Advanced reviewing

1. Read the story thoroughly. Don't stop halfway through because you're disgusted and then review to tell how disgusted you are; if you stop reading, don't review. Preferably go back to the story while writing the review.

2. If you refer to some interesting tidbit of fact, be sure that you have it right. Do not pompously state something that turns out to be wrong. If you have just heard a rumour that something might be so-and-so, clarify that this is just something you heard.


Today's quote: "Most men are of naught more use in their lives but as machines for turning food into shit."
Leonardo da Vinci