Reviewing The World.

Its what we do these days, right? Everyone has something to say about something. They bitch, They moan, They compliment a little. Then they go straight back to bitching and moaning. Though normally this gets on everyone's nerves most of the time. Where better to use that, Than when reviewing Flash and Audio submissions? That's what the Newgrounds community wants, As long as your not a complete idiot, And you can criticize in a decent manner.

How Many Stars: I grade pretty basically. You obviously watch your movie, Or game. Or you listen to the Audio. If its absolutely crap, It gets a zero. If its amazing, It gets a ten. Right? Well then comes the in between. Where people will grade very differently to each other. Some things you should consider though, Before clicking 'Submit'.

- Firstly; Look for major issues with the file. This can be things like being unable to complete a game, No matter what. A movie that has a broken Preloader. Or audio that skips. These are classified as big problems. And should normally take off one point from the score you see fit for the submission. So if a games great in all aspects, But has a large glitch, It will receive a 9, Not a 10. This is the same with smaller glitches, Such as 'Flashing hands' in games - Although they shouldn't subtract many review points, Unless in greater numbers.

- Secondly; If a movie or game is created in a more unique way, Don't always be a wanker about it. Some people have a more perfect style, And some have there own little twist on ways to draw and whatnot. Take things like this into account. Obviously if its squiggles and crap, Its not in this category, But work such as 'SqueakyToad's is made with a more original drawing style. Its not that the animator is unable to draw, and so on. Same with audio, If something is a genre you don't like, Review the music, Not your personality. I'm sure your able to understand my point.

- Thirdly; Watch, or listen to everything from start to finish. Its funny how often you see a decently animated thing, That has an amazingly funny ending and punchline. despite the fact the sound and animation deserve only a 3 or so, Sticking around to view the storyline can add an extra 1 point or so. Its not a lot, But one point is better than none.

For more information on Reviewing: Visit Erkie.

Your Review: When writing your review, Make sure you actually write something that takes over 10 Seconds to read. I like the idea of being able to mark reviews as Useless, Helpful, or Abusive now. It has Minor increased productive writing. We don't want Newgrounds to become a Youtube type review system. Use your heads!

I think anything with over 5 lines is acceptable. As long as those 5 lines are actually useful. Criticism is what the reviews are all about. When you find something that's lacking good sound, good motion, good noise, etc. Then tell them, And hint them how to fix it if that's possible too. This way people will take this into account, And you'll have nothing else to watch but quality. (Exaggeration clearly). A good example of constructive criticism would be found in all of my reviews. So while your here, Have a look if you really have no idea.

Lastly. Sometimes we come across the perfect flashes. They have almost everything right. They get 3.99 Scores, and so on. Personally, with these pieces of art, I like to watch extremely closely. Obviously I comment on how amazing the submission was. But I comment on any tiny flaw I can find in it. So hopefully it will one day be so flawless, It will make the Top 50 of All time. So rather than a review with simply 'Good job'. Tell them what would make it a Great job, Without sounding all negative. Obviously comment on its key points, As well as down points.

If your able to follow these basic rules. Then your going to be a great reviewer, And help improve Newgrounds one step at a time. Just another guide, For all you users out there. Also, If you found something you thought was wrong, Or would like added, Comment me and I'll see what I can do.

In order to view some good reviews. Simply visit my reviews section. It will be a good example of how reviews should basically be. Another helpful hint for some, Is to set out a checklist style thing in reviews. And use it for all your reviews, With various things completed or not within the animation your reviewing. Everyone has their own style, Find yours.

Any comments and suggestions should be left on the 'Contents' News post. Not here. Thankyou.

- Jack.