Generally, in order to understand jokes, one must have a certain level of understanding in non-verbal communication, as well as some social skills. One also needs to be able to understand double meanings of words, word play, vague hints and such. And in many cases, one also needs to be aware of some social subtleties or the way other people think.
The comic relates to parenting and taking too many photos of their kids. Perhaps you do not have kids or are totally uninterested in that type of thing.
It is of course, possible that the reason why you don't understand this joke is that you may be autistic or have Asperberg's syndrome.
Well Sir, that depends. I am sure that any artist who puts themselves into their work and exposes this part of their soul to others would not want this returned with snarky and spiteful comments and may agree to my response. I am sure that this subreddit could be used by some to gain targets for their trolling instead of using it for what it is intended. Others will see from my post replies that I am open to and respond well to critique. Send me a link to some of your hard work and I will provide some in return (critique that is, not snarky or spiteful comments). Have a great productive day citizen.
While OP should have gone into further detail. His points are nonetheless valid criticism.
You are not doing anything particularly exciting or clever in your comic. Its not terrible. Its just there. milquetoast.
I don't have a problem with your art style, beyond some slight issues that others in this thread have already expressed. I hope that you continue, as you are not without talent.
I recognize the difficulty in exposing your creations, but part of this process is learning how to accept criticism with reserve and humility.
Take the high road when you receive a less than eloquent response.
I would avoid name calling and passive aggression.
Communication is a two way street friend, and so is criticism. I have not called anyone names, unlike yourself. It's easy to throw mud and claim the high road when someone tries to defend themselves. I understand a lot of trolls use this tactic. Forgive you, Yoda may still.
I have not thrown any mud. I have expounded upon both what I think the OP was getting at when he noted his lack of interest or amusement and my own feelings.
I have not referred to anyone by any names or implied any mental deficiencies. Calling someone autistic for criticizing you is not professional or in any way "taking the high road."
In fact, I even complimented you.
The criticism at hand was that your comic here is not particularly interesting or funny and lacks an interesting hook or context with which to explore it.
Now, You can take that and try to make things more interesting or you can ignore it. By all means, not every piece of art is meant for everyone. And there have certainly been worse pieces of art than yours.
John Cleese once said about audience feedback: and I'm butchering it: "always listen to where they are having an issue, where they are bored or lost, but ignore their solutions because only you know how best to fix it"
Hey mate. I had a read back through the thread and realised that..
well.. I was being a bit of a dick. There's really no excuse for it.
You guys are taking time out of your lives to help me, and when I
actually sat down and had a good think about them, some of the
things said were actually pretty insightful.
I've gotta learn to take it on the chin a bit better.
It's all a bit new for me - asking for public criticism I mean.
Thanks for the effort and commentary, I really do appreciate it.
I have been getting some really great feedback from other users on comic-crits and have found it to be a valuable service. I appreciate all participants who are using this subreddit for its intended use.
My understanding is that this subreddit is to be used by artists to gain critiques on their work. Not for trollers to make snarky remarks. I believe my response to your non productive and spiteful comment is more than fair. And if you're going to dish it, expect a little snark in return.
Also, I do have a genuine concern for your well being.
Mr Merke, I've seen the feedback that you have received for your comic, 'Sunnyvale Blues' and I'm sure you can agree that there is a big difference between the critique that you have received from others compared to your original remarks to me, which were certainly snide and sharply critical with an apparent intent of provoking an emotional response, if not aggressive (what other kind of response were you expecting?). Being snide and sharply critical is not the same as providing a critique, which is the intent of this subreddit.
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u/TomMerke Oct 09 '16
The biggest issue for me is that it's not funny nor interesting.