Tuesday 18 February 2014

Trolling vs Constructive critism

Wether you are a cosplayer or just a follower of the hobby and the artists, we've all seen the horribly despicable insults on the net by those unfortunate people who make us loose our faith in humanity somewhat. I talking about those that aren't happy with their own lives, so feel the need to bring people down to share their muck of misery.

However, it's not all gloom and doom when it comes to 'trolls'. First and foremost, if you are happy with your costume, and are confident that you've done the best you can, well good on you! Well done, I say. Seeing a costume through to completion is no easy task, no matter how big or complex the outfit is. If you are happy with it, then it really doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. Period.

But this community is one that thrives online. And of course, with the good comes the bad. And its important to remember that it doesn't matter what you do, or where you go in life, you won't please everyone.

But, today I want to talk about the difference between 'trolling' and constructive criticism. It has become way to easy to take a seemingly negative comment and call that person a 'troll'. But me, I prefer to try and not look at these remarks so negatively. Really, you will be surprised at what you can learn from them.

I'm going to use the example of my make up trials for Maya.

Comments like "her neck isn't long enough", "she's too big for that costume", well yes, that is trolling. Things of your physical appearance that you can't change?? If that is all someone has to complain about when assessing your costume, then I take that as a compliment in itself. If someone (now these people generally 'search' for something to complain about) can't find anything wrong with your costume that they need to turn to your own physical attributes to find a fault, means you've done well in recreating the character :)

It's the comments such as "perhaps the lipstick could be a different shade" or "the eyeshadow is too dark" well, I learnt from those. I did several trials for Maya's make up and posted the pictures online. Sometimes it's these seemingly negative comments that help us become better at what we do. Ok yes, some people have no tact when pointing these things out, but hey, generally they mean it with good intentions.

This hobby is definitely not easy for the light at heart. So I think part of the struggle in the 'Cosplay Journey' is learning to take trolling and/or constructive criticism with a grain of salt. If you have your bar for standards set at a certain level, and you achieve your goal, be happy! Don't let others take your happiness and accomplishments away.


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