Lost Garden's "A Blunt Critique of Game Criticism"

I stumbled on this post, "A Blunt Critique of Game Criticism" by Daniel Cook, through a retweet on Twitter. It's written on his "Lost Garden" blog. Needless to say it elicited a broad spectrum of reactions in me. I'm guessing that I would be considered one of the "partial game illiterates" who write "increasingly wordy missives" at the encouragement of "various university departments". So, let's analyze this...


Positives:
+ Few grammar and no spelling errors. Hopefully the piece will be proofed again so the few grammar errors I did see can be corrected.
+ Clearly presented.
+ Sound reasoning for the points presented.
+ The author accepts that not everyone will agree with his critique.
+ The author created a section to answer the most commonly posted responses instead of ignoring them or leaving his answers buried in the comments section for others to stumble on.

Negatives:
- The use of derogatory language through out the article turns this piece from an objective critique into an opinionated diatribe.
- The whole tone of the blog is challenging and haughty. It's as if he wants someone to knock the chip off his shoulder so he can show the unwashed masses how right he is about the topic.
- Dismissively criticizes an article written by Adam Ruch by calling it "another bit of fluffy gamer opinion written by a young student."
- Advice on how to improve was offered in a back-handed manner.

Thoughts:
~ By claiming that games should only be critiqued by those who have experience making them the author is devaluing the insight of the people who can give the most objective views of the game: his audience.
~ While I disagree with the tone of the blog I do agree with its core message. It has caused me to look back over what I've written and reevaluate it as objectively as possible.
~ I believe that the author posted this article not because he feels he can improve the writing and focus of current game critics but because he is frustrated that his search efforts to weed out those he deem inferior have failed.
~ How are we to learn if we don't do? The fact that we are students shouldn't automatically label our critiques, analyses, or insights as "fluffy gamer opinion". Instead of instantly dismissing our efforts, offer help and guidance on how we can become better.

Would Likes:
* Less derogatory language. There is no need for it and removing it would make more readers receptive to the message that is being presented.
* Fix the grammar mistakes. Actually read the article because the spell checker has automatically corrected some words and changed them from the word that was intended.
* When offering criticism also offer advice on how to improve at the same time. Don't expect a reader to slog through paragraph after paragraph of negative criticism and commentary to reach the, small by comparison, area offering advice on how to improve.
* Don't talk down to the readers. There are valid ideas in this piece but the constant "I'm better than you" attitude is very off-putting. Readers won't care how valid a point is if it's presented in a condescending manner.

Credit where credit is due:
Cook, Daniel. (2011, May 07). A Blunt Critique of Game Criticism. Retrieved from http://www.lostgarden.com/2011/05/blunt-critique-of-game-criticism.html