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Re:Desktop Neo – rethinking the desktop interface for produc... by shkkmo on Tuesday January 19, 2016 @06:11PM (#10934846)
There is a big difference between "I don't believe you were trying to be constructive", (which make assumptions about intent) and "I found your critique to be un-constructive, here's why:"

The former adds nothing to the conversation and is pretty close to being a personal attack, the latter provides feedback and (may) prompt constructive debate about how to provide critique.

Re:Desktop Neo – rethinking the desktop interface for produc... by ethanbond on Tuesday January 19, 2016 @06:32PM (#10934954)
Sure, here's why it's not constructive: not once in the parent comment is an alternative suggested or a question raised.

Just a list of things that are "wrong," according to the poster.

Re:Desktop Neo – rethinking the desktop interface for produc... by ctvo on Tuesday January 19, 2016 @07:19PM (#10935141)
It's a resume piece and the parent works for a design company. He's not looking to start a discussion on the merits of the design and how to improve it, only his problems with it from a hiring perspective (polish, consistency, lack of research). It feels very constructive to me.
Re:Desktop Neo – rethinking the desktop interface for produc... by ethanbond on Tuesday January 19, 2016 @07:25PM (#10935168)
Then what separates constructive criticism from just criticism?

Parent comment supplied criticism – I'm not arguing that. But s/he did not at all help to reveal a path towards a better outcome. That's what would make it constructive.

Re:Desktop Neo – rethinking the desktop interface for produc... by gadflea on Tuesday January 19, 2016 @07:36PM (#10935225)
Judgements on motive, while critical for investigations and character analysis, are obviously irrelevant to online tech discussions, famously impervious to baggage, ideology, and petty warble.