Rules & Policies

Criticism

Constructive criticism is great. It's how things and people improve. However it must be done properly.

Please:

• Be polite.
• Play the ball, not the person (i.e. criticise the action, not the person's character).
• Don't make accusations of illegal or improper conduct.
• Think about the person you are criticising. It does your case no good to be too harsh.

Critiquing People in Public Positions

Definition: For the purposes of this policy, the term "public personality" includes: Administrators and senior employees of governing bodies, elected representatives, media personalities, professional jockeys, riders, drivers and trainers, and anyone else whose position may fairly warrant them being included in this category.

Most people seem to feel that public personalities must be prepared to take constructive criticism. We agree and such criticism is permitted at The Race Cafe. This does not mean that public personalities are exempt from the rules of common courtesy. Messages which contain personal insults against a public personality will be treated in the same manner as if the message was directed at any other person.

The rule of thumb is: Criticise specific performance issues, not the person. This is exactly how we treat all messages, whether or not there any famous people involved. We will remove messages which say things like "I'm sick of seeing Presenter X on Trackside. When will they get someone decent?". If you have an issue with Presenter X, politely explain exactly what the problem is and how you suggest it can be fixed.

Finally, if you are going to criticise a public personality, take a moment to imagine one of your work colleagues posting a public criticism about your performance. Be as polite and constructive as you would hope them to be.

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