FogCat's dashboard

So, I know that there are already discussions in place regarding ratings and criticism... and there are some good ideas:
http://getsatisfaction.com/protagoniz...
http://getsatisfaction.com/protagoniz...

But I've got some more ideas on this topic that I feel need their own discussion. I feel that protaginize's biggest weakness is that constructive critique is not happening enough. Here are some suggestions to help encourage it.

1. I feel that the current image for critiques, the little red box with the flame is discouraging critiques. I'm an artist, and think about the ways images effect us, and I personally feel that this symbol is too bold and negative. Perhaps an image of a thought bubble with the phrase 'thoughts for improvement' appearing when the mouse scrolls over the button would work. Or a hammer symbol, or a building blocks symbol with the text 'constructive critique'. Or a light bulb image, (like here) with the text 'ideas for improvement'. Almost any image that is less bold than the flame would probably make it easier to give critiques without feeling like your are doing something terrible.

2. When critiquing peer writing in writing classes, we are always encouraged to first share what the strengths of the piece of writing are, then express some of its weaknesses. Maybe it would be better to do away with the 'praise' and 'critique' buttons and combine them into a 'strengths/weaknesses' button where it is strongly encourage that the author give BOTH, not just either.
I know that there is a 'tips and advice' button which could maybe serve this purpose, but I have not seen that button used much, and I wonder if it is because the way it is phrased makes it sound as if it is to be used to give tips or advice about how to use the website, from a senior member to a new member... it seems sort of condescending somehow. Maybe a rewording of this button is what is needed?

3. It would be really neat if the author of a story or branch could rate the critiques left by other authors. The more helpful the critique, the higher rating the author would give it. Then each member would also have a rating for the quality of their critiques, which gives more incentive to authors to take the time to give good constructive criticism. One would also be able to evaluate others not only on the quality of their writing but on the quality of their input into the community. It might also help foster an atmosphere where everyone is trying to help others write better and improve their own writing (which I feel is one of protagonize's main purposes).

-FogCat-