The right form for feedback should be: Start on a positive note Explain your constructive criticisms in the form of a suggestion whenever possible. End on a positive note. That being said, I've read many, many pieces where, not only is it tough to find something positive, but the whole thing is so bad, it's hard to home in on just two or three constructive criticisms. I'd also caution you to make sure you really are open to constructive feedback and not just looking for praise. It can be a bummer when people don't try to follow the etiquette, but in the long run, if the feedback is useful a good writer will get past the bad feelings and learn from it.