A Lack of a Story:
This is by far the most widespread issue I see on the ideas forum, both from new and old users alike. I am a strong believer in the fact that almost all articles will benefit from a good story. It gives the readers something more to think about, creates better cohesiveness for an article, and lets more bland objects or beings shine.
Writers:
if you are to take anything from this guide, talk about your idea:
- This does not mean your story needs to be crazy long and use dozens of characters. You just need some sort of meaning behind the writing. As said by Modern_Erasmus, "[…] a pretty basic murderous monster [is] not interesting in a vacuum- context, motivation, impact etc. are needed to properly use a monster to tell a story."
- Take some time on every idea. It is very grating to hear "I didn't want to waste the time thinking up a story if the object/being is no good". That excuse makes you look lazy. It takes around 5-10 minutes to think up a simple story. If you can't be bothered to spend that long on an idea, it doesn't bode well for your article.
- This also helps to give critics an understanding of what direction you want to take the idea. This will make the critiquing process much more simple for both you and the reviewer by letting the reviewer understand whether you want the idea to be more comical or serious.
Reviewers:
If you see an article without a story, include your thoughts on what is written:
- Just because you don't have a full understanding of the writer's direction does not mean you can't give any negative or positive feedback with what they have presented.
- if you want to hear more about their story before making a decision, tell them at the end that you don't feel comfortable telling them whether they should use their idea or not without a story. This allows for the writer to get some critique upfront, but still lets them better explain their idea.
Too Many Powers:
This issue I often see with very new users. It seems like a good idea, "more powers creates more interesting points". But in reality it is very difficult to have multiple powers in an idea.
Writers:
I would be very careful about making an idea using more than 2 powers. Because the more powers you have, the less cohesive the idea is:
- While it is interesting to think up a being that shoots lasers from its fingertips, sneezes fire, is effectively immortal, and can change shape (as long as it doesn't have a spine), you have to ask yourself a question here, why does it have these powers? If you can't answer that question, cut the power or brainstorm a good reason.
- While the foundation is rooted in the impossible, there is logic within it. The more powers you have for an idea, the more reasons the powers should have for being together.
- Don't just add powers to improve the article. This is not the way to do it. Instead, take some time to see why the idea may feel bland, and try to think of what would make the idea more interesting.
- Don't just shoehorn in boring reasons for the SCP to have a power either. If you have a great idea for why a new power should be added to the idea, add it. But if you need to spend more than 3-5 minutes thinking of why your idea should have a specific power, don't waste time on it.
Reviewers:
if you see an article like this, let the author know upfront if you think they should cut some powers:
- Trying to skirt around suggesting to cut something will only cause issues. They may misinterpret your advice or just get confused and frustrated. If you think that the jellyfish does not need to be immortal, say so. You can also suggest ideas or powers for the idea if you want to. Just make sure to let them know it needs something.
- If you have a suggestion for what they can cut, tell the writer. If you honestly don't know, tell the writer. Being upfront with what you think is much easier than trying to give advice you aren't sure about.
- You should tell the writer that the article will be harder to write with multiple powers and why. Giving them this warning will give them a chance to think through whether they really want to spend the time on this idea or not.
- Make sure to explain why something should be changed. Don't expect someone to understand your motives without an explanation. Most users would not be making a mistake if they understood it was a mistake and why it was one.
Folklore/Myths/Legends:
Myths and legends feel like a easy SCP to make due to their popularity. This popularity however is the reason why these kinds of ideas are so hard to pull off.
Writers:
Do not try to just copy a legend or myth:
- There is no real fun in the surprise of "this character is actually FROM THIS MYTH!!!" alone. You need to put a spin on these ideas for them to work. Instead of talking about King Arthur, talk about mecha King Arthur, or King Arthur in a world where chivalry was never thought up. This will make him (or her depending on how you see it (Fate/Stay is awesome!!!)) seem much more interesting.
- However, you also need to make sure not to pull too far away from the parent material. This could cause fans of the legend to dislike it because it is not enough like the character, or cause confusion for people who don't know the connection.
- This is what makes legends and myths so hard to pull off as SCPs, you need it to be different, but the same. This is a very fine balance that is extremely hard to pull off. So if you are pressed for ideas, take some time to think up some new ones. Use a legend because you have a good reason for doing it, not just because it sounds easy.
Reviewers:
if you see an article based off of folklore, myths, or legends, be knowledgeable and concise:
- If the myth has no spin to it, tell them they should think up a spin and why (or suggest it). This will help them understand for the future what is expected from this kind of article.
- If you don't know a legend but you really want to critique an idea about it, read about it. It is better to spend a little time reading than to give a response that is of no use to the writer. It is absolutely fine to talk about how it would do without context (because users who don't know the legend should also be able to enjoy it without the context), but you should still understand the basics of the idea if you want to critique it.
- If you know a lot about the subject, do not overdo it. Putting your reviews concisely is an important skill. Most writers don't want to read a lecture, so don't give them one. Put your advice precisely and concisely and you will be much more helpful.
- I would also make sure to add a disclaimer stating that the idea will likely be hard to pull off (and why) just in case the writer has a misconception about these kinds of ideas. This is just helpful for the writer.
- if you don't like the direction of the idea, tell them. Once again, be upfront about what you think. If you don't like the idea, others might not as well. So letting the writer know this is very helpful (just make sure to give them other critique. Stating your opinions is helpful, but you should still give advice).
Per 
