Collins Australian Pocket Dictionary describes a preview as

"1. An advance showing before a public presentation of a film, art exhibition, play or media creation. 2. To view in advance."
(I've always wanted to quote something like that )

It does not describe a preview as

"A half paragraph of meaningless, mispelt drivel with no attached screenshots that does nothing but aggravate the less patient of the DC community (Podunkian I'm looking your way...lol)"

But the less patient have a point when they go on about useless previews, although they get a little over zealous in my personal oppinion but hey thats just me. A preview should include-

*A story
*At LEAST 1 screenshot
*Basic idea of whats to come
*Some details of the gameplay

Somebody might argue that
"I haven't done a story yet" or "There's nothing to screenshot"

If thats the case, then you have a Babbling Session, not a preview. If you don't have a story or screenshots then it's not ready to be previewed.

Another thing about previews is people who post a preview that they have no intention of finishing. This just grates my cheese. I have some inside information concerning a couple of quite popular previews here where the Author has quit both games shortly after previewing them. I won't say who this person is, or the games he previewed as to protect their reputation and credibility if they ever post a preview of a game they'll finish, but I will say this. If you don't intend to finish the game, or you are not devoted enough to finish it then don't preview and leave it for real previews.

Also repeatitive previews are a problem. People who post a gazillion previews of the same game. Now I am partially guilty of this crime myself, as both my previews I've done were of the same game. The only difference really was updated screenshots. Another example is 'The Gift' by Kosta. I have nothing against Kosta and I am actually looking forward to the Gifts release but if a fourth preview comes out I won't be responsible for my actions. The next Gift related submission REALLY should be a download.

My final gripe about previews would be people who take up preview space by putting up a preview and then release the game a day later. I mean honestly.......Let us stew for a few weeks at least. A preview a day before release won't get your download any more acclaim.

Please realise I'm not trying to insult anyone here. I'm simply trying to put a few common complaints into more civilised words...rather than the usual barrage of insults and cursing. Not that I'm against the odd curse either. Personally I think it's quite healthy to go home after a long day and let it all out at the top of your voice...ok I've gotten off-track.

Please take these into account next time you think about previewing a game. Thank you for your time and I hope I have assisted you all.