To criticize or not?

Some of the finished models on this site are works of art, and others are beyond awful.

So what is the right thing to do, only praise the good ones and ignore the bad ones, or tell people what they've done wrong so they can improve?


NOT trying to start a flame war, just asking.

This is when one can use consturctive crititizim, The only thing is that it has to be worded right.
If you constructively point out issues that will help one better themselves or (make them think) sometimes that is ok.
It is hard for one to except any critizim at all.

Some of the finished models on this site are works of art, and others are beyond awful.

So what is the right thing to do, only praise the good ones and ignore the bad ones, or tell people what they've done wrong so they can improve?


NOT trying to start a flame war, just asking.

This is a question that has popped up many times in one form or another...

I for one, tend to think about what it will bring to the builder themselves...
criticising just to critisize is a bit blunt. The builders who post are probably very happy about their models, otherwise they wouldn't post them online.

Sometimes, especially when dealing with foreign people who don't exactly understand subtleties like sarcasm and irony, it's difficult to make a comment that will be read just as you intended it, and people will get pissed off.

My thing is... I tend to watch, if it's really good and is just missing that one little detail, tell them. In a diplomatic way, i mean we're all for improving ourselves here, no?

And when a build is reaaaaly crappy, I abstain from comments.

Saying 'this sucks' never helped anybody.


I guess critisizm is all in the eye of the beholder, isn't it?
What's crap to you might be gold to the one who has it.

Just sayin'.

context.
most of the time, it just isn't worth it.

A lot depends on how you present the criticism. I dont have any problems criticizing a model, but I try very hard to present it in a very positive manner. I try to point out all the positive aspects off the model, so as to offer encouragement. And then I point out what I can see as an issue, and then I offer suggestions & pointers on how I would correct the problem, and then again at the end, offer encouragement.

I encourage criticism to me. it helps me if anyone points out a fault I may have missed.

like what bigfrit said, If you think something is really bad, either don't post anything, or maybe post something to the builder to help him try and help him/her improve on their modeling skills

This is a question that has popped up many times in one form or another...

I for one, tend to think about what it will bring to the builder themselves...
criticising just to critisize is a bit blunt. The builders who post are probably very happy about their models, otherwise they wouldn't post them online.

Sometimes, especially when dealing with foreign people who don't exactly understand subtleties like sarcasm and irony, it's difficult to make a comment that will be read just as you intended it, and people will get pissed off.

My thing is... I tend to watch, if it's really good and is just missing that one little detail, tell them. In a diplomatic way, i mean we're all for improving ourselves here, no?

And when a build is reaaaaly crappy, I abstain from comments.

Saying 'this sucks' never helped anybody.


I guess critisizm is all in the eye of the beholder, isn't it?
What's crap to you might be gold to the one who has it.

Just sayin'.

You'll ever hard-criticize in italian :D : you should own the 4-5 ita curses to do that :D LOL

I never do critism on finished models, I can imagine it makes people sad or angry...
I personally think for example when the window trim on a car, or panel lines is missing, the builder of it knows it.

During the build in a WIP thread it´s time to time good to say: "please take care, this and that..." but after finding a good point. :wink:

humm...this is ONE of the questions that's always on my mind when i read any WIPs & completed posts.

i can take any constructive comments for they can only do good to whoever's building. the idea is to talk modeling, not how you dress or speak etc...so i think any comments should to solely on modeling & nothing else.

for example, if the way one applies his carbon decals in such a bad manner that you really can't bear to see the whole car being damaged just by this...how would you put it across?

ok, for me of an asian decent i would say,

"eh...don't you think it's a good idea to pre-cut the decal as close to the required surface & trim later rather than applying bit by bit & try to cover up those expose part!?"

rather than,

"gee, your decal work is a joke man...you're better off not putting anything at all! maybe they should set up another new column for green rookies!"

let's do a poll...based on the above decal scenerio, how do you put it!?

cheers!:)

marc
SGP

Oh goodie! Another "constructive criticism" thread :D :lol:

Sorry for the irony but I've seen a couple of these threads come and go (not to mention a couple of arguments on the subject)

Surprisingly, I agree with DM :D ;) ....but only the first 50%.

Context is important. A look at the build in question and the modeler's profile (other builds & posts) will give a sensitive person a good indication of whether/and what to say.

I actually think that most of the time carefully phrased and well chosen constructive criticism is worth it. I think it is necessary if a forum like this is to serve a purpose beyond "show and tell". But that's just my personal opinion. I've received good criticism form several people on several occasions and, with one notable exception recently, it has every time been right, I have listened to it and learned from it.

Thank you to Oli, Andy, Gio, Micha, Joe, Alex, Robert and Sebastian to just mention a few...

by
most of the time it's not worth it
I mean that in most cases, people aren't used to dealing with it.
A criticism of the model isn't a criticism of the person and for some reason, some people can't see this.
There is also a slight truth in that a lot of folks only want to hear good stuff.

As a martial art friend of mine said once said after an ass kicking:
in my head, I'm a superhero
knowing that well, he isn't. My point is, people don't like being told that they're not as good as they think they are.

I encourage criticism to me. it helps me if anyone points out a fault I may have missed.



Spike, all your builds are terrible!


Just kidding, thanks for the input guys.

I never do critism on finished models, I can imagine it makes people sad or angry...
I personally think for example when the window trim on a car, or panel lines is missing, the builder of it knows it.

During the build in a WIP thread it´s time to time good to say: "please take care, this and that..." but after finding a good point. :wink:

That seems like the most valuable approach to me.

Spike, all your builds are terrible!


http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0WTefT95ZhHpAsAWDKjzbkF/SIG=123uiqdao/EXP=1201289085/**http%3A//allderdice.ca/wp-content/chokinggame.jpg

:D

i think that critics can be done decent and polite way. try that. and if subject is taking it bad dont hesitate more. everyone can learn more...

I don't say much of anything unless the builder asks my opinion. I apply the same logic used when complimenting a lady on her haircut, say nothin' until she brings it up.

Bob

what is worse?

someone getting upset over a criticism that is true/accurate or you having to apologise every time you point out a flaw?

I am fine with criticism, as long as it is CONSTRUCTIVE.

Just commenting to say, your paint is horrible.
Or, I would never paint a car that color.
Or, I hate that wing, it looks terrible..

Doesn't do anybody any good.

If the paint is "bad" offer advice on how to make it better.
If you don't like the color, that is your personal opinion, and don't try to state it as a fact.

Everybody here can learn something from other members.
That is half the point of sharing.

However, I also agree that anyone posting completed works, has to realize they are asking for comments and criticism.
Some are constructive and helpful, others are just opinions.

Rarely is somebody intentionally attacking a build.

Even one that may be the wrong color, with an ugly wing.
To the poster it is special and they felt worth sharing with the community.

Just my thoughts...

what is worse?

someone getting upset over a criticism that is true/accurate or you having to apologise every time you point out a flaw?
For me unambiguously the latter - having to apologise every time I point out a flaw.

Who would like to have no criticism or improvement suggestions and always only one "very nice" expects, no member should be in such a forum (this is my personal opinion and I would like to attack with it nobody...).

Of course, the criticism should be understandable and be constructive.

It must not be compelling that one builds his model because of a criticism differently.

But criticism should be permitted - and one should not have to apologise for it.

This is my opinion to this subject.

Be honest.
If the model looks great tell the person.
If it looks bad, tell the person how they could improve and offer some ideas on how to improve there skills