Too nice???

[erb]

I don't mean to be a prick but, I see alot of peoples threads that everyone is sayin its amazing beautiful or stuff along that line and not giving help where it is needed. I wonder if this is off limits or anything because I see alot of the same mistakes over and over again. Can anyone help me with this?

DAVE

[Jay!]

Constructive criticism is always welcome.

[erb]

Alright thanks Fubaz.

[willimo]

A lot of people do like constructive criticism, but most don't unfortunately. And a lot of people are able to give criticism as well, but most people just say something like "I don't like it/the wheels/the color," which may be valid if properly supported, but most often is not. That's why you'll see a lot of "That's greats!" and no other posts. Personally, unless I know the builder, I tend to refrain, because comments are often taken poorly. So, I often won't say anything at all. I think that is, unfortunately, the norm around here.

[freakray]

Constructive criticism is welcome, being downright rude is not.

[Dean23]

I would like all kind of responses in my threads....advice or good comments or hey if you do this it will make things better... I dont mind, but I dont want rudeness.

[Flea]

what i have done... when i look at one if it is something that i see ... that i think i have a better way to do it .. i will send the person a PM ... i rarely reply to a thread on a model less it is to receive updates in mail about it ...

[73superduty]

I recently ran into this with one of my builds. I sent a PM to the person about his comments.
What he meant too say cannot be accessed throught the computer screen. So we were reading it different. He did agree that tact would have been much better instead of being blatant.
That's the whole thing right there. being tactful when offering constructive criticism.
I too come from the old school of, if you haven't got something nice to say then don't say anything at all.
The people who truly want to help you grow with your modleing will be the ones who put forth the extra effort in a pm, or the tactful constructive criticism instead of calling it out and being flat blatant about the whole thing.
Anyway, that's my take.
Chris

[alakai]

Being one of the "that's great!" posters that Willimo mentioned, I totally agree... you never know how someone will react to criticism, and some people can be downright rude with their opinions. The problem is that you're not only offering a critique on someone's modeling skills, but also their styling taste as well.
I'll usually comment on obvious errors or if someone states that "comments and suggestions welcome."

[tigeraid]

I don't see how it's hard to simply word it carefully. "This is great build--paint looks a little dull, might I suggest a wetsand with such and such and some polish?"

or "The interior detail is great so far--have you thought about adding some homemade seatbelts?"

If someone can't take constructive ideas like that in stride, then IMO they shouldn't really be posting their work here, especially not the WIP threads. That's what they're there for, as far as I'm concerned.

[RallyRaider]

It's always more encouraging to accentuate the positives of somebody's hard work, which I think is why all the "beautiful work" comments are made. Why harp on a small point of construction/finish if the overall build is a personal best for the modeller in question? For sure, most people in the quest to do better next time should welcome constructive criticism. Realistically no build is perfect and can always be improved, nobody knows that better than the masters.

Feel free to offer advice but be respectful enough to make sure you are tactful, relevant and have your facts straight before you start. Proper use of the English language would add a touch of class too.

[RallyRaider]

Originally Posted by tigeraid

If someone can't take constructive ideas like that in stride, then IMO they shouldn't really be posting their work here, especially not the WIP threads. That's what they're there for, as far as I'm concerned.

Exactly - I personally appreciate criticism during my WIP threads, when there is still opportunity to correct the issue. I'm not so fond of it after the model is finished and nothing can be done!

[potsie]

I agree with all the comments here. One thing I find a real problem in the modern era of impersonal communication (especially professional emails) is the inability to judge someone's tone and meaning from those archaic skills such as reading facial expressions. The way a particular sentence is interpreted by a reader can vary greatly depending on there own mood. I think people need to be very careful to write clear, unambiguous messages.

As for criticism, pointing out a way to improve skills, such as suggesting the use of decal softener or warming a spray tin before use to reduce orange peel, should be encouraged. Remember, we all start with no skills or experience, and if no-one shows you of a better way you will never progress. On the other hand, comments such as "I don't like the colour" or "those wheel look rubbish" are pointless, rude and only serve to highlight the intolerant nature of the person making such remarks.

Rant over.

[pirata12]

Also some criticism may be given in a language that in not one's native one so they may battle to express themselves? Luckily for me I can't ever give constructive criticism because I'm no where near the level as most people on this forum. So I just learn as I go along. I love criticism but I find some people wary to give it for fear of offending. I think rudeness is out but I try take things with a pinch of salt.

[white97ex]

I always encourage constructive criticism in my thread. as long as they aren't bashing my build technique or offending me, I take it as good intentions, and examine their views to help me become a better modeler. I try to refrain from giving it, unless, like willimo said, I know the builder or have posted in a lot of their threads. I'll make suggestions on how to do this or that. I have read some critiques on here that were down right rude and bordering on hateful, no matter how you look at the post.