meaneyme Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Am I wrong to "constructively" criticize someone's work when I myself am a rookie builder? I mean, some things are just visually way out of scale and some paints are just not done correctly. Anyone else think like me here? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikemodeler Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Typically in order for one to improve their skills, their shortcomings need to be pointed out. That said, if you are to offer constructive criticism and do so in a polite manner, there shouldn't be a problem. The trouble is that on an internet forum it is sometimes hard to interpret one's intentions as a post is viewed as a one-sided conversation. A simple solution would be to send the person a Personal Message on this forum offering your tips so as to not create a situation that can be viewed as overly critical. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Myers Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danno Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Think in terms of 'critique' rather than 'criticism.' Keeping that as your mindset will help, but be certain to explain your motive rather than allow the recipient to assume 'meanness.' Especially with your 'handle.' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cato Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Mike said it perfectly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southpier Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 (edited) not what, but how you deliver the message. after 55 years I'm still a rookie when it comes to some things. but, as Bob said, "you don't need to be a weatherman to know which way the wind blows..." so if you've got an observation, spew it out. people who display their things in a public arena have to expect this. ain't all "oohhs", "aahhs", and "atta boys". be pretty boring if it were, too. I think the camera is the real harsh critic. I can spend months building something, focusing on what I believe is every finite detail, and one snapshot shows gaps, smudges, & flashing marks that could have been easily eliminated had they been not overlooked with the naked eye. Edited July 16, 2014 by southpier Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1930fordpickup Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 A PM is the best way to address a major problem for a new builders or a new member here. If you are on here for a few months you will see who is helpful and willing to point out things that will makes your model look and show better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry P. Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 My take on it is that if you post your work on a public forum, it's fair game for the public to comment on it. Just remember, though, that there are certain people who literally can't handle the slightest critique or comment unless it's a pat on the back. Most people are fine with others making suggestions and such... but there's always that small bunch that cannot take any criticism of any kind, ever. But that's not on you... that's on them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unclescott58 Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 (edited) Am I wrong to "constructively" criticize someone's work when I myself am a rookie builder? I mean, some things are just visually way out of scale and some paints are just not done correctly. Anyone else think like me here? I think it comes down to intention. Are you doing to help another modeler and yourself improve their models? Or are you doing it to feed your own ego? Scott Edited July 16, 2014 by unclescott58 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slusher Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 My take on it is that if you post your work on a public forum, it's fair game for the public to comment on it. Just remember, though, that there are certain people who literally can't handle the slightest critique or comment unless it's a pat on the back. Most people are fine with others making suggestions and such... but there's always that small bunch that cannot take any criticism of any kind, ever. But that's not on you... that's on them. I think it comes down to intention. Are you doing to help another modeler and yourself improve their models? Or are you doing it to feed your own ego? Scott Two great points... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imarriedawitch Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 I think it depends on the context. If someone is displaying a build as an example of their work then they're probably looking for comments. If someone is displaying their work to demonstrate or illustrate an answer to someone's question then that person probably isn't looking for comments, merely just trying to help someone out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cobraman Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 As J Geils say in one of their songs.............. "Ain't what you say, but how you say it " ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill J Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Just build a General Lee model and post it here. You'll find out how the criticism game is played. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southpier Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 sounds like the voice of experience Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daddyfink Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 I wish folks where more honest about what they say instead of just posting atta boy remarks. Some modelers, including myself, are not that great at certain things and pointing it out and giving advice usually will motivate someone to do better. If you give up or get all upset due to criticism, maybe you should not be posting pictures or showing your models in public venues. And if someone is honest, most folks will attack the person for not being nice. Best bet, just look and move on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MeatMan Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 I think that we should post whether or not we accept criticism on our profiles, and if someone feels compelled to comment they should check there first. I don't mind constructive criticism myself, but we live in a world with different types of people. Say a person has a disability, and is truly doing the best they can. Is it really our place to criticize their work? Is it necessary? I've seen some models that have flaws in some areas but are killer in others. No one is perfect, and not everyone wants to be. Just sayin'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cobraman Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 If you can't take criticism it may be best not to post at all. As someone else noted even negative criticism can be a positive if done to be helpful. We should not be thin skinned when someone offers a comment meant to help. It may make a better modeler. People have pointed stuff out on my builds ( Harry ) that make me want to do better and pay more attention to what I am doing. Just one mans opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry P. Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 If you don't want people to comment on your work, don't post your work. Simple as that. It's totally unfair to post your work and then expect everyone to tiptoe around and only post "attaboys" and "nice job" and not post their real opinions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Geiger Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 Oh tell it like it is.... Yea, yell it out loud and clear. No uncertainty there! Actually when I critique models it's more in the spirit of a suggestion then a criticism. I have known guys in my clubs who just couldn't wait to tell you "what you did wrong". It was their joy, note that none of them ever finished anything themselves. But that didn't stop them from raining on everyone elses parades. I guess you could say they knew the proper techniques if they ever got around to building anything! I sometimes pass up on commenting on models that have glaring errors, especially if I don't know the builder, how they will take criticism or their circumstances. I don't know if I'm commenting on the very best efforts of a handicapped person, or the sixth grade efforts of a very lazy guy! I don't do the lame kudos comments, I just don't comment at all. I do comment on cool stuff, espcecially if a builder did something unique or somthing that just catches my attention. That deserves kudos! And I will go out of my way to praise. I alway say that my models are an acquired taste, I build for myself and my small group of like minded friends. So if someone makes that mark, I'm sure to let them know! I like to comment in a positive way on works in progress. If someone has a wrong detail or could use some help, I don't hesitate to comment. I'm hoping to catch the error before they can't fix it, and hope they have that intent in their build. Like I said above I like to post suggetions rather than hand out demerits! If I do feel I need to comment on something wrong, I will send a PM rather than blather it all out on the board and possibly insult someone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Myers Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 I think that we should post whether or not we accept criticism on our profiles, and if someone feels compelled to comment they should check there first. I don't mind constructive criticism myself, but we live in a world with different types of people. Say a person has a disability, and is truly doing the best they can. Is it really our place to criticize their work? Is it necessary? I've seen some models that have flaws in some areas but are killer in others. No one is perfect, and not everyone wants to be. Just sayin'. Maybe something that pops up along with Location: Full Name: critique yes: No: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry P. Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 Maybe something that pops up along with Location: Full Name: critique yes: No: I'd be happy if they just got the "full name" part! You wouldn't believe how many PMs I've sent to people about that. And the nasty repies I've gotten. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cobraman Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 Why would anyone send you a nasty message because you asked them to post their full name as the rules request ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry P. Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 Why would anyone send you a nasty message because you asked them to post their full name as the rules request ? You wouldn't believe some of the PMs I've gotten. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Geiger Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 You wouldn't believe some of the PMs I've gotten. Delete them. The board rules are that you post your real name. If they won't play fair, they simply don't play at all! Over the years I've become aware of several guys posting here under fake names. And a few posting under several fake names. It bothers me when they decide to stalk and spam me because they know who I am but I don't know who I'm dealing with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry P. Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 Delete them. The board rules are that you post your real name. If they won't play fair, they simply don't play at all! Over the years I've become aware of several guys posting here under fake names. And a few posting under several fake names. It bothers me when they decide to stalk and spam me because they know who I am but I don't know who I'm dealing with. I know about most of the fake names. But the thing is, I can't prove it... so I can't do anything about it. We rely on people being honest and playing fair... but there's always that certain group... I should have kept all the PMs I have regarding full names and made them into a book. Nobody would believe them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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