What happened to constructive critiques?

[Joy]

It seems to me that we have lost something on the forum. In all our efforts to be supportive we are seldom offering pointers or critiques. I see lots of "Good job" and "well done". But I think all of us and beginners especially would benefit from more constructive comments. I know that not everyone wants this kind of input on their work, but if they ask for opinions then I would hope that more people would take the time to tell the poster what you see. I have even gotten so "polite" that I wait to see if someone else is going to comment before I say anything.

Am I on the wrong track here? Should we just stick with the "attaboys" for fear of coming across negatively? Or should we try to be supportive and helpful?

[JIM QUILICI]

joy,
I think you are 100% right.....non of us get to be better carvers unless...someone points out our weak points .....that sometime we don't see ourselves....and again sometimes we don't know how to get to that point....to be a better carver....i have the only critic I need ...she sits 7feet '3 and 1/2 inches from where I carve .....she is mostly right on when I carve something wrong......that would be my first wife.
Jim Q

[CarverFromNoWhere]

I have just recently joined and was wondering about this exactly, wether or not anyone used to or still does. I personaly welcome it and wouldn't care if anyone points out somthing I did wrong.

[cannuckcarver]

Constructive critique has a place in the learning process.
I am also open to it...and we should all be open to it.

[Terry Vance]

Joy,

I, too, have noticed what you say. Not everyone takes criticism well, even when given in a positive light. I mean to help the individual improve. I have seen a lot of carvings with all the attaboys attached that to me have a lot of room for improvement, so I tend to just keep my opinion to myself, since I do not know the people personally and how they might react.

I personally like to get honest feedback on my carvings. I usually put in that I have thick skin so tell me what ya think.

My 2 cents worth.

Keep carvin'

[CarverFromNoWhere]

Ok I found a way to make everyone happy I hope I just ajusted my signature.

[CREID]

sorry about the adding the quote but the system wont let me do a quick reply.
but!!!! i have noticed that most or maybe all the comments on peoples carvings are so pc that its sickening.
i have seen people post some great carvings that deserve great praise and also a few that definetly could use some constructive criticism.
i havent posted any photos of my carvings here because i already know that i will not get an HONEST response. and that is what bothers me about being pc, it means only one thing, lie!
so how about it, those of you that are pretty good at carving let people know. like hey you might try this to get a better look around the eye, or the nose is a little long or short. ya know if yer afraid of what someone will think about criticism, dont praise the carving as great, ask them if they would like some constructive criticism.
after all i think most of us are here to learn, and if ya cant take criticism then why would ya put it out there and ask oppinions?
i havent posted much on this site because i didnt think anyone would appreciate my honesty.
well just my oppinion.
curt

Originally Posted by Joy

It seems to me that we have lost something on the forum. In all our efforts to be supportive we are seldom offering pointers or critiques. I see lots of "Good job" and "well done". But I think all of us and beginners especially would benefit from more constructive comments. I know that not everyone wants this kind of input on their work, but if they ask for opinions then I would hope that more people would take the time to tell the poster what you see. I have even gotten so "polite" that I wait to see if someone else is going to comment before I say anything.

Am I on the wrong track here? Should we just stick with the "attaboys" for fear of coming across negatively? Or should we try to be supportive and helpful?

[Ron T]

Hi Joy, I'm glad you posted this thread. I, too, have waited to see what others post.

Several years ago, I entered a stick in my carving club contest at the urgings of my friends. They said it was a "first place winner." I entered it and got a third place. That was my only entry, ever.

If my friends had been more constructively critical instead of giving me "attaboys," maybe I would have progressed faster.

Perhaps we can use a certain phrase like Terry said so everyone knows we'd like honest, constructive criticism.

[CREID]

one other thing
i think it was wci that used to run a column that critiqued a carving.
i really liked that. i was able to see problems after i read the critique that i hadnt seen before.
curt

Originally Posted by Joy

It seems to me that we have lost something on the forum. In all our efforts to be supportive we are seldom offering pointers or critiques. I see lots of "Good job" and "well done". But I think all of us and beginners especially would benefit from more constructive comments. I know that not everyone wants this kind of input on their work, but if they ask for opinions then I would hope that more people would take the time to tell the poster what you see. I have even gotten so "polite" that I wait to see if someone else is going to comment before I say anything.

Am I on the wrong track here? Should we just stick with the "attaboys" for fear of coming across negatively? Or should we try to be supportive and helpful?

[Lonewolfcarver]

I too would have no problem with my fellow forum members critiquing my carvings. The wealth of experience as well as variety of carving styles on this forum is fantastic. Maybe a special section could be added. If you would like your work critiqued then post a pic in the appropriate section.