Hi all. I’ve got a request for this outstanding group of modelers. When I post models for review I am looking for criticism more than a pat on the back. Those little things that we miss when we build our models are the difference between getting better or staying at the same level of skill. A very few of us seem willing to make a critical assessment of our pieces of work. I for one would really appreciate the critical assessment of many of you. I have tried to provide the same worthwhile assessment for others in the past but the response is sometimes taken as a slam.
I’m interested in hearing from others in this forum as to the benefit of criticism of our work versus just platitudes about how cool the model looks. We often see bad seams, alignment issues (my own recent piece of work that appeared to have a landing light on backwards - THANK YOU), other basic flaws that really would make us all better modelers if they get noticed and commented on.
If most of you are happier without hearing about the critical aspect of our work I can live with that and will try and conform to the popular opinions.
Roger that Donald, I will be sure to point out anything I see on your next build. [tup] Thank you for posting this, always helps to know exactly who can actually take the constructive criticism without getting offended. I agree- I would like people to point things out that they see, and some have- saving me from some potentially embarassing results. [:I]
I learned long ago that if someone didn’t tell me what and where my mistakes were I’d go along doing things the same way again and again. When I met a crusty old modeler who didn’t hold back with his comments I began to learn and improve my skills as a modeler. Because he took the time to explain on how I could do better. I guess I am that old crusty ole modeler now, I try to point out the errors and give guidance on how to improve ones skillsets. Teaching others is what I most enjoy about modeling.
How was that landing light on the NF-104…was it right and the image just an optical illusion?
Yup. You called that one. In fact they were both on backwards. I checked a photo and it was the flat side that should have been facing forward and not the domed side. The chrome was already on the front side so I painted the domed side with aluminum to match the gear struts and will reattach them tonite. Thanks again for the catch.
I got more out of shadow judging a couple of shows than I EVER got from just building models on my own. I built what I thought were good pieces of work for more than 3 decades, peoploe would buy my stuff from the hobby store I used to manage and in hindsight it was mostly crap. But I didn’t know until 2000 when I started going to contests and listening to what the judges had to say about other peoples work.
I can’t imagine anyone not wanting serious criticism of their work because I’ve found it so very useful to me. But some folks seem to really be put off by it. I seem to tick people off from time to time on this forum and it’s not often intentional so I figured I’d see what others thought about the subject.
I agree 100%. If I ask for comments on a recent build I’ve posted I expect them. Some subjects I know well, others I don’t and I’ll never get them right if I don’t get worth while input. Cudos are good to get but if there are errors, please, give’m up.
This topic has come up on the forum before. I see it as kindof a balancing act. I try to keep in mind the following…
If you think about it - this is most likely the first forum that any beginning modeller in the US will find and become a part of. When someone posts a picture of their recent creation, I don’t know whether they’re a tough-skinned veteran modeller, or an 8 year old who is showing their first build - or any person in between. From what I’ve seen - this is probably the site with the widest cross section of modelling talent from beginner to master. There are certainly other forums out there where the tone seems to be more for the “serious modeller”.
I don’t know about the rest of you - but I love to see the models that aren’t-so-great, compared to some of the masters that show their stuff on the forum. And I make an effort to comment on those more than I would some of the guys who have pages of [bow]'s after them. It shows that there are beginners in our midst ! - and I feel more compelled to be encouraging than to point out things that could use improvement. So some people have called this “glad handing” or “offering plattitudes” or whatever… I don’t think of it that way.
I also agree with your main idea though. I like to get criticism about things - particularly things that aren’t just the typical matters of opinion (ie; too much or too little weathering - that’s a debate that could go on forever), and things that I might still be able to correct.
Here’s the unwritten rule I follow: If someone asks for a critique - I’m happy to give constructive criticism, but if alot of people have already pointed out “defects” - I won’t just repeat those things. I’m more likely to point out the good things I see - which in my opinion - is just as constructive.
And if they don’t specifically ask for criticism - I just look for things that I like in what I’m seeing - I don’t think that’s dishonest. Sometimes its just to say - wow - that’s a cool subject. I know it helps to make people feel welcome and that their work is being seen and appreciated. It certainly beats being “shunned” because their work isn’t good enough to be commented on.
So I guess on this site - I would rather err on the side of encouragement. But now that you asked - I’ll feel to let’er rip when I see your posts [;)] That is if I can find anything to criticise.
That’s exactly what I do to. I have found that on the Internet, perhaps more so than in real life, people can often be very thin skinned. I certainly don’t want to insult someone who has put a lot of time and soul into their project. Often (though certainly not always) folks post pics of their hobbies, pets, whatever, looking for compliments. Everyone wants acceptance from peers, whether they admit it or not.
I think on a lot of forums (though not this one) folks can really come across as connaisseurs and discourage those of us, perhaps not as serious and/or knowedgable.
On the other hand, I agree with the constructive criticism aspect. It not only helps the builder, but also the rest of us viewing the thread. I’ve learned a lot from other’s mistakes, as well as my own.
However, I will never offer criticism unless someone asks for it. I guess I was just raised to be too polite and agree that is sometimes not helpful, in all aspects of life.
I’ll try and remember to ask in the future. Just in case I forget to mention it in my future posts. Try and remember that I really do appreciate finding the flaws in my work so I can either correct them on the current build or avoid the error on the next build. I was raised to have a thick skin and I often make the mistake in thinking that others will appreciate the criticism as well.
Now you know where I got my nickname…Hawkeye…I always saw things I wasn’t suppose to see as a kid. I carried the nickname through my military career too…spotting things before everyone else. My wife can’t believe how I can spot things (wildlife) as we drive along or while walking through the woods.
It’s my usual problem. I get close to being finished and then get sloppy. I’m doing much better in the past year or so but I still have to fight that darned 80:20 rule, it’s what prevents getting a 100 most of the time.
I deal with it simply by putting a model away for some time if it starts to be boring … or give me a hard time [:)]. After some time I get back to the project and finish it. This way I do not do any shortcutsjust because I am tired with the current project [:)] It works for me.
Yes I’ve used that technique to fight the problem as well. It’s part of the reason why I hadn’t tried to apply a wash to the exterior panels on my NF-104. In fact after much thought I’ve decided to leave it relatively clean as is.
As I see it there are two ways someone could get the message across with constructive criticism, firstly there is a term I have heard used in feedback called a sh(euphemism for excrement) sandwich. say something good, fill the middle with the critique and say something good at the end. makes the person receiving the criticism feel ok about it (MOST of the time) but they hear the negative. the other way is a polite message via the PM system. that way it’s not a case of showing them up in public. I for one know very well I am far from being a good modeler. my best builds are at best average but I am happy hacking away at old kits and occasionally do a good one. I have never built a show winner, or one worthy of entering a contest but that’s not what the hobby is about for me. it’s relaxation time and good camaraderie with other modelers but mostly it’s supposed to be fun.
Constructive criticism is a good way to get better. The one thing that I want avoid is a bunch of destructive crticism. Laying into someone just to do it is not a good thing. I have been on other sites that is just one big arguement and I avoid them like the plague. Just my [2c]. By the way I have never seen anyone here rip into someone just to do it.
I also prefer some good old fashioned “constructive criticism” about my stuff.
This I do ask: If someone expects a good critique, they need to post photos large enough and well exposed enough to show me enough detail that I CAN comment. When I see blurry, small, overexposed photos of what may or may not be an excellent build, I have very little I can say about it.
People have been very supportive of me in their comments, however, there was the time I posted pictures of an Italeri 1/72 P-51A, and truthfully it was mediocre. Nobody commented on it, and I still wonder, was it so bad that everyone was embarrased for me? Or just boring? I’ll never know. Man, that post sank like a lead stone. Probably the latter, boring, but it has taught me the kindness of not letting a post of the kind unrecognized. If no one has commented I try to, in an appropriate fashion, especially if its a newer member of the forum.
And if I post junk, better call me on it cause it may be a test! [:-,]