I have always been of the thought that when a person finishes a project, be it a model, a business deal, invention or whatever, that constructive criticism is a good thing. Someone should evaluate the project and tell the originator what they did well and what was not done well. This gives the person the opportunity to repeat the good things and correct the bad things.
Many of us post pictures of our models while under construction and when completed. Most of the comments are very laudatory with assorted superlatives about how great it is. Most of them are well deserved, especially by a few contributors to this forum who are truely outstanding modelers.
What about the efforts of some of the less experienced modelers whose work does show areas of opportunity for improvement? Should we all post comments of how fantastic the work is and ignore the less than great aspects of the model? Or is it better to comment on some of the positive aspects as well as comment of the “could be improved” areas?
Would negative comments, phrased in a polite manner concerning a very specific area for improvement be welcomed? Hopefully, the individual being critiqued will take the comments in a spirit of friendship, helpfulness and in a constructive way and not be insulted or feel they have to “defend” their efforts with a harsh reply.
I guess if the person who posted there built model would ask people to tell them what is wrong and how to make it look better would be alright and in a polite manner like. I just see that this decal is a little to far up but no big deal kinda like that. Just as long some person would say that decal is to far up and it makes your airplane look noting like the real thing. just my [2c]
I agree with WartHogII. I think it all depends on how the post was made. If the poster asks for comments or criticism then they should not be surprised, upset, or aggravated when they get the truth (within reason, of course). If, however, someone posts pictures of a model and doesn’t invite comment or criticism I see that as meaning that they are content with what they did and aren’t really interested in hearing negative comments about it.
Another forum I frequent phrases it pretty much that way. If the post invites comment then comment is welcome and expected as long as it is tasteful and constructive.
If the person posting the model asks for comments or critism it is ok. At the same time we do not want to completely degrade the model. Imagine how a first time modeller would feel if they posted a photo of their model and asked for comments and everyone just picked it apart and forgetting that the modeller may not be up to the level of expertise that everyone else is. It is fine to recommend some changes or new techinques for them to try but we do not want to turn them away from the hobby.
I agree that if you want criticism, ask for it. I’ll also suggest that you ask for specific criticism. I think most of us know what looks good and bad with our models. I could point out a handful of flaws that most people would never see. However, I may be vexed by a specific item and ask about it.
For example, “I used a red Sharpie to outline the gear doors on my F-4 Phantom; do you think it looks too light?”
If you want more general comments, then ask for that. There was a fellow here a few months ago who posted a great-looking F6F Hellcat model and asked for criticism. He got two general comments: (1) his plane was too clean (an opinion I disagreed with), and (2) the deck he posed the plane on was not appropriate for the historical period.
I find this question very relative to the situation I’m in. I’ve been working on models for years but due to money constraints haven’t always been able to buy the best models or an airbrush/compressor. I plan on posting pictures in these forums but I know that they won’t be anywhere near the quality of work that alot of you guys do. I would be expecting constructive criticism which in my case would be solely what I can do to improve on the model, steps I should have taken, painting techniques I could try out to improve the appearance of my model, etc. I think with every exceptional work of art there is something to point out to make it better by someone who is even more experienced, for someone like me who is just “starting out” the criticism which would be mostly “bad” in a sense could be endless. I think one would be naive to post and only expect good things from a forum that has so many good modelers.
I think it all comes down to this…if the critique is useful so that the modeler might improve techniques, applications, etc…then it is well worth the effort and should be appreciated…however…if critique meets no positive end then it is not by definition a critique…it’s a bashing…trashing…etc…if you keep your suggestions positive and useful…most people shouldn’t get upset but instead become…motivated…I think is the right word.
I think the main thing about any criticism is that it be polite and positive, so that it gives the builder ideas for future improvement. I think it is also important to recognize the intent of the builder and scope of detail. If a builder has presented a simple out of the box build, I’m not going to critique lack of detail, photoetch, and what not. In such a case, I would restrict my comments to things that should be able to be achieved from an OOB build.
I think most people can handle the criticism, if it is done with the intent to help and not ridicule or put down. I have found that most posts are quite good and praise is deserved. If the rest of you are like me I know the bad areas on my models and what I need to improve. Sometimes it is just a matter of a new technique or maybe my skills are limited and I will never be able to produce a show stopper. That is when I remind myself that this is fun and not life or death. If a person asks for help I have yet to see them be ignored, that is the way it should be modelers helping modelers. I know that I like this forum and enjoy seeing all the finished master pieces.
Good points by all.
Constuctive criticism given in a supportive, civil manner, with the spirit of helping a fellow modeller improve his or her craft is a wonderful thing, and I would hope posters would welcome it and veiwers would offer it.
One thought on offering constructive criticism only if it is explicitly asked for:
I cannot imagine anybody posting a picture of their work in a modelling forum NOT expecting some form of criticism. Perhaps I’m naive or just plain short-sighted, but isn’t that the whole purpose of posting pix of our builds here? Do some modellers actually post only expecting to hear glowing praise for their works? Sure, that’s what we’d like to hear, but each and every one of us has room for improvement when it comes to modelling.
What I think I’m trying to say here is that I believe it’s very unrealsitic to suggest that criticism should only be offered if asked for. I believe the act of posting pix of your builds in a forum is in itself implicitly asking for criticism. That’s the purpose of forums, as I understand it.
One of the biggest criticisms I hear about FSM is the lack of objective, constructive criticism. I for one would be grateful to read constructive criticism about my builds (in fact, I DEMAND it when I post!).
I would suggest that we all do our best to offer constructive criticism whenever someone posts pix of their builds, regardless of their level.
“Looks great!” doesn’t really help anybody, if it actually does not look great. Well, that’s not completely true, actually…it does help build confidence, but at the expense of growth.
If it actually does look great, then that’s all you need to write. You could expand on why you think it looks great, but that’s your choice. As is everything in this hobby, by the way! [;)]
“Criticism” doesn’t have to be blood thirtsy-a good logic and a proper remedy make a criticism a learning tool-keep in mind age, experience and facility-and offer a positive comment as well.
If a poster asks for constructive feedback & the pics reveal areas that could be improved, I think it’s perfectly OK to politely point those areas out. There is a fine line between oblective, helpful comments & those that get subjective or nit picky. If a decal is on upside down, probably a good idea to point it out. If it appears to be slightly out of position, probably not. I think most of us do not really provide enough objective critique & a few of us provide too much. I am guilty of not commenting on some obvious short comings, for fear of hurting or insulting the builder. I’ve had a couple of occassions where I made a polite critique & the responses back were curt & negative. Unfortunately, if a mediocre build gets nothing but praise, the builder may not be encouraged to improve & may be in for a real shock at the first competition or public showing.
I agree completely. Consider the things I post.[:)] There have been people tell me that they don’t care for some of my stuff and I’m glad they said something. Frankly, some of my work doesn’t appeal to everyone and that okay. I build my hybrids to be different and that invites opinions. Plus, as most of you know, everyone of my builds so far has been modified because of reader comments. All for the better. Knowing how to deliver a comment makes a BIG difference. This is a good topic and I’m glad you brought it up YB78.
Eddie
I think that if the poster asks for criticism fine, even a “what do you think” type general question…
I have only posted a few builds here (mainly because I’ve only finished a few in the last year [;)]) I don’t think the right constructive criticism would be a negative thing for me. seams not smooth enough, colors wrong, decals wrong etc would be more than welcome. Honestly I feel weathering and such are a personal preference. I have seen a few posters in here (thankfully gone now) attack a kit with comments like: “it would lose in a competition because there isn’t enough weathering” or “this isn’t IPMS material”. I gladly point to the post from Lufbery a few posts up… the guy made a museum dio out of it! (definitely material for a contest!)
Anyway to make this short yeah… tell them the obvious that would make a basic kit look good, but as far as finite detail I think is going a bit much… an example then I am done… “I see you had a little trouble with that wing root, I’ve found gluing the upper wing to the fuselage, then attaching the lower wing to it, makes for less putty and sanding” I think that would be accepted by almost anyone…
There’s no question that there are some fantastic modellers out there who have shared pics of some of their astounding models - great stuff, and I enjoy that.
But I’ve noticed a glaring LACK of constructive criticism - in any form - in this forum for the less than great models.
There have been pics of many models posted by forum members (and some members post new models regularly) - pics of models that are, in truth, absolute garbage - models that appear to have been assembled by a brain damaged Rhesus monkey and then painted with a broom - and the ONLY reply has ever been “Looks fantastic!!” or “Great build! Thanks for sharing!!”
Where’s the integrity and pride in that? What are we trying to say to the modeller?
Shouldn’t we be politely and kindly stating to the builder that a particular feature might be improved by doing THIS, or trying THAT? I’m stressing these comments should be made in a kind, non-confrontational and non-degrading manner.
I’m surely not suggesting we leave the builder to lie bleeding on their workshop floor with the severity our comments, but hey, as J-Hulk so eloquently stated, these “kissyface” comments may help build confidence, but at the expense of growth.
I can understand forum members desire to be liked and respected by their fellow modellers, but at what expense? Our own integrity? I think not.
Why not try to be a vehicle in assisting less skilled forum members to actually progress and advance their talent base, and help them to build better models by providing them with THE TRUTH…in a polite, positive, well intentioned and friendly manner? Wouldn’t helping them build better models be a greater positive influence on their confidence than bald faced lies about their models?
If they can’t accept this help, if they take offense to our good intentioned suggestions, then they shouldn’t be posting pics of their models.
I have absolutely no desire to upset anyone in any way, but I’m disappointed with the lack of truth in some replies to posts of pics of simply awful models.
LOL…
Dan, rest assured that I have no desire to make anyone run away crying to their mommy.
Post away, mate. It won’t hurt a bit…
But I’m sure you know what I mean…there have been some pics of really crap models posted lately, and they get the same response as if Jeff Hearne or Pixilator posted a pic of their models…doesn’t seem quite right, does it?
I am of the opinion that polite constructive criticism is appropriate and should be welcomed by those giving and receiving. I’m just not into slamming something for one reason or another (i’m not even really expert in any field to be able to claim slammability). Plus I see too much animosity in the rest of my life that even if someone’s model looks abysmal, I will find something good to say about it to encourage their progress and then perhaps a polite point of constructive criticism like " sometimes it helps me on my models to thin the future with isopropanol etc…". Sometimes people do get defensive, but I also think about the golden rule in these situations and realize that if you squash someone’s self-esteem early on in their modelling career they may not recover. In my line of work there are two schools of thought on teaching. One is to belittle and slam someone in public so that they will always remember the situation and think “i’ll never make that mistake again…” the other is more of a constructive criticism “one time I really screwed up when I tried it like you just did and bad stuff happened…” I personally gravitate towards the latter but most of my colleagues are of the former. Working with them for six years and being miserable most of the time has taught me that you get more done with honey than with vinegar and a little encouragement coupled with positive constructive criticism is a great way to do things.
EDIT: some people in this forum are such good modelers that there are no words to describe their skills (you know who you are, don’t be shy.) I’m surely not trying to lessen their accomplishments by telling everyone “Great Job…” regardless of the actual quality of their work. I just think the world can be too harsh and this should be a place of mutual encouragement. (Generally, if you’ve ever been paid for a model, have your own model website, use microscopic yellow wires and spark plugs on the engines, or can dry-brush a zit onto a pilot, you are a modelling badass. There are quite a few of you highly talented gurus out there and I won’t try to list you all. Needless to say, I learn something from you all every day and hope to continue to do so.)
All I can say is, If I ever post pics of one of my models and it looks like it’s been “put together by a brain dead Rhesus monkey and painted with a broom”, I 'd prefer you told me about it. Don’t know if other people feel that way, but I’d prefer to be able to learn from my mistakes than be told it’s great. I generally know what’s wrong with each of my builds, but there are usually things that more experienced people pick up on. So as long as your not gonna tell me there are supposed to be seven rivets in that row instead of six, do all the nit-picking you want…
