' Great Build ' awards, a good thing or ....

[Guest]

Over on the ARC forum they have two separate sub-forums for finished models. One's a regular gallery where people upload their model pics and other people post comments, much like this site; the other forum is for critique, so if you genuinely want constructive criticism of your model that's where you post, and everyone is free to pitch in with (hopefully) helpful comments. Seems to work fairly well, and the vast majority of respondents are diplomatic and encouraging with their feedback.

Interesting idea Mike. Does it work without antagonism ?

Nice idea is that it opens up to all people expressing and passing their knowledge to both the person whose model is under scrutiny and the rest of us. A good forum of ideas passing backwards and forwards. This is especially as the model maker has asked for a critique. Also it does not have to be a critique as such it can include ideas of how others may have approached the making or finishing of the model.

Laurie

[Guest]

That's much the same as the Missing Lynx forum, where they have a Constructive Comments section.

I don't think we'll lose our closeness or friendliness on this forum, even if we say more than just ' great build ' when really we're thinking ' a 5yo could have done better '!

The ability to speak one's mind is something that's being lost in today's society & I would hate to see it being replicated here as well.

Obviously no-one wants to give offence, but everyone who's been building for a few years or more can remember their 1st attempts with an embarrassed wince!

But those memories provide the inspiration to improve & give us a yardstick to measure our progress.

That's what we're all striving for, isn't it?

[Guest]

The ability to speak one's mind is something that's being lost in today's society & I would hate to see it being replicated here as well.

Obviously no-one wants to give offence, but everyone who's been building for a few years or more can remember their 1st attempts with an embarrassed wince!

Totally agree with the above. Treading on egg shells comes to mind at times. Only those who wish to need contribute their work to a crtique or discussion forum so there should not be any major embarrassment difficulties.

Think also lesser skilled persons will ask questions of those more skilled and of the model maker how do you do that etc. Does look as though this has good prospects.

Laurie

[Alan 45]

That's much the same as the Missing Lynx forum, where they have a Constructive Comments section.I don't think we'll lose our closeness or friendliness on this forum, even if we say more than just ' great build ' when really we're thinking ' a 5yo could have done better '!

The ability to speak one's mind is something that's being lost in today's society & I would hate to see it being replicated here as well.

Obviously no-one wants to give offence, but everyone who's been building for a few years or more can remember their 1st attempts with an embarrassed wince!

But those memories provide the inspiration to improve & give us a yardstick to measure our progress.

That's what we're all striving for, isn't it?

I'd rather we call it helpful tips instead of criticism, and speaking your mind is something we don't want , speaking your mind is an excuse to have a pop at something and people will do that

The way I look at it is if the builder is happy with their work I have no right to criticise it

[Guest]

Agree with you Alan but a separate forum section where people were prepared to place their work and accept help would be a barrier you cross at your will and nobody else's

.I would not call it criticism as that implies anything goes. Tips, suggestions how other go about it and the benefit for people to question how a person has achieved an effect. Not seen ,as said before, any one being nasty or cruel about another persons model. Not to forget that dear Ian would be on the tail of any one getting out of line plus a lot more on this forum. For me i do not see a problem.

At least let us be optimistic it is worth a try. If it does not work or if it is seriously abused then ditch it. Better to have tried and failed that not try at all.o_O

Laurie

[spanner570]

I'm one of those who voted for the removal.

I do so want to get back to the forum as it was when I joined in 2009. Then there were no star awards, no gongs, just good honest posts giving tips, suggestions and yes, constructive but freindly criticism.

There is no question in my mind this is the best and friendliest forum, but we seem to be using this gong system far too much at the expense of the typed word. Don't get me wrong, we all like to see these award things pop up on our models, but isn't a nice post far better?

If a model is posted, the builder is inviting comment, whether he or she has asked for one or not. So they must be prepared for what comes along, positive or negative. As long as the person replying is polite and constructive, then all is good and the builder must accept the post content........I suggest that too often the 'Great Build' do dah is used to replace the above, which is no use to the builder, as he would far prefer some written pointers, instead of sailing merrily along, counting his awards.

Both sides of this discussion are being aired in typical S.M. fashion, level headed, mature and constructive - which is good.

I think a separate forum section for work to be presented - Critic's Corner - is a good one. A place were fair criticism is openly encouraged by the builder. As long as the content is kept polite and constructive and doesn't become personal, (I'm sure members would stop that nonsense, toot sweet) then I for one would welcome such a section. A place to go or not, your choice........

So, it looks like the gongs are staying. Fair enough, but think twice before just clicking an icon....''Can I help this modeller improve his next attempt, yes I can...stuff the gong, I'm going to post a reply!"

It's been a good read and thanks to all for keeping it civil. Would we expect anything less?

Cheers Ron

P.S. Don't even start me on the 'Like' button, which has more or less become mandatory!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Guest]

I'd rather we call it helpful tips instead of criticism, and speaking your mind is something we don't want , speaking your mind is an excuse to have a pop at something and people will do thatThe way I look at it is if the builder is happy with their work I have no right to criticise it

First up Alan, I didn't use the word ' criticism ', although there's nothing wrong with constructive criticism IMHO.

And why not allow people to speak their mind? If by doing so, the comment becomes a cheap shot then the only person looking a fool is the one who makes it.

This is the heart of the issue - people wanting to gently & constructively point out a few area's that could use improvement, but feeling unable to do so & clicking ' great build ' because everyone else has done so already.

Highlighting errors doesn't mean that one is demeaning another's work or that one person is trying to appear better than another.

If we had a Constructive Comments section, people could post & be man or woman enough to read whatever was written.

If not, just post as before!

[eddiesolo]

Could we not have certain icons disabled until we actually post something, then they would become available.

Si

[Alan 45]

First up Alan, I didn't use the word ' criticism ', although there's nothing wrong with constructive criticism IMHO.And why not allow people to speak their mind? If by doing so, the comment becomes a cheap shot then the only person looking a fool is the one who makes it.

This is the heart of the issue - people wanting to gently & constructively point out a few area's that could use improvement, but feeling unable to do so & clicking ' great build ' because everyone else has done so already.

Highlighting errors doesn't mean that one is demeaning another's work or that one person is trying to appear better than another.

If we had a Constructive Comments section, people could post & be man or woman enough to read whatever was written.

If not, just post as before!

I think you've missunderstood what I'm trying to say Patrick, point I'm making is if you go down the route of speak your mind it opens up the nasty side of this hobby , let's face it there are quite a few rivet counters and elitists in this hobby do you really want that here ?

I think a seperate section for that is not a bad idea but not a great one either , the problems you face with this sort of thing is bad feeling transferring from that section into the rest of the forum

I wouldn't use such a section because I don't go down the route of accuracy I believe in a bit of artistic license and if I want to know something or need help I'll ask for it

If you feel the need to comment and offer advice why do you think you can't just because someone has thought its a great build , we all have different opinions and thoughts about things

I would rather just not post a comment if there was a chance it could upset someone just for the sake of it

[john i am]

I rather like Rons idea of critics corner

[spanner570]

I wouldn't use such a section because I don't go down the route of accuracy I believe in a bit of artistic license and if I want to know something or need help I'll ask for it

I don't perceive a separate section as wholly to do with accuracy, more a place where models can be shown and advice given on painting, decals, presentation etc. Total accuracy is low on my agenda too. Perhaps if a section is opened then whoever is presenting the model can state "I'm not bothered about the accuracy of the model but,....." or whatever else he is not too happy about.

I certainly don't believe anything untoward would spill over into the general forum, it wouldn't even start because we have the friendliest people by far.

We leave that sort of things to 'other places'

[Guest]

I think you've missunderstood what I'm trying to say Patrick, point I'm making is if you go down the route of speak your mind it opens up the nasty side of this hobby , let's face it there are quite a few rivet counters and elitists in this hobby do you really want that here ?I think a seperate section for that is not a bad idea but not a great one either , the problems you face with this sort of thing is bad feeling transferring from that section into the rest of the forum

I wouldn't use such a section because I don't go down the route of accuracy I believe in a bit of artistic license and if I want to know something or need help I'll ask for it

If you feel the need to comment and offer advice why do you think you can't just because someone has thought its a great build , we all have different opinions and thoughts about things

I would rather just not post a comment if there was a chance it could upset someone just for the sake of it

Alan, the last thing I would want is to ruin the welcoming & friendly nature of thus forum. However, the purpose of our hobby is to recreate, as accurately & realistically as possible, items found in the real world! Therefore we're all perfectionists to some degree & have at some time worn the rivet counters hat!

I would never say something that I couldn't back up with facts & it's down to the recipient to decide if he or she wants to incorporate that information.

I think we should give people the chance to speak openly - I very much doubt it would lead to malicious sniping. I have belief in my fellow members that they would keep within the bounds of correct behaviour.

[Alan 45]

I don't perceive a separate section as wholly to do with accuracy, more a place where models can be shown and advice given on painting, decals, presentation etc. Total accuracy is low on my agenda too. Perhaps if a section is opened then whoever is presenting the model can state "I'm not bothered about the accuracy of the model but,....." or whatever else he is not too happy about.I certainly don't believe anything untoward would spill over into the general forum, it wouldn't even start because we have the friendliest people by far.

We leave that sort of things to 'other places'

I'm not against it per say I'm just pointing out it only takes a wrongly worded post to cause an upset

[Alan 45]

Alan, the last thing I would want is to ruin the welcoming & friendly nature of thus forum. However, the purpose of our hobby is to recreate, as accurately & realistically as possible, items found in the real world! Therefore we're all perfectionists to some degree & have at some time worn the rivet counters hat!I would never say something that I couldn't back up with facts & it's down to the recipient to decide if he or she wants to incorporate that information.

I think we should give people the chance to speak openly - I very much doubt it would lead to malicious sniping. I have belief in my fellow members that they would keep within the bounds of correct behaviour.

Well I don't go down the accuracy route at all ive built aircraft with squadron codes that don't exist like my 1/24 spitfire and ive used different shades on purpose because I think they look better

[eddiesolo]

Well I don't go down the accuracy route at all ive built aircraft with squadron codes that don't exist like my 1/24 spitfire and ive used different shades on purpose because I think they look better

But that can be clarified by the OP in there thread, people are then aware that it is a representation rather than a factual model, do you think that would work?