Constructive Critisism

[Stacey Jewell Stahl]

I *love* getting CC on my layouts and for that reason I tend to give unsolicited CC to others. I'm always torn about giving it - - - what if someone thinks I'm a snob or know-it-all? And what if I hurt someone's feelings?

And then I remember . . . this is the GUILD - where the mission is to advance the craft of digital scrapping. And I remember how much I love getting CC - and how much I loved it when I was just beginning.

What are your thoughts? Do you sometimes see a layout and think of a way to improve drop shadows, realism or font choices BUT don't comment because you don't want to step on toes? If it was your layout, would you want someone to point it out to you?

[Bek, aka opeysmama]

Stacey, if you ever have a word on my layouts GIVE IT UP BABY! Now, if I don't agree, I hope that is also cool...but I always love hearing ideas...because yes this is the GUILD and we're here to stretch, grow, and advance! I think we can all help each other this way.

I too often see things that I might have a suggestion on but unless its stated in the layout description, I don't say anything usually. Well, if it is in a class forum I do. But otherwise, I guess I'm just afraid, as you stated, someone might take it the wrong way, or think I'm being pushy or out of line.

I hope that in time, the Guild will become a place where this kind of give and take is the NORM rather than not. I believe if we opened up to this in a spirit of growth and love, we would all benefit tremendously and take our layouts to a new level.

Thanks for this thought...I'm interested to see what everyone says.

[Frani_54]

Once in a while I will give CC if it isn't asked, only because I see something that if improved would make an awesome layout! I always feel timid about it though, because I definately need lots of help in my layouts, so who am I to think I can help someone else, especially if CC's were not asked for.

On the flip side, I love getting CC's whether I ask for them or not because it helps me to see another way of doing something. In the layout I did for my class homework for freestyle...I was not happy with it at all and asked for input...WOW...the suggestions were awesome and I came away with a layout I love....

Hey hit me with those CC's anytime.....

Fran

[yhalos]

PLEASE, THIS IS THE GUILD...LOL. I personally don't give any cc unless asked for some. I agree with Bek, we are here to learn and grow in what we love to do. I want to create awesome LO's for my family that will last when I am no longer here. I absolutely do not mind any CC from anyone, so feel free.

[MommySpice]

For me, it depends on my relationship with the person...everyone here, I could take some CC from, because I know its from the heart and you're only trying to help (especially you, Stacey, or Debb). However, if I don't know the person real well, then I'm not always sure how to take it...and lets face it, there are some not-nice people out there.

I'm the same about giving...if I know the person well, and that they're okay with it, then I give it. If not, then I don't. After all, art is subjective, and what works for me may not work for them.

I have been hesitant to do it unless specifically asked for because I don't want to come across as a critical snob, especially when I'm feeling my layouts aren't going well. I have given in class galleries because I know we are learning together.

There are times when I see a misspelled word or a "squished" photo because it wasn't resized properly or drop shadows that are floating away, and I just want to take the person by the hand, but don't... and then I see a misspelled word in my layout and wonder why someone hasn't pointed it out to me?

[Nzingha]

My spelling is horrid I know that and hate when I catch the words after printing. So I love it when someone catches it for me (less expense.. heck only a bruised ego)

I don't mind CC I do mind someone picking my LO apart unless I ask for it. I mean butter me up a bit or I'll feel like I"m dealing w/ Mr. Man So tell me something good first so I won't feel like a total looser (only half kidding)

Honestly I dunno what to do sometimes but I have tried PM's which seem to go over well. That way I'm not the only one noting "btw those drop shadows.... "

I will always note a misspelled word simply because I'm so happy that I actually noticed

[umajo]

yes i love the cc but i will often put it with the layout cc please which if somenoe has that then i will but i feel awful if they don't have it sometimes i might pm them with a suggestion

[Stephanie]

Wanted to add....

If its someone i know, I don't mind it...only if its done tactfully, and with intentions to improve my layout...however its not ok, if you just want to point out everything i did 'wrong'

KWIM?

Originally Posted by Nzingha

My spelling is horrid I know that and hate when I catch the words after printing.
I will always note a misspelled word simply because I'm so happy that I actually noticed

I always have typos and spelling errors in my forum posts and layouts.


THe CC is a bit of a grey area for me. If you have some critisism on every page i put up it can be a bit discouraging. I will post CC in the class forum though, cause that is what it is there for, or the thread asking for help. I don't mind it in private, but Posting on my comments 'hey your drop shadows are too thick" is kind of embarrasing...I would rather the PM than in the comment section (unless its a class forum, or specifically asked for)

And like kara said, its all on who its from. IF i know the person and they know my style and stuff its easier to take, but from a random stranger I tend to feel wierd about.

Plus if you don't know someone and their background...It could be their frist page and if a bunch give CC, they might give up...KWIM

[Amy Eileen]

When it comes to cc I find that you have to be careful. Some people dont take it well, I know myself I had a few people give my layouts cc and it didnt feel like they were trying to help me. However, there was a lot of cc I welcomed and it really helped me grow. I find, like Ann, that if someone points out the things they like about the layout and then gives some cc its taken better. Whenever I give cc and normally I only do it when asked, I ALWAYS say what I like first and then give suggestions. When it comes to typos, most of the time I will say something, sometimes I forget. I love it when I get a pm saying 'Ummm Amy you spelled this wrong' or 'you forgot to put a 'the' in there.' Saves on ink.