Constructive Critisism

[ChiChi]

Oooh I'm touchy about this! If it's something very obvious such as spelling or a missing word, by all means, tell me. Otherwise, if I don't ask for it, then don't post it for everyone to see. I'd much rather have it in a PM. For example, I posted this layout in my gallery on the site where I used to spend a LOT of time: My Wish for You

Now, this is a layout that I really like, but someone on that other site, someone that I didn't know posted some criticism, and I really didn't appreciate it. (She didn't like the line down the left side). Granted, I tend to be overly sensitive, but that really bothered me, especially when I didn't ask for any CC, and it was from someone I didn't know. (This person has been on that site for a long time, but I've never "met" her).

Having said all that, I don't give CCs because I really don't feel qualified to do so. (Besides being overly sensitive, I also happen to suffer from low self esteem, but that's another story.) Bottom line, if the poster doesn't ask for CC, I don't give it. Hope all this makes sense...

[TiffanyJewel]

I love all CC! I find it 1, helps me grow and 2, can really show me my own LO in another persons view. It can totally change a LO for me!
anyway you gave me some CC today and I must say it is very VERY appreciated! I never take it as a negative, but take it as a positive that you liked it enough to offer support to bring it to it's fullest potential!

[gabbyxx]

I would love it this site was full of CONSTRUCTIVE help - (note I don't say criticism) I think it is great for learning - so if any wants to help me - Go for it!!! I may not always agree but I'll take it all on board!

[wvsandy]

I love CC because I am fairly new with no graphics training and I never paper scrapped. There are many things that I never think of like staples. However I do have a problem on certain sites where everybody loves everything. I never can tell if anyone means anything they are saying. Then of course, if no-one comments I'm sure that they don't like it but I don't know why.

[lvg4him]

i agree with wvsandy - while it is nice to get the "that's great!" if that is all i get i wonder if it is real. i too suffer from low self-esteem (a major reason i don't post too much), and so CC, if not given in a constructive way can hurt me so much i don't even scrap for weeks. however, that being said, I always apprecite CC because I want to learn even if I forget to ask for it. But again, it is all in the delivery (as well as how well I know the person). ALthough Stacey, I thinkk you are so well known and loved you can CC anyone's layout and they will feel honored you cc'd them! I know that when I see certain people comment on my layout, I fly high for several days! Even if they cc'd me.

[Jen]

I'm so new to this I honestly dont mind having and CC even if I dont post it. Just see it as a way to improve my layouts.

So feel free to give all the CC you want

[Birgit Kerr]

Ohhh I still struggle with the CC giving. As a point I don't do it if somebody didnt' ask for it in their description specifically. If I do, I tend to try and only focus on one point - it can be very discouraging to someone even when they do ask to have everyone rattle down all that is wrong with the LO. And I think if everyone learns just one thing with every LO, we will be awesome scrappers in no time!
Often it is such a small thing that I think I'd be blowing it out of proportion if I actually mention it, but again, if asked I will tell. I also try to be really careful to stay "technical" with the CC (especially with beginners) since I want to avoid *MY* style to "bleed" into somebody elses LO.
As for getting CC ... hit me with it, but I hope it's ok to disagree. Quite a while ago there was a competition on another site where all the judges gave some CC on a particular LO. Some of the CC was great and I felt improved my LO - some seemed just a personal preference and just didn't sit right with me. The LO would have no longer been "mine" ... not because the changes were so fundamental ... just not my style. So I didn't make them.

I do always appreciate it though when people let me know about typos. Like the other's said ... I'd rather correct it before printing! I once had a LO featured in a magazine and to my horror I realized it had a typo in the TITLE no less and I guess everyone was too polite to mention it to me in the galleries. It was quite embarassing to me to see it featured with the typo and all lol (that was the first time I* had even noticed the typo - seeing it in the magazine)

Much like you think everyone will only see the great big zit on your nose on your school pictures .......

Much like you think everyone will only see the great big zit on your nose on your school pictures .......

Birgit - you been looking at my high school annuals?

[Frani_54]

No it was me Maggie, I told her about the Zit....

[pillowgirl]

I think there is a definite benefit to constructive criticism. The key word is constructive. A lot of sites or people claim their "opinion" to be constructive criticism. But they don't back it up.

For example, "I am not a fan of your color scheme," is not constructive. But, "I think your layout would look better if you changed the color scheme a little. Here is a link to an article about using color to demonstrate a mood. Let me know if you need help."

Constructive means "Help someone get better and grow."
Opinion means, "I just wanted to tell you what I think about that, but I can't help you improve it and it's ot based on any concept or publishable theory."

Of course, this entire post is JUST my opinion. I didn't want to do the research to post any constructive criticism I LOVE constructive criticism even when I don't solicit it. And now and then I ASK for an opinion.