SPA Modeler

G'Day all.

Over years I often see strange discussions happen over the net, be it forums like this, FB or somewhere else. Everything is nice and beautiful, and everyone is aware that different people have different tastes, skills etc. But the net can be cruel too, especially when its about CC.

For me personally, CC is always welcome and its important to avoid mistakes in the future.

Often it happens like that:

Mr. X: "Hey all, I have this and that here, hope you like it!"
Mr Y: " Nah, I dont like it. Blah blah."
Mr. X: "Hey, whats wrong with you, how can you write things like that?!"

etc. etc., in the end everyone is p...ed off. Is that the thing?

IMHO communication is the key. If I dont like something, I give a reason for it too in most cases. Some know the story, thats why im not participating in German forums for example, Germans can be very... lets say narrow minded from time to time.

How do YOU handle CC? Is it important or not?

First of all I would be sure to understand what you want to say by "CC". Carbon Copy? Constructive criticism?

Constructive criticism indeed, Thomas.

Constructive criticism is suppose to be just that. A constructive critique of what one sees that could be improved on their project. Not tearing it all to pieces as a lot of people do. On the other hand, when you ask for it you are bound to get some info that you may not want to hear.

I like true constructive criticism or critiques. A hundred "attaboys" will not help you improve as much as one honest critique will. But the delivery is important as well. Calling out gigs is helpful. But calling them out along with suggesting a corrective action for the next time is more so.

How do I handle it? I do realize that some is subjective- i.e., the critic does not like subjects of a particular type, and has to voice that, even though they have noting helpful to add. In which case I may or may not respond. Or the critique is objective, and helpful, no matter how harsh- your wings are on upside down, you may want to have a closer look at the directions when your installing parts, or your canopy is all fogged up, try acme clear glue on your next one to reduce the chance of that happening. In which case I'll say thank you for the tip, and I will try that on my next one where I can.

We had a discussion on critique, especially constructive criticism, here on SPAModeler some time ago. Back then the discussion on this got out of hand and got personal. Nothing we really look for here.

I think it is ok to offer one´s point of view on something. Only, we don´t see each other here, we don´t hear the voices, we just read letters. Letters on a forum cannot transport emotions. One has to remember this when chosing one´s words. Words are easily misunderstood if the writer doesn´t try his best to phrase his thoughts as precise as possible, leaving (hopefully) no room for getting misunderstood or seen as offensive.

Constructive criticism, IMHO, should not only point out what could be improved, it also better offers suggestions how to do so. In my understanding this is the constructive part of it.

Thomas_M wrote:We had a discussion on critique, especially constructive criticism, here on SPAModeler some time ago. Back then the discussion on this got out of hand and got personal. Nothing we really look for here.

I think it is ok to offer one´s point of view on something. Only, we don´t see each other here, we don´t hear the voices, we just read letters. Letters on a forum cannot transport emotions. One has to remember this when chosing one´s words. Words are easily misunderstood if the writer doesn´t try his best to phrase his thoughts as precise as possible, leaving (hopefully) no room for getting misunderstood or seen as offensive.

Constructive criticism, IMHO, should not only point out what could be improved, it also better offers suggestions how to do so. In my understanding this is the constructive part of it.

I could not agree more with Thomas! Written text is one dimensional, we humans need multi-dimensional information... to simplify it..

- Kari

I'm good with any kind of criticism, whether it is CC or DC. ("Destructive Criticism?")

What I don't like is someone just quoting the net to say "they didn't carry that" or "that was never used operationally".

That is because I always, without fail, build to a photo,,,,,,or at the very least, to a photo of the aircraft, with TO's for the load if that unit had them in their history.

Since I do that,,,,,,I can't stand to read "no one did that", obviously from someone that believes that "all historic knowledge is on the net" and didn't find any mention of it online. Then, when I point out the exact page that it can be found on, I get to read "well, I don't have an overpriced library like you do". (you'd be surprised at how often I've read that)

Otherwise,,,if you see a bad seam, a glue spot, frosting in my clears, or some such,,,,,,just say that, I obviously must have missed it. An "attaboy" in that situation actually would seem to carry more harm than good. But, heck, even if someone just doesn't like the Intruder,,,,,,he can go ahead and just say that,,,,,,it won't change what I build by the slightest jot.

After typing all of that,,,,,,if someone puts absolutely fantastic miniature foot prints in an area that we were forbidden to EVER step on,,,,,,,I will say something. While giving a compliment on his great work making those footprints.

It would be great if we could all assume that all comments are well-intentioned,,,,but, we know that some guys just aren't capable of that, lol.

I think constructive criticism is very benifical. But as said by others I find it hard to deliver it. Firstly because the constraints of written language. Secondly because English is not my first language.
So there is plenty that can go wrong between sender and receiver.

I use a few guidelines when I deliver critique:
- what is this modeller trying to achieve? A factory fresh bird or a clapped out wreck?
-what kind of tools and experience does this modeller have? An example: No point in telling an avid brush painter that he SHOULD use an airbrush. Better to tell him how his brush painting could be better or how he could use rattle cans for finishing flat coats. (Then again, some brush painters can achieve wonders)
- can I offer a solution or experience when I give a critique? Because it is easy to say what is wrong but is better to give a solution.
- does this modeller want a critique?

As you can read, I try to be careful with critique and usually only give a real critique to people I know.