After all the recent hullaballou I had a thought. What if there were a gallery specifically for "constructive criticism"? It seems like it could solve some issues and peeves, and it could prove very beneficial.
This would be a place where people could post pics with the specific expectation that ccer's would give them tips, advice, or other constructive opinion. Not that the other galleries wouldn't be valuable, but people could post in them not necessarily expecting a comment or awaiting for everyone to descend with their "real" opinions.
In no way do I envision this as a negative place, and all "bashing" would be strictly forbidden.
I just wondered what people think about this. Am I way of base or what? (And, yes, I can handle constructive criticism about my idea. 
) Perhaps this has already been bandied about and I'm unaware? If so, sorry, but everything recently just got me thinking about this.
Sarah
I don't think you're way off base - often thought this might be a good idea but wonder how this would work in reality. Would need a set of rules/guidelines in place. Would it be possible to have a trial forum and see how it goes? (maybe it would not be economical to set up a test forum)
The cynic in me thinks it might be hideous if only used by people posting perfection and fishing for compliments!! On the other hand it might help people who are ultra critical about their own work regain a sense of perspective and also be a valuable source of advice for people like me who decorate their cakes in relative isolation, lack experience and often cannot see the wood for the trees. (hope this makes sense - am falling asleep at keyboard and now off to bed)
I think cake central in general is a place for constructive criticism people post there pictures to show off there hard work and if they ask for it to get advice the problem comes as mentioned before some people have no tact when giving there advice and if people just remember to be constructive and no rude there is no need for a specail forum and futhermore I personaly dont give what limited advice on cake decorating that I have unless someone ask for it in there post sometimes people just post pictures to show everyone not to have people critic there work. 
I think cake central in general is a place for constructive criticism people post there pictures to show off there hard work and if they ask for it to get advice the problem comes as mentioned before some people have no tact when giving there advice and if people just remember to be constructive and no rude there is no need for a specail forum and futhermore I personaly dont give what limited advice on cake decorating that I have unless someone ask for it in there post sometimes people just post pictures to show everyone not to have people critic there work.
Your last point, Heather, is exactly why I was thinking about this. Not everyone wants people to critique their work -- they only want to hear a positive comment. I don't have any problems with this at all! But, other people post their pictures because they would like some genuine critiques -- the really great points and the "needs improvement" area. The problem with the galleries as they are now is that no leaves any constructive criticsim -- even if asked. Once in a great while, someone will post a cake to a forum and ask for comments, but I've often seen them accused of "fishing for compliments." I find this sad. Also, even in the forum section, they often don't get specific criticism.
BTW -- when I say "critique," I mean the good and the improvement areas.
You said, I personaly dont give what limited advice on cake decorating that I have unless someone ask for it in there post sometimes people just post pictures to show everyone not to have people critic there work. [/quote], and I completely understand, but this is exactly why I thought a section like this might work. If people posted there, then those viewing the cakes there would know exactly what people wanted.
I hope I don't sound argumentative because I really appreciate your reply. 
Sarah
you dont sound argumentive at all I thought that might be your reply to my last point but I guess it would be easier and less hassle for the admin if people would just ask for suggestions in there post if they want them rather than creating anther forum.
I think it's a good idea. However, I would imagine that it might lead to problems with the possibility of people being critiqued getting defensive and people giving the critique getting carried away.
I'm the kind of person that has no problem posting positive comments on cakes I see in the gallery. I can usually always see something I like. But, there are a lot of cakes I've seen that make me wonder why they were posted in the first place. I think people just want to be encouraged. Those kind of people aren't really looking for critiques...and if they are, they'll post a message in the forum.
But I do like your idea. People are very helpful in here and I like to think they'd be honest yet tactful with constructive criticism.
I think it's a good idea. However, I would imagine that it might lead to problems with the possibility of people being critiqued getting defensive and people giving the critique getting carried away.
Good point. All things start with good intentions, but as it was discussed at length in previous threads, sometimes you can't read inflection in the written word like you can the verbal one, and what may be intented as constructive could be taken the wrong way and then we are back to square one.
All things start with good intentions, but as it was discussed at length in previous threads, sometimes you can't read inflection in the written word like you can the verbal one, and what may be intented as constructive could be taken the wrong way and then we are back to square one.[/quote]
I guess my thought was that if there were a forum or gallery section specifically designated for constructive criticism, then people would be open to what others had to say because they'd be asking specifically for such feedback. Something like "This cake stinks" would obviously not be allowed because it's not building up but tearing down. But just someone saying, "I don't like the colors or the placement of the whatever... but I really think you did a great job on those flowers," would be really helpful.
A while back I posted a practice cake in the forum section and asked for honest opinions of my design. I got great responses and some super suggestions. Some members even went so far as to "draw" the design and redo it in a way that worked so much better. It was awesome. But, because it's in the forum section instead of the gallery, I can't reference it easily.
I'm sorry to belabor the issue, but I'm really just processing this through. I think after this I will pm Jackie and Heath and just ask about it. Don't really think this will happen, but I'm really thinking at this point that I would like to see it at least be tried. (Of course, if it were a miserable failure, then I never started this thread, I never asked for it, and don't look at me with those "I-told-you-so-post-eyes!" )
Sarah
I don't want to make anyone mad.....while I think the general idea is good......the overall effect might not be. Simply because people aren't always expecting the answer they will receive.
JMHO
I agree. I too think it could be a good thing, but I envision it with someone getting their feelings hurt and it turning into a negative thing. I really think some people post a photo and asked for a critque when what they are really hoping for is someone to tell them it is a lovely cake and it looks perfect. I think I hurt someone unintentionally. They pmed me about a cake, wanted my opinion on it, I thought I was careful in my wording when I suggested some changes. Suddenly she was telling me she knew it, the cake was a failure and she should trash it. NO, that wasn't what I was saying and don't trash it. So, I am thinking that type of thread could go that way as well.
Oh I am! I think it's a great idea. I always want constructive critcism as I can't take any classes and have no-one 'cakey' who can tell me how to improve. Its very nice when people say good things about my work but I'd love to get some nitty gritty feedback which would help me take my work to the next level. Just asking for it in a forum doesn't work. please pursue this!
I actually think it is a great idea! I think people who post some comments post sweet simple to the point comments. I post my pics here for any pointers, tips and ideas on what to do next on a cake to make it look better, present it better and so on! SO I think it should be a go!!! I think it should be a choice as to where we upload our photos too, like another sub folder of pics! GREAT IDEA!!
I don't know anything about running a site, but I'm sure it is easier for us to do it the way you said, and I completely understand.
Just looking for ways to get past some of the put-down attitude that some ccers have about posting to a thread and asking for opinions. I've heard too many people throw around the "fishing for compliments" line, and that really bothers me. I just thought if we had a place to legitimately put the pics then there wouldn't be that attitude. Ifyou ever reconsider, I'm findinig people who really like the idea now.
That said, I understand where you're coming from. Thanks for telling us though.
Sarah
I say thats a great idea. I need honesty I will never learn anything with comments of "wow" "thats great" and "so cool" dont get me wrong those are great and make me smile but a few well meaning, not rude but helpful tips are more than appreciated. I know I am not the best, never will be, but with time I will grow and learn, and thats what life is about
Just a thought
~ALicia
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