Jeff,
As a fairly new member and a new pen maker, I'm so pleased to see this.
I reviewed the archives to learn what had been discussed previously and saw good reasons on both sides of the argument to this. I've read that things went sour in the past. Knowing some of the many personalities we have here, I can understand how something like this has HUGE potential volatility.
Having said that, I'm convinced it'll be of value to those who wish to partake.
Perhaps something can be added to the profile OR just the Terms of Service and Acceptable Use stipulating posting to a Critiques Forum opens the poster to potential negative feedback on their pen regarding form, fit, function, color-match, compatibility with said kit, et al. The general idea being that critiques must be about the PRODUCT not the PERSON.
Illustrations of appropriate responses could be placed in a sticky if necessary showing good and bad examples of a reply. "It's ugly" might NOT be an inappropriate post if the person mixes several different materials and asks "Do you like how this looks?" Case in point, when I began making pens I asked what folks thought of the shape of a particular slimline. All responded that they didn't like it.
IF the forum could have a special button included that'd notify the moderators when things go awry (as they surely will), the members could police it. Some number of hits (let's start with 5 for argument's sake) by the general members would auto-magically lock the thread AND make it hidden. That'd give y'all a chance to review the material and judge what's occuring without having to watch it all the time. The members could watch it as a community.
An original poster who feels they have been abused/attacked would have to prove their case; it should NOT be up to those doing the critiquing to have to prove their innocence UNTIL AFTER the moderators find in favor of the abuse argument.
Abusing the privilege of critiquing someone's work should result in a ban; some length for 1st abuse, permanent thereafter.
Well, that's my initial thoughts on the matter.
Except, Oh, yeah -- I nominate Ed & Gerry to run it. [
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Gary