Originally posted by gerryr
<br />This topic was about Scott's site and it seems to have been waylaid.
I don’t mind that the thread got waylaid as long as something constructive comes of it.
I would like to share my thoughts as to why a critiques forum is doomed to fail.
Not everyone has the same quality of photographic equipment nor do they possess the same photographic skills.
Sometimes different plating photographed from different angles will give the illusion of poor fit. (How many times have we heard members say that another member’s pen looks better in person?) Chrome is son that seems to cause this.
Sometimes we can hide obvious flaws can be hidden by our photographic technique.
We have some members who have a disdain for anything but wood and every acrylic pen got the comment “It looks like a 29 cent pen from Wal-Mart†Where is the constructive criticism in that type of remark? Others have a similar dislike for a particular kit and personal opinion is too often given as criticism and I do not believe that personal opinion should enter into a critique.
It is often very hard to take when you are quite proud of something and another person does not share that enthusiasm.
Sometimes it is not possible to give an honest opinion from a single photograph.
I could come up with a lot more reasons but I’m pressed for time.
How about a few ideas as to how it could work?
Could pictures be taken using a guideline like a neutral background for example?
How about if the pictures were sent to a moderator and posted anonymously?
Probably a very bad idea but what if the replies were posted anonymously?
What if the critiques forum was closed and you had to request to get in?
Here are a few possibilities; lets hear opinions form more of our members.