Suggestions: To Make Them or Not

[Judyy]

Is there a consensus of opinion here about when to make suggestions about a person's layout? I'm talking about constructive criticism, of course--not bashing.

I've noticed many times when I'd like to suggest something that might be done differently in a layout, but there's already a list of other people's comments, and no one has mentioned what I see. It makes me feel a little curmudgeonly to be the only one to see something that could be changed. It isn't that I'm so clear-eyed--on the contrary, what I usually have to say involves rather something to TRY than to definitely change. But I often hesitate to say what I'm thinking--I don't want to seem like the only naysayer at the party.

So, I'd appreciate hearing any thoughts on this score. Do you only suggest things if the poster asks for ideas? Or do you sometimes only have time to say, hey, nice layout and move on? Is there some standard behavior that I haven't learned yet?

By the way, I personally want to hear any ideas anyone has about my layouts--knowledge is power, even in scrapbooking. :)

[Bethanne]

Coming from a total newbie.....I would welcome any comments as to how I could improve my layouts. The more ideas, the better. :D

[dkapp12]

On occassion, I have seen spelling errors.

I don't want to post that right there for the world to see, so I have sent a private message a time or two about this. Most of the time I just ignore it for fear of offending someone.

I wish these photo editing programs had spell check, it would probably save a lot of ink!

[Stacey Jewell Stahl]

I would LOVE it if every comment on every one of my layouts had "I would do this, Stacey . . . " in it. But I have skin like an alligator.

I leave CC for those people that I know won't be offended and ask for it. On my list are you, Karen B, Keeplearning, BerryGirl, Starling, DeeZee and AmyShell. I'll leave CC for someone who requests it in the comments, but otherwise I have decided to not to. My motives are pure, but I just don't want to hurt someone's tender feelings.

[dkapp12]

:) Add me to your list - I appreciate all comments and CC.

[dobegal]

Funny, I was thinking about this today. Maybe a special section for anyone who would like to be critiqued (?) Based on certain criterion - technique, balance, appearance, etc., etc., I know in college in my design and art classes, we went around the class and critiqued everyone's work. It really helps to get other opinions. Sometimes you agree and sometimes you don't. But not everyone wants an opinion. I would like to honestly know other opinions when I post good, or bad. It is a learning process. But, not everyone wants to do this and that's understandable.

[JoyCrazy]

Funny, I was thinking about this today. Maybe a special section for anyone who would like to be critiqued (?) Based on certain criterion - technique, balance, appearance, etc., etc., I know in college in my design and art classes, we went around the class and critiqued everyone's work. It really helps to get other opinions. Sometimes you agree and sometimes you don't. But not everyone wants an opinion. I would like to honestly know other opinions when I post good, or bad. It is a learning process. But, not everyone wants to do this and that's understandable.

That's a great idea. I would definitely visit a critique thread for advice and encouragement. I'm sure it would be very popular..

[Judyy]

Well, there is the Step It Up gallery for those who want specific suggestions for improving some layouts. I guess what I'm wondering about are comments on the general gallery layouts. I feel like Stacey--I want to be helpful, but I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings.

I guess I could just give suggestions to those who I know want them, and otherwise I could just keep my big, opinionated mouth shut. :D

[Meryl]

I often think of this one - the one I see most often is the mis-shapen photos, squished out of shape to fit into an availabe space, so poor old granny gets a very long, or very wide face :) must say i never do comment unless there is a request for suggestions. I was cured of that when i say a huge spelling error (and I don't easily spot those) pm'd the girl, in the nicest way I could, and got a blurt back..............
Interesting thread so glad you started it BadJuju!

[andyapc]

Oh Meryl! I can't imagine anyone being nasty to you! That's too bad.

Occasionally there have been instances where the layout itself is of very poor web quality (way too small, way too big, too pixelated, too blurry, etc.) and in those cases, I have posted a suggestion to re-upload it for better viewing.

But other than that, unless the poster has specifically asked for CC, I never suggest any revisions - even with long, squished faces or pictures/text "floating" off the layout, etc. I just don't want to take the chance of offending anyone. I don't even point out spelling errors for fear of Meryl's experience, unless I "know" the poster well enough to know that he/she won't be offended.

As for myself ... please point out any spelling/grammar errors! :eek: I suffer from dyslexic fingers. I would hate to waste time/ink in printing out something that has an error on it. Don't bother with a pm - just post it in the comments! :)

However, when it comes to suggestions about style or design - hmmmmmmmmmm - I think that unless I specifically asked for CC, I would prefer not to hear those. By the time my layouts are posted, they have gone through tweaking h*ll and I'm either satisfied with them or just want to move on with my life.

[dobegal]

LOL! My first LO went thru "tweaking h ---." I spent 2 weeks trying to figure out how to work Elements3 and my family is sick of looking at a blow up of their cousin 24/7! Then I saved it in TIFF! Well, had to start over. My house is a mess, but I was strong, I ignored everything and kept forging ahead. My bills are late, but I'm done! Maybe will post soon. I think his head was elongated, somewhat, but I want to move on to the next one. Truly addicted! :D

[Pam]

One of the reasons I browse the gallery is to get ideas -- and I post copies of some of my layouts to see if others like them or even notice or have ideas for improvement (digital is forgiving in that nothing is pasted down) -- I have my original layout in layers and can change something.

Same in the forums -- when I see a question that I think I can answer, should I try? Used to be that I didn't because I knew that someone "in the BIG know" would come along and minimize what I've said. But I've since decided, "so?" If that happens, I might learn something too. And sometimes I've even had the right answer!

I would rather have someone PM me about spelling or grammar than to have everyone continue to see it wrong (and even print it wrong for my album). I think it would show a caring from a special individual who would take the time to read my layout and let me know if they've seen an error.

[melodiustenor]

On the odd occasion I have felt the urge to make a comment - sometimes just in case they made an unintentioned mistake... like putting the date as 2025 or something. But I also make what I hope is a positive comment, and then add it as a BTW kind-of thing. I hope I don't cause offence, and I haven't done it often! :o Usually I have had some thanks back... When it comes to spelling and text everyone makes mistakes from time to time - if everyone who noticed sent a PM to the person, they might get heaps of PMs that would be more irritating to the scrapper than putting it briefly and nicely in the comments... do you think?
I think if someone feels that their LO needs something more, needs fixing, or they want to take it to the next level, they need to post requests for constructive criticism or suggestions.
Otherwise I try to resist the temptation to comment on squeezed photos, out of focus images etc, and I sit on my hands. I don't want to be thought big headed, when I have a beam in my eye.
We all start somewhere, and I think if I had too much criticism (even the helpful type!) to start with I wouldn't keep scrapping. I think the great feature of this site is the positive encouragement.
Melodi

[wfclair]

I am the worst speller in the world!!! Math is my forte. In the comment section, for all to see, I WANT CC's!!!!! Plaese gevi mi anny sugestions yuo wunt!!!!

[Luv2scrapSherri]

I am the worst speller in the world!!! Math is my forte. In the comment section, for all to see, I WANT CC's!!!!! Plaese gevi mi anny sugestions yuo wunt!!!!

Brother you make me giggle....but I too want CC from everyone cuz if I spelled something wrong I want to know before printing it out....also if any of my shadows or layers look bad PLEASE TELL ME!!! Never get offended...that what I Love about this site someone is willing to give you a helping hand or voice! :)

[Donut]

Personally i LOVE it when anyone suggests alterations or ideas that i haven't thought of,or dont have the skill to do yet, or points out something like a spelling mistake - i would be sooo cross if i hadnt noticed a typo and printed it out!
Any and all comments ideas constructive criticism -throw 'em at me, i can take it... :eek:
In the end it all helps with the learning curve and if i dont want to take the advice i dont have to, but i can listen first then decide!
As a relative beginner I am not yet at the stage where i feel i can leave CC on other peoples LOs, but if (when!) that day comes i will do so, tactfully, if i feel it will help. :)

[valeri]

I don't mind if people make suggestions. I might like their idea better then my own, or I might not. Either way, its always welcome. Pointing out errors is great too.... but I have to say that a few times I have gotten a reply on my layout that simply said, "you spelled blankety-blank wrong" and thats it! Not that it bothers me to be told in public that I have a spelling error, because it doesn't ... its just that if that is ALL you have to say, maybe a PM would be better. It just seems so .... abrupt and unfriendly.

[dobegal]

I think Melodiustenor really brought up some good points "I think if somone feels that their LO needs something more, needs fixing, or they want to take it to the next level, they need to post requests for constructive criticism or suggestions." I, myself, have nothing posted yet, but want CC since I am new and want to learn and grow at this. But she is also correct in saying that the great feature of this site is the positive encouragement.

[Cheeky]

From my own experience with my first LO yesterday, I want to say that all the encouragement was a very nice surprise and very encouraging. I actually didn't expect any response at all, and if any it would be critique or perhaps criticism. I don't think I would have felt as encouraged if there was a lot of criticism, so I agree with what melodioustenor and dobegal had to say. I also relate strongly to what Andyapc wrote about "tweaking h*ll". LOL I know so little at this point that I spend an inordinate amount of time just rearranging things and changing my mind. (I also have dyslexic fingers Andy, and seeing your LO's shows me what may become possible.) Also, right now my skills are very limited and just doing this much was a real challenge for me.

On the other hand, I find constructive criticism a most valuable tool. I think a newbie can be easily quashed, so it's probably best to allow someone the opportunity to ask for the suggestions, and then offer them from a perspective of what you might have done yourself. That will probably open up a battery of questions from those of us who are eager to learn how to improve our skills and develop our styles. Heck, for me I still need to learn a lot about the simplest of things, and I'm well aware of that. I know how I want it to look, but still cannot achieve it. So the help in learning more skills will be more than appreciated.

[Judyy]

Jeez, I'm learning so much from this thread--wish I'd thought of asking the question earlier.

Re: Andy's point about tweaking he**, I honestly never thought about that--that by the time the LO is posted, the poster has already poured her heart into it and would only be upset to find that, despite her hard work, someone STILL found something that could use more attention. On the other hand, if I've put so much effort into a LO, I guess I'd welcome that one little idea that would make it even better. And on the third hand, I also relate to the desire to get it done and get on with my life.

And to second Valeri's point, I would never just point out an error and say nothing else about a LO. That's just insensitive, and maybe even a little mean. Like every person, every layout that's posted has some value--I think it's important to comment on that value, esp. if you also want to add CCs.

So what I think I'm hearing is to give CCs for those who ask or those you otherwise know want it, and aside from that, keep my thoughts to myself--as someone said, sit on my hands. I can do that...I think. ;)

[bpalmer]

I think that we are all learning here and maybe if we put it in a nice way like .... have you thought of doing xyzpdq, maybe that would be helpfull. I know that there are alot of things that I don't know and I do spend alot of time on layouts and tweak them like Andy said but maybe the thing that would take my layout to the next level isn't something that I'm seeing or know about. Please speak up and def tell me if I spelled something wrong! I am the worst speller in the world! Just 2 cents....

[Pam]

It's great that members share their perspective on topics like this. One reason that I might PM someone, rather than add to the comments (about spelling or a stretched out photo) is that should they change the layout, members won't see my remarks and go back to look. Entries to your gallery can be edited - below your layout, but above the comments, is a place that says, "edit photo" - when this opens, you can change what you've typed below the layout - and also upload a your changed layout. This way you don't lose the comments that members have made.

[Emma]

Here's my opinion on the topic, and I'm (LOL) SURE this will end all speculation since my way is always the right way! That's why I leave so much CC but never WANT any ;);) :D :rolleyes:

Here's the 1-Minute Manager approach to sandwich the criticism with positive, and I always just leave in the comments section. I PM major grammar errors since those are pickier and often more sensitive. For design issues, I take her experience into account before suggesting something. I always leave CC if asked for.

Positive comment

preface criticism with words like "I have a suggestion, hope you don't mind," or "Some feedback for you," or "Just an FYI," the nicer the better for newbies or people you don't know. Whether it's resizing distortion (I almost always mention this), spelling corrections (I almost always mention this), or grammar (I occasionally mention this if I know her), or design advice (this one is harder to mention unless you really know her).

Positive comment

And Photoshop DOES have Spell Checker!!!! When editing text, just right click and choose Check Spelling from that pop up menu!

For long blocks of text, I put them into Word and use the grammar and spell check if I'm in doubt.

The Step-it-Up gallery is great, here are some suggestions for using it more effectively. Title the layout HELP!!! or similar because if it's a bad layout it often won't get viewed much without the plea right in the title. Also, feel free to post to the feedback thread in the forums or just start your own so it gets more attention. The c-s Yahoo group is also a good place to post the question with a link to get it more traffic and suggestions.

[dkapp12]

:eek: OMG Emma - you are brilliant!!!!!!

Regarding spell check: I am fairly new to all of this, but I can't believe that I never noticed that before! Once in a while I need to be hit over the head to knock off my blinders!

Thanks! I just love when I learn something new!

[mom2one+two]

I LOVE getting CC. Not only on spelling mistakes (hard to edit your own stuff and I write for a living!) but layout stuff as well. Even though I'm getting the hang of page design, it is still great to hear other ideas for the page. If I don't like the suggestion, hey, I don't have to use it, but you never know when someone will come up with something brilliant!

[ChariTheRed]

I'm a cheerleader by nature....Way to go! Good job! Nicely done!

I think all effort deserves a pat on the back. This stems from my years as a Preschool Teacher where we encouraged the process, not so much the end product.

But with digital scrapbooking, it's as much about the end product as it is the process.

That said, if someone asks for constructive criticism, they are prepared to get some.

Otherwise I pick something out of the LO I truly like and give 'em a pat on the back for it :)

Every encouraging comment I have recieved has spurred me on to stretch my creative skills and learn new ones.

[MaureenH]

I would like CC. I've gotten both PMs and comments and either is OK. One layout I thought was wonderful, someone suggested a major change and sure enough it was better with the change. I agree with the comments to put it gently and also to be sensitive to new people. At that point support and encouragement is so important.

[Starling]

Please, please, please correct spelling. I can't spell. I try to remember to use spell check on big blocks of journaling, but...

As for the rest of it, well it depends...

When I was new here someone gave me a lot of cc on one layout. I was not amused. I liked my layout a lot, and although hers was OK, I still liked mine.

On the other hand I've posted a HELP me layout and asked for help. Haven't come to a final decision on that one yet. I'll probably re-do it from scratch since I never printed. Until I print, it isn't finished.

I've become very aware that I've got a lot to learn since my beginning days here.

When I comment, especially to newbies, I try to find something I like. I won't lie to them. If I say I like the colors, or they used the kit well, I do like the colors and they did use the kit well when they designed their layout. Sometimes we learn more from our successes than from our failures.

[Debb Cozzi]

I agree with Stella that sometimes we do learn more from success than failure, if in fact we know why the layout is successful in the first place. For myself, I love ALL comments I get-positive, negative, neutral...it means people are taking the time to look at your layouts and consider them. But what I really like is when people take the time to tell me why a layout either works for them or doesn't. In a 'good' layout sometimes people will notice things that I as the designer wasn't even aware of as I put the page together-those "happy accidents" if you will. Being made aware of them I can be more deliberate about using those ideas/design principles in the future. On the other hand if something really isn't working in a layout, I want to know about it, it is probably something I am not seeing or have missed or I wouldn't have posted the layout in the first place. But, I have to admit I am a 'pursuit of excellence' kindof gal (my family would say 'obnoxious perfectionist' but that's another story :D ) so if someone's suggestions/criticism can serve to make a layout better, I say, "bring it on!" ;)

[Judyy]

I like your style, keeplearning! Maybe we should have a "Bring it on" gallery. ;)

[Happy2bhere]

I would also like all cc's with my uploads. Please, please please comment. A lot of times I will wait a night to post something to look at it one last time. I can catch a lot of things this way. There are times that once something is printed I see it like a sore thumb sticking out. So, please don't ever hesitate to tell me if something looks wrong or out of place. It will help my ink purchase budget :) , I'm sure.
Wendy

[Starling]

Actually we do have a gallery that is intended for people who want to post things they would like comments and suggestions on. And we also can post in the forums with a link to that gallery.

I've done it and I got some great comments and suggestions. I got so many I couldn't make up my mind about what to do next. :D

I think everyone ought to try it at least once. People were kind, and very helpful when I tried it. And it was fun to work things out with several people and to get to talk about a project with a bunch of people too.

[BethyNixon]

Like my siggie says - I welcome ALL comments! I might not agree but I sure do appreciate the feedback!

I agree with a previous poster (sorry last page - can't remember the name!) that knowing what *does* work as well as what *doesn't* really helps me.

I try to go through and mention what I do like in other's posts but am "shy" about mentioning what doesn't work for *me* personally.
It seems most of us would like CC - and I like Emma's way of mentioning it. I *know* it would help me!

[nclauri]

I always welcome of cc even though it may not be in my post I would like to hear it. I may not always take the advice or use the suggestion, but I want to see how others would change things. That is how I learn. I would much rather be very pleased with my layout then flip past it quickly because it is lacking something and I can't put my finger on what that "something" is.

I didn't realize Photoshop had a spell checker. I have PS Elements. But there are some words that could be misspelled that it won't pick up on such as there or their used incorrectly. I would definitely want typos, spelling errors and gramatical errors pointed out to me. When I reread my own typing I read what I meant to type, not necessarily what my fingers typed! It wouldn't matter to me if it was in the comment section or a PM.

So put me on your list of people you now would welcome CC!

[Stacey Jewell Stahl]

I just hope I haven't stepped on anyone's toes in making CC. :( I'd feel terrible if I was the person Starling mentioned!!! OR if someone else would write that about my comments to them.

There's a fine line here . . .

[BerryGirl]

Stacey, you are one of the most thoughtful posters ever! I always feel pretty darn good about myself after reading your comments, regardless of whether you suggested changes or not! I love hearing ideas and suggestions and correcting mistakes (my sister pointed out I misspelled my own last name in my last lo :p I figure you should treat the cc like I listen to my parents advice: listen to it, consider it, say thank you and then do whatever you think is right :) It's a good idea to add that you want cc to your signature if you want it, I think I will do that, because I appreciate all of the comments from the talented people here!

[Starling]

BerryGirl, that is pretty much what I did do with that cc I was talking about. The funny thing is that I would feel quite different about it now than I did then. My story was to remind all of us that newbies sometimes need a very gentle hand. They need to be told what they did right more than what they did wrong.

Also, I truly do believe that we learn more from our successes than from our failures. As a child, much younger than my sister and brother, I never could do anything right. They had me frozen in place. As an adult it was a shock to discover that they weren't perfect, and that I was actually as smart as they were, and at times a lot more sophisticated. It really was only when I began to be told that I had done something right that I was finally free to learn and to go my own way.

On the other hand, if you ask for constructive criticism, I feel free to tell you what I think about the things that bother me, or give suggestions on how to maybe make it better. There is certainly a place for both.

[Carimoo]

Honestly, I'd rather get constructive criticism than nothing at all. :o

I'm one of those people who'd love any input on a layout, that's why *I* post here. It is wonderful to hear what people like about a layout, but I'm new to this and I want to grow as a scrapper...constructive criticism will help me think outside of my box. just my 2 cents.

[BethyNixon]

after reading this thread, I'm starting each of my layout comments with *I welcome ALL comments*
That way everyone will know that I *do* want comments!!

[poogie962]

I would like cc as well, i am new at this digital stuff so, any advise is greatly appreciated. Tell me whats good or bad about my LO and help me know how i can change it for the better. I need all the help i can get. When i paper scrap with my gf i am always asking her will this look better this way or that way and if she doesnt like how i have it i want to know why, and ask her what she might do differently, i might like her idea and then again i might not. but thats what i thought you all were her for to give me ideas and help, and the occasional CC. :D

[Asrai]

Wow I'm in the minority here. I'm new here but not to digital scrapping or posting layouts, and I still don't care for cc. I don't care for unsolicited advice in general, so I guess that carries over to posting layouts for me. When I post a layout I am done and happy with it.

Now, looking back on my first layouts I see floating elements and shadows going in different directions, but I figured that out on my own over time without anyone picking my first layouts apart. I got nothing but positive feedback on those layouts and I am grateful for the encouragement.

[Emma]

Okay, that's so interesting. Definitely minority, but I can totally relate. So here's the question, as you renew my fears about unsolicited CC, LOL! If someone DOES leave CC, how do you feel about it? Do you just say, "Hey, I'm learning, I'll take it into account for my next layouts?" Or do you think, "Hey, @($#%@ you!" ???

I'm so guilty of unsolicited advice all the time here and in real life...it's so sad, and I'm really trying to get that under control! My husband has started too. Someone asked me a question the other day, and when I answered it my good friend said, "Oh, yeah, of course she knows because she's gotta know EVERYthing! :rolleyes: " She can tell it to me straight, but it's still embarrassing!

So if someone is gonna leave unsolicited CC, how should they phrase it so we don't annoy people who don't want it? One phrase I use is, "This layout looks great, doesn't need any changes. On the next layouts, you could try..." How's that one?

[Lisa Carter]

ok...my 2 cents...with inflation...it ain't much...LOL

I very rarely leave CC...but not to say that I haven't or will not ever.
I have given CC in the chat room. I don't mind CC..that is how I learn.
The thing to remember..is that beauty is in the eye of the beholder so what looks good to me...does not look good to others, and visa versa. Also, sometimes what we see as a mistake...is exactly what they wanted to do.
If I do say something negative I try to end with something positive (I am not perfect though, sometimes my mouth takes over....ok a lot of times my mouth takes over...LOL)

The one thing that bothers me the most in layouts, is the drop shadows. But....I do try to keep in mind that PSE has limited abilities with the drop shadows. I also very vividly remember my first layouts...OUCH....hurts my eyes now...LOL

OK that was my 2 cents...and no...NO REFUNDS ALLOWED

[mirandalea]

I just thought I'd throw my opinion into the mix. I welcome and enjoy CC on every LO I post, so I put that in my signature. I guess I sort of thought that was kind of the point of these websites. That's one of the main reasons I post here, anyway. Of course,

I will admit that the first time I got some cc, even though I asked for it, I was a little disappointed. I guess I was just hoping that in my first few attempts I would hit on some innate scrapping genious hidden deep in my subconscious and make the perfect page. Well, that didn't happen. :rolleyes: Anyway, the cc I got was about a "rule" that I knew I had broken, but in this instance, I thought the way I had done it was the most effective for the page I was creating. So, I simply posted a reply that said so. No harm, no foul.

I still love to get cc on my LOs, and I take it much better than before. I only began scrapping late this May and I've never paper scrapped, so I'm literally learning all the time. I could never learn as much or as fast without all of the great comments and suggestions I receive here and at the other scrap-site I frequent.

Anyway, that's my take on the issue. To quote Dennis Miller, "That's just my opinion; I could be wrong."

[Starling]

When someone asks for cc I try to give a range of options. I might say something like, if you want to make a change you might do ... and leave a whole list where it is impossible to do all of the list so it is obvious that it is an "or" list. One of the reasons I do that is to show that there are many ways to do things right.

[BerryGirl]

I think that is a great idea Starling. I would love to get a variety of ideas because even if I didn't end up using them on that specific page it might help me out on another page that has me searching for ideas. That also changes it from being cc to being a brainstorm of ideas. Two heads are better than one right :) You can brainstorm on my page anytime!

[Debb Cozzi]

Given my rather bold assertion earlier in this thread about wanting all comments & suggestions, I found myself eating a little bit of humble pie when my husband (of all people! ;) ) dared to offer the mildest of suggestions on one of my layouts. The silly story behind this experience can be found here:

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=44638&cat=500&page=1

I think this falls under the category of, "be careful what you ask for" :D

[Meryl]

Given my rather bold assertion earlier in this thread about wanting all comments & suggestions, I found myself eating a little bit of humble pie when my husband (of all people! ;) ) dared to offer the mildest of suggestions on one of my layouts. The silly story behind this experience can be found here:

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=44638&cat=500&page=1

I think this falls under the category of, "be careful what you ask for" :D

Oh too funny - almost as loaded a question as "does my bum look big in this?"..... well done on making a great page of the story!

[Starling]

Errrr.... I like the original one better. :D

[Judyy]

I actually like both versions, but for different reasons. Why not print them both and make that part of your album interactive? You could even have a page where people vote for their fave version. On the other hand, that might be a little too informal for the lovely formal layout you've done. Worth considering though....

[Debb Cozzi]

Errrr.... I like the original one better. :D

Stella, I think we'll keep that between us. ;) I'd hate to tell my hubby and ruin a good gloat. Besides, he looks so cute when he's all puffed up & proud of himself thinking he was right! :D

[minni]

I think this is such an interesting question to be asked. To CC or not CC?

(btw Debb, I like the original too. LOL)

I'm one of those that has probably tweaked the h*** out my stuff before it's uploaded to a gallery anywhere and also because of my limited hard drive space, my file has not been saved in layers so I don't have the option of going back to change things without starting from scratch. Once I have finished a layout - I've moved on.
I don't object to CC but in my case, it is very hard to act on it unless I start from scratch again. And I'm already in trouble in my house because of the amount of time I spend on the computer. :eek:
One of my yahoo groups recently had a thread going on comments on layouts and the general consensus was that they love feedback on their layouts but sometimes their layouts get lost beside the ones that have the 'wow' factor and therefore their layouts barely get looked at - let alone commented on.
My rule of thumb is that everyone starts somewhere and they love comments so I try to comment on every layout that I look at. If the layout isn't 'my cup of tea', I will find something in that layout that I think looks awesome or pleasing and comment specifically on that. I mean, everyone has different tastes and ideas and what one person thinks will look great doesn't necessarily mean that another person will.

Oh, and I have a real thing for spelling so if you find a mistake in my layouts - please tell me!! :D

[my4kidsma]

I just wanted to chime in here to say that I really want CC! The reason I put my stuff in the galleries is because I want to learn and get better. The oooh aaaah stuff is great, but I really want to improve.

[MicheleK]

I also want to see more constructive criticism! Not just for me but for everyone! I have been a little disappointed browsing through the gallery, looking for design ideas and just finding a lot of "great layout!" "beautiful smile!" and that kind of thing. Nice, and encouraging, but doesn't help us improve. I thought the point of the gallery was to get feedback, so I don't think anyone should be insulted as long as the feedback is honest and kind. I think it would be a good idea to offer feedback on what looks terrific, as well as suggestions for improvement.

So, go ahead! Critique my layouts in my gallery! Thanks!!!

And I have been neglecting offering much feedback myself as a newbie, but I will try to do so more often.

[Starling]

Actually the gallery is for two things. CC is one of them, but the main reason for the gallery is so we can share what we are doing with one another. It is the old "Show and Tell" from the quilt quilds. Sometimes CC is appropriate; sometimes it isn't.

One of the times it is not appropriate is when you are just wowed by someone's work. Another time is when a newbie has posted their first few layouts. Encouragement, including finding something wonderful in the layout, is what is appropriate then.

If you really want help with a particular layout, there is a gallery for that. Post a message pointing to the gallery in the forums and expect lots of comment. I've done that myself, and got some wonderful comments from people. In the end I put that layout on the side because I knew I needed to learn more before I went back to it, but other layouts I've done since in the same kind of style were affected strongly by what I learned with that one.

It is a wonderful experience and anyone who really wants help with their layouts ought to try it.

[rachelrgb]

I guess I've been somewhat disappointed in the past because I haven't gotten criticism on pages I thought were great. When I went to print them and showed them to people, they pointed out all my flaws. Then I thought, "How come noone noticed this before I printed? I've had numerous hits and a lot of comments..."
But maybe it's partially my fault because I didn't ask for advice.

Please give me CC. But if someone already wrote the same piece of advice, I don't need to hear it twice.

Thanks a bunch!

Rachel

[skt494]

Wow - I so needed this thread! I put a layout in the Step It Up Gallery once and Bad Juju and others helped me soooo very much I was beside myself with excitement! Since then I've found myself wanting to post every single layout there. From the posts above I will now ask for cc in my signature and in the gallery. It's nice to hear when something is good .... but only when it REALLY is! That is probably why I love Emma's comments... I know they are honest and when she says something is good ... it probably is! I wait for her comments like puppydog! HOWEVER, I'm afraid I'm probably a black Lab because good critism does nothing more then make me work harder! I'm stuborn and persistant as H.ll! Her's and other's suggestions help me improve. I WANT TO GET BETTER MORE THEN I WANT TO FEEL GOOD! I can also take it or leave it.

Being an English major and sometime writer I hate spelling and gramatical errors... that being said I AM TERRIBLE AT IT! I'm usually more concerned with getting an idea across then I am with the rest... please ALWAYS comment on these.

As you can see I talk too much!
Kim

[Emma]

I think what it all boils down to is what do YOU like? This pieces of art are so tiny, and meant to be viewed as a group most times, and each piece isn't as great as the sum of the whole album. We should focus on that, sometimes we get so caught up in CC and tweaking, and let ourselves either get down because we don't get enough CC or because we got some on something we liked.
Sometimes you gotta beg for CC, sometimes you gotta be prepared for it even when you don't want it. And always have to say, "This is mine, and I'll do with it what I please."
The gallery is to share ideas or accomplishments, and to get feedback and to get kudos. For some it's all, for others it's just one or maybe something entirely different.

And if you're waiting for my comment you better just PM me 'cause I almost never go to the gallery anymore. It's so sad! I have the DSU gallery in my favorites, so when I comment on classwork I don't even go to the main gallery to get to DSU galleries anymore. My computer time is so limited, and I rarely scrap for myself, that the only times I visit are when I comment on classwork, happen in there for some rare occasion, or when I need ideas for my own work and use the Search or My Favorites gallery (and my Favorites is very bare...) I must admit, now that comments come in my inbox, I almost never even go back to check my own layouts either!

Anyway, whatever comments or lack thereof you get on your work, remember that it's YOUR work for ourselves and families, and that's the final judge of how good something is. Sometimes I feel guilty when I don't give enough CC on classwork, or feel bad when I give a lot. There's no magic formula, LOL!

[jstdawnee]

Personally.... I wouldn't mind at all if someone gave me constructive criticism. If you don't like the LO, don't say.... "geez dawnee... this one sux." But for me... if something isn't pleasing to the eye... let me know what I can do better. I always save my LO's in their many layers so I can go back and fix whatever might be wrong. And if I spell something wrong... holy moly let me know or my husband the spelling nag will let me have it! LOL I think criticism is really good when it points at something good, and then gently offers suggestions for the something not so good.