Sub Forum Idea..

Hankins

Hankins

Joined
Dec 7, 2008
Messages
2,936
So how many times has a Maker posted a design or a finished knife and asked "What do you think of my knife?"
People tend to water down their responses for fear of hurt feelings, insult or may over-praise a marginal blade.
What if there was a way or a Sub-forum that allowed the posters to be anonymous (Except for the mods) and they covered their Makers Mark.
IMO this would allow constructive and more candid feedback without the apprehension.
No Names or Name calling allowed no hijackings etc comments relegated to the work only.
From my point of view there have been many times where I did not post my complete opinion. Trying to save a newbys feelings or pointing out flaws that seasoned makers sometimes show in their work.
Sort of a "Whine and Cheese" for makers not for the thin skinned or faint of heart.
 
That's always an interesting idea, the anonymous commentator. Given a moderator looking in to kick out the occasional troll, it could be a way to take the pressure off commentor and commented. Each could relax behind the pretense of not having to live up to personal expectations, and be able to focus on the technical aspects of The Knife.

I'm not sure if the software could support it, but I agree it's worth trying to work something up.

(We had writing exercises where the other students would critique the work, and the teacher would read out the critiques. Of course there were always some we could guess, based on the way the critiques were written. But we could still pretend not to focus on that and allow the teacher's voice to cover for the classmate's grammar and vocabulary.)
 
Hankins said:
So how many times has a Maker posted a design or a finished knife and asked "What do you think of my knife?"
People tend to water down their responses for fear of hurt feelings, insult or may over-praise a marginal blade.
What if there was a way or a Sub-forum that allowed the posters to be anonymous (Except for the mods) and they covered their Makers Mark.
IMO this would allow constructive and more candid feedback without the apprehension.
No Names or Name calling allowed no hijackings etc comments relegated to the work only.
From my point of view there have been many times where I did not post my complete opinion. Trying to save a newbys feelings or pointing out flaws that seasoned makers sometimes show in their work.
Sort of a "Whine and Cheese" for makers not for the thin skinned or faint of heart.
Click to expand...


No way! If you have an opinion, man up and say it proudly. You cant control the feelings of others and how someone feels is on them and them alone.
 
Dave
Agree with the sentiment and I'm a glass of water kinda guy... But the reality is not so well defined. Can be a good way to get banned if not done with finesse.
Technical comments many times are taken as personal ones and muddy the waters of what is trying to be conveyed.
If the maker posts there they can expect the GBU on their work
 
The more I think about this, the more I think it's a great idea. It's gotten to the point I just don't comment on threads asking for advice. The few times I actually gave an honest opinion and critiqued someones work, I got some negative comments aimed at me. Since I don't want to pile on to the "great job man" or "awesome work" band wagon, I hardly ever comment unless the work is above norm and I can honestly say "awesome job".
 
I haven't really seen anyone in Shop Talk watering down their responses to requested criticism :)
Spark hasn't had time to get the new High Tech Knifemaking sub-forum up yet, so even if there was a real reason for another, it would probably be for our grandkids to use.
 
I don't think it would need to be anonymous. Just a critique area would be helpful. If they person puts their knife up on that forum they should expect honest critiques. I don't need to hide behind an alias to tell someone what I like and don't like about their knife. As long as it isn't being done to a sales thread it should be fine.
 
I think a critique forum is a good idea, but it isn't necessary to make it anonymous. I have a handful of blades to post, but haven't had the time to set up the proper pics for the needed feedback. I know they are flawed, and WANT the critique/suggestions. If there was a separate forum just for critiques the expectations would be clear.
 
How about a separate thread prefix (like we have "Photos, Recommendation etc" right now) but it would be critique. If the person adds that prefix to their post they should be expecting honest feedback. Of course there will always be flamers and people that complain about everything, but we will quickly find out who they are. It could also be set up so only paid makers could reply.
 
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yep put on your big boy pants adn take the good with the bad its the only way to get better
also you need to be able to sort out the one persons style likes vs others but the main of how something looks or is finished will be 90% the same
 
One way to receive anonymous feedback is to set up a poll. Anyone that wants to comment can do so, but if you want to be anonymous just select the appropriate options in the poll.
 
Mark Williams said:
There's already a forum for this called the knife makers gallery. Anon posts are a bad idea.
Click to expand...

That's my understanding. We're big boys and girls. Like Stacy said, I really don't see much behind-kissing or holding-back; nor do I see anyone bashing another's work for personal reasons. I suspect anonymous posting might lead to more of that, rather than alleviate it.

It may not be terribly helpful, but I don't see how several folks saying "Nice job!" really hurts anything, or stops a dissenting view from being expressed. If my opinions were only based on the majority's opinions, I wouldn't bother having any ;)

tryppyr said:
One way to receive anonymous feedback is to set up a poll. Anyone that wants to comment can do so, but if you want to be anonymous just select the appropriate options in the poll.
Click to expand...

That's a very good point :thumbup:
 
I try not to hold back with criticism, but also not to be cruel. Works OK so far.

One big reason I think people post their work here, instead of the maker's gallery, and a reason for some of the inane questions we see, is people want the sheer traffic of the shoptalk subforum for more response, and they enjoy the knife chatter for chatter's sake.

I think anonymity on the interwebz breeds incivility.
 
Hankins said:
Dave
Agree with the sentiment and I'm a glass of water kinda guy... But the reality is not so well defined. Can be a good way to get banned if not done with finesse.
Technical comments many times are taken as personal ones and muddy the waters of what is trying to be conveyed.
If the maker posts there they can expect the GBU on their work
Click to expand...

This again is on the person who of their own free will posted a picture of their "work". If you don't want to be critiqued(or are so immature you can't handle it) don't put yourself out there. The world has enough pussy-footin' in it already, let's not add to it.

I personally would rather my creations be honestly lambasted by everyone, than receive one phony positive comment from someone who doesn't even have the fortitude to identify themselves.
 
Some of the best feedback given was from my old Chiropractor. Spoke his mind and got my ego bruised more often than not.
Helped me move ahead and not be complacent. Looking to help others do the same with the possibility of getting more responses.
Throwing it out there to see the Yea's and Nay's. If it gets enough positive responses maybe Kevin will adapt the idea.
There really is too much PC out there... That's what needs to be overcome to move our passion/obsession to another level.
 
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