So I searched my user name to find a post that I did, and this thread came up.

Thinking that you guys were secretly talking behind my back(yeah, right), i took a look.

I found this to be the cause:

lol.

and now my paranoia is put to rest. Who knew people actually used conundrum in a regular post.
funny.

But while I'm here, speaking as a "newb" myself, I've got to say that this site, compared to others, really has a decent amount of constructive criticism. I've received a bit myself on a few things, and to let you know, your guys' feedback is really appreciated. It can really make or break a basher's bashing spirit.
Personally, if I get one view and one comment, im happy.

and thats my two cents

thanks guys

 

haha, i should have quoted SQ7 there

 

Yeah, especially since I've forgotten what I've said in regards to what you were specifically referring to. Darn these pain killers, darn them all to heck!!  

 

It should also be noted that it's very important to know how to recieve said constructive comments. Frequently, I've seen an artist post a custom, and the summarily defend each and every constructive comment made about it, explaining why the suggestion wouldn't work, or, wouldn't have been as good, or simply "I just like it better this way." We're entitled to preference in making our customs, but by the same token others are entitled to think we made a wrong turn.

I've caught myself doing it. Anovasinn, you've done it too   . If a criticism doesn't take into account a specific snag you hit or a creative idea you were going for, then by all means point that out to the critic. It does us no good, though, to be overly defensive in a community like this-- when we ruthlessly defend a rough paint job or jagged cut lines, we're just discouraging those critics from helping us again.

When we put a custom on display, we're sort of by default implying that we expect helpful, but honest, commentary. To say "be gentle," or "Just showing this off, don't care what you think" (yeah, I've actually seen that) is kind of like a YouTube video where someone does a creative piece and disables comments. YouTube users do tend to be a lot more unruly than Radicons, but to me, that kind of behavior says "My self-esteem cannot handle what you have to say."

It's admittedly tough to throw yourself completely into a custom for weeks and then offer it up on the (sometimes brutal) altar of public critique. As has been mentioned, it is very important to fill a board like this with positive, helpful friendship and etiquette. That said, if a person seriously, honestly, can only handle praise, regardless of sincerity, then being a part of a community might not be a great idea. Being friends, fans, and artists means we're here to say "THIS IS AWESOME WORK," but also be candid about "I think you can do better, and here are some pointers."

If you're a newer Radicon, like me, I consider a good rule of thumb to yield to the comments of the more venerable among us at all times, while not disregarding comments of the less experienced. "Don't comment unless you can do better" is a silly attitude, since you don't have to be able to play violin to be able to tell when a violinist misses a note. Conversely, when you're the one advising someone much more experienced, it's usually good form to begin with "why did you..." instead of "you shouldn't have...".

 

nicely said.

 

Cinemastique, I think you put things very nicely. I think to sum a lot of this up would be to say, be respectful to each other. Respect constitutes valuing others and their work as well as listening what others have to say.

Communication works both ways as well. Often times it's hard to determine what the attitude of the other person is like simply because the mechanics of message board. That being said, sometimes it's pretty obvious to determine such things. I know, there are numerous times where I've personally tried to discuss things politely and in a manner that is not harmful, yet I've had my own words misconstrued. Also, I'll be the first to admit that I'm continually working on myself and how I communicate.

I do have to say that it's neat for everyone to post their thoughts on this topic