Thanks for the link to my site too M&M. Even though my site is photography/machinima based we all play the game and we all LOVE builds (even if we can't build em ourselves)
I hope it's not too cheeky of me to add this. Professionally I am an educator, and much of my work requires me to give feedback and I have run workshops to teach people to give and receive feedback. (warning, I have a "verbose" trait :lol: )
Here are some feedback tips, for both the receiver and giver.
1. As this forum was set up for feedback you will always get feedback that you might not like. I was once a chef, and the most horrible thing for me as an "artist" was when someone criticized my food. It can be very hard to take input or even creative feedback without feeling put down. I know it's easier said than done, but try not to take it personally. Even the most well meaning critic will say something really helpful that may hurt your feelings. And remember, the feedback is going to come from people with various tastes and styles and skill. Take it with a grain of salt as they say.
2. In general when you post a lot to showcase it you will only get "this is fantastic" comments. Great if that is what you want, but to improve you will want real feedback. This is going to be a fantastic place for real feedback. But if you are not prepared to take the bad with the good, this may not be the right place for you to post.
3. When posting your lot for feedback you will have things about it that you LOVE even if others don't. Why not try to ask for the feedback that you are looking for i.e. I love my lot, but the roof just isn't working for me. Suggestions? OR I am really not great at landscaping, what would you suggest to brighten up the curb appeal. This way you get the feedback you are looking for.
For people providing advice or feedback:
4. Don't forget to step back out of your personal tastes and see the item for what it is, which may be different from your own preferences, but may be exactly what the builder loves. For example.. me critiquing a Victorian style home
a) I could say it's too "victorian" I think you should make it more modern.
or
b) I am not a fan of victorian personally, so I might not upload this lot. However, what I do see is a very interesting roof and I love how the windows and door create a sense of balance. The chimney does not seem to be the right colour, perhaps darkening it or adding a new brick texture...
5. If the work is not your preferred style, take a step back and look at it for the design elements such as balance of textures and colours, interesting features rather than saying "it's too stark and harsh looking, you should add more flowers or perhaps some more rounded windows" when in fact the build was meant to look that way.
6. ask yourself what the function was intended to be (i.e. if it is a trailer home and someone tells me it's too square I would be thinking.. ya, it's supposed to be square dummy :shock: )
7. finally, use wording that is less likely to come off offensively. We are a community of often sensitive people. I truely believe that sometimes harsh sounding feedback is NOT meant harsly. Words are powerful things.
a) you need to change that chiminey, it's horrible, it doesn't match
b) I'm not sure if you feel the same, but the chiminey seems to stick out rather than blend in. You might consider changing the brick colour?
Don't be afraid of defending yourself, but that does not have to mean getting "defensive"
" I know that it looks a little bit like a children's book home, but that is actually what I was going for."
Just remember, no one here is criticizing you with any intention of being mean. Feedback is a very challenging thing for both the giver and receiver.
