vStyler vStyler

Constructive comments.

Constructive comments.

Regarding this thread  https://forums.wincustomize.com/367136/page/5    post 105

 

Most certainly contradictory.




This post is not intended to cause divison but to serve only as an example and to segway into what I personally believe is an important discussion as we look forward to the new WC2k site.


Perhaps I'll get flamed, blamed, insulted, I hope not, I hope that you all can see my points and discuss this like adults.

IMO.. anyone should be able to say what they like in any skin submission, Anyone with half a brain and a bit of common sense can tell a whether they like a skin or not from its representative screenshot. If someone wants to say my skin looks like some MS default skin, knock yourself out, but PLEASE don't tell the rest of us, any of us that what was good for goose the isn't good for the gander.

No one should have any right to say they cannot or that if they leave a negative comment that it must be accompanied by qualified critique. The best critique I ever got was 'this skin sucks" and other pretty similar vicious remarks.

We either have the right to free speech here.. or we don't.

Question - How is it that someone (WC Mod) can say that a person who has not purchased and used a skin has no business commenting on it, then proceed to accuse people of being destructive or doing it to sound big, when they did exactly the same thing just a few days earlier.

Strikes me as biased at the very least. It is also not the first time it has happened, I could list quite a few more of these types of comments in my threads but I wont. It really is an aside from my broader point but something that I didn't appreciate nonetheless.

Basically, to stifle any kind of commenting on skins is just plain wrong, to allow only positive comments leads to nothing but "Looks Great!" type comments. When this happens, I do believe skinners might think.. Everyone says I'm great.. so i must be!

Imo, this just fosters apathy and contentment that can lead to a skinner not being motivated to push themselves any harder than they have to.

I believe the entire WC community is \ has been a victim of this type of mentality and I for one would like to see it move towards more realistic feedback in the galleries and forums.

I think there should be an option on the new site that give the skinner an option to choose to receive 'Advanced Critque'. This option would show they are willing to take the hard knocks and the tough love that some of us have learned to appreciate in our path to being more technically competent skinners and artists. Those who only want candy coated, mushy, look at me comments... can choose to not accept the option.

 

Of course anyone would be able to say what is on their mind regardless of which option the submitting artist chose but just having the submissions labeled as 'Willing to receive advanced critique' will show who is willing to receive the harsh, more in depth and indeed.. negative.. stuff as well as the more common ego boosting comments.. This policy was implemented on DA and I believe is a very good idea.

We shouldn't have to fear stating our honest opinion or be accused of trying to feel big or put out someones candle for doing so.


Lastly, if bad\negative opinions are not allowed or 'discouraged' on a skin that has not been purchased yet, then why in the heck are postive ones allowed and\or without corresponding critique? The entire premise is flawed.

Doesn't make any sense to me and telling us all that it should be the rule of thumb.. again... IMO is just plain wrong.

 

I would like to think this discussion could be civil and debated sensibly.

 

Thanks.

408,611 views 151 replies
Reply #101 Top

If you feel I must say something, then I would say that I did not like any of the graphics in the skin based on the screenshot. They appeared lifeless, dull and to me did not reflect any apparent real effort in creating them. Again, my opinion. Now does this put everyone at ease? Does it make everyone feel so much better? I doubt it.

Lightstar...actually....YES.

The issue is not that you might say what I quote here...it is that you determined it your role to decide what is and what is not 'Master quality'.

I must not have got the memo, but at last check it was/is Stardock who determines what is and is not going to be accepted as a Master skin [for sale/distribution via Wincustomize].

Similarly there has been comments [by some Masters and others] that certain Masters should not have been promoted to that level...again second-guessing the site's owners/administrators.

People are promoted to whatever level in response to their involvement/contribution/devotion to the site and its community.

To disagree with ANY such promotion, whatever the level is simply unacceptable.

The comment on Kitty's skin would have been entirely acceptable if it was "there are better Master skins than this one"....because at least it concedes/accepts the skin's status.....and Karmagirl quantified the distinction referring to the lack of vers for other OS's.

***************

John, if comments and commenters in this thread are seemingly ganging up against you...you don't take your bat and ball and go....you respond to the debate, afterall it was at your instigation...;)

And again I repeat, a static screenshot is never a perfect indication of a skin's quality....appearance - yes, quality - no.

I have always argued that - for more than a decade...coming from the Litestep [shell theme] fraternity...where interactivity and animation and FUNCTION are even MORE important...;)

Reply #102 Top
The politics are probably what scares most from responding NOBODY wants to make the wrong enemies!Mod or skinner! I for one have to acknowledge I am better skinner because of your comments ! I remember you commenting on a skin once and really hurt my feelings six months later I reread the comment only to say boy was I overly sensitive! Then I sent you a skin to test and you said and I Quote:"I will but only if you want to here the truth I will talk to you like I do everyone else on maxstyles I don't pull any punches. I said "OK" Well after I got your list of what you thought I should change shewww I was starting to wonder if that was such a good idea! Ok so I followed most of your instructions left off what I did not agree with. BTW...should have changed that toolbar you were right! If it weren't for your TOUGH LOVE so to speak I would not have really learned to make those changes!Because ...There were no regular comments that were truly helpful they usually came across more like nice try but.........You were clear and to the point Which hurt BTW but it made me better! I have received help from several people skinners and mods through the years, usually the mods recommendations kinda were sharp also but yet again helpful! If someone doesn't say hey look at your mistake you won't! If you get 80 comments saying very nice and one saying hey look at your mistake which helped the most?Which made you feel better?Which helped you as a skinner! All in all people will always have different opinions but speaking for me only...Thank you John for all your help!Please don,t quit helping the noobs as surely they will one day appreciate it AS I DO !
Reply #103 Top

Thank you John for all your help!Please don,t quit helping the noobs as surely they will one day appreciate it AS I DO !

 

Anytime mate and thanks for that.

 

John, if comments and commenters in this thread are seemingly ganging up against you...you don't take your bat and ball and go....you respond to the debate, afterall it was at your instigation...

 

Nah, I'm done, WAY too much bs going on for my liking in these forums right now, (most) mods do nothing about it unless it suits them.

Ive said what I'm going to, I could talk till I'm blue in the face and to some of you it won't matter. I've gotten very responsive reply's from some people. I know my points of view are far from being unshared by others, it's a pity many others are fearful of sticking their head out... having said that, I don't blame them . You who choose to semanticize, save it for someone else.

Im done.

 

And WOM, your behaviour imo is piss poor. You have my sympathy.

 

I'm still around for those of you that want to pick my brain, not hard to find at all. I will still be onsite, in a more lurkery capacity, working to further my skinning and keeping a keen eye on the galleries.

;)

 

 

Reply #104 Top

You see the most beautiful woman, the woman of your dreams.

 You ask your friend what he thinks about her?

He answers that he finds nothing beautiful or attractive on her and he wonders  why you like her…

This is what critics are about.

 

Who is right or who is wrong? I guess you don’t need an answer for this question.

 

Constructive critic for technical issues?  

(we can’t measure aesthetical issues because there are no accepted by all rules).

Yes, but always with kindness and in private, never in public.

 

Reply #105 Top

So Paul, you are saying that to disagree with Stardock basically amounts to heresy.  It is unacceptable to have an opinion?  My opinion is that vampothkittymaloneika is not ready to be a Master.  She will pass off any skin she can as a Master skin because she's only ever, in my opinion, wanted to become Master so she could sell her skins.  Money is what motivated her to do what she does.  That's my opinion.

Her recent attempt is a prime example of that.  That's also my opinion.  If anyone doesn't like my opinions, I've got a new titanium spork and a full sock of Legos.  We can meet by the big oak tree and settle this.  Be advised, I swing early and often.

Reply #106 Top

Regarding my absence from all this: I became a member for the advancement of skinning and betterment of the site. When I see this bus heading back that way,I'll hop right on.;)

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Reply #107 Top

So Paul, you are saying that to disagree with Stardock basically amounts to heresy. It is unacceptable to have an opinion?

You can have/hold an opinion...any opinion you like.

Informed, ignorant, objectionable, vapid.  Your choice.

If you voice it on Wincustomize and it classifies as 'personal attack' then it is contrary to site policy and exposes you to censure, temporary or permanent.

Reply #108 Top

I became a member for the advancement of skinning and betterment of the site. When I see this bus heading back that way,I'll hop right on.

:thumbsup:

Reply #109 Top

Quoting Wizard1956, reply 106
Regarding my absence from all this: I became a member for the advancement of skinning and betterment of the site. When I see this bus heading back that way,I'll hop right on.

k1

Reply #110 Top

I became a member for the advancement of skinning and betterment of the site. When I see this bus heading back that way,I'll hop right on.

:thumbsup:  

Reply #111 Top

I became a member for the advancement of skinning and betterment of the site. When I see this bus heading back that way,I'll hop right on.

:thumbsup:

Reply #112 Top

Quoting Jafo, reply 107

So Paul, you are saying that to disagree with Stardock basically amounts to heresy. It is unacceptable to have an opinion?


You can have/hold an opinion...any opinion you like.

Informed, ignorant, objectionable, vapid.  Your choice.

If you voice it on Wincustomize and it classifies as 'personal attack' then it is contrary to site policy and exposes you to censure, temporary or permanent.

Here's the rest of that little nugget...this is from my own Private Message, and since it was to me, I feel I can share it as I like.

Quote removed - Admin

Private attack seems to take on any meaning they wish it to take.  I don't know if this is an inappropriate public statement or not, I suppose I'll find out.

Reply #113 Top

This post is not intended to cause divison but to serve only as an example and to segway into what I personally believe is an important discussion as we look forward to the new WC2k site.


Perhaps I'll get flamed, blamed, insulted, I hope not, I hope that you all can see my points and discuss this like adults.

IMO.. anyone should be able to say what they like in any skin submission, Anyone with half a brain and a bit of common sense can tell a whether they like a skin or not from its representative screenshot. If someone wants to say my skin looks like some MS default skin, knock yourself out, but PLEASE don't tell the rest of us, any of us that what was good for goose the isn't good for the gander.

No one should have any right to say they cannot or that if they leave a negative comment that it must be accompanied by qualified critique. The best critique I ever got was 'this skin sucks" and other pretty similar vicious remarks.

We either have the right to free speech here.. or we don't.

Question - How is it that someone (WC Mod) can say that a person who has not purchased and used a skin has no business commenting on it, then proceed to accuse people of being destructive or doing it to sound big, when they did exactly the same thing just a few days earlier.

Strikes me as biased at the very least. It is also not the first time it has happened, I could list quite a few more of these types of comments in my threads but I wont. It really is an aside from my broader point but something that I didn't appreciate nonetheless.

Basically, to stifle any kind of commenting on skins is just plain wrong, to allow only positive comments leads to nothing but "Looks Great!" type comments. When this happens, I do believe skinners might think.. Everyone says I'm great.. so i must be!

Imo, this just fosters apathy and contentment that can lead to a skinner not being motivated to push themselves any harder than they have to.

I believe the entire WC community is \ has been a victim of this type of mentality and I for one would like to see it move towards more realistic feedback in the galleries and forums.

I think there should be an option on the new site that give the skinner an option to choose to receive 'Advanced Critque'. This option would show they are willing to take the hard knocks and the tough love that some of us have learned to appreciate in our path to being more technically competent skinners and artists. Those who only want candy coated, mushy, look at me comments... can choose to not accept the option.



Of course anyone would be able to say what is on their mind regardless of which option the submitting artist chose but just having the submissions labeled as 'Willing to receive advanced critique' will show who is willing to receive the harsh, more in depth and indeed.. negative.. stuff as well as the more common ego boosting comments.. This policy was implemented on DA and I believe is a very good idea.

We shouldn't have to fear stating our honest opinion or be accused of trying to feel big or put out someones candle for doing so.


Lastly, if bad\negative opinions are not allowed or 'discouraged' on a skin that has not been purchased yet, then why in the heck are postive ones allowed and\or without corresponding critique? The entire premise is flawed.

Doesn't make any sense to me and telling us all that it should be the rule of thumb.. again... IMO is just plain wrong.



I would like to think this discussion could be civil and debated sensibly.



Thanks.
I must say I agree :wc: :thumbsup:

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Reply #114 Top

Quoting Wizard1956, reply 106
Regarding my absence from all this: I became a member for the advancement of skinning and betterment of the site. When I see this bus heading back that way,I'll hop right on.

Well said.:thumbsup:

Reply #116 Top

Don't be the hero. Always be the one to walk away while the hero dies. That's my motto.

Reply #117 Top

Don't be the hero. Always be the one to walk away while the hero dies. That's my motto.

I prefer...

To avoid being eaten by the lion you do not have to be able to outrun him.....only to outrun the 'other guy'...;)

Reply #118 Top

Don't be the hero.

Cowards - The Anti-Hero's.

Reply #119 Top

discord thats destroying family

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Reply #120 Top

What is with the level of immaturity in this thread? It suggests much deeper issues than just who said what, when, and how.

Lightstar, thanks for speaking up. I wish you had sooner but better late than never. ;)

John, you held your ground a lot longer on Glenn Shmeck. I'm surprised you threw in the towel on something you feel so strongly about and is tied to how you make a living. I was hoping you would bite on my suggestion to have someone or someones do reviews as I suggested. I think it has the potential to help everyone.

Reply #121 Top

Just because I do not participate in these types of threads, does not mean I don't read them. I have been following all of these and  they have made me very sad.  It is like watching my children bicker and complain...he did this, she did that...but these are my friends acting this way......maybe it is the air, maybe we all need a long rest...  to quote skinhit...

discord thats destroying family
.....

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Reply #122 Top

Oh, I haven't thrown anything in, Ive said what I'm going to. Made my point. Read back.

Going around in circles with the usual suspects is only doing me and people I care about a disservice.

Messiah has already been banned , while others ramapantly say anything they want to about myself and my friends.

Done with it. I'm bigger than this.

Back to skinning.

Giddy Up.

 

Reply #123 Top

Anyone that allows words in a forum to get under their skin is a fucking moron.

Your pain is self chosen.

Reply #124 Top

Anyone that allows words in a forum to get under their skin is a fucking moron.

this coming from the poster boy for letting things get to him.. ok  :lol:

 

Everyone take a swipe as I leave.. back into Photoshop mode... go on, you know you wanna. :D

 

Just motivation really. ;)

 

:sun: