Please No Courtesy Comments

Decorating By woodyfam Updated 30 Oct 2007 , 11:51am by claire_d

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woodyfam Posted 24 Oct 2007 , 12:26am
post #1 of 96

Now, I am not one to whine (to anyone other than my husband icon_rolleyes.gif ), so please don't take this that way.

I ask this:

Please don't comment on a photo and say something unless it is constructive or really complimentary in a very sincere way. I have done this in the past myself, feeling for those who have not gotten any comments and there are a lot of views. Since that time I have learned that certain members of this board are allowed to look at all photos that have NO comments and submit comments on them.

I have several photos up that have only 1 comment. I am not the best decorator, and sometimes question my abilities at all. It means so much to me when you comment on something, as I don't always have that many with specifics. If I can't get some really good feedback, I would rather wait for one of those designated cake artists to give me some really good information on what they like. If you comment out of courtesy, you take my cakes off that list.

Does that make sense? Hope I don't sound whiny or b**chy but maybe a little disheartened. My feelings are not hurt by a lack of comments or a lack of favorites, but I do get frustrated when they seem just to be nice (though if it is you, I want you as a friend and appreciate the kindness).

95 replies
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dldbrou Posted 24 Oct 2007 , 12:54am
post #2 of 96

okay, no comment

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nicolevoorhout Posted 24 Oct 2007 , 12:56am
post #3 of 96

This site has thousands of members, I very much doubt when people are trawling through the photos they'll be able to remember which members only want particular comments.

I suggest if you are unhappy with the comment you get that you disable the comment function, otherwise, you'll likely have to take what you get!

I think it's a common misunderstanding on this site that if you only get one comment or a few views it's because you think people think your cake isn't very good, but I do not believe this to be the case. Unfortunately there are just times when you upload your picture so are 100 plus other people! Well then it's likely your picture just gets pushed along. It doesn't mean your cake is crap and it doesn't mean that you should remove the picture, if you make sure you fill in your keywords, then your picture will always be found. I still on occasion receive comments on photos that I post several months ago because someone obviously did a search and saw it, liked it, commented. I use the search function all the time for particular ideas and I've commented on photos I've never seen before dated from 2006.

As a free discussion board, the photo option on here is a courtesy, instead of complaining go post a couple of comments and make someone else happy! icon_biggrin.gif

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seagoat Posted 24 Oct 2007 , 1:09am
post #4 of 96

I agree...

I think its great that there is a gallery members but I also am just starting out and feel that I would prefer HONEST feed back! Its real uncouraging when you do get a comment, then you look at someone else pic and see the same comment by the same person. Like bulk coments..not personal

my 2 cents..

Jessica

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FromScratch Posted 24 Oct 2007 , 1:11am
post #5 of 96

I find a lot of the time the designated people (the gallery supporters) are the ones who leave the quick replies because they feel like they have to comment on everything. Not that it cheapens their comments, it's just how can they comment to everyone and do it well.. there are SO many pictures. I'd like to see that duty removed from the site but that's my not so humble opinion. No one should HAVE to comment.

I understand what you are saying, and constructive criticism is very powerful stuff.. the thing is.. most people don't *really* want it and get miffed if you leave it so most people see a cake that could use some improvement and move on because they don't want to hear it in the forums how someone wasn't nice to someone..

Don't feel bad if people don't comment.. it's just the nature of the beast. icon_smile.gif

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RaYiTo Posted 24 Oct 2007 , 1:06am
post #6 of 96
Quote:
Originally Posted by nicolevoorhout

This site has thousands of members, I very much doubt when people are trawling through the photos they'll be able to remember which members only want particular comments.

I suggest if you are unhappy with the comment you get that you disable the comment function, otherwise, you'll likely have to take what you get!

I think it's a common misunderstanding on this site that if you only get one comment or a few views it's because you think people think your cake isn't very good, but I do not believe this to be the case. Unfortunately there are just times when you upload your picture so are 100 plus other people! Well then it's likely your picture just gets pushed along. It doesn't mean your cake is crap and it doesn't mean that you should remove the picture, if you make sure you fill in your keywords, then your picture will always be found. I still on occasion receive comments on photos that I post several months ago because someone obviously did a search and saw it, liked it, commented. I use the search function all the time for particular ideas and I've commented on photos I've never seen before dated from 2006.

As a free discussion board, the photo option on here is a courtesy, instead of complaining go post a couple of comments and make someone else happy! icon_biggrin.gif


very well said! and tru!.i have post my cake pics not the best but i`m trying and that`s what it matters to me! i haven`t take any classes and what i have learn is from here i get and idea and make my own design.many of my pics doesn`t ave comments but are there just in case somebody out there like it! ..Good luck!

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sheeny Posted 24 Oct 2007 , 1:16am
post #7 of 96

WOW!

I'm new to this site and I love reading the forums, such great minds to learn from here. I just started decorating (by necessity and now love it) a few months ago and I can say I value all comments and opinions from people on this site, not just those who are "experienced"...

I'm surprised sometimes by the forums, its funny how things take a twist...I've read people getting criticized for things such as how to handle a bridezilla, how the bride SHOULD behave, how people aren't sticking to the topic and are insulting the original poster, etc etc...but now...wow

here there is criticism on people trying to be NICE!

I can't say I don't appreciate being nice, and how can a comment be judged valuable or not...EVERY PERSON'S opinion is valuable!

seagoat, how many synonyms are there for "beautiful"...if someone uses that word to describe your cake you are offended by them using it for someone else? People take the time out of their day to comment on your picture, appreciate it! Now you expect them to think up something original for EACH picture they see...wow...reminds me of the bride who was offended by the same cake flavour being used for a birthday cake...yikes!

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indydebi Posted 24 Oct 2007 , 1:11am
post #8 of 96

woodyfam, I sure appreciate what you're saying, but as mentioned above, with so many members, it's an "all or nothing" thing.

I, too, prefer the constructive comments (tell me what you thought was good so I can do it again! thumbs_up.gif ), but I understand how some folks only have time for a quick word or two during their busy day. And I don't appreciate those comments any less than the other comments ... every comment (and view) is a compliment that the person took time to even look at my cake.

Because this is my preference myself, I always try to be a little detailed when leaving a comment. If a cake is so good that I want to tell the person how much I liked it, the least I can do for them is tell them WHY I liked it.

And ... a little selfish motivation on my part .... sometimes I've saved a photo and when I looked at it later, I wondered why I saved it? I know I had a good reason at the time! icon_redface.gif So my comments are also helpful to me when I'm looking thru them later (Oh.....it was that funky cool looking border I wanted to try! Or the stringwork that is so perfect!).

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nicolevoorhout Posted 24 Oct 2007 , 1:16am
post #9 of 96

Gallery Supporter Members don't HAVE to comment on anything, as one I do so because I want to, and I imagine because you do have to register to be one, that everyone else feels the same, otherwise they do not have to register to become one, and if I happen to write "Too cute" on two different cakes it's because guess what I thought they were both.... too cute or whatever.

There are thousands of members on this site and at the end of the day there is no possibility of pleasing everyone, some people like getting at least one comment, others don't etc etc. As I mentioned if you are not happy with the comments you receive, just disable the function in your forum info, that way you don't have to worry you aren't getting the types of comments you want.

This is supposed to be a place for learning and inspiration and while I love a good old debate, lately all I see are people whinging about what they don't like on the site. It's free people! Be a little grateful it's here at all!

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Sionann Posted 24 Oct 2007 , 1:34am
post #10 of 96

Is this really an issue? icon_confused.gif You have people that leave comments to be nice, you have people that leave comments that are constructive, you can tell the difference.

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JaneK Posted 24 Oct 2007 , 1:31am
post #11 of 96

I usually will give constructive criticism when someone asks directly but won't start telling people how to improve their cakes unless directly requested....I would be mortified if I offended someone about their cake because I know what goes into even a simple one..we all do.
If you want more feedback than what you are getting, ask directly for it when you post the picture.

Many times, a cake is just appealing to me and I don't scrutinize every little thing about it...just leave a comment ...sooo many cakes to see...sooo little time. icon_smile.gif

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superstar Posted 24 Oct 2007 , 1:39am
post #12 of 96

I too am a gallery supporter & what I say in my comment is exactly what I thought when I saw the cake. If I say "that's pretty", it was because that was my reaction when I looked at the cake.

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seagoat Posted 24 Oct 2007 , 1:32am
post #13 of 96

nicolevoorhout

I agree, that is what I will do. I am not trying to start something, and I truly love Cake Central. I have learned many things from this site.

But... we are free to leave our options, are we not?

So, in my personal option, I would like someone (if they take the time) to be more specific I guess, so then I can learn more about my work. I want to get better, but how do you get better when people always say beautiful?

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BCJean Posted 24 Oct 2007 , 1:41am
post #14 of 96

I kind of wish we could have an option, maybe a banner of some kind which says either...
Please leave comments, negative or positive.
or
Please leave comments, positive only.

Anyone can feel free to go to my photos and leave a negative comment about what you think I did wrong. I think I would,
A. Not really care.
B. Try to do it right the next time.

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Biya Posted 24 Oct 2007 , 1:43am
post #15 of 96

As a Gallery Supporter I can tell you that I do check the uncommented photo's almost everyday and try to give my honest opinion about a cake. I will admit that I prefer to give as many positive comments as I can and let the decorator know what I liked best about the cake. I also give honest critisms when they ask for them. I, for one, am thrilled with any comment I get on one of my cakes, just the fact that someone took the time to notice is a compliment. My only other thought on this is that I couldn't possibly sit in judgement of everyone else's talents. And if I did there would be alot of people who might be offended by that as well.

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AuntieElle Posted 24 Oct 2007 , 1:42am
post #16 of 96

I am a Gallery Supporter Member. There are so many GREAT cakes lost in the shuffle! Many people only click on the new pics on the home page a many don't ever make it there. I don't comment because I feel sorry for someone, I comment on the cakes I personally like. If I think it's cute, pretty, whatever, I say so and what I like about it. It's hard to please everyone all of the time. With as many members as we have here in this great community, there is no possible way to remember who likes comments, who doesn't and who only wants certain types of comments. If this is something you're looking for maybe you should disallow comments and post questions and critiques in a forum. But wait! That get's on some nerves too. See, I told you it's impossible. icon_biggrin.gif

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cakeconfections Posted 24 Oct 2007 , 1:43am
post #17 of 96

I look at so many cakes through out the day that when I comment it is very short and will usually say something to the effect of Great Cake or Love the deign. It does not mean that I am commenting just to comment. It means I like it but I really wont ever post much more and do not post to all cakes...

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ShirleyW Posted 24 Oct 2007 , 1:43am
post #18 of 96

Sometimes the amount of photos posted in one day can be overwhelming and with the upgrades under way in the gallery I gave up even looking at them for a few days. And my sister passed away last Thursday so I haven't been on the boards as much as usual. But, I did just leave a comment on your pirouline cookie cake, not just out of courtesy but because I really thought it was pretty. And thank you for crediting me, your welcome for any help I was able to offer.

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step0nmi Posted 24 Oct 2007 , 1:53am
post #19 of 96

I too like to leave constructive comments. And even though I may not have a lot of time I like to leave it said nicely. This is a postitive forum for cake decorators and we should leave it at that.

If you would like constructive comments then leave that in you description!

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BCJean Posted 24 Oct 2007 , 1:51am
post #20 of 96
Quote:
Originally Posted by step0nmi



If you would like constructive comments then leave that in you description!




Why didn't I think of that. That would make it easy. Of course, I like to hear positive comments but I also like to hear what I might be able to improve on. With so many members here I would think there would always be someone who would have an idea of what I could have done differently.

I also don't like for clerks to call me "honey". I guess that is just the kind of gal I am.

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lu9129 Posted 24 Oct 2007 , 1:59am
post #21 of 96

I have to ask----what is a gallery supporter member?

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nicolevoorhout Posted 24 Oct 2007 , 2:00am
post #22 of 96
Quote:
Originally Posted by seagoat

nicolevoorhout

I agree, that is what I will do. I am not trying to start something, and I truly love Cake Central. I have learned many things from this site.

But... we are free to leave our options, are we not?

So, in my personal option, I would like someone (if they take the time) to be more specific I guess, so then I can learn more about my work. I want to get better, but how do you get better when people always say beautiful?




Of course you can leave an option! I'm just saying that with THOUSANDS of members, I doubt there would be very many people who'd remember that such and such wanted this type of comment and so and so only wants you to make sure you explain your comment and so on. Frankly when I'm leaving comments I'm not looking at the persons name I'm looking at the cake. I've left comments on friends cakes without even noticing it was one of their's until we've discussed it afterwards. If the cake strikes me as particularly amazing then I will look to see who it's by and possibly go check out their gallery for what else they've done but otherwise, it's about the cake not the person.

See the reason I post my pics is to return the favour to all those other people who posted their pics and inspired me, if it hadn't been for someone posting a welding cake I never would have been able to do some welding details for a retirement cake. If all those people who posted doll cakes hadn't of, the doll cakes I've done would be very different, the inspiration is from all those other cakes, whether they are commented on or not.

I'm concerned that if this continues to be an issue the Admin on this board might decide to take the option away altogether and seeing you have the option to turn it on and off, then I think that constructive comments about the efficiency of the system should be posted on the suggestions board but the whole I don't like it when people leave me a nice comment it doesn't help me seems a bit like... come on now.

OK, I'm taking my own advice now, I'm just going to stop reading threads like this the same way I don't read pricing threads! icon_lol.gificon_lol.gificon_confused.gificon_cool.gif

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doughdough Posted 24 Oct 2007 , 2:01am
post #23 of 96

When I leave comments, I try and just leave positive feedback, UNLESS the description of the cake includes phrases such as "Please let me know what I can do better next time", "Constructive criticism please!", etc.

I say the general rule here should be: Treat Others the Way You Want to be Treated.

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elizw Posted 24 Oct 2007 , 2:01am
post #24 of 96

i'm getting dizzy icon_cry.gif

to comment or not to comment. i hope the spirit of support and encouragement isn't losing ground!

i leave comments on cakes that catch my eye or have a particular detail that is impressive. i leave specific comments on details from time to time. i'm not going to be able to keep up with who wants what type of comment but i'm happy to try.

however, i really do like the feedback and the support. with the day i had today, nice words go a long way!

cheers!!

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lchristi27 Posted 24 Oct 2007 , 2:04am
post #25 of 96

I think everyone on this post has given some good advice about commenting. I love it when I get a new comment on one of my cakes, I dont care who or what is said! If it comes through on my email, I cant get to cc fast enough!!! The first time someone saved one of my cakes I ran and told the whole house (most of whom went, yep she's crazy).

What irks me is all the duplicate photo's of cakes to comment on. I posted one tonight, it got one view. Missed it on the home page icon_sad.gif too. Ok..ok..not stealing the thread...not stealing the thread...

Oh Shirley-so sorry about your sis. Not stealing the thread..not stealing the thread...

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jibbies Posted 24 Oct 2007 , 2:11am
post #26 of 96

I'm proud to be a Gallery Supporter Member.
I check out the uncommented cakes twice a day. I do not leave negative comments, I believe a decorator already knows their ability level. And usually it's what you don't say that speaks louder. You know like "nice bottom border", then they will try to improve on the other areas that you do not comment on. I believe that you can find one positive thing to say about someones cake, and that's what I do, I want people to continue to improve their skill, so that someday they may possibly have a cake in that coveted section known as "All Time Popular Cakes".
Shoot, I want to have a least one there before I die. The highest I've ever gotten is "Popular Cake Photos Added Today".
This site has made me want to improve and at the end of the day that's whats its all about, all of us improving

jibbies

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lchristi27 Posted 24 Oct 2007 , 2:16am
post #27 of 96
Quote:
Originally Posted by jibbies


Shoot, I want to have a least one there before I die. The highest I've ever gotten is "Popular Cake Photos Added Today".
jibbies




My goal is to get to that!

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cwcopeland Posted 24 Oct 2007 , 2:12am
post #28 of 96

I catch myself commenting in the "uncommented" section sometimes and then stop commenting because I don't like to do that. I try to make all my comments sincere.

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ValMommytoDanny Posted 24 Oct 2007 , 2:23am
post #29 of 96

Wow, as a gallery supporter it makes me think of all the time I (and others) devote willingly to comment as a waste of time ~ terms such as courtesy or mercy comments makes me think that the time I take to do this is not valued and therefore not needed. I comment on how I feel about the cake, if it's a "Wow it's beautiful" than that is what I intended to write.

But then without supporters you would get the threads about no comments and/or feelings getting hurt.

It is a vicious cycle with no end...

Makes me want to turn in my stripes on the supporter activity, not that it would matter to some because I guess I leave mercy/courtesy comments.

I don't get what the big deal is I guess. Anyhoo...

Happy Caking....birthday.gif

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GenGen Posted 24 Oct 2007 , 2:20am
post #30 of 96

i like to comment on any pic that i take the time to load up and view icon_smile.gif i feel the artist deserves that at least.. and if asked to leave constructive critism- i do other wise i try to leave a genuine compliment.

something like "cute' i think is a little lacking. if you like it and say so ... Say say it like you mean it icon_smile.gif lol.

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