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Let's get critical

post #1 of 22
8/3/09 at 7:22pm
Thread Starter 
I've seen a lot of threads asking for people to comment on a specific cake they've done. When uploading a picture, could there maybe be an extra button that copies the picture into a "Constructive Criticism" gallery? I make a note in my picture info that I would really like feedback, plus its in my sig, but I'm not getting anybody who will say "Oh, that part looks weird, next time, do ____ like _____ so it doesn't happen again."

Just starting out, I need people who are going to push me! Is there a specific area for those dying for constructive advice without having to make a new thread every time I post a cake?
♫ Don't worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear, just sing, sing a song! ♫

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♫ Don't worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear, just sing, sing a song! ♫

My Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Surprise-AZ/Cakes-From-Lisa/120913344426?ref=ts
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post #2 of 22
8/3/09 at 7:44pm
There are a lot of other threads where people complain about the type of comments they get. It's scary territory.

A. Some people complain that the comment is "Wow! Pretty" because they want details of WHY the commenter liked it.

B. Some people complain because the comments seem mean and they don't want any criticism if it isn't nice.

C. Some people complain because all of the comments are "demands" (meaning not even saying Please) for instructions on how the cake was done.

...and the list goes on and on and on...

This is a very slippery slope in my humble opinion. But Good Luck thumbs_up.gif

P.S.
Personally, I have never posted any cake pics in the gallery, because:
(a) Criticism won't change anything about a finished cake.
(b) I don't need the validation. I do what I do (all buttercream, no fondant), I'm happy with it and so are the people who order cakes from me.
(c) I have a website and the button is there in my posts for anyone who would like to look at my work. Posting pics in the gallery here seems like a duplication and a lot of work, especially with the difficulty lately posting any pics at all here on CC.
Anna (105 lbs lost since June 1, 2009)
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Anna (105 lbs lost since June 1, 2009)
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post #3 of 22
8/3/09 at 8:07pm
Anna is on the money. Too many people have been burned by (what I call) The Trap Door syndrome. You are "invited" to leave constructive criticism comments, but when you walk thru that open door and leave such comments .... BAM!!! the trap door bangs you in the butt when the CC'er comes back and lashes out with the cliche of "if you can't say anything nice .....!" thing.

I can only suggest that if you really REALLY want constructive criticism, then you really REALLY have to say so with each posted pic and hope folks will really REALLY believe you.
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Cake Cutting Guide: http://cateritsimple.blogspot.com/search/label/cake%20comb
http://www.flickr.com/photos/55969028@N00/
www.cateritsimple.blogspot.com
http://debiswritingcollection.blogspot.com/
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post #4 of 22
8/3/09 at 8:20pm
icon_lol.gif Let's get critical, critical. I wanna get critical... icon_lol.gificon_lol.gif Sorry, couldn't resist. The song is stuck in my head!
Let's play nice!

Kayla 02/14/1997-4/17/2009 ~My sweet kitty will truly be missed.
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Let's play nice!

Kayla 02/14/1997-4/17/2009 ~My sweet kitty will truly be missed.
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post #5 of 22
8/3/09 at 8:25pm
There is a specific group here in CC, called Critique Subgroup, might search it out. No hurt feelings amongst those gals! icon_smile.gif
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post #6 of 22
8/3/09 at 9:04pm
Thread Starter 
I know what you ladies mean. I don't want anyone to say "OMG that's awful, you should never bake again" but - do enjoy people being helpful in a positive way, even if they're pointing out something negative, ya know?

I will try to find that group, thank you!
♫ Don't worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear, just sing, sing a song! ♫

My Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Surprise-AZ/Cakes-From-Lisa/120913344426?ref=ts
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♫ Don't worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear, just sing, sing a song! ♫

My Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Surprise-AZ/Cakes-From-Lisa/120913344426?ref=ts
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post #7 of 22
8/3/09 at 9:26pm
I decided not to critique any ones anything anymore. Why? cause everyone wants nicey, nicey and no one wants to be honest. Somone asked about a flower they were making and everyone said "It looks GREAT!". It did not look anything like the flower, AT ALL. Thats not what it looks like, this is why, this IS what it looks like. I don't think the op who asked if it looked good was happy with my comments.
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post #8 of 22
8/3/09 at 9:49pm
i totally want the same thing! i was discussing this in a thread a while back and they were talking about the group on here that does this but you have to have certain requirments and i could never figure it all out. i just wish there was an easier way.

i am a newbie and would am seriously dying for constructive criticism, lol. my hubby gets annoyes with me cuz i always ask him how it looks about a hundred times but all he ever says is "fine". i mean seriouslly!! that is not an answer. which is why i keep repeating the question to his utter dismay, haha.

so yea, i wish there was an easier way to do it. i get enough compliments to be confident in what i do but it is seriously like pulling teeth to get some criticism. i have only had one person so far offer it and that was cuz i asked. it was my first paying customer. she loved the cake but said something to the effect of i had potential and could use some training. no hard feelings. it was awesome to have someone be so honest.

maybe if there was a place to post pix under like a gallery section "to be ctitiqued" not sure if that would work or how to get it done. hmm. myspace?
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post #9 of 22
8/3/09 at 9:52pm
sorry for all the typos icon_razz.gif trying to watch baby and type at the same time
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post #10 of 22
8/3/09 at 9:56pm
Again, it's the critique subgroup. I think you have to be gallery supporter member. I myself opted out of that simply because of the cookies it drops and me having no patience for slow loading pics. But that's neither here nor there.

PM Jan or another mod and ask how you can join. I would imagine it's very helpful for those of you guys wanting to know how to "take it to the next level!" icon_biggrin.gif

And I will always shoot straight with an opinion, feel free to ask me, I'll tell ya what's up! Most of what I know now, was learned here, with a bit of trial and error, and a couple of Sugarshack DVD's.
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post #11 of 22
8/3/09 at 10:03pm
Yes, the Critique Subgroup is part of the Gallery Supporters. To join the Gallery Supporters, go here: http://cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-forums-groupcp.html and select Gallery Supporters from the drop-down menu. You have to have at least 100 posts to join.
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post #12 of 22
8/4/09 at 2:33am
Hi There, I agree with everyone's comments - constructive feedback is the best way to learn.

Perhaps when you load your photos, in the comments box you could add "I welcome any constructive feedback on my cake" or if there is a part of a cake, say a flower, you could ask for feedback on shape, colour, general overview, what ever you are looking for.

Serious cake decorators are always happy to help one another, we are a great bunch and we are always keen to learn new things.

Joining the Gallery Supporters is hard for newbies because you need 100 posts as mentioned and if you have no experience, it will take you a while to reach that number.

Okay, that's it for me, happy decorating!
Cheers from Oz, Kim
....don't just make your cakes great, make them memorable - www.makeitmemorable.com.au
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Cheers from Oz, Kim
....don't just make your cakes great, make them memorable - www.makeitmemorable.com.au
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post #13 of 22
8/4/09 at 8:08am
Thread Starter 
Yamber, I know what you mean! Everyone showers me with compliments, and nobody will tell me anything even slightly negative!

Right now I'm in the process of pimping myself out post-wise so I can get to 100 posts and join the critique group. Only 20 more to go! lol
♫ Don't worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear, just sing, sing a song! ♫

My Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Surprise-AZ/Cakes-From-Lisa/120913344426?ref=ts
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♫ Don't worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear, just sing, sing a song! ♫

My Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Surprise-AZ/Cakes-From-Lisa/120913344426?ref=ts
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post #14 of 22
8/4/09 at 8:27am
It is a hard balance to find between praise and critique. I am a newbie and an amateur and I have only posted a handful of pictures. I am not posting because I think my work is praise worthy but because I have benefited so much from other people posting pictures that I was able to imitate and I want someone else who is looking to make a similar cake or cookie to see mine and use it to help develop their own project or for another amateur newbie to be encouraged that I was able to do something or to know they can pm and ask me for suggestions. That being said I usually am critical of my own work in my comments, not because I am disappointed with my effort, but because I want others to learn from my efforts and do better. I don't usually get many comments on my photos, but sometimes I worry that my self critiscms make me seem like a real downer or loser looking for praise....
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post #15 of 22
8/4/09 at 8:51am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by giland

sometimes I worry that my self critiscms make me seem like a real downer or loser looking for praise....



That's exactly the reason I don't want to make a thread specifically saying "Oh, this is my newest cake, please tell me what you think" and just want people whose sole purpose is to be constructive to give me some direction.

BTW, I looked at your pictures, and I think that igloo cake is absoluely adorable, haha. I might try one this winter and I might be sending you a few questions when I do!
♫ Don't worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear, just sing, sing a song! ♫

My Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Surprise-AZ/Cakes-From-Lisa/120913344426?ref=ts
Reply
♫ Don't worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear, just sing, sing a song! ♫

My Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Surprise-AZ/Cakes-From-Lisa/120913344426?ref=ts
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