Cheerleaders not teachers

[Michael Thuman]

Most of this forums entry is about kudos or Cheering on the creator in place of asking questions.  Are not we all here to lean or give advise.  

I would like to see a lot more questions about why it was designed this way or that what else someone would include and most of all for new people if you did not know this is why I did that.

Let stop being Cheerleaders afte the first one and start asking questions again.

 

[lew]

Great point, Mike. Constructive comments, suggestions and questions go a long way in helping all of us improve our techniques and procedures. I'm always grateful for any kind of suggestion/comment about the stuff I make. I know we are our own harshest critics and often times belittle our own work even though others don't see the flaws but comments/suggestions from others are very helpful.

 

At the same time, we need to be conscious of those who are just starting out. Making sure we offer positive suggestions and comments to encourage them continue to develop. I'm not suggesting the trophy for participating thing. But, we do need to point out the good stuff along with the things that can be improved.

 

The one thing I wish our site had more of is that members posted more projects. Speaking for myself, I visit woodworking sites looking for ideas, techniques and best practice procedures. We don't have a lot of that here. 

[HandyDan]

I've tried to but feel bad if someone doesn't  criticize my critic or back it up.  Makes me feel I'm being mean and or pompous.

 

 

[Gene Howe]

Point taken Mike. 

In our defense, we do chime in when someone asks a question or asks for help. 

But, more conversation about posted projects would be welcome.  

[John Morris]

Great point Mike, we will, and I will.

It must also start with the creator of said topic. If a topic is presented as, "look what I built" it usually follows up with kudos. If a topic starts off with how, or why, the comments and constructive feedback are appropriate and they do flourish. When someone comes here and with excitement, they post a topic showing off their work, it is hard to critique it, you want so much to keep encouraging the projects from that woodworker. I am always concerned that the woodworker may take it wrong.

It's up to us, the staff to create an environment where everyone knows that any critiques are purely in the spirit of helping, learning, and teaching. We will work on that Mike.

Thanks so much for the honest feedback. We need it.

 

 

[steven newman]

I try with those "build-alongs" I do, to show a way to make a project.   Anyone is free to ask any questions they want, as I try to answer when asked. 

 

The build-alongs keep me from being bored, and out of the local taverns.....and hope I don't bore others with my ramblings.....

[Gene Howe]

Steve, your build alongs are great. Not boring in the least. Keep 'em coming.

 

[Smallpatch]

I like this post a  lot for when I start on something I only have a picture of something I got from wifes books or the computer. Nothing is set on what I should do. Actually this thing I'm working on right now has been the only clock I went by a set of steps most everyone uses. First things first. But no, forget the steps for I have been more concerned on how to do the carving and forgot about the steps and actually have caused me more headaches in the long run.. I felt like if the carving didn't look good to me then there was no need to continue.

I agree that when a person completes a project it suits the builder or else he would not waste time to show it off so the compliments are really not needed. Some guys sorta jumped me about showing my secrets, don't think that was the actual word but hey at my age maybe I have learned something that might help someone. Like finishing this projects. I go about applying  my colors and stains probably much different than most guys. I sneak up on the final shades for I never start with anything as dark as the final shades will be. Being that it is much easier to add a little more than it is to take a little darkness away. This is fine when I have no idea how something should look so a lighter shade or color might suit on the first application. This was how I use to match a finish that someone brought in. I never did have to strip anything because of bad guessing.

[John Morris]

12 minutes ago, Gene Howe said:

Steve, your build alongs are great. Not boring in the least. Keep 'em coming.

 

Second that! Steve does a great job splainin everything!

[John Morris]

We could start by making some new "House Suggestions" at the forum descriptions level. Such as:

1. Please explain the construction methods you used with each topic displaying your work.
2. Please briefly, or in length explain the build process of your project.
3. Please state the wood species, and hardware along with sources where you purchased your material.
4. Please state pitfalls and successes with your submitted project.

The above criteria for submitting a topic in "XXXXXX Forum" is strongly suggested so as you may benefit fellow woodworkers in the spirit of education and feedback.

 

What you guys think?

[PeteM]

4 hours ago, HandyDan said:

I've tried to but feel bad if someone doesn't  criticize my critic or back it up.  Makes me feel I'm being mean and or pompous.

 

 

Well Dan, since you insisted:  the word is "critique", not "critic".  I don't know wood from beans, but English is like a second language to me.

[HandyDan]

8 hours ago, PeteM said:

Well Dan, since you insisted:  the word is "critique", not "critic".  I don't know wood from beans, but English is like a second language to me.

 

I knew I should have measured twice and cut once

[Gene Howe]

41 minutes ago, HandyDan said:

 

I knew I should have measured twice and cut once

Not to worry. You're among friends.

[Dadio]

I don't agree , I don't want others to learn all my bad habits.

Herb

[schnewj]

3 hours ago, HandyDan said:

 

I knew I should have measured twice and cut once

It doesn't matter how many time you re-cut it Dan, it'll still be too short!

[Dadio]

You have to understand that in woodworking,to each his own. When a person shows something he has made, he has done it the best way he knows how with the tools and systems he has access too. Another would do it differently because he has different tools and likes to use different tools for certain operations. The outcome  is the same. The final product speaks for itself,that the person who made it knows what he is doing and does not need to show each step. and even if he does show every step,another will look at it and think,I would do it this way.  If someone does have a specific question he can always ask.

 

Quite often just showing the item will spark an interest in someones mind to make the same thing and the wheels will already be turning on how he is going to do it.

From my point of view,

Herb

Edited August 29, 2017 by Dadio

[Grandpadave52]

13 minutes ago, Dadio said:

From my point of view,

Herb

We're looking at a very similar map...

...and yes, I still use maps..

[lew]

9 minutes ago, Dadio said:

If someone does have a specific question he can always ask.

That's one of the great attributes of our site- no one needs to fear ridicule for asking how to do something. The members are always ready to offer constructive suggestions/idea.

[HARO50]

I'm with Herb on this one. We all develop different ways of doing things, even if there may be a better way. If someone asks for suggestions, he/she gets them. Personally, I don't feel qualified to critique (note the correct spelling) wood turnings, scrollsaw work, heck, any number of things, because even though I've tried the process, I still feel like a rank amateur. (Had to look that one up!) As for English, it IS a second language for me, but I think I've learned it quite well. However, I've forgotten much of my native language in the process. Use it or lose it, I guess!

John

[Gene Howe]

Le français est-il votre langue maternelle?