bnsaijim

This is supposed to be a STUDY group. Lighten up on both sides.

The point should be less a criticism of the material but more geared to how to make the piece of material the best it can be given the constraints. Sometimes this will be a long term plan as teh with the Trident, but it may be a schedule for refinement for the next show.

Any material should be appropriate- of course the point is not to have to deal with a "dog" every week, or even necessarily unstyled material. Otherwise we continue this trend of everyone being able to style a virgin piece but can't seem to get to show quality...

Each participant should offer his view or strategy- but rather than opinions which leave nothing to study, all statements should have a basis.

IRL I would typically arrange it so the suggestion moves from the least experienced to the most. And EVERYONE has to talk and has to justify their logic.

This forces everyone away from "I like it (or don't ) because I do (or don't) " mindset into justifying their responses based on an artistic or horticultural principle. The less experienced may not understand why something "works" but someone else may be able to explain it...

Once the opinions are offered and debate concluded the owner can then evaluate the options and choose his course, knowing not only WHAT to do but also the WHY and especially the WHY NOT!

Sincerely,

Jim
TX