bonsaiTALK Community - View Single Post - Critique, Criticism and Rep Points

Quote:

Originally Posted by jloeschner

Will,
Jeffery,
You are so right about the quality of the tone in a critique. Some people are VERY sensitive to negative comments, and cannot handle harsh criticizm. For example, instead of telling a person, "That tree is crap and will never be a good bonsai," you might say, "That tree could be used as a good learning specimen, but next time try to pick a better quality starter tree. For information on what makes good stock, take a look at ......."

Anyway, we must all understand that each of us is different and will respond differently to almost every situation. Just because you would rather someone tell you that your tree is horrible in a very blunt fashion (and why it is) does not mean that someone else wants or can handle such bluntness. (I, personally, prefer the bluntness, but I am VERY thick-skinned.)

Regards,
John

I really don't mind blunt either, as long as I know that it is for the betterment of me. If it is just someone being a jerk, I don't take kindly to that. But then again, I really despise rude people. But there is a HUGE difference between criticism and being rude.

I worry about newbies. While I do have about 2-3 years solid under my belt, I am still in the beginning stages. Kindness will develop those newer to the hobby more than rude or curt comments will. We are direct representations of the hobby itself. If we are rude jerks, what does that say about the hobby? I want to bring people into the hobby, not shoo them away.

Jeffrey