Will_Heath

I feel that as with most other skills, there are distinct levels of ability for critiquing.

A newcomer to the art has little if any knowledge or experience to apply a critique to any object. A person who has been doing bonsai for a number of years may have the capability to critique from beginning efforts to your average bonsai, yet nothing more advanced than he has the knowledge or experience for. While a master such as Walter has the knowledge and experience to critique even the most famous world class bonsai.

People recognize these levels, in fact in our own ATM section a level has been set, show ready bonsai only. We do not expect Walter to spend his time on pre-bonsai, but even those need critiques. Where are the less than world class, less than show ready bonsai to be critiqued and by who?

To claim that only 1% of the people here are qualified to critique leaves a very high percentage of people who will have no one to critique or to offer advise simply because of their level.

Instead people should recognize their ability and try not to critique above it. A level system would be perfect where one could advance though the levels as they advance. However, this would be difficult to set up and would need a world class master to set the standards and oversee the process. An easier way would be to monitor ourselves and call foul when there is a foul.

I have heard a few complain about people giving critiques that are not qualified to do so, yet I have not read any logical disputes or debates pointing this out to anyone. In fact, I don't think I have ever heard anyone besides the person on the receiving end complain, I could be wrong but my searches turn up nothing.

I can't help but to notice how this subject closely borders the qualified to give advice discussions.


Just my 1/2 cents worth,


Will


Note to avoid confusion:

I am not qualified to give a formal critique, nor do I or have I claimed to be. Keep in mind that formal critiques and advice are not one and the same, although my above comments could just as easily pertain to advice.

Advertisement