Heh - 100% agreed. A trick/technique I use when I want to critique someone's work where I feel intimidated (for example, if I'm looking at a Hemble dio!
) is to ask about it sideways. Let's say as an example Hemble has built a gorgeous rubbled wall and then weathered it - but I think his weathering is ... off. I may start out by asking how he got those results - "Hemble, those figs are awesome! How did you get that weathering result on your wall?" So when he responds with his techniques and colors, I may respond with something like "I've never used that approach before. What effect were you setting out to achieve that led to those choices?" And then he'll give up an answer and may even ask me something like "Well, what approach do *you* normally use?" So then we'll get into a discussion of techniques and I will offer up what *I* have tried or might would try to achieve the results he has stated he was going for. Then he'll explain why he rejected that approach or - maybe - say, "Wow, I've never tried that before. Does it give good results? I'll have to try that." Heck, for that matter he may say, "Yeah, it's a long way from being right. I was distracted because four cats had the flu and one had pneumonia while I was weathering it, so it turned out looking like poodu."
That way, I can offer my critique as a noob without feeling judgemental (or something) and don't come across as a pushy snot-head.
Of course, if someone throws a piece out there and says, "Crud. I need help - any suggestions?" then I'll likely start off in a similar manner - "What were you trying to achieve?" With the response in hand, I'll ask, "What did you do to get the current results?" Based on that response, I'll start making suggestions based on what I have done or maybe point them to a good tutorial. That way, I try to avoid coming across as a crusty ol' curmudgeon who knows all there is to know!
And that's really the pervading attitude of the 'Yards - which is why all my time is *here* rather than at other sites. We're all in this together and are all trying to get better - and we're trying to help each other improve. :thumbsup:
