Maybe not that good

[Guest]

I don't know really how to start this topic. I guess I get the idea after watching a couple of shorts and/or trailers that filmmakers have posted and then reading peoples responses to these films.

I'm not going single any one out...but what I've noticed is that most of the responses are on the total positive side....even if the movie absolutley sucked. I mean telling someone that their movie is better than what it actually is, isn't helping that person any. You need to give the person something to drive on. But it just seems like everyones post is like "oh that was awesome, excellent job, you did all that perfectly...blah blah.

Don't get me wrong I have seen some pretty cool stuff on here but I've also seen stuff that well...isn't so cool. Supporting the film is one thing...but saying that its better than it is...isn't healthy. I just think that in order to make someone better, that person needs harsh criticism, and if that means telling that peron that this film sucks..and THIS IS WAY...that is helping the person better.

but that is my opinion...what is your guys opinion...am I just a huge jackass? I know that if I made crap..that maybe I would want to know it.

 

[darkavenger]

Re: Maybe not that good

i think that the positive comments, for the most part, are correct. the 'majority' of the clips shown here are done very well in terms of screen composition, but 'SOME' of the storylines/plotlines, though not many, are either really hard to follow, are pointless, or i just don't get it. and of course there are some that are just bad and some that are truly absolutely awesome. the awesome ones know who they are. if something needs critique, i think positive criticism is in order, telling them what you think went wrong and what can be done to improve it, as wells as pointing out the good points (and 'almost' all have good points), and not just saying it sucks. a post saying 'this sucks' is a waste of server space imho.

 

[speedbump]

Re: Maybe not that good

Good point, in that we must avoid the Scottish Store syndrome:

"If it isn't DVX, it's CRAP!"

(Apologies to Mike Myers)

Oh, I think you can find some harsh criticisms, and of course one of the running jokes here are posts which say that that was the most awesome clip I've ever seen here. I will try to stay constructively critical, without becoming Don Rickles.

 

[John]

Re: Maybe not that good

Some people are just bad critics. I'll always give my honest opinion on a clip, but I won't be ruthless. I'll point out any good with the bad.

 

[J.R. Hudson]

Re: Maybe not that good

We've had this discussion before and you are correct; in order to grow as artists we must all be honest with each other. But there is NO need to be ruthless as John IRL stated.

 

[Barry_Green]

Re: Maybe not that good

Hey, don't forget, that's what we have boogerg for! ;D He always calls crap "crap".

Seriously, I think you're correct, there's mostly very positive comments made here, frequently unwarrantedly positive. But, on the other hand, that's one of the things I like about this site: people are NICE. We pretty much follow the ol' "if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all" edict around here.

False positives don't help anyone get better, that's true. But people have to be ready to hear harsh criticism too (if it's warranted). Most first-timers aren't ready for that.

It's like a baby walking -- most babies are just terrible at walking. But parents get so excited when the baby takes its first steps. If we were brutally honest, we'd watch that kid walk and say "that was awful -- kid couldn't take three steps without falling down." But that's not what we do -- we praise and encourage, and by the time the kid's 12 she could be a champion gymnast on the olympic team. Optimistic, yes -- but that's what we do here 'cause we're all nice and kind of "family".

With that all said, I don't think we should be overhyping someone's work if it's unwarranted. "Great job", etc. is all fine and good, and some of the stuff that's been posted here has been just amazingly good. And some sure hasn't been, I agree. As long as we can keep it fair and friendly, I'm sure a few constructive comments would be welcome.

Or we could just wait for booggerg to call a spade a spade! ;D