OK, I'm hearing a lot of comments about "It's all a big buddy system" and "I want honest and helpful comments, not backscratching". But what can we do to change things?

How about forming a kind of critique-friendly buddy system? E.G., if you want your pics honestly critiqued, join up in "the group". The idea would be, the other members of the critique group would add you as a favourite, and agree that when you post, they will give you honest feedback for improvement. You would have to agree to give (honest!) critique in turn - it wouldn't be fair to expect critique from others if you're not prepared to give it. (And let's be honest - it takes a lot longer to write an effective critique than it does to copy/paste "Oh wow i luv it hunny hugzzzz!")

I'd be happy to put up a sticky thread in the forum for this purpose, and if it takes off, we might even be able to wangle a new forum for it, you never know ;-)

Alternatively, we could all go and use the criminally-undervisited Art Theory forum, where there is a monthly "Critique" thread.

Feel free to suggest refinements/alternatives. I for one would love to see more critiquing going on.

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"you are terrifying
and strange and beautiful
something not everyone knows how to love." - Warsan Shire