Very little MOC feedback - what to do about it

[CP5670]

This is an interesting discussion. Like many people, I rarely post in MOC threads because I have nothing to say beyond a generic compliment. I comment on MOCs that are exceptional or unusual in some way, so I can say something specific about why I find it special, as well as MOCs that are especially similar in style to my own and give me inspiration. I do sometimes have suggestions on how I would improve a MOC, but they are often related to my own particular preferences with building styles. Many MOCs I see fall into the "great, but not something I would build" category, so I don't comment. I certainly like looking at them though and seeing what kinds of things are possible with Lego.

A lot of my own MOCs have similar design considerations to sets, and I try to avoid illegal connections. at the same time, it feels petty to say "This is great, but it would have been better if it didn't use illegal connections" or "this is great, but it ought to be simplified structurally". Basically, I'm so used to judging my own MOCs according to set design terms, I don't have much authority judging a MOC with vastly different design considerations.

That's the kind of issue I am referring to. It would be pointless to mention things like that when they are obviously not matters of concern to the builder.

[Si-MOCs]

I consider myself a decent enough builder,....

Where's the eye roll emoticon?

Interestingly enough, I find that it's the intermediate or average builder that has his or her work completely overlooked as most people simply can't be bothered making a comment. The work is neither worthy of the unconditional praise that is dumped on many true masters; nor is it easy to find meaningful or constructive criticism for these MOCs. Sometimes this means the MOCs of some pretty decent builders go relatively unnoticed because the builder isn't a member of the established building elite. This can be very frustrating for many builders because most MOCs fall into this category. Unless your MOC is exceptionally good or you are a new builder who shows some promise you probably shouldn't expect much in the way of feedback. This isn't a slight to anybody; it's just that there are too many MOCs for any single person to comment on. Ultimately most of them will go relatively unnoticed.

That's actually a fantastic point that I never really thought of. Recently I've been trying to give more comments to newer builders/people that didn't get many replies, but I think I'm very guilty of of overlooking the 'intermediate' builders.

I think the moral of the story is, everyone should get comments and feedback, cause isn't that really the whole point of EB and and the social net? who doesn't want a pat on the back or comments to improve on your building technique - as long as it's constructive criticism , I find it hard to believe anyone would not welcome it.

Edited August 23, 2011 by Ricecracker
added in the eye-rolling for you ;)

[LEGO Guy Bri]

I generally leave feedback on most MOCs that appeal to me. Mostly in Train or Town, I occasionally venture to other themes for a look. I leave a suggestion if I see something that could be improved. But usually towards beginners or intermediate builders. I also leave feedback on those MOCs that have received zero or few if no one else has. As for those who build larger or more complex, comments usually encompass a great appreciation for their great skill and work. I am no great builder (most of my MOCs are revised childhood MOCs) or have fully understood the new building of modulars, as I have built only two

[Sokratesz]

I usually do not have much to add to the discussion.

That, and I usually think that most people who do respond are being way too positive about everything. Have you seen the average reply to a MOC in the train department? You'd think every MOC there was a bloody miracle just going by the replies

- Sok.

[Vindicare]

I voted, I do not have anything new to add. Because, really what's the point of saying again how nice the building, landscape, certain area of the MOC is, when it's already been said by one or more other people. I don't think people should take a lack of responses as people don't like the MOC, because I'm sure in most cases, it's just not the case. I know that I want to post that I like it, just so the creator knows it, but it's frowned upon to just say, "I like it."

Edited August 25, 2011 by Legocrazy81

[Lasse D]

I usually do not have much to add to the discussion.

That, and I usually think that most people who do respond are being way too positive about everything. Have you seen the average reply to a MOC in the train department? You'd think every MOC there was a bloody miracle just going by the replies

- Sok.

I once went against the stream and acalled a builder out on a WIP which everybody was praising and encouraging. The builder was attempting to build a flying airplane out of lego and no one apparently had the heart to tell him how poorly suited LEGO bricks, motors and so on are for the task. Well. I told him and his reply was "Well megabluck you!" followed by a chirade of personal attacks.

He has then apparently been using charm on the rest of the lug without offering an apology, so I'm finding new ways. Shame, really.

Now. I'm tinkering with the idea of making a new signature encouraging people to PM me if they want honest constructive criticism, or their creation has simply been overlooked. I simply don't care if I have no knowledge of the theme.

[-zenn]

I noticed that often people feel 'attacked' when they are given feedback, so I mostly try to give it to stuff I find interesting and from which I know the reciever can handle it; but it has to be useful and respectful at the same time. And that's a hard thing to do, it needs to be well balanced.

[olaf9198]

It happens from time to time that I post a MOC in here that receives only one or very few comments. Instead of being angry/sad/leaving, I want to get to the core of why some creations attract very little feedback, and thus find out what can be done better.

So. Fellow Eurobricker. Please take a glimpse of some MOCs in your favourite category in here, find one and tell me why you don't want to comment on it. If you are uncomfortable about taking a specific MOC, then use my Echo as an example. You have my permission :-)

If your answer is something like 'the MOC doesn't interest me', then please tell me what could be done to make it interesting for you. Add a video, instructions, or whatever you think.

I have added a poll where you can give your most commonly used reason for not commenting.

Hopefully we might learn something and start presenting MOCs that create more feedback :-)

so i am not the only whan

I usually get no more than four people who respond

[Sokratesz]

I noticed that often people feel 'attacked' when they are given feedback, so I mostly try to give it to stuff I find interesting and from which I know the reciever can handle it; but it has to be useful and respectful at the same time. And that's a hard thing to do, it needs to be well balanced.

Well maybe the definition of what is 'balanced' needs changing. I know we are all supposed to be nice to each other here but calling a LEGO construction 'ugly', 'poorly constructed', 'needs more work', 'needs different colours', 'looks good but change x or y' is not a personal attack.

Edited August 26, 2011 by Sokratesz

[-zenn]

Well maybe the definition of what is 'balanced' needs changing. I know we are all supposed to be nice to each other here but calling a LEGO construction 'ugly', 'poorly constructed', 'needs more work', 'needs different colours', 'looks good but change x or y' is not a personal attack.

With well balanced I mean; giving positive and negative feedback in such a manner you aren't flaming anybody.

[AussieJimbo]

Have you seen the average reply to a MOC in the train department? You'd think every MOC there was a bloody miracle just going by the replies

*laugh*

That's gold.

Personally I welcome critical feedback if it's given in a constructive way. I've learnt heaps since joining EB, mostly through observing some of the great work that gets posted but also from gentle prodding to add extra details to my models and from tips to improve my photography.

I lean more to saying nothing about models that don't appeal to me but if I feel there is something helpful to offer I may comment.

:classic:

Edited August 27, 2011 by AussieJimbo

[lightningtiger]

It's interesting to read some of the postings on this topic, but I can't vote because my reason isn't there......the particular MOC is not my area of interest....like Technic and Hero Factory MOC's don't interest me one bit....but town, trains, castle, etc., I do have an interest or sickness with .

I always ask for feedback and if I look at someone's MOC I like well I supply positive feedback too and any suggestions that might help improve it. Remember the saying from Clutch Powers, 'we build off each other !'.

Brick On always !

[blueandwhite]

I noticed that often people feel 'attacked' when they are given feedback, so I mostly try to give it to stuff I find interesting and from which I know the reciever can handle it; but it has to be useful and respectful at the same time. And that's a hard thing to do, it needs to be well balanced.

The fear of being honest really does limit what one can say when giving feedback. In my experience, being overly critical will only land you in hot water, not only from the builder who feels personally offended but from other members of the community who take it upon themselves to lambaste you for suggesting that a MOC is anything less than perfect. It pretty much limits feedback to unconditional praise with a few superficial suggestions. Unfortunately, even if you ask for honest feedback, the responses from most posters still tend to be little more than praise and encouragement. Perhaps I'm being a bit negative here, but I find that many MOCs don't get feedback because most AFOLs are too hesitant to criticize the work but can't find anything to compliment either. We're an exceedingly polite community that seems to suffer a mild case of hypersensitivity.

Still, there are definitely opportunities for feedback if your looking for it. I'll point out a few that I've observed.

1) MOCs built for contests are generally subject to more views and more constructive feedback IMO. More often than not, contest organizers will be very honest with their assessments if you ask for their opinions. Running a contest ultimately means that a judgement must be made so you tend to see more useful feedback.

2) Build across themes. Builders who are prolific in a variety of themes get noticed, and subsequently get more feedback. A castle fan may look at a town or pirate MOC by a builder like Derfel Cadarn because they know his work on the history boards.

3) Ask. Many people simply don't ask for feedback. It may not get you more posts (which is pretty irrelevant), but it may provide you with a helpful tip to improve your work in the future.

4) Post at the right time. This is something a lot of people overlook but it is significant. Posting a MOC during a contest, a holiday or on a weekend may generate more feedback simply because there is more traffic on the forums. A MOC posted on a Monday or Tuesday may be bumped to a second or third page by the weekend with many people never having looked at it.

5) Be honest with yourself. Not all MOCs are created equally. There is a reason that some builders are regularly front paged while others go completely unnoticed. Some MOCs will receive over a hundred-thousand views while others will receive only a few. Some MOCs just aren't that impressive. Your work may be good, but it may not stand out the way a master builder's latest project does. Don't let a lack of feedback discourage you.

Feedback is great, but you may have to work hard to get it. Heck, if your dissatisfied with the feedback your getting you could probably mention that your looking for more constructive criticism than you usually see in your opening post.

[tedbeard]

Hopefully we might learn something and start presenting MOCs that create more feedback :-)

Why?

The purpose of building a MOC should not be, IMO, to gather lots of "feedback" on EB or other forums.

[Sokratesz]

Why?

The purpose of building a MOC should not be, IMO, to gather lots of "feedback" on EB or other forums.

Indeed. All we need is a public that presents more sensible responses (for suggestions, see my post earlier in this thread) and builders who will not take offense when have not built the goose with the golden eggs this time.

[Lasse D]

Why?

The purpose of building a MOC should not be, IMO, to gather lots of "feedback" on EB or other forums.

The keyword here is "presenting". I'm looking for a better way of presenting my MOCs which might lead to more constructive criticism.

Edited August 27, 2011 by Lasse D

[LandShark]

At first I was slightly disappointed with the low number of comments on my Castle Minifigures,but then I realized had over 1000 views.

I can't tell you how surprised/happy I was.

My main reasons for not commenting on a MOC is probably lack of knowledge of that particular theme, or I just don't have enough time to write a meaningful comment.

Good idea for a topic, by the way.

Edited August 28, 2011 by LandShark

[rriggs]

I only comment if I feel particularly strongly one way or the other about a MOC. I will also reply if there is a specific question or query within the thread that I can answer.

Cheers

Rog

[Runamuck]

I will admit that I’m not very good at replying at many MOCs. The sheer number of MOCs is just overwhelming, even if it is limited by only liking certain themes. It’s often a bit random what sparks my interest in taking a better look at a MOC. Usually I can’t really add much either, but if there is something that I felt have been overlooked I might say something. I might point out errors, but I will try not to be rude about it and also point out nice parts to give it a sort of balance, and ask if there is something I would like to know how it was made.

Personally I like getting a critical response to my creations. It can often give me new ideas, or help me find solutions to problems that I overlooked while building. Although I can get a bit defensive about things, I will often try respond to the comments by explaining my building choices.

[fr33manator]

I really only reply to MOCs that have some common interest in.

That, or ones that really catch my eye, even if they are outside of my comfort zone. I'm primarily on an early 90s style space kick, so I usually only comment on models with that same feel, because I feel I can give the best comments to those and really think about them.

[Rijkvv]

I voted for 'not much new to add' or whatever it was called. If I have a specific detail spotted, that was designed cleverly, I will say something about it. But if a builder don't use new techniques, or something special that hasn't been mentioned, it's not very useful to add another 'praise'-comment.

Another reason why I don't reply that much is the large number of new MOCs that are posted every day. I don't visit Eurobricks daily, and I consider my interests lie in many themes. To look back several pages to what I missed after a few days, sometimes after a week, and do that for every theme... I'm sure there are beautiful MOCs that I simply missed.