raffaellasworld

As I had mentioned the other day I'm planning on making and donating a bunch of comment books. Rather than having all of them be the same I'm giving people the option of whether they want one that says "Encouragement" or "In Depth Feedback",

The reason for the two different versions is that there had been previous discussions of how those wanting feedback felt that either no one was commenting, or it was feedback that didn't really tell them anything they could work on like "it's obvious you put a lot of thought into this", that could mean anything. Those feeling pressure to comment said they often felt like if they wrote anything they didn't know how it would be taken and they didn't have a way of knowing whether the person just wanted all positive encouragement or solid information on where improvements could be made. The proposed solution is that with the two options those asking for commentary can choose for themselves what level of commentary they want- and hopefully have given it honest thought as to what they want to ask for.

Also, it's been suggested that those who want comments might encourage the information they're looking for by starting off their book with questions, for example:
"This is my first narfblatt ever! How does it look?"
"Anyone else making narfblatts?"

Another option would be something along the lines of:

I am proud of _______.
Next time I will try _______.
I would like advice on ______.

But I'm not sure if we should suggest that people put that on the first page, or if they should put up a little 3x5 card so that anyone interested in commenting can more easily see the information they are most hoping for direct comment on.

We're hoping for courteous, but honest feedback. For an example totally out of the air instead of, "You did your narfblatt wrong," perhaps, "I have not seen documentation that supports this--I'd be interested to see it if you have it. Janet Arnold and Juan d'Alcega have great primary source documentation." But not something vague that could sound supportive when it's not meant to be, "Unusual technique..." meaning "What the hell did you do?"

I hope this clarifies what we're talking about here, both for those potentially commenting, and to those who are asking for comments on their work.

Also, I know most people who would be most likely to comment are also going to be insanely busy judging, but if at all possible could someone pass on to the Laurel's list or in the meeting that we'd absolutely love it if anyone who has a moment could stop and check out the displays and if they have time leave commentary?

Grazie mille