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I'm new here and I'm a bit confused about the whole critique thing, so I want to get some sort of handle on where people stand. So I have a few questions:
1. Do you like getting honest, constructive critique on your work? For instance, if people have suggestions/opinions that could help you improve your work, do you appreciate being informed? Even if the comments aren't totally positive, critique is a positive tool but it also identifies our weaknesses so it can be a difficult thing to accept.
2. Is anyone else intimidated by the idea of giving honest critique and opinions on other people's work?
3. Do you think the majority of people appreciate having their worked critiqued?
I just want to get an idea on the comments system, like I said I'm new here so it's a bit confusing.
My answers:
1. Yes! I think it's extremely valuable to get an objective opinion on your work, even if it isn't always a positive one. It's a good way to see what areas you need to work on, and ways to make your work better.
It also has more value than any "nice" or "cool" comment, because it seems like the person spent more time evaluating the piece. I think the objectivity of it might be the best part, you don't always see flaws in your work that other people do. I personally don't even mind if someone tells me my work sucks, as long as they take the time to back it up. 
2. Yes, obviously. I half expect to be flamed by someone that doesn't care for my opinion. I'm not about to bash someone's work, ever, that isn't cool. But let's face it, sometimes you see things that could be improved, so I'm always wondering whether it's better to mention those things or just not. Also, I'm not that good at what I do so I don't want to seem pretentious.
3. No idea, this is why I have the survey up. If they're anything like me I would assume that it's welcome, but I really don't know.
I have a few ideas about this, there doesn't seem to be much real critique happening in the fractal community here (that I'm seeing anyway) so I thought it might be useful to get a few people together that are open to critique on their work and/or giving critique on other people's works. I think it could be really useful in helping people improve, develop their own styles, all of that fun stuff. I don't think you have to be particularly good at what you do to give critique on it, anyone can give a subjective/outside opinion.
Does anyone else have any opinions about this?
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Another war perspective, worth a read: [link]
It's probably more that a lot of people just aren't really artists, in spirit.
Oh yeah. My thoughts:
1. I appreciate honesty and constructive criticism. I also appreciate kindness. Therefore, I don't mind hearing criticism of my work, as long as the person who is giving the criticism is being respectful with their comments. Some people aren't very good at giving constructive criticism, but the comments are more personally judgemental. (eg. "this sucks" and like comments.) I don't like that type of criticism, because it's hard to figure out how to make something less "sucky". If I get this type of comment I'll pretty much ignore it anyway. Any comment on composition, colour, design, technical methods, etc., with a consideration to how it could be improved is appreciated.
2. I don't think I am intimidated with giving honest criticism of work. I just try very hard to make sure that my comment is helpful and constructive and may potentially result in a better work, and/or better works in the future. I have given "critiques" but they are mostly aimed at improving the work, say, as opposed to saying what I don't like about the work. If I do say that I don't like something about the work, I will also suggest some ways to make it better. In some cases the works are very good, (I have even faved them), but a few tweaks (a crop or two) would help the overall composition and strength of the image. If there is something I really like and the tweaks I would suggest are minor, I probably will appreciate the piece with critiquing it and would let the artist know what I appreciate about it. I also try to let them know that it is just my opinion and they are free to accept or not accept it as they wish. There is certainly much that I would like to improve in my own work, and critiques by others may be helpful, but I will also critique my own work to try and improve it for the next image.
3. I think yes, as long as it is done in the right way. I think it comes down to critiquing people with kindness and respect with a view to improving their image. If the right approach is taken most people will accept the comment. They may or may not consider it worthwhile to make changes to the image, but they will at least acknowledge it in a positive sense, and perhaps it may make a difference in future images. For some images, if they are very personally meaningful, criticism may not be appreciated because the meaning of the image is not necessarily in the quality of the image. Comments on the quality of the image will fall on deaf, unreceptive ears because we are not seeing the image the way that they see it.
As far as the fractal community goes, I am interested in the works, but I haven't ever done any. I could critique composition, colour, design, etc., but I don't know enough about the technical details to really say anything that would help in that way.
Terry
1. I agree with you there, there's no point in giving any criticism if it isn't constructive. If you don't like something and are going to say so, you had better be prepared to back it up and offer some way of improving it. Anyone who just says "sucks" or anything similar about someone's work should be hit in the head, repeatedly.
2. All really great points, I agree with you completely.
3. That's good to hear, and makes a lot of sense. I think if the purpose of any critique you give is meant to help the artist, then it should be well received even if the suggestions aren't implemented.
I think with fractal work specifically, a lot of people have a lot of skill in working with the tools but haven't done as much work/had very much education in image composition and design so critique on those things can be really helpful.
I just remembered that there was a guide to critiques by =Doubtful-Della called Ultimate Photography Critiques that I think has really useful information for giving critiques.
Terry