Is there really any point.....

[kev woodman]

Just being devils advocate here but is there really any point to this section of the forum?

I could understand an area where forum members could post reviews of Web sites they have stumbled across and like but for members to ask for comments on their own sites seems flawed to me for a couple of reasons.

Firstly have a look at the comments people have left in the other posts. They are almost unfailingly positive. That's nice if you just want an ego boost but actually harmful if your site is, in reality, a complete dogs breakfast.

Secondly what happens if, in the flood of self-congratulatory back-slapping, someone posts a very negative review, justified or not? It's an invitation to a flame war.

So would everyone be happy to post their site here if they faced a real critique, should replies be limited to positive remarks only or should the admins have a re-think?

[paul]

All review should considered as constructive criticism if you place your site for review in any forum, typically this in no way signifies that the reviewer is out to get you, or that your site is of poor quality.

[kev woodman]

I agree that's how it should work Paul.

The problem is that human nature tends to get in the way and all too often constructive criticism is taken as an attack on someone's pride and joy. Or the alternative happens - everyone wants a pat on the back so no-one gives a bad review because they expect the favour to be reciprocated. Sadly I've seen this happen on Usenet groups in the past and they've been all the poorer for it.

[paul]

You are right, but it all depend that how you take the criticism. At this moment I remember quote by Abraham Lincoin; "He has right to criticize who has heart to help".

[kev woodman]

That attitude would serve us well I think mate

[Celestialvie]

Here's my two cents. If you shared your website link for a review then you should be open to the idea that people would say something positive and negative to it. What's the point really of having people review your site when you would consider negative comments as an insult?
If you can't take bad comments, then I don't think you should post your site for a review anyway.

I believe too that this part of the forum isn't useless. Some people would want to know the opinion on others when it comes their designs/websites. It's good to share it with people you are interacting with everyday, rather than complete and total strangers.

[kev woodman]

I think the underwhelming popularity of this section of the forum speaks volumes

[PissAnt]

I think this part of the forum is great. "Is my code clean and tight, does the layout please the eye, are there any improvements to be made", these are the questions I would want answered by fellow members and experienced webmasters. An opinion is just that, an opinion, but an improvement is something to be considered, rationally.