CGAN Nov. 2014 Challenge: Zombie Proof House, WIPs

I think having pros volunteer their time for free to vote in our challenges is a bit of a dream... also both wanting feedback and not wanting it from some users is a bit like having your cake and eating it too. Like kazky said we're a community for all and like you yourself said, feedback is valuable from everyone as well. I think it's up to each of us to decide which parts of the feedback we want to take on board for future pieces.

All that said, I agree it's good with honesty. It is after all that kind of honesty we want to see in this forum and especially in feedback and critisism, because weithout it we will remain blind to problems and errors. I just think your particular wishes regarding the challenges are beyond our capacity

At a time when we're trying to encourage more people to take part in challenges it would be kind of intimidating and counterproductive to then arbitrarily declare that their opinions are worthless. It's more likely to drive people away.

There are challenges and competitions where professionals judge and critique, stuff like Spectrum. But you have to pay to enter. Similarly there are sites that offer structured feedback and education from professionals, like Schoolism. But again you have to pay. It's the definition of professional, they charge for their skills and expertise, they don't just give it away.
After spending X number of hours working on art for a client, then spending X number of hours working on personal/portfolio projects you can't expect them to then give up their time relaxing with their family in favour of pro-bono babysitting for scribbling doodlers like myself.
I get Schizo's point (however harsh it was expressed or intended) but it's a little unrealistic and I can't see how it's practically possible for a site like this one.

It's all about expectation in the end. My experience of challenges (I think I've only done about six or seven on here/IFX and some of those have been as a non-posting lurker) has always been a positive one, even when I've failed horribly and not shown the picture to anyone. When everyone gets involved it can be interesting, inspiring and genuinely educational. And that's way before you get to the voting (which I always find awkward.) Of course professional advice is always more insightful and valuable but, as was said when the old IFX forum closed, people liked it because it bridged the gap between amateurs and professionals and you never want the site to be a place where people are sneered at and patronised for merely not being a professional. It's a difficult balance and I'm not sure where the answer lies but as has been said it's always good discuss these ideas in order to get the best from the forum.

and on a completely different note I seem to have completely forgotten to post a december challenge. Sorry! I'll post tonight unless Banj or kazky beats me to it during the day

It would be nice to get a professional take on your work, but as was pointed out it would be impractical and I also agree it might take away from people participating.
As for the voting, I seem to remember a long discussion as to whether to just vote 1,2,3 without comments or post comments in the finals voting. Some felt that comments should only be posted during the WIP portion so the artist could consider making changes. As for myself I try to post a comment to let people know why I picked a piece (did it meet the challenge criteria, do I like the subject, etc.). Granted I am strictly an amateur so it is just my personal taste, but even professionals are biased to a certain style or subject over another. I would hope all participants would vote and if Banj can work it out put some type of big notification on the home page when voting is going on so more people are inspired to go to vote.

Just my ramblings....