Originally Posted by JanieW

I read the quilt police thread and some of the comments made me think about the issue of giving false praise.

When someone has made a quilt that is poorly put together or there isn't enough contrast with colour choices, or it just plain doesn't look right, are we being fair by complimenting them?

I don't believe in embarrassing a person by pointing out mistakes or telling them that they have to do it the "right" way. I don't believe in telling someone their work is lovely when it isn't. Being positive and encouraging is essential, but damning with faint praise is harmful.

When I posted pictures of my first quilt a member told me something that I didn't know or would not have thought of I said that I stitched in the ditch around 6 inchs squares and she said that I probly should have done something in side the squares as it was large distance between the stitching. I didn't take offence I will remember it on the quilt that I have to do by june. If some one can't give input expecially to newbees like me then what are we here for. Like some said if I really don't like something I just don't comment. And I really don't know enough to tell some one that they are doing something wrong when I am just learning. It makes a difference as to how things are worded as to how one takes the comment. If I had a block wacky I sure would want some one to tell me.
That is my story and I am sticking to it.

Where is the line between trying to help someone improve their skills and being the dreaded hated quilt police?