A Word on Commenting [read BEFORE rating/commenting]

[Julian.]

OK, so it has come to my attention that a lot of the commenting and critiquing people are doing against other peoples graphics are a lot of simple one worded comments. Posts like "cool", "great", "nice", "I wish I had photoshop", and "I wish I could do better" are considered spam, and a warning will not be issued, but rather an infraction.
Short sentences are included. If you are going to rate a piece of work, actually comment about how it can be improved, why you like it, what part appeals to you.

You have been warned, do not post these simple comments.

Everyone hates them, especially the people that have made the graphics.

HOW TO CNC & WHAT IT IS.

Cnc stands for Constructive Criticism.
A definition from the dictionary: criticism or advice that is useful and intended to help or improve something, often with an offer of possible solutions

Cnc is not sugarcoating your opinion on a sig. It means saying the truth, and saying what you can do to make the signature better. Here is one example of Cnc

Firstly, the text is interesting. I don't really see anything you could improve on the text. The render looks choppy in some places, and is boring/blank. The colours are okay, but more than just purple could be used, to get some variety in. The c4d in front adds some depth, and looks hot imo. Although the bg could be blurred some more if you want some more depth.

Yes, it does take a bit of time to Cnc a sig, but, it's worth it due to it aids the creator of the sig, and in return, they will likely cnc you back.

Personally I don't think when you make a signature, you like to hear, it's nice or it sucks sorry m8. You want to hear why it's good or why it sucks.

What to Look at when Rating.
1 Composition Composition is simply defined as the organization of space. Take a good look at the piece and try to note the center of interest. Also note any distractions that you might find that you might offer up as some constructive critisism.
2 Colours and lighting Colour is very important. Colour can give a piece depth and is used to create style and appeal. For example: red is commonly used to bring text and images to the foreground and is also a very emotionally intense color. Anyway... tell the artist if you like or dislike certain colours. Or maybe witch colours would look better to you if you don't like the colours. Lighs sources are also important: they can be used to create a focus point and much more. So think about that too.
3 Contrast Are the colours sharp or muddled toghether? Does the contrast make the piece or an object in it jump out at you or does it convey a softer greyer feel? And do these things give the piece a negative or a positive feeling.
4 Depth Depth is discribed as the range in an photograpth or an art piece, from near to far, that apears to be in focus. In a piece with a small depth of field the subject is in focus and the background is not, whereas a piece with a large depth of field the foreground and the background are in focus.

References:
http://leodadominico.deviantart.com/
Guide to giving good critique!
Giving Constructive Feedback - For Dummies
10 Tips for Delivering Constructive Criticism - Barton Goldsmith, Ph.D

[Arcatium]

Thank you for finally doing this! I see so many people posting on the GFX boards simply to get their post count up, and nobody seems to notice because they are often nice comments. Agreed, and thanks.

[ytwacker]

Thank you for taking my opinion into consideration

[Julian.]

Starting from now, because I couldn't be bothered going through all the old threads and catching people out.

[crypt]

I'm not sure if commenting on a sticky is considered gravedigging, but, I was wondering, is posting stuff like 'Not nice' or 'I've seen better' also considered? I mean, its practically the same thing since they aren't really saying anything so... ?