rannnt on livejournal mac_cos ...

[visivo]

Okay, I KNOW some of you on here frequent (or used to) the mac_cosmetics community on LJ, and I'm one of em.

I just have to rant for a second on how much it SUCKS -- all the cat-fights, the just plain bad makeup looks, and pointless posts. It has its good moments but I can hardly stand to look at it long enough to catch any of those entries.

It could be such a great community! But for now, I will rely on my specktra. Here, people are respectful, and there is order to the community. And if someone posts less than amazing makeup (which is not often!), people give constructive criticism. Thanks to you all for making it a friendly place.

'Cause I am tiiired of mac_cos.

 

[Ambi]

Well, some of the FOTDs posted on mac_cos are pretty BORING. I don't really care what's on your face, as long as it's either pretty, unique, or just simply very "you", that's the kind of stuff I love looking at. Feels like some people post a FOTD every day which would be okay if you looked amazing every day but when it's the same old "boring colors-bad blending-sucky application-nothing special":*YAWN*

 

[Dreamergirl3]

I frequent that community and I agree, it gets old fast. The drama is just too much. Yeah, sometimes there are shitty FOTDs, but someone still worked hard on them,and if you think they suck, theres no point in being rude OR nice about it, just give constructive criticism.
I could care less about someones shitty makeup application. I mean, come on! Some one worked hard on it, and is proud enough to show it for all to see, and people are still so rude. Though I have to say, it does annoy me how sometimes people think they're the shit and boast when theyre really not that great. That bugs me.
Viva Specktra!

 

[rubixio]

I try not to pay too much attention on there. The only annoying things to me are the posts asking about prices (they are on the official site, it's not hard to look up) and the grainy webcam photos where you cant even make out their face. But I rarely post/post comments so I guess I dont see the drama?

But I like that people post their "everyday" looks, as well as "amazing" looks. Gives me ideas when I dont want something crazy.

 

[user3]

Here is my take:
I don't go there often but I can say I usually only visit the FOTD post. If I like the look I will post a nice comment otherwise I just move on.
I don't read the comments that other people make and the few times that I have it has always been nice but keep mind these are usually the very creative and more skilled looks.

I guess I am going to have to pay more attention to what goes on there.

I thought about posting an FOTD over there but I really like posting them here.

I don't know if they have mods over there like we do. Also, chances are they are more "anything goes forum". Most of the ones on LJ are that way.

I am open to criticism but I rarely ask for or get it here.
Typically, I have found that here you need to ask for it in order to get it.
I know on some forums people feel that if you post your look are want criticism.
I don't always want it so I don't ask for it. I personally know what is wrong with my technique and try to fix it everytime I do my face.
When I view an FOTD I keep in mind that not everyone is at the same skill level. What I am looking at may not be "top line" but it might just be the best they can do right now. I know of several people that when I started viewing their FOTD's I was like that's good and now it's like WOW that's hot, I wish I was that good. People improve and I like to encourage improvement without pointing out all the flaws. Some people might stop posting FOTD's if they get too much criticism. They might even give up on improving their technique. Which really is a shame because you never know who could be the "next big thing".
Sorry for the ramble. I say just be happy you/we have a place like Specktra to come and visit!
Let LJ be a bunch bitches if they so choose and if people know that when post their FOTD'S over there that they might get some words of choice they didn't really want well they are posting the pics knowing what could happen.


I for one LOVE Specktra and I agree that is great that almost everyone here is very warm and friendly. If you ask for criticism they tend to be less harsh. You don't have to be blunt and rude to get your point across. You can be honest without being plain out rude! Being honest does mean you must use negative words!

Maybe when you see the rude post you could the person a "good comment". Try to find something about the look that is nice. If I personally do not like the technique sometimes I will comment on the colors.

I think Janice and Chelsea have done a great job with Specktra!

So, I say why go anywhere else when you can have best of everything right here!

BTW yes, I do

many posters here! They are great!

 

[user4]

I couldn't even figure out how to mess with LJ but it's ok because I'm perfectly happy here!!! And I hear a lot of people saying that they don't like these other sites because of the bickering and fighting and disrespect. I like it here because, although some pople say that most sugar coat things and whatnot, most people feel comfortable to come here and dont post crossing their fingers that people won't point out and laugh at the fact that we arent all make up artist material... just regular girls/guys trying to improve on something they love!

 

[Cruella]

The only thing that bothers me about LJ's MAC_Cosmetics is the endless posting of items for sale. I haven't noticed the drama - I think most people are honest without being cruel. I do think that you have to expect some bitchiness whenever you post your pic on an open board like that, however. It's the nature of the beast since it is anonymous.

 

[visivo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dreamergirl3 ...and if you think they suck, theres no point in being rude OR nice about it, just give constructive criticism. I could care less about someones shitty makeup application. I mean, come on! Some one worked hard on it, and is proud enough to show it for all to see, and people are still so rude. Though I have to say, it does annoy me how sometimes people think they're the shit and boast when theyre really not that great. That bugs me. Viva Specktra!

I would never post an innapropriate/rude comment on someones post, so don't get me wrong.

What I meant is what you bring up there in the last part. I absolutely respect people's effort and the desire to share their makeup but there are quite a few people on there that act exactly as you describe -- boastful and unable to take even constructive criticism.

Also, this was only to express my frustration about things that bug me in general about the community. I think it could be great with more varied posts (everyone sharing their stuff and being open to criticism etc) and a more organized community in general.

Hiii, I'm an idealist. Ha!

m

 

[visivo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zap2it Here is my take: I don't go there often but I can say I usually only visit the FOTD post. If I like the look I will post a nice comment otherwise I just move on. I don't read the comments that other people make and the few times that I have it has always been nice but keep mind these are usually the very creative and more skilled looks. I guess I am going to have to pay more attention to what goes on there. I thought about posting an FOTD over there but I really like posting them here. I don't know if they have mods over there like we do. Also, chances are they are more "anything goes forum". Most of the ones on LJ are that way. I am open to criticism but I rarely ask for or get it here. Typically, I have found that here you need to ask for it in order to get it. I know on some forums people feel that if you post your look are want criticism. I don't always want it so I don't ask for it. I personally know what is wrong with my technique and try to fix it everytime I do my face. When I view an FOTD I keep in mind that not everyone is at the same skill level. What I am looking at may not be "top line" but it might just be the best they can do right now. I know of several people that when I started viewing their FOTD's I was like that's good and now it's like WOW that's hot, I wish I was that good. People improve and I like to encourage improvement without pointing out all the flaws. Some people might stop posting FOTD's if they get too much criticism. They might even give up on improving their technique. Which really is a shame because you never know who could be the "next big thing". Sorry for the ramble. I say just be happy you/we have a place like Specktra to come and visit! Let LJ be a bunch bitches if they so choose and if people know that when post their FOTD'S over there that they might get some words of choice they didn't really want well they are posting the pics knowing what could happen. I for one LOVE Specktra and I agree that is great that almost everyone here is very warm and friendly. If you ask for criticism they tend to be less harsh. You don't have to be blunt and rude to get your point across. You can be honest without being plain out rude! Being honest does mean you must use negative words! Maybe when you see the rude post you could the person a "good comment". Try to find something about the look that is nice. If I personally do not like the technique sometimes I will comment on the colors. I think Janice and Chelsea have done a great job with Specktra! So, I say why go anywhere else when you can have best of everything right here! BTW yes, I do many posters here! They are great!

Haha it's not a ramble to me, just thorough. I don't know where to start...

I absolutely do not expect everyone to be an expert -- it's unrealistic. I know I am DEFINITELY not an expert whatsoever when it comes to makeup, and surely do not act as though I am. It feels like the posts that bother me are people that think/act like they are amazing (superiority complex, hello) and just will NOT take any crit. (if you are posting pics, you need to be open to SOME criticism). Putting it simply, everyone has the right to wear and post whatever they want (to each her own) and, accordingly, people may post responses negative or positive. I feel that both sides abuse these privileges! This is part of the reason theres so much bickering there, IMO. It's exactly as you said -- giving honest crit. does not require harsh words or an attitude.

I AM super-grateful to have places like specktra, even the LJ comm... the idea of them alone is fantastic.

 

[visivo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruella The only thing that bothers me about LJ's MAC_Cosmetics is the endless posting of items for sale.

yes, absolutely. it's pretty common and I am myself guilty of posting a couple there, but it really should be reserved for saleswap.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruella It's the nature of the beast since it is anonymous.

Agreed, again

I shouldn't complain but seriously -- people making entire posts in response (read: bitchy rebuttal) to some drama that happened in a previous entry is irritating and decidedly un-makeup-related

Thanks for sharin your thoughts.

 

[visivo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ambi Well, some of the FOTDs posted on mac_cos are pretty BORING. I don't really care what's on your face, as long as it's either pretty, unique, or just simply very "you", that's the kind of stuff I love looking at. Feels like some people post a FOTD every day which would be okay if you looked amazing every day but when it's the same old "boring colors-bad blending-sucky application-nothing special":*YAWN*

I'd MUCH rather see a well-done neutral look than most of the super-bright looks done on there… something that complements your features, even if it's subtle.

I know that a lot of MAC's appeal to new customers is the wide arrange of colors, and BRIGHT colors at that. It takes a lot of practice to do clean and well done dramatic and bright looks, and some people grab a couple colors, try it on and post ... often (i mean repeated, cereal posts like it). A lot of these posters just do not have it down/dont take crit/don't seem to improve. So you're right, it can be the same thing every day which is frustrating.

It would be so much easier if people took that crit seriously and thought about what actually works for them.

On one hand, at least people are contributing at all. But if you're not taking honest criticism, and you're posting the same stuff, what's the point?

 

[Dreamergirl3]

Visivo, i wasn't trying to call you out haha, I meant "you" as in the LJ girls, sorry for the mix up! I totally agree with your views

 

[moonrevel]

I go back and forth about mac_cosmetics on lj. On the one hand, I have learned a lot and picked up a lot of good things from there, and a lot of the people are really quite sweet and talented, but on the other hand I feel bad when someone posts a look and asks for help, and no one even bothers looking at it because they're new or not well-known on the forum. I've said it before and I'll say it again: on here I find it to be far less clique-ish, and if someone asks for help, they usually get it, and in a nice way. I just can't stand things on lj like when someone asks for help, and the response they get about their pictures will be "Your eyebrows scare me" or somesuch. I know that stuff is considered acceptable on a ratings or stamped community, but I don't really find that helps anyone. Not that I think everyone should always be like, "Ohhhh so beautiful you r0x0r at makeup OMG!" no matter what, but if someone needs to have a better relationship with their Tweezerman, just tell them without being an ass!

 

[pink__grapefruit]

I agree with moonrevel.

I, myself, have learned ALOT from the community. I have seen myself improve alot since i've joined. But like she said, if you do not post amazing FOTD or if it is text only you get no response.

Also, they're are sooo many sales post and links to macsaleswap, if they wanted to buy makeup, they probably already looked there, so why even post it in the community? grr, that gets me mad

 

[litlaur]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zap2it Here is my take: I don't go there often but I can say I usually only visit the FOTD post. If I like the look I will post a nice comment otherwise I just move on. I don't read the comments that other people make and the few times that I have it has always been nice but keep mind these are usually the very creative and more skilled looks. I guess I am going to have to pay more attention to what goes on there. I thought about posting an FOTD over there but I really like posting them here. I don't know if they have mods over there like we do. Also, chances are they are more "anything goes forum". Most of the ones on LJ are that way.

Agreed. I used to read other posts, but without an active mod, it gets crazy. I got really tired of the completely unrelated posts. If I wanted excessive details about someone's personal life, I'd add them. I still check out FOTDs, but that's it.