Tutorial Reviews?

[PolychromeBeads]

Is there anyplace where we review or can read reviews on tutorials? I see some I have considered purchasing, but I'm starting to wish for some user feedback on these things. I feel as if we are relying too much on the descriptions of the person selling them, and naturally they will make it sound wonderful. Might be good to know if a tutorial was hard to follow, confusing, or in some way didn't live up to expectations.


Aimee
30997

[Kevan]

You can check their feedback on Etsy if they sell them there.

[maroli]

That it is a good question, I will like to read good reviews on tutorials like we can find for books, something more then simply feedback. May be some magazine can have a little space for that.

I don't know if we can find a article on what are the criteria to recognize a good tutorial ?

[Hayley]

Unfortunately with a small community like ours where we all "know" each other, most will never write a review that's not positive.

[ROC]

Also, check in the Gallery for threads showing results of things made from tutorials. The more posts, the more people purchased and benefited from the tutorial.

[PolychromeBeads]

That's a very good point Hayley. And Rachel - that's a good idea to check for Gallery threads!


Aimee
30997

[Poet?]

Also, check in the Gallery for threads showing results of things made from tutorials. The more posts, the more people purchased and benefited from the tutorial.


May or may not be true. Many people buy (and love) tutorials but never post about them. This seems to hold true for the more expensive, intermediate to advanced tutorials.

I don't think a thread that reviews the tutorials is a particularly good idea on this forum. There is so much competition and people that don't like each other here. I would worry that some people would have their feelings hurt (whether on purpose or not, doesn't matter). Yes, beadmakers DO eat their own on the forums.

If there is a tutorial you are interested in why not ask about it and see if people who bought it respond? If you request private responses maybe people will feel safer responding truthfully.

[AKDesigns]

Also, check in the Gallery for threads showing results of things made from tutorials. The more posts, the more people purchased and benefited from the tutorial.

That's a very good point Hayley. And Rachel - that's a good idea to check for Gallery threads!


Aimee
30997

I think that's a great idea too. :p

[theglasszone]

I'd love anyone who has purchased my Skull Murrini Tutorial to post a review of it...good or bad! I just wanna know what they think of it and how I can modify or improve on it - or if it was helpful to them in creating not only Skull Murrini but (as I try and describe in the Tutorial) any complex image murrini as was my aim.

Bring it... :lol:

De

[Pat]

Aimee, that is a good idea. Especially when they are $25 each vs something cheaper.

[kandice]

I would welcome any kind of review - good or bad. It would give me a chance to improve. I do have some nice comments on Etsy, even though I don't sell there anymore.

[playswithfire104]

Unfortunately with a small community like ours where we all "know" each other, most will never write a review that's not positive.



I agree. There are a couple I got that I was less than thrilled with. But would never post about for fear of being flamed. (and don't PM me, I'm not saying a word) None of them have been awful but a couple were not outstanding.

[KJJames]

I would love it, too! A good review can go a long way towards helping the author improve and write better tutorials!

Kimberly - Based on the tut you did re: your Seahorse bead for the Flow Magazine, your a natural!

Amy Trescott's Rainbow Bead tut was also a wonderful tutorial. Each step included a very clear picture and a lot of detailed instruction. I was able to make that bead really well on the second attempt. I also learned alot of other tips that she included that I have used in other ways.

Mary Lockwood's first tut was written in the same manner...the Jellyfish tut. I would be willing to bet the rest are just as good because that one was jam packed with info and was one of those tuts that I walked away feeling like I got more than my money's worth.

[sarlit53]

I have bought lots of tuts and I can honestly say that there hasn't been one that hasn't shown me at least one thing that was new or a different way of presenting an old idea. One thing I look for in deciding whether to buy a tut or not is knowing the make of glass used in the tut. The makes and shades of glass available in the UK are somewhat limited.

[Jeri]

I have written some magazine articles and a while ago, a book. They are more subject to review than tutorials, since the reviewers can be more anonymous out in the big internet world. It is only natural that critical reviews sting a little, but they seem to fall into three categories, two of which are very helpful going forward, and don't really have to hurt anyone's feelings. (The first kind is just malicious, someone with an axe to grind, you just have to ignore that.) The important two kinds are those where the reader/beadmaker is struggling with something, and you, as author, have the ability to reach out and lend a hand to help them through it - awesome, OR the reader points out something that just isn't crystal clear, they help you see it from another point of view, and thus improve your work the next time - invaluable.

I wish we could have a review function here or at the ISGB forum. One thing that might work is that they would all be anonymous but they would be subject to review by a moderator who is neutral - maybe someone who doesn't write tutorials or maybe doesn't sell their beads so their not in competition with anyone. Just my two cents.....Jeri

[Shrimp]

I recently purchased some tutorials where the authors offered BOGO or 50% off. I must say that I was very impressed with Anne's Batik and Tribal techniques. These are wonderful tutorials for beginners and intermediate alike.

I haven't had the time to look at the Jellyfish tutorial by Mary Lockwood yet, but it looks like a winner.

Fantasy Butterfly by Carla Beyerlein is nicely written. I haven't done anything with it because I'm lacking in the tool department yet.

Seascapes and Island Waves is a nice tutorial for beginner and intermediate.

Laurie's Pansy tut is another nice beginner tutorial. Still haven't used it yet.

I have Amy's Storm tut. Haven't tried it yet, but it looks promising.

Kerri Fuhr's Raven Tut is nicely written. Looks like alot of PPP involved!

[Carols Glass]

I have bought a LOT of tutorials and I love each and every one of them!

[killerbeedz1]

I have purchased a lot of tutorials too. I have not been dissappointed in any of them and I have practiced and used most of them so far.

Patsy

[Frit Diva]

I would love to hear reviews and or constructive criticism of my button mandrel tut! Reader comments can be invaluable as Jeri commented above, and I'm always looking for ways to improve my presentation.

Jo

[Beadbug]

I have only been disappointed by two I have purchased. This is not bad since I have purchased far to many for my brain to process.

Kandice writes beautiful tutorials that I would have purchased just for the photos.

Amy's storm tut is beautiful and easy to follow with wonderful little tips spread though out.

I have not purchased Kimberly's tut but my friends rave about it.

Every tutorial I have purchased I have learned something from even the ones I didn't like sometimes it's more like they don't like me LOL (this is user error not writer error). The only reason for me not liking a tut is if the supplies or glass are not available anymore.

[bshelle]

I have waited a while before buying tutorials and then checked on what photos others post and their comments- I find this a good 'review' process for me. As a result, I have only had extremely positive experiences with the tutorials I have purchased.

[WildBird]

Because I wish I had someplace to read reviews before purchase...
Remember, I have only been working with glass for about 6 years and currently for the last year, really enjoy just making buttons, these tutorials are from late 2008 to spring of 2010. I probably have more but they were on my laptop that died one day and I have not been able to access them since.

Laurie Donette – I love all of Lauries tutorials.

Candice King-Palgut Christmas ornament tutorial
This was the tutorial of Kings. It was huge and covered sooo much. I have tried time and time again but this tut is for those who have mastered the glass tube. I… unfortunately have not. )-: For this kind of glass work, I really need some one-on-one time with an instructor.

Amy Trescott’s Rainbow Petal tutorial
Excellent tutorial with clear illustrations and instructions for applying colors. Wish there would have been some more color combinations to try included.
And I successfully created this bead the first time I tried, although it was a little wonky.

Mary Lockwood Sculptural Birds tutorial
Excellent tutorial with clear instructions and I was able to really make these birds! This is one of my favorites.

Kimberly Affleck – Encased Florals
This is a very good tutorial for those who are trying to learn how to encase florals.

Cynthia Tilker – Keeper of the Thicket
Excellent illustrations of close-up views and steps. I haven’t tried to make a face yet, but when I do, this tutorial will be the one I choose to practice with.

Kerri Fuhr
Tapestry Scrollwork tutorial
Excellent tutorial with excellent illustrations of exact movements and application of stringer. I just think I must drink too much coffee and have not been able to reproduce anything close.
Dragonfly tutorial – Same good quality tutorial, and I might not have been able to make the dragonfly exactly like Kerri’s but I did use the techniques with other winged designs and really enjoyed it.

Marilyn Peraza Making a Rose Murrini tutorial
It’s tough to say if it was just me or the tutorial, but I really struggled with this one. The illustrations did not show too many closeup views as well as the rest of the process. My first try produced a huge amount of glass and very few petals. My next try was a little better but nothing close to the pictures.

Amy Kinsch - Taking Reduction Glass by Storm
I didn’t have a lot of success with this technique. There could have been several reasons for this. But in my opinion only, I think with so many different types of silvered glass and inconsistency in production batches, amoung other things, this would have to be one of the hardest tutorials to try and create. I think my problem is that when one uses an oxygen generator with silver glasses, you just never know what you’re going to get, kinda like a ”‘box of chocolates”.
Anouk Jasperse - Making Silver Glass Sing.
There just wasn’t enough information in this tutorial and the illustrations were hard to see clearly what was happening and more illustrations were needed.

Jo Rebeka - Button Maker Mandrel System
I don’t have anything bad to say about this tut, I just didn’t have the time to try the tutorial so I didn’t even try the technique.

[Carols Glass]

I would love to hear reviews and or constructive criticism of my button mandrel tut! Reader comments can be invaluable as Jeri commented above, and I'm always looking for ways to improve my presentation.

Jo

I was very impressed with the button mandrel tut and since the making of the mandrel holders was so inexpensive they were made right away and I used them right away. The directions were perfect and I printed them out and I made all of them except for the ones I didn't think I would ever use (only a few sizes I didn't make).

At the time the tutorial came out I was in need of mandrels that had a wider gap between the two mandrels and that is why I just had to have it. I really wanted to post pictures of the cute things I made with them but the pics were lousy. I have since given one of the beads to my grandson and the one left wasn't the best one so I'd rather wait till I make more and take pics and post them.

I LOVE this tutorial, it was the exact one I needed to make one of my ideas a reality.

[Frit Diva]

Thanks, Carol, I'm so glad you found the button tutorial useful!

Jo

[Carols Glass]

You're welcome, Jo, now that I am thinking about it, I want to make some more beads SOON using these mandrels so I can show you what I'm talking about :-).

PS...They were very easy to hold to make the beads, not bulky or awkward whatsoever.

[yellowbird]

critique
critiqued

[gemsinbloom]

What the hell?

Harsh, and you even revealed a secret in a tutorial for all the world to read and hurt her future sales

:(


Because I wish I had someplace to read reviews before purchase...
Remember, I have only been working with glass for about 6 years and currently for the last year, really enjoy just making buttons, these tutorials are from late 2008 to spring of 2010. I probably have more but they were on my laptop that died one day and I have not been able to access them since.

Laurie Donette – I love all of Lauries tutorials.

Candice King-Palgut Christmas ornament tutorial
This was the tutorial of Kings. It was huge and covered sooo much. I have tried time and time again but this tut is for those who have mastered the glass tube. I… unfortunately have not. )-: For this kind of glass work, I really need some one-on-one time with an instructor.

Amy Trescott’s Rainbow Petal tutorial
Excellent tutorial with clear illustrations and instructions for applying colors. Wish there would have been some more color combinations to try included.
And I successfully created this bead the first time I tried, although it was a little wonky.

Mary Lockwood Sculptural Birds tutorial
Excellent tutorial with clear instructions and I was able to really make these birds! This is one of my favorites.

Kimberly Affleck – Encased Florals
Very much a beginners tutorial. Too much information/pictures for someone who is beyond beginning.

Cynthia Tilker – Keeper of the Thicket
Excellent illustrations of close-up views and steps. I haven’t tried to make a face yet, but when I do, this tutorial will be the one I choose to practice with.

Kerri Fuhr
Tapestry Scrollwork tutorial
Excellent tutorial with excellent illustrations of exact movements and application of stringer. I just think I must drink too much coffee and have not been able to reproduce anything close.
Dragonfly tutorial – Same good quality tutorial, and I might not have been able to make the dragonfly exactly like Kerri’s but I did use the techniques with other winged designs and really enjoyed it.

Marilyn Peraza Making a Rose Murrini tutorial
It’s tough to say if it was just me or the tutorial, but I really struggled with this one. The illustrations did not show too many closeup views as well as the rest of the process. My first try produced a huge amount of glass and very few petals. My next try was a little better but nothing close to the pictures.

Amy Kinsch - Taking Reduction Glass by Storm
I didn’t have a lot of success with this technique. There could have been several reasons for this. But in my opinion only, I think with so many different types of silvered glass and inconsistency in production batches, amoung other things, this would have to be one of the hardest tutorials to try and create. I think my problem is that when one uses an oxygen generator with silver glasses, you just never know what you’re going to get, kinda like a ”‘box of chocolates”.
Anouk Jasperse - Making Silver Glass Sing.
There just wasn’t enough information in this tutorial and the illustrations were hard to see clearly what was happening and more illustrations were needed.

[gemsinbloom]

Just for the record, your tutorial is very well written and made it easy for the beginner and intermediate alike to achieve successful results.


Hmmmmmmm. Not sure how to respond to this. I just wanted to be sure no one felt I didn't include enough information or that there weren't enough photographs.

The tutorial was not intended for beginning lampworkers - rather it was aimed at intermediate lampworkers. I guess I included too much information. I am very sorry you were disappointed.

A good critique sometimes offers suggestions on how to improve. Do have any suggestions other than to offer less information and fewer photos? I really do want people to be pleased with their purchase.

[gemsinbloom]

No improvements needed in my eyes.

[Carols Glass]

I don't believe that reviews should reflect one's inabilities to accomplish what has been demonstrated in the tutorials provided.

Maybe some guidelines on what to include and what to omit in constructive critiques would be in order here?

I think the tutorials are challenging but I know that it takes me more than one attempt or sometimes even two tries to make something remotely similar to the creations that have probably taken the artists who share their knowledge and techniques a long time to perfect themselves.

[alb6094]

I don't believe that reviews should reflect one's inabilities to accomplish what has been demonstrated in the tutorials provided.

Maybe some guidelines on what to include and what to omit in constructive critiques would be in order here?

I think the tutorials are challenging but I know that it takes me more than one attempt or sometimes even two tries to make something remotely similar to the creations that have probably taken the artists who share their knowledge and techniques a long time to perfect themselves.



This.

In my experience I have yet to purchase a tut I thought was poorly planned or rushed. It looks to me like the people who take the time to make these tutorials for us expend every effort to make them understandable and every single person I've purchased from has stated in their emails included with the tut download something to the effect of "If you have any problems or questions don't hesitate to email me!"

IMHO, if a person has a problem with the tutorial and they don't email the author how can the author help? If I had a question I would certainly ask. My only issues are finding all the time I want to explore the techniques offered and master them sufficiently to take them into my own work and utilize them.

I can understand what it is to be hesitant with $25.00 or so that you've saved to purchase a tutorial. In all honesty I find reviews useless. I mean, have you ever read the book reviews on Amazon? Most books have a gamut of input from "I love this" to "this absolutely stinks".

I say look at the beads you love. Find the techniques that call to you. Buy that author's tutorial. That is what I've done and it has served me well, I have no regrets. In fact I am extremely grateful to have the option to buy what I consider mini-classes in glass and other techniques because my schedule just doesn't allow the time for standard lampworking classes.

[Reenie]

I have 5 books full of different tutorials. I was buying everyone that came out until the price started to jump. (no offense to anyone as I know it's time consuming) but when you're on a budget, you sometime have to say no.

I do have to say that one of the tutorials that was mentioned in "not getting great results" for me was easy to get results. That would by Amy's Storm tutorial. I got the "storm effect" the very first try and using many of the colors that were mentioned. I do have a favorite "storming color" and that seems to be consistent each time.

I also have Annie's tutorials...tie dye, and others I can't remember the names, Mary Lockwood's, Loco's, Kerri Fuhr, someone who made demented fish ;-), Sarah Hornik and OMG too many to list and have had much success with all of them. I'm struggling with the Dragon tutorial and a few of the boro tutorials though. But I keep trying :-)

[gallerygal]

It's a double-edged sword. As members of a community, we want to support fellow members (tutorial writers) but we'd also like to let fellow members (tutorial buyers) know if a tutorial wasn't really up to scratch. I can't see a way that anyone can win.

I've bought at least 49 tutorials, out of these 3 were disappointing. 2 due to very poor photography - one so dark it was pointless including the photos and the other so blurry that the details were lost (and details were a fairly necessary part of the process). I communicated this to the authors and nothing happened.

Another was due to lack of clear instruction and when questioned, the answer was about as clear as the instruction. I gave up on that one.

When reading the words of praise and adulation in the 'tutorials to purchase section' (and in other threads) from buyers of those 3 tutorials, I'm definitely not comfortable with the idea of sticking my head up and basically saying 'Excuse me, I found there was a little issue with.....'. No thanks. I did draw attention to the dark photographs in that one tut, politely and tactfully I hope; but I was really, really uncomfortable doing it.

So yes, I'd love to see reviews; but no, I'm not going to be the one flamed for reviewing. A no-win situation as far as I can see.

Marianne.

[yellowbird]

exactly
who wants to walk into the fire first?

I probably will not be buying any more tutorials.
they are too expensive even with a discount.
not enough information to justify the cost plus printing ...JMO

I may not agree with everything that was said but defend her (his) right to say it.

I definitely think that Amy's tutorial was easy to follow and you can witness the results in the thread dedicated to storming.
so take it from there and consider the source.

[Carols Glass]

People do have a right to say it but it might not be the right thing to say.

I also had no trouble with the "Storming" technique, that is one of my favorite tutorials ever and I highly recommend it.

[AKDesigns]

Amy Kinsch - Taking Reduction Glass by Storm
I didn’t have a lot of success with this technique. There could have been several reasons for this. But in my opinion only, I think with so many different types of silvered glass and inconsistency in production batches, amoung other things, this would have to be one of the hardest tutorials to try and create. I think my problem is that when one uses an oxygen generator with silver glasses, you just never know what you’re going to get, kinda like a ”‘box of chocolates”.


Please send me a PM or an email and I'll be more than happy to do some troubleshooting with you. I've definitely done my technique with bottled oxygen just fine and I think I've stormed every batch of OR ever made with good results. One "technical support call" to me and I may just be able to get you storming. :)

[AKDesigns]

Thanks for all the nice comments everyone. Remember, if you're having any problems just send me a PM or an email. I consider some technical support as part of the tutorial price.

[KJJames]

I think there is a line of separation between a tutorial being of good quality and whether or not the purchaser is inclined to the content provided in the tutorial.

As an example: I own almost all of Laurie Donnette's Tutorials. I love them all. I have been successful at all of them....except the darn Pansy! It has nothing at all to do with the tutorial or the content. Nothing. It is all me. I am just not getting my poor little pansy's to work. But as I said, all the other sculptural flowers I have made using her tut's have come to me quickly.

I liken it to going to a hair dresser with a photo of a hairstyle and asking for the same haircut. You may get the same haircut, but it is not going to look the same on you as it does on the person in the picture so it may be a bit disappointing. Doesn't mean you did not get a good cut, just means it wasn't for you.

Same with tut's. Just because you aren't getting the results, doesn't mean they were not written well. Not everyone is good at everything.

[alb6094]

I think there is a line of separation between a tutorial being of good quality and whether or not the purchaser is inclined to the content provided in the tutorial.

As an example: I own almost all of Laurie Donnette's Tutorials. I love them all. I have been successful at all of them....except the darn Pansy! It has nothing at all to do with the tutorial or the content. Nothing. It is all me. I am just not getting my poor little pansy's to work. But as I said, all the other sculptural flowers I have made using her tut's have come to me quickly.

I liken it to going to a hair dresser with a photo of a hairstyle and asking for the same haircut. You may get the same haircut, but it is not going to look the same on you as it does on the person in the picture so it may be a bit disappointing. Doesn't mean you did not get a good cut, just means it wasn't for you.

Same with tut's. Just because you aren't getting the results, doesn't mean they were not written well. Not everyone is good at everything.


Excellent point!

[*Naos*]

Personally, I buy tuts not to make the bead or do the exact same thing the author is doing (except the Storm beads!!)... I buy it for that little nugget of wisdom I find in each one that improves my overall beadmaking skills, no matter the style of bead.

[gemsinbloom]

This is exactly why I purchase tutorials as well.


Personally, I buy tuts not to make the bead or do the exact same thing the author is doing (except the Storm beads!!)... I buy it for that little nugget of wisdom I find in each one that improves my overall beadmaking skills, no matter the style of bead.

[Pia Kaven]

I jsut purchased the storming tutorial, and I am excited to try it. It looks good, I love how it is made. It is totally different story if I will get good results out of it. But that probably wouldnt have anything to do with the tutorial... I am just silver glass challenged!
Pia

[kk5336]

I don't believe that reviews should reflect one's inabilities to accomplish what has been demonstrated in the tutorials provided.

Maybe some guidelines on what to include and what to omit in constructive critiques would be in order here?

I think the tutorials are challenging but I know that it takes me more than one attempt or sometimes even two tries to make something remotely similar to the creations that have probably taken the artists who share their knowledge and techniques a long time to perfect themselves.

I so totally agree with this, especially the first paragraph. When I purchase a tutorial, I don't expect to make beads exactly like the author, sometimes it happens and sometimes I develop my own "creative twist" (which I feel make a tutorial a winner!). I think there is something to learn in every tutorial, something you didn't know or should be approached in a different way.

If I had to make a critique of any tutorial, my comment would be "close-up" pictures of what you are doing at the torch and using a lens, much like your didy's, so I can see what your doing in the torch. That would be my suggestion to anyone who is considering doing a tut. I think most people are visual learners and I need to get my nose right up in there. I think, as is the case with all tutorials, there is a learning curve.

I have Amys tutorial and consider it one of the best. I was able to storm pronto! Some glasses storm easier than others, sometimes you can be more impatient and hurry the process, etc. There is nothing I would complain about this tut.

The other tut mentioned was Anouk's making silver glass sing...if it wasn't for this tut, I would never have learned or understood how to use my silver glass. This has saved me so much money and all I can say is thank you, thank you.

My philosophy is that people who write tutorials didn't get to that point by one time picking up a rod of glass, putting it in the flame and Voila! It took them years to perfect that technique and I never get frustrated if I don't get it the first time....everything about glass is PPP....at the end of my torching session I always try to practice something.

So, in conclusion, the only problem with tutorials is in pictures. Directions are the hardest thing to write (I write beading patterns), what you take for granted, someone else doesn't, but pictures say it all.

Good luck to all who write them....I love everyone of them that I have purchased!!!

Kathie
www.flickr.com/godesigns

[AKDesigns]

I jsut purchased the storming tutorial, and I am excited to try it. It looks good, I love how it is made. It is totally different story if I will get good results out of it. But that probably wouldnt have anything to do with the tutorial... I am just silver glass challenged!
Pia

Pia, thanks for your purchase! I'm confident that you'll do fine and have fun with it but again...any questions please don't hesitate to ask me. :)

[AKDesigns]

I have Amys tutorial and consider it one of the best. I was able to storm pronto! Some glasses storm easier than others, sometimes you can be more impatient and hurry the process, etc. There is nothing I would complain about this tut.


Thank you Kathie! :)

[Moth]

I probably will not be buying any more tutorials.
they are too expensive even with a discount.
not enough information to justify the cost plus printing ...JMO



Hmmmm. I sold all my tutorials almost all summer at half price...none of them exceeded $7.50. So you're saying that my secrets/tips/advice/knowledge shared aren't worth $7.50, 18 sheets of paper and some ink.

That kinda stings. I would think one bead sold from any of the techniques I've written about would pay for the tutorial. aka...worth it.

But I have to say, I hear people complain all the time about how much ink costs. I don't get that. I buy a $30 ink refill kit on eBay and it lasts me for a year. I printed at least 2 reams of paper full of stuff for VBS. I'm the secretary for the PTO, which means I print out a lot of flyers and colorful crap. The open house alone was 200 copies of the volunteers-needed flyer. Full color, front and back.

Where are these people buying their ink; Ft. Knox?

And Kimberly...if you hadn't included all the beginner information then the tutorial would have been limited to intermediate lampworkers only. You wanted to include information for as many people as possible and make it user friendly. I've never in my life heard anyone complain about getting too much information or too many images.

I can see where these 'reviews' can go south real fast.


It's not fun to wake up one morning and get emails letting me know that a prominent lampworker has smeared one of my tutorials in the newsletter she sends out to hundreds and hundreds of my potential customers- fellow lampworkers. Would be much worse to have found that posted publicly where everybody reads it...not just her email contact list. Wouldn't have mattered if it was accurate or not...it would be out there. Kinda like the U debacle...didn't matter that the stuff she wrote wasn't accurate people still didn't want it out there.

Constructive criticism and opinions should be sent directly to tutorial authors. Although I do recognize the value of knowing someone's pictures are blurry or the text is vague, those are facts, not opinions.

[Pat]

I'm so sorry to hear that happened to you, Mary. Your tuts are very well written, great pics, and loaded with information. One thing I have to admit. Sometimes we are so anxious to get started we don't read every line. I have been making jellyfish beads since that tutorial came out. I never saw the line "encase the jelly tentacles". Even had discussions with you about them blending into the background. So there you are all that because I didn't read a few important words. I made new ones yesterday. :oops:

[Kybeadmaker]

encase the jelly tenacles........I know you didn't mean to do this, but isn't this a perfect example of telling a secret of the author? By publically reviewing a tut we could easily let info slip that the author worked hard to discover. Just sayin'

[VitreousTyro]

I've been making buttons w/ Jo's button mandrel tutorial an love it! Very
clever, easy to use. I think I may be adding buttons to my list of sub-obsessions
(along w/ latticino, hollow beads and blown vessels!)

Re:reviewing tutorials... tread lightly. The fact of the matter is you can't
please everyone! Too many pictures?! I can't fathom that. The more the
better in my always humble opinion!

Happy glass to all :koolaid:

- Jill

[Laura B]

Unfortunately with a small community like ours where we all "know" each other, most will never write a review that's not positive.

Word.

[Laura B]

I would welcome any kind of review - good or bad. It would give me a chance to improve. I do have some nice comments on Etsy, even though I don't sell there anymore.

Why'd you stop selling on Etsy?

[Laura B]

After a bad experience with a tutorial, I came up with these criteria for future purchases:

Only buy tutorials that:

A) List the materials/tools needed

B) I can tell are techniques that offer something new or unique rather than things readily available in books and online

C) Offer a refund. If the seller is confident enough in their work they shouldn’t hesitate to offer a refund for non-satisfaction.

[yellowbird]

Mary
Sorry I didn't mean you honestly I feel terrible . yikes
I have ever tutorial you wrote and they certainly were worth every penny.
I love them. and they were a great value.
again I'm sorry.
I don't think I can say that enough.
sorry

[Reenie]

After a bad experience with a tutorial, I came up with these criteria for future purchases:

Only buy tutorials that:

A) List the materials/tools needed

B) I can tell are techniques that offer something new or unique rather than things readily available in books and online

C) Offer a refund. If the seller is confident enough in their work they shouldn’t hesitate to offer a refund for non-satisfaction.

You can't offer a refund on something like this. Once the product is downloaded, the person has it. If they don't like it, ask for a refund, then what happens to the copy they have? Do you use the honor system and ask them to shred it? Or send them the copy? There's still the downloaded copy in the computer.
I think this is the hardest part about the e books.

PS....Mary..your tutorials wasn't one one thing. You had tutorials that covered 10 tutorials in one bead. I think I have all of them and they are huge books!!
Also, in regards to printing.....it gets expensive for us that do not use our own printers. My printer ink for black is $24. and a bit more for color. I'd go through alot of ink if I printed it and being that it's not a laser printer, it would smear and stuff so I use lulu. They used to be really cheap but they've increased their price as well.
So If I bought 5 tutorials, uploaded them to Lulu for printing it would run anywhere from $30-$55 to print with a protected cover. So you add that and the cost of the tutorials and it's quite pricey.
That's why I would rather spend $15 on a book already printed but this is a discussion mentioned before about publishing a book and all that it involves.
I will still buy a tutorial but if it's running plus $20 then I have to really need it. Again no offense to anyone but if I can learn how to make a certain type of bead that eludes me, I'll buy it. If it's that much money to tell me how to make this color do this or that...to me that's a one time knowledge and then I won't use the book again if that makes sense. I love going back through my books and trying stuff again because I forget how but once I know how to work a glass color, then I'm usually good!

[zen-mom]

...

[Laura B]

You can't offer a refund on something like this. Once the product is downloaded, the person has it. If they don't like it, ask for a refund, then what happens to the copy they have? Do you use the honor system and ask them to shred it? Or send them the copy? There's still the downloaded copy in the computer.
I think this is the hardest part about the e books.


I do offer refunds on my tutorials. Buying a tutorial is almost like buying blind. You are not in the bookstore able to see what is really in the book. I offer refunds because I want satisfied customers. If someone is dishonorable, that's on them.

I have been extremely fortunate with my customer base.

I don't expect people to be dishonest and I think the majority of people are quite honest.

[Laura B]

A refund? I have to agree with Reenie on this one. How many people would read the tutorial and because it didn't work for them the very first time, turn around and ask for a refund?

I've bought at least 2 tutorials that I later regretted having bought, but I would never ask for a refund. I've read the tutorial and it's now in my head. Because I can remember it, the knowledge is there whether I try the technique or not.

I see your point. That makes perfect sense.

I had a bad experience with a tutorial once, but it had nothing to do with me not being able to do what was in the tutorial; it was because the tools needed to proceed with the tutorial were not listed and ended up being quite pricey... AND what was being demonstrated in the tutorial was nothing new. It was techniques you can find online a thousand times over.

I think that made me change how I feel about tutorials and refunds. :-)

[Oenone]

I think the concept of reviews for tutorials is a good one in theory, but the problem with this, as with all reviews, is that the various consumers of tutorials seem to have different expectations of them. I've also seen in this thread that people providing 'reviews' don't always aim to be constructive or to explain the perspective from which they approached the tutorial in question.

I have almost perfect satisfaction with all of the tutorials I've bought. In some cases, it's not the tutorial itself but the things my brain does after reading it that has made it more than worth the money to have purchased it. I own a LOT of tutorials, and I think that it's a rare, cynical, close-minded individual that can't pick up $20 worth of information and/or entertainment from any of the tutorials that I've bought, and I think I have all of the tutorials that had stones cast at them so far in this thread in my vast collection.

In only one rare occasion out of the dozens of tutorial purchases I've made was I sad after buying a tutorial, but that was because I realized after buying it that I was already familiar with the technique discussed and the colours involved from a class I took with someone else and experimentation I'd done on my own. I wouldn't ask for a refund for this because I really should have known that was the case from the information that was provided with the tutorial sale.

[gemsinbloom]

Which tutorials do you have? ( the tutorial addict is asking) hehe

Heaven forbid that I have missed one.


I do offer refunds on my tutorials. Buying a tutorial is almost like buying blind. You are not in the bookstore able to see what is really in the book. I offer refunds because I want satisfied customers. If someone is dishonorable, that's on them.

I have been extremely fortunate with my customer base.

I don't expect people to be dishonest and I think the majority of people are quite honest.

[Laura B]

...
In only one rare occasion out of the dozens of tutorial purchases I've made was I sad after buying a tutorial, but that was because I realized after buying it that I was already familiar with the technique discussed and the colours involved from a class I took with someone else and experimentation I'd done on my own. I wouldn't ask for a refund for this because I really should have known that was the case from the information that was provided with the tutorial sale.

Great point! And yes, particularly if the information provided at the POS was specific and detailed.

But, I learned a lot about what to look for when buying tutorials from that one bad experience.

Like just now... I was looking at a tutorial on Etsy. It's for a DIY necklace display. I had to email the seller and ask:
1) Is sewing involved
2) What would be the average cost of materials to make one

These are important questions to me as a customer, but may not have occured to the seller since she's so familiar with her product.

I think helpful feedback can improve a lot of tutorials and tutorial descriptions. Having someone see your tutorial NOT from your (the seller's) eyes.

[Laura B]

Which tutorials do you have? ( the tutorial addict is asking) hehe

Heaven forbid that I have missed one.

Oh, nothing for lampwork. :-)

I have one for making Mandala designs in Photoshop (http://www.brackendesigns.com/servlet/Detail?no=630)

And I have one for pricing your jewelry (http://www.brackendesigns.com/servlet/Detail?no=612).

[Moth]

encase the jelly tenacles........I know you didn't mean to do this, but isn't this a perfect example of telling a secret of the author? By publically reviewing a tut we could easily let info slip that the author worked hard to discover. Just sayin'

Thank you, Harriet, but just for the record in this case I have posted how to make the tentacle cane for free somewhere on this site before so no secret was divulged.

However, you make a valid point. It would be easy to 'say too much'. I was never all that concerned about it, but lots of tutorial writers are and it could cause problems.


Yellowbird, thanks for saying that. Maybe I'm feeling a bit too sensitive today. I do appreciate your apology and gratefully accept it. :kiss:

As far as refunds go- I don't come right out and say I offer them, but I do say I guarantee satisfaction so I hope that is enough for people to give me a chance.

I do have a supplies list and an equipment list and several sample pages for each tutorial. Even though you can't thumb through the whole thing down at Borders...you do kinda know what you're getting before you shell out the cash.

I agree that those things are important and tutorials shouldn't be marketed without them.

~~Mary

[Laura B]

Thank you, Harriet, but just for the record in this case I have posted how to make the tentacle cane for free somewhere on this site before so no secret was divulged.

However, you make a valid point. It would be easy to 'say too much'. I was never all that concerned about it, but lots of tutorial writers are and it could cause problems.


Yellowbird, thanks for saying that. Maybe I'm feeling a bit too sensitive today. I do appreciate your apology and gratefully accept it. :kiss:

As far as refunds go- I don't come right out and say I offer them, but I do say I guarantee satisfaction so I hope that is enough for people to give me a chance.

I do have a supplies list and an equipment list and several sample pages for each tutorial. Even though you can't thumb through the whole thing down at Borders...you do kinda know what you're getting before you shell out the cash.

I agree that those things are important and tutorials shouldn't be marketed without them.

~~Mary

Sounds like you have a very professional tutorial and attitude. I like your style.

[Gelly]

It's not fun to wake up one morning and get emails letting me know that a prominent lampworker has smeared one of my tutorials in the newsletter she sends out to hundreds and hundreds of my potential customers- fellow lampworkers.


Holy crap. :shock: How rude, tacky, and uncalled for!

[FishBulb]

Mary, I'm disgusted to read that someone has done this to you. How absolutely uncalled for and ridiculous. I have two of your tutorials and they are AWESOME! They are so chock-full of information that I love to just sit and read them.

I'm so sorry you had to be on the sh!t end of someone's stick. You don't deserve it -- not that anybody does, of course, but of all the people on LE you are one of the most patient, giving, talented, smart people on here. Your tutorials were a labour of love and are valuable to the lampworking community.

Ah, I'll stop now. I could bitch all day about this.

[Moth]

Thanks guys, but that happened quite a while ago. I can't completely say I've made peace about it, but it is old hat. And also- I never actually read it for myself. Maybe it wasn't as bad as I imagined. I just never wanted to find out if it was worse than I imagined. LOL

Pat...I'm pm'ing ya so I don't derail this thread asking you about how the tentacles are going. LOL

~~Mary

[Seasoned Soul]

Maybe we should drop the word "Review" and just use the word "Feedback".
I think the authors of these fabulous tutorials just need feedback... not reviews.

Let's help them correct, magnify, sort, add pics, take away words, add words , take away pics (you see where I'm going with this right?) etc etc instead of cut them up with words.

what ya say?? :biggrin:
*** oh. this is just my opinion

[WildBird]

I should have known that someone would have been offended by my post. I tried really hard not to offend anyone, I just wanted to be helpful.
I aplogize for a few mistakes I made and have corrected them. I did state that these comments were only MY opinion and I think that most people will understand that.

WildBird

[kandice]

I stopped for a little while due to low demand, but I started up again recently. :)

Why'd you stop selling on Etsy?

[kandice]

I actually disagree. If someone is truly dissatisfied with a tutorial they got from me, I'll do a refund. I'd rather they be happy.

You can't offer a refund on something like this. Once the product is downloaded, the person has it. If they don't like it, ask for a refund, then what happens to the copy they have? Do you use the honor system and ask them to shred it? Or send them the copy? There's still the downloaded copy in the computer.
I think this is the hardest part about the e books.

[Moth]

I actually disagree. If someone is truly dissatisfied with a tutorial they got from me, I'll do a refund. I'd rather they be happy.

I agree. I refunded the person who put me in their newsletter and never got a response to that. They're teaching aquarium bead classes now. :rolleyes: I don't fool myself into thinking I actually could have taught this person anything. They are a better beadmaker than me. But why run me down? Kinda crappy.

And that's the last time I'm ever gonna complain about it. Even to myself. LOL

~~Mary

[FishBulb]

I'd be curious to know who this is, Mary, but you're probably too decent a human being to tell.

I still think that situation sucked big time.

[Pia Kaven]

I just want you all to know, that I havent bought your tutorial, cause I havent had money/time yet! Gonna buy them all! And what ever someone says, is their opinion, and we all get different things out of tutorials. I dont always look for info, I look for inspiration. And anyone who would make a tutorial, is inspirational enough!
Just my two cents.
Pia

[zen-mom]

...

[KJJames]

Mary, I know you have said you're moving past it but I have to say how horrible I feel that you had to deal with that.

You are one of the most generous lampworkers around. I own your Jellyfish tutorial and have learned an amazing amount from it. Things that go beyond bead making.

Whomever did that to you is petty.

[Pia Kaven]

Ok, I have to admit, that sometimes there is an element I would like to know how to do (not always just inspiration). Most of the time, I can imitate it, but I might be doing it really hard way. But I have never wanted to learn to make exactly same bead as someone. Just using someone elses technique is going to make my bead look too similar to somebody theirs, it is better if you just take that one thing out of the tutorials, and defenitely find your own way to use the techniques and make it your own
And I really want the list of things that you need. I dont have unlimited supply of glasses and supplies, and buying something you find useless, cause you dont have the material or knowledge to do it, is very dissapointing.

[Pat]

I agree. I refunded the person who put me in their newsletter and never got a response to that. They're teaching aquarium bead classes now. :rolleyes: I don't fool myself into thinking I actually could have taught this person anything. They are a better beadmaker than me. But why run me down? Kinda crappy.

And that's the last time I'm ever gonna complain about it. Even to myself. LOL

~~Mary

This person doesn't have a moral compass. And does not deserve another minute of thought from you. I think karma will be the pay back some day.[-X

[Pia Kaven]

I think Pat is right! Karma will bite her @$$!
And I think I dont need as much of a review, which can be helpful, but in a community like this, is almost impossible to do so without hurting someones feelings, and we dont want that. All negative, or constructive criticism should go directly to the author, so they have a fair chance to better their product. And I would rather hear the "review" as: which one is your favorite? Which one do you recommend and why? Without revealing any secrets, just point out why this is your favorite, without saying negative about others. I know most of us would not even think about that, but theres always a rotten one who does not give a crap if they hurt someone, as long as their stinking opinion is out.
I know some people say now, that books have reviews, and movies have them... but they are not sold to the tight community of other authors and movie makers. We are dealing with fairly tight knit community here, and Id love to keep it this way.
Pia

[killerbeedz1]

I've purchased several tutorials and love them all. There was something to be learned from each and every one of them. However, I'm careful about what I purchase most of the time. I make sure that the tutorial showing me something that I can't figure out on my own. I also will sometimes wait to see what others do with the tutorial before purchasing if I'm not sure. Lastly, I am drawn to purchase tutorials of LE members who post on this board often. When I practice the tutorials, I might copy the bead they're illustrating at first, but my goal is to come up with something totally different and take bits and pieces of what I've learned from the tutorial into my own design.

Patsy

[TheSilicaForge]

:doubt: Even when people say they want the brutal truth it is rarely true that they do!

If you want to have a practical way to review tutorials you need to have a standard questionnaire. Just having someone say "this tutorial sucked, this one rocked" isn't enough. Even when Wildbird explained why they didn't like certain ones it wouldn't sway me one way or the other because there wasn't any way to quantify what her opinion.

If a form was created where you used the same criteria and rated each tutorial against that standard criteria it would create more useful information.

For example: Someone could have an tutorial with amazing instructions but terrible pictures. For me that wouldn't be an issue, photographs don't help me understand better. But for Kevin the tutorial would be next to useless since he understands things better through visuals. That doesn't make the tutorial amazing or horrible, it could be both depending on the type of person.


Some basic question ideas would be like this:

Rate the following questions on a scale of 1-5 [1 being "strongly disagree" and 5 being (strongly agree)]


The price of this tutorial was fair for the information it provided.

1 2 3 4 5 N/A

The description of this tutorial accurately portrayed what was included in the tutorial.
1 2 3 4 5 N/A

The required material/tool list was included and accurate.

1 2 3 4 5 N/A

The level of skill listed to successfully complete this tutorial was accurate. (beginner, intermediate, advanced)

1 2 3 4 5 N/A

With my level of skill being equal to or above the level required the instructions allowed me to successfully complete the tutorial with reasonable practice.

1 2 3 4 5 N/A

The instructions in the tutorial were always clear and easy to follow.

1 2 3 4 5 N/A

The instructions in this tutorial detailed each step of the process from beginning to finishing the product.

1 2 3 4 5 N/A

The pictures/images used in this tutorial were of good quality.

1 2 3 4 5 N/A

The pictures/images were organized in a manner that helped to demonstrate the steps of the tutorial.

1 2 3 4 5 N/A

The tutorial included frequently asked questions and tips on how to avoid frequently occurring errors.

1 2 3 4 5 N/A

Overall I am pleased with what I gained out of this tutorial.

1 2 3 4 5 N/A

I am likely to purchase future tutorials from this author.

1 2 3 4 5 N/A

Comments:



These were just questions I thought of off the top of my head, I'm sure there are others you could add.

This gives buyers a chance to see more information about a tutorial and also gives tutorial authors a chance to see where they went right and where they need to improve.

[bshelle]

I just wanted to chime in b/c I found some irony in this thread, and that is because my favorite tutorials are Moth's Jellyfish and Amy's Storming tuts. Extremely fun, very well written with great photos and directions, and I still use them. The fun factor is high up there on those two.

They matched my goals. Someone with different goals might feel differently, of course. It's like reading those comments on hotwire or expedia about hotels - some people complain about not having enough room service, when I'd rather they just throw some towels in the room and leave.

[Laura B]

... If a form was created where you used the same criteria and rated each tutorial against that standard criteria it would create more useful information...

I think a standard questionnaire is a good idea.

In two instances of purchasing tutorials, I ended up contacting the authors for more clarification on a point or two. Hopefully, they take that into consideration and update/change their tutorial. Up to them, though.

As for the one I was very disappointed in, I see in retrospect that a lot of the fault was mine for not being a savvy customer. Knowing what to look for when deciding whether or not to purchase a tutorial was a big learning lesson for me... but that's what life is about.

[alb6094]

I just wanted to chime in b/c I found some irony in this thread, and that is because my favorite tutorials are Moth's Jellyfish and Amy's Storming tuts. Extremely fun, very well written with great photos and directions, and I still use them. The fun factor is high up there on those two.

They matched my goals. Someone with different goals might feel differently, of course. It's like reading those comments on hotwire or expedia about hotels - some people complain about not having enough room service, when I'd rather they just throw some towels in the room and leave.

I completely agree, I am still learning so much from Mary and Amy's tuts and the room service thing too, that is SO me. Just gimme the towels thank you, I'm good. :D

[gallerygal]

Fantastic idea about the questionnaire. I'd love to see this implements.

It allows for objective rather than subjective feedback and gives a really good indication of it's worth for prospective buyers.

There are two suggestions I'd like to make:

I'd be inclined to ask if the pictures were clear and easily viewed, rather than good quality. Quality (good, bad or indifferent) is a very subjective measurement - particularly for those of us who are visual learners.

The tools/material list could be split into two questions as I've had tut's where the tools list was complete, but the materials list wasn't. Discovered other material later in the text. Also had material included that wasn't used or the step was left out - still haven't worked that one out!

It would be great to see this implemented like a poll, so that there aren't pages and pages of answered questionnaires posts to wade through with each tut. I don't know if that's possible with LE? Other or comments couldn't then be included, but they could be added in a post I guess.

Marianne.

[Gootjemar]

Another idea I have about reviews is to recommend a tutorial. This means that you only add this recommendation when you are happy with the tutorial and therefore avoid to give negative critique.
The more recommendations will give an indication on how good the tutorial probably is. Sure you should put a publish date against it, so you don't think a tutorial made yesterday is bad because it does not have any recommendation.
As for getting specific feedback, as it is an e-book, the authors will have the email addresses and could set up a questionnaire and send this themselves to their customers... (that is, if they want to know this type of information).
Just another idea, although I like the standard questions as well. But maybe difficult to get an overview.

[KJJames]

I've purchased several tutorials and love them all. There was something to be learned from each and every one of them. However, I'm careful about what I purchase most of the time. I make sure that the tutorial showing me something that I can't figure out on my own. I also will sometimes wait to see what others do with the tutorial before purchasing if I'm not sure. Lastly, I am drawn to purchase tutorials of LE members who post on this board often. When I practice the tutorials, I might copy the bead they're illustrating at first, but my goal is to come up with something totally different and take bits and pieces of what I've learned from the tutorial into my own design.

Patsy

I'll ditto this. I've not been disappointed yet. I've purchased from only LE members and loved them all. I've learned something from all of them, most times more than I expected.

[Troll Lover]

The other tut mentioned was Anouk's making silver glass sing...if it wasn't for this tut, I would never have learned or understood how to use my silver glass. This has saved me so much money and all I can say is thank you, thank you.

Kathie
www.flickr.com/godesigns

Thank you so much Kathie :love: :)!!!

[Pat]

Is Vol 2 new? Is it the one about rings and murrini? All of the links are broken.

[Pia Kaven]

It is another silver glass tutorial, the one about the rings isnt out yet... if it is about rings... :) I am wishing for the rings... or what do I care, I would buy the murrini one too. :lol:
And she is having issues with Etsy, so all you can do to see it is to go to her sold items list and peek in there.

[Troll Lover]

Sorry everyone, my Etsy and I aren't friends at the moment :oops:.

Pat, it's not the new one, that has been delayed for a few weeks but it IS coming! All about rings and murrini indeed :).

[Laura B]

... The tools/material list could be split into two questions as I've had tut's where the tools list was complete, but the materials list wasn't. Discovered other material later in the text. Also had material included that wasn't used or the step was left out - still haven't worked that one out!...

This can not be emphasized enough. Seriously.

[bluffroadglass]

I don't provide an advance materials list for my tutorials (at least I haven't so far) because I see the specific glasses and colors I use in a design as part of the proprietary information that people are paying for. But I've been careful to specify the COE and stick to designs that use either fairly popular, readily available glasses that most people already have, or that are versatile enough that people can substitute the recommended glass with a different glass if they need to. If there were any unusual or expensive glasses or equipment used in one of my tuts, I would definitely take care to mention that up front.

I haven't had any complaints so far, but I would sure hope that if anyone found omissions or problems of any kind with my tutorials that they would do me the kindness of emailing me about those issues so that I could correct them.

[TheSilicaForge]

Marianne I like your wording for the photo question! Breaking up the material/tool question is great too, and recommending a tutorial would be cool, so that if you liked the one that is being reviewed and someone else did then you might check out the one they recommend. I'm sure that I missed other things that would be important to include!

I think it might be difficult to implement in the forum but if they could do as a poll it would be a lot easier to see.

[Pat]

Sorry Anouk, me dumb. I found it downstairs. yikes can't have too many tutorials now can I. LOL

[yellowbird]

I've purchased several tutorials and love them all. There was something to be learned from each and every one of them. However, I'm careful about what I purchase most of the time. I make sure that the tutorial showing me something that I can't figure out on my own. I also will sometimes wait to see what others do with the tutorial before purchasing if I'm not sure. Lastly, I am drawn to purchase tutorials of LE members who post on this board often. When I practice the tutorials, I might copy the bead they're illustrating at first, but my goal is to come up with something totally different and take bits and pieces of what I've learned from the tutorial into my own design.

Patsy

Yes Killerbeedz you nailed it.
I also want to support someone who has been here posting often . Mary is the perfect example of someone who has always been willing to share her knowledge. Plus her tutorial are wonderful.

[Laura B]

I don't provide an advance materials list for my tutorials (at least I haven't so far) because I see the specific glasses and colors I use in a design as part of the proprietary information that people are paying for...

That makes sense, particularly since it's "materials"... I think maybe even stating the ballpark cost of undisclosed materials might be a good idea.

Tools, on the other hand...

I once purchased a tutorial whose author thought "dapping block and punches" and "disc cutter" were proprietary ("secret") information.

I won't buy a cheap disc cutter and so have not yet purchased one... making the tutorial 100% useless to me. (But I did get a refund so won't look at the tutorial even when I do get a disc cutter... that's only fair.)

Why the author felt she'd be giving all her secrets away by stating which tools were needed to make the bead caps is beyond me.

Silly me honestly thought I was going to learn how to make bead caps without those tools... which is why I bought the tutorial. :-(

[Laura B]

... I haven't had any complaints so far, but I would sure hope that if anyone found omissions or problems of any kind with my tutorials that they would do me the kindness of emailing me about those issues so that I could correct them.

When I first started selling my tutorials, I did get a few comments back and quickly made changes to details here and there for more clarity, etc.

One thing that helped, too, was to do a pilot run where I just gave the tutorial to x-number of people and asked them for review/feedback.

[Pia Kaven]

I think the idea of questionary about tutorials is great!

[gallerygal]

Kim, in response to your comment about listing the glass, sure, I can understand your desire to not include the specific colours in a public list.

If, for future tuts, you ever get feedback that someone wants a materials list, maybe you could state that a variety of striking/reducing glass is required, along with glass that's readily available at time of publication?

I have both your tuts and love them. I've pre-ordered your other two and will love them too!

To everyone who writes tuts, I'd always do you the courtesy of letting you know if there was something amiss. A bit like telling someone their clothing tag is sticking out - it's a bit uncomfortable telling them, but they may appreciate it.

Marianne.

[glamgalglass]

As obvious from the responses in this post, a free critique of tutorials would never work on this site, it would have to be done through something like ISGB etc.

I do believe that the best way to collect and display critique information would be through standard review questionaire, similar to the type of thing one fills out at the end of term about their college professor where answers are statistically compiled together.

Edited to add that I just noticed that the above was already suggested a page back.

[ironmountainglass]

I have bought a few tuts and have a list a mile long that I want to buy in the near future. JMO but if I can just take one thing from each tut that helps me then it was money well spent. I respect anyone that will take the time to make them and to offer them to us. To share their knowledge (and that is what you are paying for) with us is worth more than money can buy.