So earlier today I stumbled across a post via twitter called "I've got to say this. The UK web design scene is often just self serving, indulgent bullshit perptuated by friends of friends...."
The long and short of it is that the author is sick of the back patting and general groupiness among designers / web peeps in our industry.
Let us all be honest, it's not something new and we see it quite often on blogs or twitter alike. How many times have you seen rave reviews of a design which truly sucks?
This is one of the reasons that Best Web Gallery is my favourite CSS site. The peeps who comment on there pull no punches, if they think it sucks they tell you. It's also the same reason why I enjoy the mad man Loren Feldman, he calls a spade a spade no matter who you are.
However in general the majority of comments you read on websites or on twitter are along the lines of "WOW". Some people see this as cliquey etc but don't forget the silent voices out there.
Generally it's only the groupies who take the time to comment on such things. The naysayers probably don't have the time to be bothered or can't put their negative reviews into words (I can be the latter quite often).
Despite all this people need to realize that this clique-like behavior is nothing new and exists in all walks of life. I distinctly remember, while in the motor sport circles, how some people who achieved good things got a ton more praise even when their performances were well below par.
I call it being star struck. The groupies and so called 'experts' tend to hype up some of the most dodgiest stuff you have ever seen.
In my opinion this is one tide which you will never turn. I say you accept it (up to a point) and embrace the reality. From what I have learned it's always been about who you know and not what you know...
It's called life.
12 Comments
I am naive. I like to think that the praise I see handed out on Twitter is deserved and in the majority of cases, I believe it is. This may have something to do with the people I follow, or it might be that I just cant judge when something is truly awesome or not!
As for BestWebGallery, I agree that it is the best place to see true critical feedback on mostly excellent designs, with the obvious exceptions included.
Feedback is a personal thing and hopefully this flurry of activity over sycophants and cliques might clean up the web somewhat!
Now why does this whole post remind me of every single Apple product ever produced? Hmm...
Ironic that this post would come from you guys seeing as though the two of you are probably two of the most arrogant people Ive met and without a doubt subscribe to the "clique" like behavior.
@Johan - Lol, I was actually going to include this line in the article: "Just like when an Apple product has a defect some people call it a feature."
@Jack - Thanks for the comment. Have we actually met before? Personally I have no problem with the clique behavior, you can either look at it and slate it or try get involved and sometimes even reap the benefits ;)
@Jack Harmon: Engaging with followers on Twitter, building a following and successfully marketing a brand is what the guys at Obox have done. Yeah, they may like something or find something interesting and tweet about it, and thats what Twitter is pretty much about, and (almost) everyone does that.
However, a quick google of your name and checking out design related sites, all I can find is you sticking your oar in and touting designs from well-known names in this clique as terrible.
Theres no need for this. Constructive criticism is good, abuse is not. If you like something, why not share it with others who might also.
Thats why I have built close relationships with a few people off twitter etc so I can get quality feedback and expect them to tell me how it is, and in turn if there work is shit I tell them that. That is because even though I am no internet famous etc I have enough people following that if I post they will like it, it can be something pretty poor compared to my last work but will get "thats cool", "great work" etc.
As I said n Brandons blog people cannot help be drawn to people who are everywhere and then get the status Celebes as that all they are people in the spotlight no matter what medium they do. Design, TV, Music etc people will always flock and be like sheep as they have connections with the person even if its just one way.
i think part of the issue here is that of herd mentality. people will heap praise when they see that others are doing the same. much like the start of this whole argument. the first posts people agreed wholeheartedly with the author, then someone gave a counter argument and off it went. now i am sure there were people who read that article and did not agree with it but were afraid to post until (or not all all) some else jumped in and disagreed.
are there "cliques" yep. is it a big deal? no not really.
.mike
Im never sure how to respond to posts like this one. It wasnt that long ago when I was trying to get my work noticed and was frustrated that nobody was paying attention. It just took hard work and getting better at it to get a little recognition.
Along the way Ive made some really good friends. Friends that will support me even when I try something new and experiment, even if it sucks. To the layman it might look like a clique but its part of any creative endeavor. You have to try new things, get out of your comfort zone and put yourself out there to grow.
Sure there are some folks tweeting links and supporting posts that suck so they can get their own crap promoted, but that will only get you so far.
Awesome article. I totally agree with you guys. Most of the time, my stuff doesnt get noticed because Im not a "big name" even though I try to produce excellent work.
However, instead of criticizing others and their lack of any skill or talent, I like to focus on my next project. My next "big thing". Hoping that one day... Ill get my share of the spotlight too.
Yes. Its about the people you know and unfortunately not WHAT you know. However, thats how life works and learning to deal with that will help you out, not only as a designer, but as a person.
Again, thanks for the article. You brought up a great point.
Good post guys, but, I hope this doesnt come as a shock to anyone in the industry or not.
Has always been like that and always will be.
As Tim said, this happens everywhere in life and the faster people get used to it, the better off we all will be.
Maybe Im getting old - but what industry isnt like this??!! Who you know is an important part of every sector Ive ever worked in - and exists in every country. As far as feedback is concerned, I only ever bother when something truly excites me. and Id like to think that Im a pretty good judge of good design. Some designers and developers only want news thats good -and where I have an inkling thats the case I dont bother to comment. So while networking is key, so is being able to accept legitimate criticism without being offended. None of us is perfect, we all have off days where the work just isnt up to scratch. Life wont come to an end because you have to go back to the drawing board. One thing I have learned is that a lot of people crying out for brutal honesty are not usually prepared to take it when it comes.
WOW This blog always writes the best posts! j/k
But seriously, great topic. I agree, the clique game is a harsh reality to some people, but the sooner you accept its existence, the better. You can exert a lot of energy wishing the world worked differently, or you can accept itand learn how you can deal with it to your advantage (aka dont hate the player, hate the game).