I know a lot about whistles and flutes. I have helped a lot of people to find the whistles or flutes that suit them perfectly. Of course, some people prefer one type of sound over another and that is valid, but the fact remains that some instruments are better than others. I feel it my obligation to tell the truth about the quality of instruments. No matter how often a person or people may tell me it is not lady-like to give a negative review, it will not make me feel as if lying is the right thing to do. Yes, I could learn a bit about diplomacy. We all know I could never be accused of keeping my thoughts and emotions bottled up inside. I will continue to give truthful instrument reviews. Using the search feature, you can find many of my reviews. There are instruments that I LOVE. In fact my very favorite whistle comes from a maker who has consistency issues. If a maker feels unjustly criticized by my reviews, I apologize. But are you proud of every instrument that left your shop? I hold whistles and people to high standards. People disappoint me far more than whistles do.
Jessie
Hi Jessie,
I don’t share the same whistle and flute experience you have, but I HAVE been criticized for being too blunt and sarcastic. One thing I’ve noticed about a forum like this is what we type “sounds” right in our heads but is invariably “heard” by someone else in a way we didn’t mean.
The way I TRY to keep from being misunderstood is to read and re-read my post before hitting “submit” (largely because I’m a fussbudget and can’t let a typo go by uncorrected). I also sometimes let it “cool” so I can see how others might (mis)interpret my message.
But, just as a suggestion, you might add a whistle review page on your web site. Pulling one of those together will give you time to craft your reviews to hit both strengths and weaknesses in a thoughtful way. With pictures, of course.
It is possible to offer a criticism constructively, but it is not easy. I have heard that diplomacy is the art of telling someone to go to Hell in such a way as to make him look forward to the trip.
In the meantime, as someone with confirmed WhOA, I look forward to reading some of your reviews.
Marguerite