Function, design, and execution are all that matters. Ya seen one cutting board or mallet, and ya seen 'em all, regardless of the accompanying heartwarming story.
I tend not to care too much about the story about the project, except in some particular circumstances. Excluding jigs and other projects that help you make something, projects stand out to me in the beauty of wood, the evident craftsmanship, the aesthetics of the shape. I tend to like wood that looks relatively natural (no heavy color treatments), simple, clean lines, and functionality. I know lots of folks like carvings, scroll saw projects, etc., but they're not for me.
Function, design, and execution are all that matters. Ya seen one cutting board or mallet, and ya seen em all, regardless of the accompanying heartwarming story.
Clint has got it. There would have to be something special to make a cutting board or mallet stand out. A woodworker need not be a writer or even much of a photographer. I like to appreciate the art, gather ideas and knowledge.
A lot has to do with photo quality. Ill confess that i dont use my good camera. I dont provide a really good setting. Some projects look so much better when there is care in the photo taking process so that you can really see what i see. Im most proud of a table i built, but my pictures were not too good. It did not get much a ttention.
the project are great ,but its the ones that take the time to share their knowledge on the building that make the best,i really don't like it when i see ones that are favored but the reader dont even take the time to post a thank you. for it .its means a lot for someone who goes to the trouble to post a project . there are many Masters of this craft of wood working on this site and i have noticed they all have one thing in command they love to share and encourage .
Things that stand out to me…
1)the photography. A project post with different angles, close up/detail shots, something else in the image for scale.
2)the details. I am a novice wanting to learn. Tell me the woods, tools and finishes used, what the size is, what problems were encountered and how you resolved them…
3)a different way of doing something or using a tool.
4)a helpful link is appreciated, although I'd rather not have to leave the page for info.
5)the story-I'm a sucker for a good story.
6)the name of the project. I know I'm not the only one that has clicked on a project because of an intriguing or cryptic name.
The first thing that catches my eye is the photography. Some may say that's not important, and of course the photography has noting to do with the quality of the project, but how often do you see a project with blurry cell phone photos make it onto the top 15 page? Since the question posed was "What makes projects stand out?", I have to admit that good photography is what attracts my attention first.
After that, I really like it when posters add some information about any special techniques they used, challenges they faced, and so forth.
I like any project that makes me wonder, "could I do that". Good photography and some instructions are really of a lot of help as is the suggestion of the wood used. Some of you guys get woods that I can only dream about.
Having your own saw mill and a National Forest in your back yard is one of the secrets, isn't it Monte?
We have a great ice cream dairy in Texas who's slogan is …."we eat all we can and sell the rest"(That's Monte and his BKP).
For me, function and craftsmanship are the things that get my attention more than most. A good design is nice, but not so much if the execution is sub-par.
I always like a good story. I love to look at the projects and whenever they are well presented with good photographs and along with some of the steps taken I like it the best. A well designed project makes for a very good impression as well. I also like projects that seem to have their very own character. When they are a real eye catcher they surely get your attention so they are great too. I'll say this, when I see something that I like I know it. It doesn't matter if no one else agrees with me.
It has always amazed me that the potential buyer would touch/feel the finish regardless of the structure, material, provenance of the piece.
Good finish seems to equate to quality build and value.
I see that in my shop an d home all the time.
Bill
There are some talented people here that can make just about anything, but the projects that draw my attention are ones who chose woods that have unique characteristics, what some may even call flaws, and bring out the beauty of it.
I feel the same way as you Cricket, and others up above as well. I think every project has a story. Some more heart-felt than others. Many have different meanings. One thing for sure, all the folks, projects, inputs, outputs, etc., on here, well, I've gotta say, it's about the best place on the planet. Thnx to all the people behind the scenes, (like you Cricket), AND, all the very fine, talented, artistic folks on here.
Function, design, and execution are all that matters. Ya seen one cutting board or mallet, and ya seen em all, regardless of the accompanying heartwarming story.
For me there are two basic categories of projects that attract me. The first, is if the project is something I might want to build, or take ideas from for building something in the future. Those projects I may favorite, and appreciate any details about construction that are given.
The second category is if the project intrigues me. Whether it be the photo, title or the project itself. Some people are really good and post masterful projects that I just marvel at. Other projects are unique, clever, have a good design or are just pleasing to look at. And then there are the whimsical or just fun to look at projects. Finally, for some projects it is the empathy factor, where I appreciate the work involved.
When you are looking at the projects here on LumberJocks, what makes them stand out for you?
People who post pictures upside down and sideways. These are special people who can spend hours and days pining away on a project but can't spend the few minutes it takes to post thier project correctly. This group of people only seem to show up here on Lumberjocks and no where else on the web.
As others have said, "photo quality"...........................
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