I will almost always try to post honestly an opinion about something, but if it's truly awful and the person worked hard on it, I will usually try to buffer what I'm saying somewhat, while still giving an honest opinion.

When I first started reading Patti's posts a couple years ago, I was thinking "Boy, she's harsh" but then I realized that the no-BS approach is exactly what everyone needs if they can get past their own egos.

I doubt there's anyone here (well, with the possible exception of Max) that can afford to waste time and money promoting a tour or design if people are offering up advice saying it's awful. There's a lot of collective experience, and I think that maybe some of those who are unwilling to say negative things could find ways to communicate the same things they're saying privately but just communicated more gently.

Lee, maybe the solution is an "unvarnished criticism" subforum where people can post things they want reviewed critically and understand that whatever is said in that forum may be harsh but accurate. That way, the posters might feel they have license to say things, knowing the poster knowingly posted there, without causing drama.