A gentle reminder

**tomorrowstreasures** · 01-07-2010, 09:19 AM

(Marko, please place this where it is best suited to go)

Ph.ca is a friendly place. Many of us love that about Ph.ca and it is why we call it our photography forum home.

Marko has done a wonderful job of creating thread starters for us to post our thoughts, images and ideas on. Thank you, Marko!

That said, may I kindly remind us all that one should review which thread they are in before making comments/replies. One should also think about how they are replying and what they are trying to convey.... I believe for the "critique" thread, Marko's suggestion at the thread head is "constructive" criticism.... I believe also, at the "show" photo thread, Marko suggests that it is a place to place a photo that you do not wish a critique.

Please keep these thoughts in mind when writing your replies or comments to others so that we can keep Photography.ca the warm and friendly place we know it to be.

Susan

**Fortytwo** · 01-07-2010, 09:58 AM

It's true. This is one of the most friendly forums I've come across and that's the reason I really like it. It's a rare thing on the internets today. Lots of people feel 'save' behind their PC and go and **** on everyone and everything and not giving respect to others. Marko has done such a great job to create a small and very friendly community. Even a quite international one too!

And I agree, there's a difference between the two sections. If a photo is in critique, it's clear the maker want us to find points on which the photo can improve. We all aim for perfection, but it's never achieved. And in the show section people just show us their work for us to admire. And we sure have some great talents here.

But sometimes you'll still get some advice, even if you didn't ask for it. But never forget, they are just trying to help you. Don't feel bad, it's just a friendly person trying to help you at a point you might not want it. But I totally agree, we should be mindful in which section we are and that the critism we give is helpful to the photographer. It's not easy, I'll admit. Just be considerate and things will work out...

Just my

**casil403** · 01-07-2010, 10:17 AM

Completely agreed Susan and well stated!

I think that unless it is posted otherwise in the member's signature that it is okay to critiques their photos they post in any thread, that one should take into account what forum they are in before posting their thoughts.
I would also like to remind people that if they do post critique-type comments in another person's thread that they might consider being constructive, helpful, insightful and tactful with the intent on trying to help another member improve their work!

**Fortytwo** · 01-07-2010, 10:22 AM

Oh, I'd like to add: if you really don't like a picture for whatever reason, you can alway not post anything and just go on to other pictures you do like. We all have our own taste, but the last thing we want is to bring people down...

**Bambi** · 01-07-2010, 03:19 PM

I have to say that I feel 'safe' even in the critique's section.

That's why I posted for help in my recent HDR attempt. I was tempted to throw it away and try again but I needed directions and I got them

and I don't feel like a total idiot (whether I am or not is a different story)

**JAS_Photo** · 01-07-2010, 07:27 PM

Respectful, I think is the key word here. Nobody likes to have their feelings hurt. This forum is a friendly place and a great place to learn. I like to hang out here, not just for the photography but also the camraderie.

When I find someone's comments to be very blunt (or rude) I take into account whether they are a native English speaker. On the internet you are going to get members from all over the world and bluntness or percieved rudeness may not be intentional on someone's part. Especially when they are new to a forum, you pretty much have to give them the benefit of the doubt and perhaps private message them that their comments are out of line. Giving them a public dress down and telling them they are not welcome will only succeed in producing more drama and a flame wars. Plus it gives the attitude of clique-y-ness.

I feel this is a safe, friendly learning environment, so much so that I have recommended it to my niece (amongst others) who is a young teen and interested in photography. Not sure if she is here yet-but anyone who is here should be treated respectfully, and not feel afraid to show their work or express their ideas, tactfully and respectfully. It is my feeling that if someone is new and not familiar with the workings of the forum they should be accorded the same respect, that is expected from them.

Mad Aussie not withstanding. <<<< that's a joke>>>

Cheers.

**Bambi** · 01-07-2010, 08:29 PM

well said Raiven!

**casil403** · 01-07-2010, 09:24 PM

I think you said that very well also Raiven.

I think some of those comments were addressed to my response to another's post earlier today. I apologize if my comments were out of line and if I offended any members.

That was not my intent.

The last thing I would like to do is alienate people and make this a clique but however, I would also hate to see people have a fear of posting their work because of the comments that might get made. Some people have thinner skin than others do. I think the show your photo section is just that...show your work. That doesn't mean we have to be all warm and fuzzy, but I believe that it means we should be a little gentler and as you said respectful. I believe also that in that particular section that if we don't have anything nice to say or a nice way to say it....perhaps it''s best to not say anything at all. At least that's how I understand it and how it works for me.

I also think that a member is not comfortable posting in the Critique section..he/she should be able to feel comfortable posting in "show your photo" section without fear of having to bear the same kind of blunt honesty that they would in the crit' thread..I know I am not a just not that comfortable with some of the things that are said in Critique and yes I do take it personally sometimes (especially when I like the photo...and I am the same if someone dislikes my food as well

....that's how I've always been and I have to remind myself many times that it is about the work (and the spirit of improving it) and not about me as a person. However at the same time, seeing the comments both positive and negative is also how I have grown in my hobby.

I have added to my signature that it is okay to comment on my photos I post but that doesn't mean that it's okay to be harsh. I also believe there are ways of saying things respectfully and constructively as we all do for the most part no matter what country or culture we belong to. I try to take into account when post a thought that how would I feel if that was said to me and how I would make the photo better IMHO...I am hardly a professional but I have ideas and sharing them is also how I learn also.

I hope that made sense as I kind of got rambling there and again I apologize for my outburst earlier today....especially if it offended anybody.

**Fortytwo** · 01-08-2010, 02:55 AM

Originally Posted by raiven

When I find someone's comments to be very blunt (or rude) I take into account whether they are a native English speaker. On the internet you are going to get members from all over the world and bluntness or percieved rudeness may not be intentional on someone's part.

Nah, I'm just blunt and rude. But I try to restrain myself here because you're all nice people here...