Umpteen views and not a comment

[Matt K.]

Hi folks,

once in a while when I browse through the pages (and sometimes there are lots, since I am not on every day) I notice that there are posts that have been viewed many times over, but not one line was added for comment. Usually I search for those posts after I combed through most of the "interesting" titles, and have a good look at them. I usually find something in the image that intrigues me, sometimes it is a bit hard (let's face it, folks, we do put some junk on here as well, I know, because I have done it!) and I think it is just a nice gesture to leave a comment. There are lots of images worthy of comment, and I would encourage you all to take a second look and let yourselves be "wowed". And sometimes we are just "too nice" to our friends and fellow photographers; honesty does not hurt, and how will we learn if there is not the odd "compared to your other work this one looks like you were just pulling the trigger, without thought and passion" and a friendly suggestion?

Just my 2 cents worth ...

[Wicked Dark]

I see your point, but always try to leave something meaningful. If a shot doesn't bring something to mind, I just let it go and say nothing. I mean, how many times can you say 'great capture' (my most loathed expression) and mean it?

[Iguanasan]

Good observation, Matt. I know I try to check every day as this is my most favourite photography community but even so what happens to me some times is that I miss posts. I use the "New" link pretty much all the time but if I get pulled away from my computer while going through the new posts the "New" link kind of times out and all the "New" ones become old and so they disappear on me.

Something to keep in mind is that this is a public forum and a lot of the "views" are being done by Google, Yahoo, MSN Search, etc. and so it's very possible an image will get a bunch of views but not seen by someone on the forum for whatever reason. By all means add a "bump" post to bring it to the top again or make a comment if you can.

One of the things I try to do every once in a while is go back through the forums looking for images of just that nature and make comments on them so people can see them.

All of that being said, if it happens to one of your shots please don't take it personally, it's usually an "honest" miss such as I've described above. Please feel free to add a "bump" post to let everyone else see it.

[Bambi]

I do try to leave a comment but sometimes I don't know what I want to say and then I forget to go back. it it were possible it would be nice to have a 'view unanswered posts' link. I've seen them on other boards.

[casil403]

I see your point, but always try to leave something meaningful. If a shot doesn't bring something to mind, I just let it go and say nothing. I mean, how many times can you say 'great capture' (my most loathed expression) and mean it?

+1 to that...nicely said WD.

If we are going for minor irritants about comments, I have to say mine is forum members who simply post photos the forum to get feedback and rarely if ever bother to leave a comment on others members photos.
It would be nice if everyone would give as well as receive when it comes to posting comments. I mean it is not a necessity by any stretch, but it certainly is courteous and kind to leave at least one comment on another's photo after you have posted yours. I try to do that even though I've not been on here much with my life being as busy as it is these days with all the wonderful changes going on.

Just a few thoughts and my $0.02 on the subject.

[Wicked Dark]

Yeah C, I know what you mean. I think we've got a couple drive by posters. One of which I see posts on every other camera forum I belong to. I like the work, but it seems like blatant whoring.

One thing I'm going to make an effort to do is to ask about the process the person took to take the shot. Sometimes I wonder if people mostly plan, deliberate and torture themselves over things, or if they're easier going. I never do though and that's kind of bad since that's part of what we're here for; to share our techniques and experiences.

[Richard]

"Excellent thread",

(guess I shouldn't just leave it at that comment!!!)

Sometimes when I look at an image, I can appreciate the skill of the photographer and the effort they have gone to get the image, but I don't connect with the image emotionally and can't offer much more than 'great image' but I like to do this to let the photographer know I've looked at their post. (Other times I'm in a rush and am just lazy).

I try not to be negative unless the poster has indicated they are after a critique, I try and remember my best today is better than my best yesterday and not as good as my best tomorrow. What I consider to be an average shot might be someone else's best work and vice versa.

There does seem to be a core community and a transient community here, I guess people will be people, and everyone is happy with a different commitment level. I know when I don't visit for a while I often don't have time to catch up on what I've missed, so I just look at the most recent posts.

I think we are all influenced by our peers even if it is at a sub conscious level, and viewing the images here is an important part of my 'learning photography process'.

[okmqaz42]

I would tend to agree with WD, I look at a lot of posts and sometimes I feel it is a really nice post but I lack the time or inclination to write a long comment and I prefer to avoid the "nice shot" as sometimes it may seem like you have not really looked at the image-even if you have. The other issue I have with commenting or not commenting is that sometimes i think why on earth would someone else be interested in my opinion, so what is better, view and enjoy but don't engage or view and respond with a glib 'Nice one!"
Anyway what do I know..........
I'm off out to shoot something it is a glorious day in our nations capital.-now where will I find a flag!

[Hillbillygirl]

Have to agree with many on here. I have done it many a time. I do not just like leaving a couple kind words, I like explain what draws my eye to that particular pic/set that someone has posted. Many times I do not have the time to post at the moment, just a quick look and gone, but try to go back when time allows and really look, and leave my thoughts.
Have to agree with not likin' the idea of some that post pics only, and no comments warranted for others???? This is a community, so please share your views on others shots, don't just come here looking for glorification please.
What really bugs me is people that post just to critique a shot. People post in here to share something, that in their eye, is something special to them. If they are not posted in critique section or are not asking, why tear it apart? I know this would deter many from wishing to post again, with the thought of, why bother. Friendly advice will help if you like, but go easy, especially on newer posters, so this community will keep growing and we can see so many different styles and techniques. They may not all be YOUR style, but they are someones.

[Wicked Dark]

Another aspect which I failed to mention is the type of photo presented; as you've probably deduced by now, I'm a woodland photographer when I'm home so most of my images will be from there. Oh and the cemeteries. Can't forget those. Nature and things connected with it interest me, but street and portrait photography does not so you won't see comments on those threads from me. Probably because I didn't open them. It's not a slight or an insult, but with limited time I prefer to see images I have a desire to see. I'm sure folks don't open my threads because they're tired of headstones and ferns, that's only natural.