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?

[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.

[Mad Aussie]

how many times can you say 'great capture' (my most loathed expression) and mean it?

Every single time actually. I don't say anything I don't mean.

[thoughton]

I could actually do with a little clarification on this topic. A couple of weeks ago I was politely reprimanded for critiquing a photo that wasn't in the critique forum I generally try and avoid leaving a simple 'great capture' comment. I try to always add some bit of constructive crit, no matter how small it may be. This is partly for the photographer, but also for me. Critiquing others' photos improves your own technique, or at least that's what all the experts tell me. If no critique is permitted in the 'Show your photos' sections, won't all the comments be of the 'great capture' variety?

On the 'why this forum' topic, speaking as a relative newcomer here, I would also add that I looked around at a few forums before dipping my toes in here. This one seemed friendly, and had a fine art slant. I was specifically looking for a smaller forum, the big ones are far too impersonal for my taste.

[Mad Aussie]

In the simplest terms the Critiques forum is for comments of critique (comments that aid the author of the thread in improving their photography) which will hopefully be given in the vain of pointing out the good with the bad so to speak. This is the place to be critical and give an technical or simply visual advice you may have.

The Show your Photo forum is a place to show your photo without having someone critique it. Sometimes we simply don't want that. Many photos in the Show your photo forum are not displayed as works of art, and can be snapshots, sentimental, an illustration or educational set etc. If it's placed here, then the author isn't looking for critique.
Having said that, there's no reason you can't point the things you like about the photo. Those things don't have to be technically minded either. You might just mention that you know a place like that, or you love the smile the photographer captured. It's really not too difficult.
If a shot is a great shot, or great capture, and that's what you thought when you saw it then there's no reason why you can't tell the author that. I do. I really couldn't care less who doesn't like that. Sometimes, when I have more time on my hands I'll dig deeper and say more. Some photos are easy to comment on, some are not.
In the end, it's best to give positive feedback in the show your photo forum.

[Wicked Dark]

Every single time actually. I don't say anything I don't mean.

That might be true for you, MA, but honestly when that's all I ever see, over and over again, I question its sincerity. It smacks of tokenism, and well, I try not to go there. Not saying you do, but the internet being what it is, stuff like that is open to infinite interpretation.

[Marko]

I like the fact that we are having a 100% civil conversation about how to make this board better. If there is anything that people think that I can do to help, please just ask. PLENTY of times, I have made small changes at the request of just 1 person because I thought it made good sense and had no downside. IF there ever is anything that requires a change that's touchy for some people, I'm a big fan of democracy and I'll normally let the majority decide.

I try to comment on 5-10 threads most weekdays throughout the year. I too like to see more comments w/threads that have a bunch of views but many technically valid posts in this thread explain why that ratio will ALWAYS be much lower than actual comments. As forums get larger, so do the ratio of guests to members (lurkers who cannot comment but raise the views) and often it's 10:1 or as high as 40:1 add the bots into that ratio as well.

That said....I still see Matt's original point and I will try to comment more often.....but I do have an idea...


Although most images that get posted here by regular members (that have been around a bit or have been practicing their photography for a while) are strong images, this site is open to all and newbies with little experience are likely to join from time to time. Their images are far more likely to be weaker because they are less seasoned. We have a REALLY friendly forum and I'm glad to say that I've almost never had to discipline any member for rudeness. (Which I 100% would do if I saw a pattern of rudeness from any member). But because we are so naturally nice around here when weaker images do get posted, we don't necessarily want to hurt that person's feelings...and yet sometimes the image has very little going for it...so we don't comment.

I wonder if an additional profile field might be a good idea?
The profile field is in the top right of every post and says stuff like:
My Photos
Please do NOT edit my photo

It would not be too difficult to add another field that has 2 choices
- Feel free to critique any image in any forum
- Please only critique my images in the critique forum

If that were the case, then we "could" add diplomatic comments about what needs to be improved which would increase comments.

I'm super-happy that this forum has had VERY little friction in terms of bickering because that type of stuff wrecks a forum. We are friendly here and most regulars TRULY seem to enjoy learning as well as teaching when they have something to teach. This may be all in my own head as admin, but MY personal feeling about our forum is that it's a teaching forum with a core group of passionate photographers that enjoy sharing and learning.

I'll keep following this thread to see what members are thinking but PLEASE feel 100% free to PM me if anything ever concerns you.



Thx!
Marko

[Iguanasan]

I wonder if an additional profile field might be a good idea?
The profile field is in the top right of every post and says stuff like:
My Photos
Please do NOT edit my photo

It would not be too difficult to add another field that has 2 choices
- Feel free to critique any image in any forum
- Please only critique my images in the critique forum

If that were the case, then we "could" add diplomatic comments about what needs to be improved which would increase comments.

Thx!
Marko

I like that idea!