[fionaB]

i know this has been mentioned before, but im gonna do it again.
i just feel that althogh we are getting loads and loads of new members, they seem a little cautious about commenting on other folks work.
I realise sometimes that for someone knew to a community it can seem really daunting to sudenly throw yourself into the fire and comment on strangers pics, but its always the same regulars that seem to be commenting on both the critique and sharing threads.

I think putting a little incentive in would "maybe" encourage more folks to comment...... maybe give rep points after so many comments ( just an example) but i think to conitunue to build on the ewalth of experience the members have that we really need SOMETHING to get more folks to comment.

Fi

[stepheno]

This has not gone unnoticed by the crew Fiona and is often discussed amongst ourselves. It is a phenomena of forums that there is a core of members who support through thick and thin and it can be daunting to new members to stick their nose above the parapet, so to speak and it is probably that first, break the ice comment that is the hardest.

At the moment I can not give an answer to this. Your idea of an incentive is noted although, speaking personally, I would like to think that members post because they want to and not necessarily because of an incentive. Points taken Fi and consideration will be given

[fionaB]

thanx for the quick reply, i konw that in an ideal world members post and comment cos they want to and i agree, but i just thoght that an incentive may help to get them into the habit.
I agree its a hard one to call ( rather you than me) and i do understand that for new members it is even more difficult for htat first post......BUT there is an awful lot of members who are not new and do comment very occaisonally.. but would be nice to see them more often
Anyway just the ramblings of a mad woman! hehehe

Fi

[b.van_der_dylan]

It can be intimidating making comments especially when you see the quality of the shots.Sometimes I'll see a photo I love but I cannot explain why I like it so much.

Good post and point taken.

[fionaB]

i think what you say is a very common thought. i know wheni first joined pixalo ( and other forums) i didint think my own experience wide enough for me to comment on others work.
but since then i have realised that no matter WHAT level of experience we have, we all have our own opinions. it doesnt need to be a technical comment with a wealth of experience to draw from, but wither its the subject that catches our eye or something bad about the background, we all have the ability to say if we like it or not.
Its one of the things i love so much about this site, no one talks down to you if you havent the same length of "service" in photography as others. we are all here to learn and share and the majority of members see it the same way I imagine!

Fi

[Markulous]

Originally Posted by fionaB

Its one of the things i love so much about this site, no one talks down to you if you havent the same length of "service" in photography as others. we are all here to learn and share and the majority of members see it the same way I imagine!

It's one of the disadvantages of being a member of the Crew: difficult to comment on a thread like this without the suggestion that it might be official. But personally, Moderator hat off, it's the reason I joined this site - and I am delighted to hear others suggest the same!

Oh, and for the record, I really do welcome any comment on my pics. The day I become so arrogant as to only want nice things said is the day I'll bin my Sigma!

I'll now go and sit back and await the stream of niceties in a vain attempt by others to get me to trash my Stigma!

[Sparhawk]

I must admit that what Fiona has said is very true, I for one {who has been here a while} still am not sure if I should post comments re other members photos.
I see something that {IMO} looks very good and would like to praise it but then ,when I return a while later I read comments pointing out possible errors or other observations that {the more experienced people have posted} While I know that this is helpful for the person that took the photo I feel that I as a newcommer to photography would not be adding to the overall "picture" for the person themselves.
Do not get me wrong as I have found that by looking at the photos and then reading the comments is aiding me in my quest to take better and more intreasting pictures but as I have said I do not think that my comments would be of any benefit to the photographer
Regards
Sparhawk

[Dave Canon]

Well I am one who has never commented on any pictures in the critique sections though I have occasionally elsewhere in the Forum. I guess the reason is that I have not submitted any of my own pictures and thus feel that it is unfair to comment unless I put my own pictures up for comment. However, as I enter Club, national and international competitions, I get enough feedback on my own pics.

Anyone receiving feedback needs to remember that the various comments will depend on what criteria the reviewer has set. I would be inclined to comment on the suitability of a photograph for a competition which is entirely different to a photograph for sale or a family record shot. I think all feedback is useful but should not be taken too seriously. I will try to find time to comment on some photographs in the future.

[Dabhand16]

This is also a personal view without the Crew hat on. I think that there is always an element of caution for most members when considering posting a comment on any image here, and Sparhawk has summed it up well.

But it should not be forgotten that anyone can and will form an opinion on an image, and their view is just as valid as anyone else's. This opinion will be founded essentially on if the image is liked, disliked, or leaves the viewer feeling indifferent. Often, someone who has little or no appreciation of the technicalities can 'cut to the chase' and find the obvious thing that might be overlooked by others, even if they are unaware of the underlying reasons.

A degree of analysis of the picture to try to see just what it is that gives the overall reaction of like/dislike to it will start to put things like composition and lighting in place, and would then enable a qualifying comment.

In our guidelines it is said that it is not enough to simply say 'I like/dislike this' because it gives no information to the photographer. However, perhaps the people who post images in order to get this feedback might have a better response if they added a line or two to explain what they were trying to achieve, or why a picture was taken as presented, or asking the viewer to consider particular aspects of the image.

Finally, it should be remembered that ANY comments are better than no comments!

[danpen]

I've been on other forums where my opinions have been rubbished by the "regulars", this has never happened to me here and I haven't seen it happen to anyone else. That's not to say that people always agree, healthy discussions with differing views are often had but they always seem to respect others rights to an opinion.

Obviously when posting in the Critique section you should try to explain your comments, whether they are technical or aesthetic, pointing out something you like or suggesting something that would improve the shot for you.

In the Sharing section it's best not to highlight too many areas for improvement but a simple comment like, "Great shot, I love the colours" is all most people are after.

So I say, go for it, everyone's opinion (if put politely and with respect) is valid and will be appreciated.

cheers

Dan

[fionaB]

Originally Posted by Sparhawk

I must admit that what Fiona has said is very true, I for one {who has been here a while} still am not sure if I should post comments re other members photos.
I see something that {IMO} looks very good and would like to praise it but then ,when I return a while later I read comments pointing out possible errors or other observations that {the more experienced people have posted} While I know that this is helpful for the person that took the photo I feel that I as a newcommer to photography would not be adding to the overall "picture" for the person themselves.
Do not get me wrong as I have found that by looking at the photos and then reading the comments is aiding me in my quest to take better and more intreasting pictures but as I have said I do not think that my comments would be of any benefit to the photographer
Regards
Sparhawk

I see where u are coming frmo Spar. but sometimes its still nice to hear that someone else likes your pic..... after all im sure the taker liked it enough to post it!

fi

[Sparhawk]

I do take onboard what you say Fiona but looking on the members gallery I find {as I stated} that those of you who have been taking photos for a number of years seem to have much more of a observant eye as to the photo they are looking at and will comment as need be.
I have {at last} a few days back posted on of my photos and have had members view it without any comments but as I have returned to see if any comments have been made I can see MAJOR faults in the way I have taken it. Now as I have had this photo for a few years I would have thought that I would have seen the mistakes prior to posting it but {to me} it is only since I can view it in situe with others that my mistakes have become apparent and where as some members may like to post to get remarkes like "what a nice whatever" I belive most new commers to photography will {like me} see the glareing mistakes when comparing their photos to the GREAT photos that people like yourself show to us lesser mortals.
I am so greatful to ALL the people that have {just by putting their work on this site}helped me to TRY and look with a keener eye at the things around me that I can photograph. You do not know how much it has aided me and I hope that{in years to come} I may be brave enough to make an informed and constructive remarks on some of the pictures I view
Once again thanks to ALL of you
Regards
Sparhawk