The Art of Constructive Comments

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

07/01/2005 02:23:08 PM · #1

Here is a three step approach for providing constructive feedback during voting that has always worked well for me:

1-List positive traits

2-Interpret relationship to challenge topic

3-Provide constructive feedback

Details...

List positive traits:
EVERY image has good characteristics. Identify something the photographer worked hard to capture and you make a positive connection with them from the start. Technical traits are easiest to identify and relate to photography.

Interpret relationship to challenge topic:
This is the least useful feedback. It is very subjective so make it short and to the point. Some voters consider this far more important than I do when voting. So I make statements based on how I feel others may react to help a photographer interpret a lower than expected score.

Provide constructive feedback:
Point out weaknesses and make sugggestions for how those weaknesses could be addressed. This is the meat of the comment. It will almost always be exclusively in technical areas that include but are not limited to exposure, focus, use of depth of field, perspective, lines, technique, use of the rule of thirds, main subject, distractions, framing, technical quality, etc.

Do this and your reviews will be better accepted by reviewees. It can lead to positive exchanges where you and they both learn something new.

art-inept

Olympus C-5060WZ

Canon EF 35mm f/2.0

07/01/2005 02:26:57 PM · #2

very thorough, i commend you! but why not post it in my "about comments" thread? :(

SJCarter

Canon EOS-7D

07/01/2005 02:31:27 PM · #3

I've always been very impressed with your comments stdavidson. You are detailed, tactful, and have an excellent eye. I wish more people would follow your lead. :-)

LoudDog

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

07/01/2005 02:41:50 PM · #4

Is this a good example?

"I try to keep from typing negative comments, but this is too horrible? Was this taken by a 3 year old? There is no hint of focus and the subject is in no way interesting. You posted this as a joke, right? I truly wish I could vote this less then a one because I gave a few photos that were worlds better then this a one."

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

07/01/2005 02:51:39 PM · #5

They left off "... you hockey puck."

07/01/2005 03:00:37 PM · #6

Originally posted by art-inept:

very thorough, i commend you! but why not post it in my "about comments" thread? :(

I did not see your thread. But yours and mine are really different. You suggest technical changes to the web site whereas I'm sharing a methodolgy of commenting within the current framework I've found to work very well and think could benefit others.

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

07/01/2005 03:02:34 PM · #7

Originally posted by louddog:

YES... Excellent example of someone needing a better methodology for communication. :)

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

07/01/2005 04:31:01 PM · #8

Has anybody read this site tutorial?

jpochard

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

07/01/2005 04:40:54 PM · #9

To that I would add to try to avoid making statements of fact such as "That tree needs to go" Instead stating it as opinion such as "I think the composition would be improved if the tree was cropped out." I usually try to cushion all my suggestions with the idea that this is how I see it.

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

07/01/2005 04:44:43 PM · #10

Originally posted by GeneralE:

Has anybody read this site tutorial?

I have read it and agree. You should always be courteous and respectful.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

07/01/2005 05:00:15 PM · #11

Originally posted by jpochard:

I agree completely. Another suggestions is that all readers of comments try to remember that, no matter how pompously or pedantically a comment is phrased, it is only the opinion of the commenter, and can be freely discarded or ignored if the advice is not useful.

Still, I just try to not discard a useful suggestion just because the person making the comment can't/won't be polite.

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

07/01/2005 05:13:19 PM · #12

Originally posted by GeneralE:

Originally posted by jpochard:
To that I would add to try to avoid making statements of fact such as "That tree needs to go" Instead stating it as opinion such as "I think the composition would be improved if the tree was cropped out." I usually try to cushion all my suggestions with the idea that this is how I see it.

I agree completely. Another suggestions is that all readers of comments try to remember that, no matter how pompously or pedantically a comment is phrased, it is only the opinion of the commenter, and can be freely discarded or ignored if the advice is not useful.

Still, I just try to not discard a useful suggestion just because the person making the comment can't/won't be polite.

Strongly agree with both of you.

It is an aquired skill but the wise photographer needs to learn how to separate the wheat from the chaff when interpreting comments they get. The rudest commenter can make valid points. And the most courteous and kind reviewer can be way off the mark.

Message edited by author 2005-07-01 17:13:45.

David.C

07/01/2005 05:20:09 PM · #13

If the commenter has something to say and the photographer is willing to listen, a text box is all that is needed. No system of commenting, whether it is rigidly structured or simply '... be polite' is needed.

If the commenter does not have anything to say, no method of saying it is going to help.

If the photographer is not willing to listen, no method of hearing it is going to help.

If the commenter does not have anything to say and the photographer is not willing to listen -- what's the point?

David