DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest You are not logged in. (log in or register
 

DPChallenge Forums >> General Discussion >> Comments - R.I.P.
Pages:  
Showing posts 26 - 50 of 154, (reverse)
AuthorThread
04/17/2006 11:25:29 AM · #26
Originally posted by posthumous:

Originally posted by langdon:

We can run another Invitiational Challenge for people who have given more comments than they have received.


I love this idea.

I think that's a bandaid solution which does nothing to fix the problems we have mentioned.
04/17/2006 11:26:06 AM · #27
Originally posted by Beetle:


My personal opinion is that we should have three boxes that need to choose from EVERY time we enter a photo:
a) I want NO comments, thank you.
b) I am delicate - don't say anything negative to me
c) I really want feedback - tell me the truth.


Personally, I think the options should be A or C. If you want to choose B, then choose A and get your pat on the back from your friends.

I also think that publicly critizing comments that you've received is just unnecessary and uncalled for. Hopefully having the new Forum Rules in place will help us get rid of this practice.
04/17/2006 11:29:28 AM · #28
Originally posted by mk:

Personally, I think the options should be A or C. If you want to choose B, then choose A and get your pat on the back from your friends.


Eh, I wouldn't mind giving positive comments to people who didn't want negative ones - if their photo deserved it. They just might get less comments, but if they had a problem with that, they could choose C.
04/17/2006 11:32:34 AM · #29
Originally posted by mk:

I also think that publicly critizing comments that you've received is just unnecessary and uncalled for. Hopefully having the new Forum Rules in place will help us get rid of this practice.

Even if the rules and SC policing can keep that part in check, you still have some people getting upset about negative feedback. I don't like that idea even if their wrath is kept away from me.

I would be much happier to know BEFORE commenting if it is welcome or not.
04/17/2006 11:32:41 AM · #30
Originally posted by Beetle:

Originally posted by glad2badad:


Do you think this might influence voters? Subliminally I think it could if there is text on the voting page laid out as you've listed as your bullet points.

My exact wording - a bit too snippy - was only meant as an example. It would need to be toned down to be actually acceptable.
Once it has been expressed properly, I think we'd get used to it.
Perhaps not a perfect system, but better than all the problems we have now?

Agreed, it's a valid proposal. I really think this (the whole commenting process - not your specific idea Beetle) is over analyzed. Just toggle comments on/off. Those that want comments need to accept what they receive - good/bad/ugly. With an on/off toggle question at challenge submission time it doesn't impact the voting page much at all except to hide or display the comments text box.

There could be some consideration to how this is managed (D&L item) from the thumbnail page. Frequently I'll vote, then go back to comment later using the comment icons on the thumbnail page.
04/17/2006 11:34:49 AM · #31
Originally posted by Beetle:

Originally posted by mk:

I also think that publicly critizing comments that you've received is just unnecessary and uncalled for. Hopefully having the new Forum Rules in place will help us get rid of this practice.

Even if the rules and SC policing can keep that part in check, you still have some people getting upset about negative feedback. I don't like that idea even if their wrath is kept away from me.

I would be much happier to know BEFORE commenting if it is welcome or not.


I'm not opposed to your proposal but allowing people to opt out of comments doesn't necessarily mean that the ones who opt in are automatically gracious receivers.

04/17/2006 11:36:05 AM · #32
Originally posted by Melethia:

My Jump entry is a new record for me - 0 comments! Yep, zero. Which is fine. It's boring. I kinda like the composition myself, but I can see where it may not appeal to the masses and it didn't have any "pop".

On the other hand, I gave out about 30 or so comments in that challenge.

As for "not marking helpful" particularly in the lower rated pics, I suspect that those are from "newbies" who've yet to figure out how the site truly works in a lot of cases. If I find comments not marked as "helpful", I check that person's portfolio to see if they've ever marked comments at all - usually they haven't. This may be due to language barriers as well.

Don't let the behavior of a boorish few stop you from commenting. I myself have been remiss at thanking those who do comment (which I generally try to do after a challenge.) Just keep running out of time! So for those of you who have commented on my entries - muchas gracias! Thanks!!


I'm a newbie. All but one comment that I've received has been completely unhelpful. Stuff like "Very creative!" Thanks, but that's not helpful. It frankly drives me nuts when I see a page full of these kinds of pandering comments all marked helpful. What exactly did the photographer get from that besides an ego boost? I've decided I'm not going to reward people for playing to ego in search of a "helpful" checkmark. Tell me something that's truly useful or insightful and I'll give you a cookie for it. Merely making any random boring comment at all isn't good enough.

Likewise, I don't expect anyone to check my comments as helpful unless they actually take something from it. If I'm particularly impressed with a photo I might make a useless comment, but it's not likely.
04/17/2006 11:38:24 AM · #33
Originally posted by kdsprog:

Originally posted by langdon:

I also have noticed a recent lack of commenting. I attributed it to the same reason dleach mentioned, which is why there was no bonus challenge last Friday.

For the people who don't comment because their comments aren't getting marked helpful, is this feature more harmful than it is good? Would you have ever felt a need to comment in the first place if that "recognition number" on your profile didn't exist? Perhaps that feature needs to be removed or modified somehow? There was talk previous of an additional checkbox "This comment has been read" or "This comment was appreciated", but I'm wondering if effort there would really help the situation?

I'm also interested in hearing any ideas people have for fostering more comments. We can run another Invitiational Challenge for people who have given more comments than they have received. Or perhaps we can just make people more aware of the helpful checkbox and have a page better fit than comment_browse.php to show you comments that you haven't marked as helpful.


This has been mentioned before, but I think the checkbox should be for "This comment has been read". I personally try to check every box as a "thank you" to the person who left the comment. But not all are "helpful". I think the wording sometimes is deemed hurtful to people who put the effort into trying to help and not being acknowledged.


I don't agree with the "thank you" check at all. All it does is encourage people to make useless comments to get their comment stats up.
04/17/2006 11:39:01 AM · #34
Originally posted by mk:

I'm not opposed to your proposal but allowing people to opt out of comments doesn't necessarily mean that the ones who opt in are automatically gracious receivers.

Agreed, it won't stop 100% of the complaining.

However, if we have to physically TICK a box that states we want any and all comments, then surely the situation would have to improve immensely!!
04/17/2006 11:43:06 AM · #35
Originally posted by glad2badad:

Originally posted by Apollo2077:

... people don't like it if I challenge their comments cos they think they are always right. ...

That's an interesting observation. If you challenge comments are you not implying that you are the one that's always right? The word challenge, as applied in this context, sounds aggressive. When aggression is used many times the other party will become defensive. It all sounds a bit stressful. ;^)


Actually the comments I challenged are some comments I've been receiving on the Candid challenge. They just wrote "Not Candid", or "DNMC", and left it at that. I just challenged the comments by asking why they thought my photo did not meet the challenge, and I also gave my perspective on why I entered my photo in the challenge. I never said I'm always right, but I suppose I can see how you came to that conclusion!!
I love getting comments both good & bad, but only as long as I can learn something from them.

Recieving negative unconstructive feedback tends to make you feel cornered - and the only way you can go to escape is back towards the person pushing you into the corner....

Message edited by author 2006-04-17 11:47:16.
04/17/2006 11:46:39 AM · #36
I think eliminating the "This Comment Was Helpful" box would be a great thing as it is useless. Several people only check the box if you leave a "great photo" comment and several people never check it. Thus the numbers and the box are useless.

Also, maybe make it a rule that you can't respond negatively to a comment and attack the commenter, either by PM or in the forums. If you think a comment is too harsh or uncalled for, contact SC and they will deal with it. If you can't deal with comments, leave the site.

Then maybe an incentive to have more comments given then received like a monthly open challenge (for paid members and registered users) and/or reduced membership dues.

Just my $.02
04/17/2006 11:49:21 AM · #37
Originally posted by Apollo2077:

Originally posted by glad2badad:

Originally posted by Apollo2077:

... people don't like it if I challenge their comments cos they think they are always right. ...

That's an interesting observation. If you challenge comments are you not implying that you are the one that's always right? The word challenge, as applied in this context, sounds aggressive. When aggression is used many times the other party will become defensive. It all sounds a bit stressful. ;^)


Actually the comments I challenged are some comments I've been receiving on the Candid challenge. They just wrote "Not Candid", or "DNMC", and left it at that. I just challenged the comments by asking why they thought my photo did not meet the challenge, and I also gave my perspective on why I entered my photo in the challenge. I never said I'm always right, but I suppose I can see how you came to that conclusion!!
I love getting comments both good & bad, but only as long as I can learn something from them.

Recieving negative unconstructive feedback tends to make you feel cornered - and the only way you can go to escape is back towards the person pushing you into the corner....


If you're challenging comments that you receive while the challenge is still in the voting period, that may have something to do with some of the resistance you're feeling. Not everyone enjoys being PMed with a justification of why a photographer feels that their photo fits the challenge as it can appear to be an attempt to sway votes. Just something to think about.
04/17/2006 11:50:35 AM · #38
Originally posted by LoudDog:

I think eliminating the "This Comment Was Helpful" box would be a great thing as it is useless. Several people only check the box if you leave a "great photo" comment and several people never check it. Thus the numbers and the box are useless.

Also, maybe make it a rule that you can't respond negatively to a comment and attack the commenter, either by PM or in the forums. If you think a comment is too harsh or uncalled for, contact SC and they will deal with it. If you can't deal with comments, leave the site.

Then maybe an incentive to have more comments given then received like a monthly open challenge (for paid members and registered users) and/or reduced membership dues.

Just my $.02


I agree to have the "this comment was useful" removed - as even if someone leaves you a comment saying "great pic" it's still not useful, but just boosts our egos a bit, so we feel obliged to tick it.

Message edited by author 2006-04-17 11:51:17.
04/17/2006 11:54:11 AM · #39
Originally posted by karmabreeze:

I'm a newbie. All but one comment that I've received has been completely unhelpful. Stuff like "Very creative!" Thanks, but that's not helpful. It frankly drives me nuts when I see a page full of these kinds of pandering comments all marked helpful. What exactly did the photographer get from that besides an ego boost? I've decided I'm not going to reward people for playing to ego in search of a "helpful" checkmark. Tell me something that's truly useful or insightful and I'll give you a cookie for it. Merely making any random boring comment at all isn't good enough.

Likewise, I don't expect anyone to check my comments as helpful unless they actually take something from it. If I'm particularly impressed with a photo I might make a useless comment, but it's not likely.


funny i think this is an example of why people don't comment..someone left you a comment suggesting it might have been better to focus on the seed on your Little Star shot..having looked at this picture I agree..now simply put, it seems you don't as it is not marked helpful..people will see this and not feel like giving you any comments..
I once responded to one of these forums of someone requesting comments by giving the person a lengthy detailed comment..they didn't check helpful, nor did they ever comment on one of my shots..now what does that mean?
personally I find I do get quite a few comments..and I like giving and getting comments where people express positive feelings..then I figure I have reached someone...rarely do I learn from a comment where someone wants to point out what's wrong, but hey it sure is nice of them to take the time..
one thing is clear..if i don't get comments on a shot then it is not affecting people..so I look at it, and decide whether i would change it, or if it is boring and move on..
04/17/2006 12:01:02 PM · #40
I comment far less than I used to - I just don't feel it's worth being berated for sharing my perception of someone's image - as it's MY perception of their image it's 100% right - since everyone is entitled to perceive an image differently - infact not just entitled but can hardly help but do so. It's not like I'm claiming to share universal truths!

I also feel the "helpful" comment box is less than helpful - as I have often pointed out - the stats relating to it disadvantage those of us who made a substantial number of comments before it was implemented - and yet I've still come across members who use it as an indication of how "good" a commenter is and actually decide what value to place upon the comments based on it!!!

Not to mention the number of people who just cannot stop themselves from marking ANY positive comment as helpful (even single word ego-strokers) but refuse to tick any comment that points out, politely, a possible way to improve the image, in the eyes of one person at least. That drives me NUTS!

It's a pointless statistic and, whilst I won't refuse to comment because of it, it does contribute, along with those who rant about comments they don't like, to my reduced willingness to leave comments...


04/17/2006 12:03:12 PM · #41
Giving comments is like giving a gift. Your reward should be in the giving and the feeling of contribution. Personally I don't expect anything in return for leaving a comment, even when it's stated (i.e. "1-4-1" comment threads).

I tend to comment when something moves me, positive or negative. Unfortunately (or maybe not, he-he) time spent on commenting is limited for me.
04/17/2006 12:05:25 PM · #42
L,

I mark nearly comment as helpful, but usually out of habit. I think the checkmark option is vestigial really. "Marked as read" is probably more accurate in most cases. The only ones I don't mark as helpful are crude and unneeded comments.
04/17/2006 12:07:52 PM · #43
i've been saying since i joined the site that the best way to learn here is to GIVE comments. take the time to analyze and disect others images, and you'll learn how to take better images. wait for everyone else to spoonfeed you and you'll starve.

along those lines, who gives a crap if someone finds a comment useful or not. if you make a comment in order to teach yourself something, it's simply gravy if it's useful to someone else...
04/17/2006 12:08:53 PM · #44
Originally posted by glad2badad:

Giving comments is like giving a gift. Your reward should be in the giving and the feeling of contribution. Personally I don't expect anything in return for leaving a comment, even when it's stated (i.e. "1-4-1" comment threads).


How many times have you had the recipient of a gift chew you out (in private or public) for giving a gift they didn't like???

How many times have you had the recipient of a gift declare that your gifts are less desirable than someone else's purely on the basis of a pointless statistic?

Whilst I leave comments because I feel inspired to do so by the image and not because I feel I am bestowing gifts on the recipients, I do try and make sure they are useful to the photographer too (rather than simple braindumps of my reactions).


04/17/2006 12:14:04 PM · #45
Originally posted by karmabreeze:

I'm a newbie. All but one comment that I've received has been completely unhelpful. Stuff like "Very creative!" Thanks, but that's not helpful. It frankly drives me nuts when I see a page full of these kinds of pandering comments all marked helpful. What exactly did the photographer get from that besides an ego boost?


Disagree 100%

"Great photo" tells me that someone thought it was great enough that they wanted to let me know. Yes it's good for the ego, but it also tells me I did something right and I should keep doing it. That is helpful.

"DNMTC" tells me why it's scoring lower then I expected. Good info to have, very helpful.

"Very Creative" tells me that someone thinks I was creative (enough that they wanted to let me know) and that I should keep doing what I'm doing. If there are no comments on creativity should I just assume I was creative???

Every comment is helpful.
04/17/2006 12:16:09 PM · #46
I'm very new here and have already seen forum posts from people complaining about comments that I made, so obviously that's not very encouraging for me to comment any more. I guess some people need to grow thicker skin, or realize that this is a competitive place where not everything will be lauded.

What might work is having two comment boxes, for instance one for "What's Good" and one for "What's Bad". This might eliminate the general fluff comments (i.e., 'not bad')
04/17/2006 12:20:01 PM · #47
I used to comment at length in the comment sections, but it was ultimately unfulfilling because there was no dialogue, no feedback, involved. Most of the time I never even knew whether the comment had been read. Now I do stuff like that directly in the forums, for the most part, and especially on the technique/learning type threads, where many will see the commentary and a dialogue can be established.

I think it's a mistake to equate "large number of comments given" with "helpful member"... I'd prefer to see the checkbox characterized as a "has been read" box, because that's how I use it anyway; I check off every comment that I receive, except those very few that are just plain nasty; the "get a life" type comments.

Robt.
04/17/2006 12:21:25 PM · #48
I think that being able to give comments requires having thick skin, just as it does in receiving comments. As you may not always like what others have to say about your photo, you have to be prepared for the given comment that is not rec'd so graciously as well.
04/17/2006 12:31:14 PM · #49
I know this thought probably wont go very far but how about taking the names away from the comments on the picture page. That way you dont know if who its coming from and there is no possibility of confrontations that way. Or maybe permanent "Bagheads" make it an option in your preferences to allow people to know it was you that make the comment. And i know its human nature to want your thoughts appreciated but honeslty it might be better to just take the "helpful" box away.

I would agree with skiprow that critiquing other pictures is very helpful to my own photography, if i take the time to comment on something i feel someone else could have done better it makes me think about it when i take my own pictures.
04/17/2006 12:34:04 PM · #50
Originally posted by LoudDog:

Originally posted by karmabreeze:

I'm a newbie. All but one comment that I've received has been completely unhelpful. Stuff like "Very creative!" Thanks, but that's not helpful. It frankly drives me nuts when I see a page full of these kinds of pandering comments all marked helpful. What exactly did the photographer get from that besides an ego boost?


Disagree 100%

"Great photo" tells me that someone thought it was great enough that they wanted to let me know. Yes it's good for the ego, but it also tells me I did something right and I should keep doing it. That is helpful.

"DNMTC" tells me why it's scoring lower then I expected. Good info to have, very helpful.

"Very Creative" tells me that someone thinks I was creative (enough that they wanted to let me know) and that I should keep doing what I'm doing. If there are no comments on creativity should I just assume I was creative???

Every comment is helpful.


I appreciate knowing that someone likes my work. But they shouldn't expect a pat on the head for it.

If you're getting DNMC comments, you probably already knew it was a longshot. Seriously, how could you not? And if you didn't then DNMC isn't helpful because it doesn't tell you why. Acronyms aren't helpful in fact they're downright lazy. How does it accomplish anything but leaving you bewildered as to why?

As for "Very creative", again I appreciate the comment, but it's not telling me how to improve. It's really just the same as "good job".

Message edited by author 2006-04-17 12:35:35.
Pages:  
Current Server Time: 08/06/2025 01:02:50 PM

Please log in or register to post to the forums.


Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 08/06/2025 01:02:50 PM EDT.