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DPChallenge Forums >> General Discussion >> A plea for considerate "suck" language
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 08/27/2006 02:15:53 PM · #1
I don't quite know how to put this, but I'd like to ask everyone here to think about the feelings of others not yet in their league photographically.

It's bothered me for some time when I see people say that their scores suck (or use similar language) when they're "only" getting something out of my reach. I recently saw someone say they were in a rut because their most recent several challenges were "only" in the low 6s.

But, of course, it's all relative. I'm sure I've been guilty of expressing disappointment in a score that others would envy, and I'm a middling photographer here at DPC. What to me is a lousy score is quite possibly out of reach to those who normally do much worse. So I realized that while I feel that way about better shooters saying things like that, I could very well be doing the same thing to others. There's no cutoff below which people needn't think of how their comments affect others.

So. Instead of saying "man, I've been in a crappy rut," which might mean scores that are beyond others' personal bests, I'd like to appeal to everyone to put it relative terms. "I'm not hitting my average" or "this isn't up to my normal quality" or some such.

Maybe I'm out of line here, and everyone knows to take those comments in stride. But I wanted to convey how I feel about it, on the assumption others might feel the same way.

I'm putting this in general discussion because I'm curious to see what people think; it's not just a rant to complain, but rather an invitation to consider and share your thoughts.

Thanks!

Message edited by author 2006-08-27 16:04:37.
 08/27/2006 02:31:59 PM · #2
I've actually had similar thoughts myself; I try hard NOT to give a "poor me" impression just because I'm not measuring up to my own standards, when I know many people here would be delighted to have a score equal to the one that is disappointing me. So, good observation and thanks for posting it!

But then again, I'm perfectly capable of shooting images I actually like that genuinely suck in the voters' eyes, by ANYONE's standards, such as my most recent entry :-)



R.
 08/27/2006 02:46:11 PM · #3
Well said. Agree with both you guys, Love what I did on a current challenge, voters seem to hate it. Might be my personal-low here, score-wise. hehe. I'm learning not to care.
 08/27/2006 02:46:35 PM · #4
I think for some people, constant 6's are a rut...to think that they shouldn't be allowed to share their feelings on their current entries, or their un-happiness with the results is a bit goofy.

You just have to know where you stand and if you see someone saying the are sucking and they're busting out 6's, you gotta take it for what it's worth to you.
 08/27/2006 02:53:36 PM · #5
I agree with what has been said. Because people are running low 6's, the score doesn't suck. A 6 is above the average score on the site. I, for one, am exstatic when I get above a 5 (happened once). And to hear that a 5 is a lousy score really makes me feel that I shouldn't even bother.

On the flip side, I'm not shooting for the scores, but for myself and to get better. However, if knowing that what I'm doing isn't appreciated, then why should I even do it?
 08/27/2006 02:57:02 PM · #6
In the fire challenge I stated I was disappointed with not reaching my goal of besting my last entry's score. We all have goals so if you put it in the context of that perhaps it won't seem like such a put down when people are unhappy yet scoring better than you.
 08/27/2006 03:03:57 PM · #7
We have had challenges only for people who have ribboned, why not have one only for people who havent had a top 5. That way there would be at least 3 more that havent ribboned that will.

MattO
 08/27/2006 03:13:52 PM · #8
I personally don't agree. My scores often disapoint me and some of those same scores may be good to someone else. I agree that sometimes I see Larus complain about scores that are above my personal best and think "man that would be great" but he is better than me(such an understatment) so i understand and it actually helps drive me to want to be better. We can't lead our life worring about everyone elses feelings about everything. Many people on this site can't afford a DSLR but many of us can. does this mean we should not talk about them so as not to offend? " I am tired of my 300d not having enough pixels I think I need to upgrade to a 400d" should this person not post this because many people would think "I wish I could just have a 300d"

I would love to be in a place where a low 6 was a rut but it doesn't mean those that can do it shouldn't be allowed to be disaapointed in it and voice it. we all have our own standards.

Originally posted by cryingdragon:
agree with what has been said. Because people are running low 6's, the score doesn't suck.


but it does suck for them. and for many of them it is below thier average.

Message edited by author 2006-08-27 15:15:19.
 08/27/2006 03:33:55 PM · #9
Scores are all realative anyway. If we did "Table Shot II" and this photo was entered today do you really think it would score an 8.6 still?
 08/27/2006 03:49:20 PM · #10
I know what you mean. Every time Tim (timfythetoo) complains about a lowly 5.7ish score, I just want to bonk him upside the head, you know? But he's a nice guy, so I figure it's OK.

:-)
 08/27/2006 04:10:36 PM · #11
Ack! I left in the opening statement that I'd meant to edit to include everyone. I really do mean all of us, not the best on the site, as I expounded on in the rest of my original post.

And to be clear, I never meant to suggest anyone should feel they couldn't express disappointment! I thought I said pretty clearly that everyone will feel that way at times. All I asked, in the spirit of community, is that we all think about how our words might affect others. Not "don't post" but "when you post, think about your choice of words."

This isn't censorship, or a demand, or even a claim that we're all too fragile. As I say to my wife sometimes, I'm just letting people know how I feel, and then you can decide whether that's worthy of your time. Either way, though, it says something about whether this will be a supportive community to help everyone learn and improve or a diehard competitive site.

Megatherian: I've noticed the same thing. Scores seem to be dropping, meaning that what scores a 6 or 7 now is a MUCH better photo than a few years ago. I think that's pretty cool, actually, because it shows how people are learning how to make the most of tools as they become available.
 08/27/2006 04:16:09 PM · #12
I have often read the scores of peeps complaining and had the same thought.."damn, I'd be happy with that score!"
That said...I decided a long time ago that I can not compare myself to other peoples scores. The person I compete against here is me!

I won't begrudge others a place to vent, even if they are unhappy with a 6.5..its all relative, really :-)
 08/27/2006 04:22:59 PM · #13
Most people want to improve regradless of where they score. My average is just below 6. I do get several low 6s. I want to get better, so I do get a little frustrated when I can't seem to improve my scores.

I did try something new in Magic and Mystery and it's scoring a 4.5, so at least it's changing! ;-)

True to form, I am scoring a 6.09 in Soft Focus.


08/27/2006 06:02:13 PM · #14
I agree 100%. As a teacher I have to watch my own vocabulary in my classroom. For example, nothing is ever "easy". What's easy to one student might not be easy for others.
 08/27/2006 06:24:07 PM · #15
Pretty soon every photo in a challenge will just be a 5.5 and that'll be that.
 08/27/2006 06:45:28 PM · #16
Originally posted by deapee:
Pretty soon every photo in a challenge will just be a 5.5 and that'll be that.


You knockin' my scores? Hmmm? ;-)
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