Low scores and no explanation why

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D

08/21/2008 12:56:13 PM · #1

I find it very disappointing that out of all the people who have low-rated my picture on a current challenge, not one of them has offered up a comment to tell me why or what they didn't like about the photo.

This isn't a rant about unfair scoring, I'm not saying that I feel my work deserves better marks or anything like that; it's just that if people see fit to grade you a 4 or less then they could be a bit helpful and say what it was about the photo they found unsatisfying. How are amateurs like myself supposed to learn how to improve if we are slapped with 2s and 3s and no reason as to what we've done wrong? I've had over 100 people vote on my entry so far and my average is quite low, yet nobody has said what I could have done better. If I give someone a lower score I feel it's only fair to tell them why.

Please people, give a little back!

Louis

Nikon D800

08/21/2008 01:08:13 PM · #2

This discussion is as old as DPChallenge. :-)

pjangel

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

08/21/2008 01:10:07 PM · #3

Unfortunately, that has been an issue here for quite a long time and there have been many, many threads related to this subject. I find that looking at past challenges and reading some of the comments given to others entries helps me to learn. Also, another great way to learn is by involving yourself in some of the monthly side challenges that go on, you always get quite a few comments during those. Best of Luck, PJ

Eyesup

Nikon D300

Sigma 70-200 /2.8 APO EX DG Macro HSM II

08/21/2008 01:12:43 PM · #4

a) if you post your photo in th forums you'll get a better responce and comments

There have been to many treads to count on this subject, and it boils down to a couple of things

1) too many people have given comments only to get a nasty email back... so they get turned off of commentig
2) many people don't have the time to vote & comment especailly the more entries there are

In the end if you want comments post to the forums... that way peole know that you are reseptive to comments.. you will most often get what you're looking for

dponlyme

Nikon D3000

Nikon AF-S DX 18-105 f/3.5-5.6 ED VR

08/21/2008 01:40:06 PM · #5

Originally posted by Eyesup:

I am guilty of sending a nasty email in response to a comment... but it was in response to a nasty comment.. It was the first comment I got and it said something along the lines of 'definitely a 10' but I got no 10's and the photo scored quite low (in the 4's). This to me was just plain cruel and I let them know that I did not appreciate it. Taking criticism is one thing but when someone is so condescending and derisive that is not right.

citymars

Nikon D700

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

08/21/2008 02:10:00 PM · #6

Originally posted by dponlyme:

"Definitely a 10" was a nasty comment? Maybe the voter changed his mind, or maybe he didn't vote on 20% and his votes were scrubbed. Hardly seems worth a nasty email.

EDIT: LadyTara, here is another current thread on the same topic, which may provide additional insights.

Message edited by author 2008-08-21 14:14:36.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

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

08/21/2008 03:19:08 PM · #7

Originally posted by citymars:

Hardly seems worth a nasty email.

Note that sending a "nasty email" for any reason is a violation of site rules ... if you get a "nasty comment" please just report it, and we will look into whether the comment itself violates the site TOU.

LadyTara: If you think the scores are "not undeserved" then I'm pretty sure that you can already guess what is "wrong" with the photo, and what those comments from low voters would be.

I believe that you learn far more about what makes a "good" photograph by commenting on others' pictures than from the comments other make on your pictures. This can be especially true if you look at those which score under 5.5, and trying to figure out how you would have executed the chosen subject.

08/21/2008 04:06:06 PM · #8

Originally posted by pjangel:

Side challenges? I've not seen anything about those, I've not been active here very long. What are those....?

08/21/2008 04:18:47 PM · #9

Originally posted by GeneralE:

Originally posted by citymars:
Hardly seems worth a nasty email.

Note that sending a "nasty email" for any reason is a violation of site rules ... if you get a "nasty comment" please just report it, and we will look into whether the comment itself violates the site TOU.

LadyTara: If you think the scores are "not undeserved" then I'm pretty sure that you can already guess what is "wrong" with the photo, and what those comments from low voters would be.

I believe that you learn far more about what makes a "good" photograph by commenting on others' pictures than from the comments other make on your pictures. This can be especially true if you look at those which score under 5.5, and trying to figure out how you would have executed the chosen subject.

If I could 'guess' what was wrong with my photo I'd have fixed it before submitting and I'd not be after comments explaining the flaws. I don't quite see how I can work out what's wrong with a single photo of mine from commenting a bunch of other pictures but thanks for the suggestion, I suppose I don't have the greatest clarity when it comes to critiquing my own work.

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

08/21/2008 04:19:06 PM · #10

Thanks to everyone for replying. I've not been here very long so wasn't aware this was a much-discussed topic, my apologies for being repetetive. I'm not sure how to post pictures for critique in the forums but I'll certainly give it a go.

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

08/21/2008 04:23:45 PM · #11

Originally posted by LadyTara:

Originally posted by GeneralE:

Originally posted by citymars:
Hardly seems worth a nasty email.

Note that sending a "nasty email" for any reason is a violation of site rules ... if you get a "nasty comment" please just report it, and we will look into whether the comment itself violates the site TOU.

LadyTara: If you think the scores are "not undeserved" then I'm pretty sure that you can already guess what is "wrong" with the photo, and what those comments from low voters would be.

I believe that you learn far more about what makes a "good" photograph by commenting on others' pictures than from the comments other make on your pictures. This can be especially true if you look at those which score under 5.5, and trying to figure out how you would have executed the chosen subject.

If I could 'guess' what was wrong with my photo I'd have fixed it before submitting and I'd not be after comments explaining the flaws. I don't quite see how I can work out what's wrong with a single photo of mine from commenting a bunch of other pictures but thanks for the suggestion, I suppose I don't have the greatest clarity when it comes to critiquing my own work.

The more you do it, the more you see in both others and your own photos.

pjangel

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

08/21/2008 04:44:33 PM · #12

Originally posted by LadyTara:

Originally posted by pjangel:
Unfortunately, that has been an issue here for quite a long time and there have been many, many threads related to this subject. I find that looking at past challenges and reading some of the comments given to others entries helps me to learn. Also, another great way to learn is by involving yourself in some of the monthly side challenges that go on, you always get quite a few comments during those. Best of Luck, PJ

Side challenges? I've not seen anything about those, I've not been active here very long. What are those....?

Pretty much every month there are 30 day side challenges that go on, I think for the month of August there was a flower challenge and a
self portrait challenge. Just watch the forums and you'll see them come up towards the end of the current month.