Are you qualified to comment? - DPChallenge Forums

04/24/2005 07:25:00 PM · #26

Originally posted by buzzmom:

that made me laugh...thank you....needed a good laugh tonight...trying to figure out how to meet the deadline for minimalism when im stuck in bed with a bad back for 4 days now....

Think "Minimal Mobility" ;-)

gattamarta

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 100mm f/2.0 USM

04/24/2005 08:38:57 PM · #27

Originally posted by Britannica:

On the subject of how to write the comment ... Everything I write is my opinion -- if it isn't I will include a reference. I don't feel the need to include that little piece of information as a qualification everytime I write something -- and I view everything I read with the assumption it is the writers opinion unless referenced otherwise.

While I don't think or act in an overly disrespectful manner, I also do not go out of my way to be overly polite.

I couldn't say it better! English is not my mother tongue, and I cannot express myself in such a overly polite way. I read the comments above and the useful tutorial, but I'm sorry I am not able to write the way you suggest... anyway I'm sure you will forgive me for this!

I understand being polite, but I don't agree with all the people that say they don't leave negative messages or that one should always point out what's good in the picture. I'm a newbie on this site/forum and a complete beginner in photography, and I have my first submission being commented right now. I appreciate a lot people who tell me what isn't working in my picture: of course (for my inexperience) it has a mediocre rating and it is very important for me to understand what I can improve. The first comments were of the kind "nice pic" and I'm happy that someone liked my picture, but I need someone telling me what is lacking in my picture.

There is a box that says "Photographer found comment helpful", and I think that it's not helpful to hear what I did well, while if someone points out what I did bad, next time I'll do well what I already know how to do and I'll do better what I did bad last time
hope you understand

I think people should be less nervous and encourage negative feedbacks and comments... otherwise how can we improve our skills getting "wow-nice" comments and a low score?

04/24/2005 08:42:50 PM · #28

well said, anna.

Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 E-mount

04/24/2005 08:45:38 PM · #29

Originally posted by jmsetzler:

Newer photographers sometimes seem to feel that they are not qualified to comment on photos. This is simply not true. If you can see a photograph, you are qualified to comment.

You have probably been listening to music for a long time and you can tell other people what you think about the sound and the lyrics, even if you can't write music or play an instrument. You have been eating all your life and you can tell people what you think about certain foods and recipes, even if you can't cook. This list goes on and on and on...

You can also look at a photograph and decide whether or not you like it. Leaving a comment on a photo doesn't require any qualifications other than that. If a photo doesn't 'say' something to you, you can simply say that or just skip over it. If you do like it, or something about it, tell the photographer. You don't have to comment on the technicals of an image.

well said, only, would someone who isn't a chef try to tell someone they made it wrong? That happens on this site all the time. Instead of giving an 'opinion' they give right and wrong awards constantly. Sure we can all see a photograph and decide if we like it or not, but not all of us are qualified to tell people what they did wrong.

I'm personally tired of hearing people tell me my shots are this, and that. It never occurs to anyone that what they see was meant to been seen that way. If I submit an underexposed photo, there is probably a reason it's under exposed. And while it's your own right to like or dislike it, you don't have to state what you think is wrong simply because you think it's underexposed. There are many ways to tell someone your discontent, and how you would have done it differently without bashing them and telling them they are wrong. Not everything is based on technical correctness. Alot of abstract art goes un-noticed simply because no one understands the outlook of the artist. It's like Picasso.. I highly doubt he was loved as much in life as in death. I also doubt he enjoyed hearing how 'unreal' his photos look. I mean just because he doesn't have the textbook features in textbook places could be looked up as 'wrong' but only an idiot in this era would say picasso was wrong (i.e. people don't pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for an subsufficient painting)

Message edited by author 2005-04-24 20:55:05.

jmsetzler

Sony Alpha a6000

04/24/2005 08:49:27 PM · #30

Originally posted by magicshutter:

IMO, any comment or critique is opinion. There simply is no right or wrong, just perceptions.

04/24/2005 08:50:59 PM · #31

Originally posted by jmsetzler:

IMO, any comment or critique is opinion. There simply is no right or wrong, just perceptions.

Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 E-mount

04/24/2005 08:57:47 PM · #32

Originally posted by jmsetzler:

Originally posted by magicshutter:

well said, only, would someone who isn't a chef try to tell someone they made it wrong? That happens on this site all the time. Instead of giving an 'opinion' they give right and wrong awards constantly. Sure we can all see a photograph and decide if we like it or not, but not all of us are qualified to tell people what they did wrong.

IMO, any comment or critique is opinion. There simply is no right or wrong, just perceptions.

I agree with you, but some of the comments I end up with speak a different tongue. I really do welcome all comments and feedback on the comments I make. I make a concious effort to avoid wrods like 'wrong'. Maybe it's that I get the impression that everyone feels the need to be a critic or maybe it's because I don't get awe-filled comments. Either way I think it's pretty arrogant to tell someone else they portrayed their vision incorrectly. Like it or not it's theirs, not yours.

jmsetzler

Sony Alpha a6000

04/24/2005 09:00:27 PM · #33

Originally posted by magicshutter:

[quote=jmsetzler]

I agree with you, but some of the comments I end up with speak a different tongue. I really do welcome all comments and feedback on the comments I make. I make a concious effort to avoid wrods like 'wrong'. Maybe it's that I get the impression that everyone feels the need to be a critic or maybe it's because I don't get awe-filled comments. Either way I think it's pretty arrogant to tell someone else they portrayed their vision incorrectly. Like it or not it's theirs, not yours.

I find it easy enough to translate 'wrong' into 'i don't like your choice'. Everyone doesn't really realize their comments are opinions and they don't word them as such.

blad

Nikon D700

Nikon MF 28mm f/2.0 AIS

04/24/2005 09:04:04 PM · #34

Originally posted by Mambe:

Thanks !
I'm sure that this could be very helpful to many of us , I remember my first times trying to comment and feeling a bit "stupid" but I feel better now (lol) , I know little about technics but lot about feelings ...
Some comments I've received have been very helpful (lightning , cropping , etc.) and others have been like a kind and friendly smile , very helpful for my state of mind.

So please feel free and leave comments !

textmambe, you got a heart! God bless you!

Message edited by author 2005-04-24 21:08:06.

04/24/2005 09:06:00 PM · #35

Originally posted by jmsetzler:

Originally posted by magicshutter:
[quote=jmsetzler]

I agree with you, but some of the comments I end up with speak a different tongue. I really do welcome all comments and feedback on the comments I make. I make a concious effort to avoid wrods like 'wrong'. Maybe it's that I get the impression that everyone feels the need to be a critic or maybe it's because I don't get awe-filled comments. Either way I think it's pretty arrogant to tell someone else they portrayed their vision incorrectly. Like it or not it's theirs, not yours.

I find it easy enough to translate 'wrong' into 'i don't like your choice'. Everyone doesn't really realize their comments are opinions and they don't word them as such.

I really am the choir on this one John. I only wish these select few voters would do one of 2 things..

1> stop commenting
2> take more than five seconds to think about what they want to say.

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF

04/24/2005 09:16:41 PM · #36

Originally posted by magicshutter:

I really am the choir on this one John. I only wish these select few voters would do one of 2 things..

1> stop commenting
2> take more than five seconds to think about what they want to say.

Hmmm, I'm in a different choir. I would never say "Stop Commenting"
Careful, Joe - a little self-analysis might change your perspective. Go look through all of the comments you have left (I glanced through of few of yours) and admit that you did a lot of quick "Nice shot" type entries - not in those exact words and not the majority of your comments, but you are as guilty (if you want to call it that) as anyone.

Some examples:

Originally posted by Some_of_magicshutters_comments:

Awesome. My fav.
Awesome, another one of my favs from this challenge.
Don't know how you managed this one but I love it.
Creepy. And I love creepy! great job.
Look, It's Osama!
I believe you will finish 2nd.

These are but a few like that, but like I said, generally you have left lots of seemingly helpful advice or comments.

pawdrix

Nikon D700

04/24/2005 09:44:20 PM · #37

Originally posted by magicshutter:

well said, only, would someone who isn't a chef try to tell someone they made it wrong?

I'm a chef and I'm always tellin people, "they made it wrong"

.....but nobody listens.

I feel that the fact of engagement is reason enough to comment. Good or bad they need to be taken with some sense of humor or a grain of salt...pardon the pun. I mark almost all comments "helpful" hopefully to encourage the exchange for whatever it's worth.

graphicfunk

Canon EOS-20D

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

04/24/2005 10:09:48 PM · #38

Look, the comment is the gateway to improving your own work because it invites you to study the image before you. At the start you may only gauge the visual impact the photo portrays. This information alone is valuable. Later on you will begin to discern more detail regarding composition and technique. Always remember that it is the visual impact which trumps all else.

Eventually you will develop a variety of approach to evaluating an image. This will bring a shower of praise to images that meet the major criteria and to the images that fall short a small discourse on how you feel the image could have been done better in your judgment.

Most of the benefits in commenting will come back to you to help you avoid the very defects you detect. Over time, you will develop your internal critic and here is where you will see a tangible improvement in your work.

Message edited by author 2005-04-24 22:51:43.

aerogurl

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G DX VR

04/24/2005 11:39:09 PM · #39

Originally posted by graphicfunk:

I agree... and coming from a man who has made 6604 comments, his expertise on this subject is gold.

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

04/24/2005 11:55:31 PM · #40

Originally posted by kpriest:

Originally posted by magicshutter:
I really am the choir on this one John. I only wish these select few voters would do one of 2 things..

1> stop commenting
2> take more than five seconds to think about what they want to say.

Hmmm, I'm in a different choir. I would never say "Stop Commenting"
Careful, Joe - a little self-analysis might change your perspective. Go look through all of the comments you have left (I glanced through of few of yours) and admit that you did a lot of quick "Nice shot" type entries - not in those exact words and not the majority of your comments, but you are as guilty (if you want to call it that) as anyone.

Some examples:
Originally posted by Some_of_magicshutters_comments:
Awesome. My fav.
Awesome, another one of my favs from this challenge.
Don't know how you managed this one but I love it.
Creepy. And I love creepy! great job.
Look, It's Osama!
I believe you will finish 2nd.

These are but a few like that, but like I said, generally you have left lots of seemingly helpful advice or comments.

Look, I guess I'm again misunderstood in what I meant. I've gotten some comments that simply said they liked it and those are great. I've recieved some, one in a current challenge, that simply said it was not an interesting image. None of these seem holier than thou, just like none of my are. I'm against trying to teach the world what you were taught through the comment box, especially if your gonna bag your head when you're doing it.

RayEthier

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

04/25/2005 12:00:52 AM · #41

Originally posted by magicshutter:

I'm against trying to teach the world what you were taught through the comment box, especially if your gonna bag your head when you're doing it.

Removing the bag would accomplish what???

04/25/2005 12:08:03 AM · #42

Originally posted by RayEthier:

Originally posted by magicshutter:
I'm against trying to teach the world what you were taught through the comment box, especially if your gonna bag your head when you're doing it.

Removing the bag would accomplish what???

absolutely nothing.

04/25/2005 12:59:08 AM · #43

My only point is - let people comment the way they want to and just receive comments gracefully. Communication of any type (except for hate speech or personal attacks) should never be discouraged. It's also fine to post some advice on giving comments in the forums and let people take the advice willingly instead of saying "Don't bother giving me two word comments"

My only point to you magic, was that you should just be wary of making judgements about people's remarks, particularly when you are guilty of them yourself. I'm also not trying to discourage you from leaving those comments either - please do - I'll take any kind of reaction and I'll either use it or disregard it - my choice what to do with it, but any feedback is appreciated, as is no comment - just scoring the entry is a good thing.

Message edited by author 2005-04-25 01:00:14.

lissylou

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6D ED

04/25/2005 11:07:42 AM · #44

So glad to see that people like ammature comments as well, I've actually been worrying about this. As I leave comments I tend to think these people are the professionals they know more than me.
With all this said I will have to leave more comments now :)

srdanz

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

04/25/2005 11:26:19 AM · #45

My opinion:
- I don't always state in the comment that it is in my opinion, but I often do. From the receiving side, I do not care - has to do with skin thickness I guess. I also try to take a look at the multiplicity of comments - if 50% of people tell me that the image is too (light/dark/sharp/dull/in/out of focus) then I'll consider this valid, even if they didn't tell me that it is in their opinion only. And vice-versa, of course.

- a comment is helpful not only if the content of the comment represents a mini tutorial. I find it helpful if someone likes what I did and notes that. That helps me get the strength to go out and make another photo that someone else might like.

Edit for spelling.

Message edited by author 2005-04-25 11:27:35.

ebertdj

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 17-35mm f/2.8L

04/25/2005 12:08:51 PM · #46

When I make a comment on someones photo - I like to tell them what I like about it and what I would have tried to have done differently to improve the shot IMO There are a huge amount of shots with great potential that need the comments to make them closer to perfection - And I appreciate when someone comments on my photos with a good eye - knowing what probably was involved to capture the shot. And I do the same in return - so Thank you to all those that have made comments!

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

04/25/2005 12:48:09 PM · #47

Originally posted by lissylou:

Hmmm, looking up "Ammature"...
am-a-tur (adj) - An immature amateur

Ohhh. Yeah, I like those comments too.

nyeah, nyeah. ;-)

mocabela

Canon EOS-20D

04/25/2005 03:08:58 PM · #48

Okay, I've been successfully made to feel silly for not commenting, and I'm trying to do it more. Not for elibility to the upcoming challenge, though - there's no way that's happening. :)

aerogurl

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G DX VR

04/25/2005 05:01:35 PM · #49

I have noticed on several profiles with multiple ribbons that the member has received thousands of comments and only made a hundred or so. I'd just like to say that I respect and appreciate all comments but there is a difference between getting a comment like "this appeals to me", "love it", "good mood" and comments like "needs more DOF, you can accomplish that by moving your subject away from the background and a smaller aperture"... etc. I think the people who have more experience should be commenting more. I may be sticking my foot in my mouth by saying these things, but I feel its just against the spirit of the website to have such great expertise and not share it. Isn't that what we are here for, to either become a better photographer from others help or if you already are a great photographer to share your knowledge with others?