| Author | Thread |
|
|
07/20/2005 10:17:16 AM · #1 |
You know, people need to comment more often. I have read that you should AT LEAST comment on anything you rate 1, 2, or 3 so that people know exactly what you did not like, and why, so they can fix the problem, and also on 8, 9, and 10 to tell those people what you loved so they can keep on doing it. Now I don't disagree with that at all. In fact, I would love to at least have those comments.
But what that would mean, in order to get a lot of comments and critique, you would have to have an absolutely horrible photo, or one so great it would get a ribbon, and you probably knew what you did right to keep on doing it anyway.
Now, what about the middle scores, 4, 5, 6, and 7? Why not throw a few comments out on those also? I admit, that is where most of my votes come in, and it can be very frustrating sitting with a mediocre photo that you thought was really good, and not know why.
So, any other thoughts on the idea? How can we increase comments on photos?
edit: spelling
Message edited by author 2005-07-20 10:17:54.
|
|
|
|
07/20/2005 10:22:44 AM · #2 |
I am commenting more. And I don't have a set score to comment on. I generally comment on something I would have changed...and it also has to do with do I think this person really cares what I comment about. I mean it in a way as am I wasting this persons time.
|
|
|
|
07/20/2005 10:27:04 AM · #3 |
I don't think you'll ever be able to change the amount of comments during voting. It's hard enough just to vote for all the photos, let alone comment on a lot of them. I always try to at least comment on more than I receive.
I think the only way to get more comments would be if the voting was set up with predetermined comments. Then you could put a check next to the comment(s) that apply, and if you want to add something personal, you could type a message.
You are right though. The better the photo, the more comments you get. I've noticed that on my submissions. |
|
|
|
07/20/2005 10:29:48 AM · #4 |
| I am making it a point to comment on atleast 10% of the photos in any challenge. Sometimes I get as high as 30% on challenges with less than 200 entries. I tend to comment on photos that move me (which would be ones Im voting 8,9 or 10. I also comment on ones that missed being really good by a small margin (light, focus etc.) But it's true. Everyone needs to comment more. It's the reason we keep coming back to this site and what keeps you motivated to improve your photography. |
|
|
|
07/20/2005 10:32:29 AM · #5 |
i dont have a problem with not recieving many comments because:
1) if my photo is below a five, i usually get atleast one comment telling me whats wrong with my photo.
2) if its above a five - (6.6) my highest score so far..i can clearly look at my photo and see that most of the other photos were just better than mine..i dont feel i need someone to pin point the flaws of an average photo, because thats why it probably scored only a 5. Because its just average!
|
|
|
|
07/20/2005 10:32:30 AM · #6 |
Originally posted by traquino98:
You know, people need to comment more often. I have read that you should AT LEAST comment on anything you rate 1, 2, or 3 so that people know exactly what you did not like, and why, so they can fix the problem, and also on 8, 9, and 10 to tell those people what you loved so they can keep on doing it. Now I don't disagree with that at all. In fact, I would love to at least have those comments.
But what that would mean, in order to get a lot of comments and critique, you would have to have an absolutely horrible photo, or one so great it would get a ribbon, and you probably knew what you did right to keep on doing it anyway.
Now, what about the middle scores, 4, 5, 6, and 7? Why not throw a few comments out on those also? I admit, that is where most of my votes come in, and it can be very frustrating sitting with a mediocre photo that you thought was really good, and not know why.
So, any other thoughts on the idea? How can we increase comments on photos?
edit: spelling |
Problem is people are much happier in general to know someone liked their picture (and explained why) then to hear why someone doesn't like their art. Just human nature. So if you are commenting it is safer/more comfortable for people to comment on what they liked then what they didn't like. (people right to those who gave negative comments caused enough problems that an anonymous option had to be added.)
Message edited by author 2005-07-20 10:33:44. |
|
|
|
07/20/2005 07:19:50 PM · #7 |
With consideration to the fact that one of the premises of DPC is the giving and receiving of comments, my philosophy is that there are a couple of ways to consider the whole issue.
As far as the quality of a comment received - probably the best way is "with a grain of salt". Think about, those who are making comments are usually in the same boat or one very close by. If you, the photographer, thinks that the comments fit then take heed. But, if the comments are way off base - then let the comment stand only as history. If after the challenge is over and there are still questions then PM the originator.
As far as comments you give - probably the best way is "to let the ways of others guide your actions". Or in other words, just because your pics are not getting comments do not stop giving others comments. This will help to maintain an important premise of DPC but it also has another function. Leaving comments for others helps to improve your own critical eye. Part of the reason I am here. How about you? |
|
|
|
07/20/2005 07:24:24 PM · #8 |
I have made a very strong effort to comment on most of the photos tha I rate. I will let them know which parts I like, and which parts I didn't. I don't hold back to keep from making someone feel bad, and I hope that others treat me the same way. Getting a negative comment is not a bad thing. It just means that there is room for improvement. And quite frankly, there is ALWAYS room for improvement. I would hope that comments would increase, especially during voting. How else are you supposed to make considerable progress?
|
|
|
|
07/20/2005 07:30:42 PM · #9 |
73 more comments to go 'til I break 1000... Hoping to do it by Saturday.
I enjoy commenting as long as I don't feel forced to. I comment on all the ones I love, no matter their score (different thing, yes?)
Often, it is very difficult to comment on some of the images:
There is no way someone can't tell that its out of focus.
There is no way someone can't know that an image does not meet the challenge (according to my standards at least)
So the rest of my comments are on images I think have a fighting chance to be good if. The answer to the 'if' is completely my opinion. Some people don't agree with me. Oh well. But I enjoy every minute of it. I get to 'crawl' inside an image and learn what I think about when looking at pictures.
And of course I get amused... :)
d |
|
|
|
07/20/2005 07:34:10 PM · #10 |
I used to think similar to you and comment on the lowest I voted on but the I realized that if the people are getting a 1-3 vote from me then they gotta know that they have a crappy photo and its the people in the 4-6 range that you should be commenting on to help them improve to be a ribbon winner.
|
|
|
|
07/20/2005 07:35:17 PM · #11 |
To answer the question about why the middle-of-the-pack photos don't get many comments:
Personally, I find it easiest to comment on photos that are really awesome, and photos that really suck. Both of these kinds of photos elicit strong emotional reactions from me, and I can simply articulate those emotions in the form of a comment.
Photos that are just so-so (i.e. not terrible but not great either) are the hardest to comment on. When I look at these kinds of photos, I have no emotional reaction to them whatsoever. They don't "do" anything for me, but they don't suck, either. It's hard to formulate a comment about something that you are totally indifferent towards. How can you comment on such pictures? Usually, it's *not* as simple as saying "Gee, if only you changed this one small aspect of your photo, it would have been awesome!". Usually, the photo just simply does nothing for me and there's not much that could have been changed about it to make it better for me.
Does anyone else feel this way, too? I've been trying to come to grips with why the middle-of-the-road photos are so hard to comment on. |
|
|
|
07/20/2005 07:40:27 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by Keith Maniac:
To answer the question about why the middle-of-the-pack photos don't get many comments:
Personally, I find it easiest to comment on photos that are really awesome, and photos that really suck. Both of these kinds of photos elicit strong emotional reactions from me, and I can simply articulate those emotions in the form of a comment.
Photos that are just so-so (i.e. not terrible but not great either) are the hardest to comment on. When I look at these kinds of photos, I have no emotional reaction to them whatsoever. They don't "do" anything for me, but they don't suck, either. It's hard to formulate a comment about something that you are totally indifferent towards. How can you comment on such pictures? Usually, it's *not* as simple as saying "Gee, if only you changed this one small aspect of your photo, it would have been awesome!". Usually, the photo just simply does nothing for me and there's not much that could have been changed about it to make it better for me.
Does anyone else feel this way, too? I've been trying to come to grips with why the middle-of-the-road photos are so hard to comment on. |
I agree with some of your statement but even saying "I'm not fond/fussy on the subject chosen" would help people out. You may also include what you like or dislike about the photo such as color and clarity issues.
|
|
|
|
07/20/2005 07:45:42 PM · #13 |
| I seem to run into a strange mindset when I comment on a bad photo. Just the effort of writing the comment (out of focus, overly sharpened or whatever) I automaticly raise the vote. So a photo I plan to give a 3 because it sucks bigtime I give a 4 or even a 5. Anybody else run into this? |
|
|
|
07/20/2005 07:47:53 PM · #14 |
Originally posted by notonline:
I used to think similar to you and comment on the lowest I voted on but the I realized that if the people are getting a 1-3 vote from me then they gotta know that they have a crappy photo and its the people in the 4-6 range that you should be commenting on to help them improve to be a ribbon winner. |
Now that is what I'm talking about! If you think about it, it makes much more sense. Hopefully more people will see this.
|
|
|
|
07/20/2005 07:50:19 PM · #15 |
Textures III
Votes: 113
Views: 127
Avg Vote: 5.4513
Comments: 0
Favorites: 0
Wish Lists: 0
Updated: 07/20/05 07:48 pm
Now this is pathetic. That is what I'm talking about. I've had 113 people vote on my photo and no comments at all, yet I'm holding a 5.4 average. I know I have at least one 8 because it was the first vote, so that also means I have some lower votes, and many in the middle. Yet no reasons from other people as to WHY. Why not?
|
|
|
|
07/20/2005 07:57:00 PM · #16 |
Originally posted by traquino98:
Textures III
Votes: 113
Views: 127
Avg Vote: 5.4513
Comments: 0
Favorites: 0
Wish Lists: 0
Updated: 07/20/05 07:48 pm
Now this is pathetic. That is what I'm talking about. I've had 113 people vote on my photo and no comments at all, yet I'm holding a 5.4 average. I know I have at least one 8 because it was the first vote, so that also means I have some lower votes, and many in the middle. Yet no reasons from other people as to WHY. Why not? |
Easy. There are over 600 photos in this contest. If you're pulling a 5.4, you are smack dab in the middle of the "average" category. With this many photos, you're going to get lost in the shuffle unless your photo has some specific deficiency that causes people to feel obligated to say why they marked it down.
I'm pulling a 6.3 something, have 1 favorite, and only 3 comments. People are just too busy looking at the huge number of photos. They'll probably come back later for a second look. That's when you're likely to get your comments. |
|
|
|
07/20/2005 07:59:58 PM · #17 |
Originally posted by traquino98:
Textures III
Votes: 113
Views: 127
Avg Vote: 5.4513
Comments: 0
Favorites: 0
Wish Lists: 0
Updated: 07/20/05 07:48 pm
Now this is pathetic. That is what I'm talking about. I've had 113 people vote on my photo and no comments at all, yet I'm holding a 5.4 average. I know I have at least one 8 because it was the first vote, so that also means I have some lower votes, and many in the middle. Yet no reasons from other people as to WHY. Why not? |
Maybe it's because of the reasons I stated above :) Maybe people have no reaction to your picture, positive or negative, and there's not any one "thing" you could have changed about it to make it better. Sure, someone could leave some bland comment about the sharpness or the depth of field, but that doesn't really cut to the heart of why your photo is mediocre, does it? Maybe the reason that your photo is mediocre is ultimately nothing that could be put into words. Or maybe I'm just being lazy by not *searching* hard enough for a reason that your photo is only mediocre :)
Just a thought :) |
|
|
|
07/20/2005 08:08:14 PM · #18 |
I've been making a conscious effort to comment more on the 'middle of the road' entries. I've also been trying to comment on 20% of all entries (sometimes I do, sometimes I do a lot more, and sometimes I don't quite get there because of the sheer number of entries). Most of the time, I comment on my 2nd or 3rd pass (or even after that, just going back through making comments). So, there are those of us out there trying to do what you ask - and we all want. I've only left comments for about 20 so far in Textures. I also haven't received any comments yet, but I honestly don't expect many in a challenge with so many entries - most people shouldn't. It takes a LOT of time, and not all of us have a lot of time to spare.
Anyway, just wanted to say, you're not alone, but be patient and try do something positive about it - like leaving lots of comments on other people's entries. It does come back around to you in the long run and it only helps your own work.
Just my 2 cents...
|
|
|
|
07/20/2005 08:29:16 PM · #19 |
Originally posted by notonline:
I used to think similar to you and comment on the lowest I voted on but the I realized that if the people are getting a 1-3 vote from me then they gotta know that they have a crappy photo and its the people in the 4-6 range that you should be commenting on to help them improve to be a ribbon winner. |
I didn't say I commented on the lowest - usually the exact opposite as I figure they should know why they are receiving a low score.
I find I can't comment on an image the doesn't move me in any direction, as Gauti said. So I stick to the ones that are middle of the road that I think could be improved if. If they appeal to me except for one thing or two things that could be improved, I can comment on them.
As for my own typically middle of the road images, I usually look at them and their comments on the second day and then do my own critical analysis trying to see through someone else's eyes. This usually gives me the reasons my image failed.
And middle of the road doesn't have to be so bad. Your better than 1/2, right? :)
d
|
|
|
|
07/20/2005 08:34:58 PM · #20 |
I try to comment when I see something that couldve been improved upon.
When I see a boring subject, I vote a 5 and move on. Most people dont like to be told that their composition is boring. Nothing technically wrong - just boring.
|
|
|
|
07/20/2005 08:35:12 PM · #21 |
It's odd- I got a favorite out of this one but no comments yet. (I'm only at a 5.1 tho)
I never comment on the ones I like. Only if it scores poorly will I go back and tell them. I figure they will get enough pats on the back and to focus my efforts on the middle of the range shots... |
|
|
|
07/20/2005 08:36:15 PM · #22 |
Originally posted by vfwlkr:
I try to comment when I see something that couldve been improved upon.
When I see a boring subject, I vote a 5 and move on. Most people dont like to be told that their composition is boring. Nothing technically wrong - just boring. |
ditto |
|
|
|
07/20/2005 08:38:56 PM · #23 |
At the risk of opening a can of worms, I think that the idea that it's somehow better to vote on every photo is obsolete, so long as the 20% or so that one votes on is random (rather than cherry-picking from thumbnails).
Personally, I'd rather get votes and possible comments from someone who took their time and voted thoughtfully on 20% or so of the entries, than from someone who rushed through to vote on all of them.
-Terry
|
|
|
|
07/20/2005 09:27:03 PM · #24 |
As anybody who's seen my profile, I COMMENT ALOT. But I get to where I think I'm saying the same thing over and over again if it's either really bad of mediocre. Even the great ones. There are only so many superlatives I can give, but I try to really think about it, or not say anything at all. Part of it is time. It takes alot of time to vote and on as many entries as we see in the open challenges. Over 600??? Man, I've never seen so many elephant butts in my life (sorry, I did like some of the pachyderm shots and said so).
Judy |
|
