Advice please on comments & replies to comments

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

10/12/2006 05:59:18 AM · #1

I have a couple of comments on an image running in a current challenge that I would like to respond to, but is it appropriate to PM the commenter while the competition is still current?

BeeCee

Nikon D40

10/12/2006 06:18:57 AM · #2

There's no rule against it, but personally I don't like it.

It destroys anonymity, and can often be perceived as an attempt at vote-influencing, either through cajoling or intimidation, depending on the tone of the reply.

We need to learn to express ourselves clearly through our photography. If comments imply that the viewer has misunderstood that's usually the fault of the photographer and something to keep in mind next time.

Dialogue after the challenge is encouraged though. There may be cases where contact during is appropriate but I can think of few.

Take this shot, for example;

I got nailed for DNMC and was strongly tempted to reply that it did SO meet challenge, being a pair of slippers. But then I realised that it was my fault that they couldn't see that, accepted a horrendous score, and learned from it.

mist

Canon EOS-60D

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

10/12/2006 06:19:11 AM · #3

People do do it.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

10/12/2006 06:37:59 AM · #4

Thank you for the advice. This particular comment was asking how I achieved an effect in the image, so I can explain that later, or on the photo page. Sometimes, though,I have the urge to PM someone who has left an amusing comment - it just seems the humour of the moment will have passed by the time the challenge is over.

BeeCee, I have to confess that I own a pair of slippers that look like teddy bears :o)

Melethia

Canon EOS-80D

10/12/2006 06:52:11 AM · #5

It's up to you. I occasionally get PM's from folks during challenges on comments I've left and I really don't mind. I don't change my vote after the PM just because I know who it was.

And if someone asked for a "how did you do that?" probably the best thing to do is post the picture and the "how to" in a forum thread after the challenge is over - that way everyone gets to learn something from it.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

10/12/2006 07:15:08 AM · #6

Originally posted by Melethia:

Thanks Melethia - I have to say, I like it when you comment on my images - I am a total amateur, trying to learn and experiment at the same time - your comments always leave me with something to think about, which is great, and what I need.

As for me teaching you guys anything - hmmm, pretty unlikely.

Melethia

Canon EOS-80D

10/12/2006 07:35:22 AM · #7

Originally posted by Pegasus:

Originally posted by Melethia:
It's up to you. I occasionally get PM's from folks during challenges on comments I've left and I really don't mind. I don't change my vote after the PM just because I know who it was.

And if someone asked for a "how did you do that?" probably the best thing to do is post the picture and the "how to" in a forum thread after the challenge is over - that way everyone gets to learn something from it.

Thanks Melethia - I have to say, I like it when you comment on my images - I am a total amateur, trying to learn and experiment at the same time - your comments always leave me with something to think about, which is great, and what I need.

As for me teaching you guys anything - hmmm, pretty unlikely.

Thanks back! But keep in mind I am also a complete amateur. If I knew what I was doing I wouldn't be contemplating a username change to "fivepointthree"... :-)

If someone asks how you did something, you at least know how you did it, right? It'll be new to someone else, so you can teach something!