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 05/02/2007 10:48:49 PM · #1
I'm rethinking my commenting style. Hmmmm...

Would you please share your commenting style and thought processes behind...

THE ART OF THE COMMENT?!!

05/02/2007 10:51:55 PM · #2
I *try* to remember to say what I like. If I have a suggestion for improvement, I'll include that, too. If I have an emotional reaction (good or bad), I'll also include that.
 05/02/2007 10:52:36 PM · #3
When I really get into it, I even examine the psychological aspects of the photograph. Review my last few comments on these:



05/02/2007 11:20:39 PM · #4
some of my philosophy is here:

//www.dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=481269

here are some recent comments I made to give you a flavor:









05/02/2007 11:21:50 PM · #5


I just stick to comments that are direct, informative and
and hopefully, helpful.

Positive comments include:

"very creative" "so clear, really brings out the
detail." or "The DOF is super",or "congrats on the ribbon"

These comments will be well appreciated.
But the key to commentary is being honest. This sometimes means
being critical. Just remember to be sensitive and respectful.

Good critical comments include:

"The lighting is too bright" or "too blurry" or
"Needs more contrast" or
"subject is unclear here" or

"Please save yourself and quit photography today,
before you die of embarrassment."

Obviously critical comments won't be as appreciated as
negative ones, but as long as you are honest, and were
respectful with your comments, they'll understand.
They may even learn a thing or two from your words.


05/02/2007 11:30:23 PM · #6
I used to work as a teacher assistant - I find commenting on photos similar to report card comments and such. LoL

Generally, I tend to find a strong positive aspect of the image and make note of it, then offer a suggestion or two of what could be done to improve an image. People tend to take CC to heart much more when it is sincere and when they know you've taken the time to examine all aspects of the photo.

While I appreciate all the comments I receive (someone took time to make them!), its nice to have a little detail. For instance...I know I don't have anything that could be considered "perfect" so I love hearing what others would do differently.

Message edited by author 2007-05-02 23:31:01.
 05/02/2007 11:38:45 PM · #7
Can I assume you mean the "style" of commenting on the photos of others? I haven't been here for long, and my few photos apparently are not very good based on voting results and comments.

I have been very hesitant to comment at all. My style is to refrain from commenting until I can at least give the illusion that I know what I'm talking about.

Anyone examiming my "portfolio", as a result of my commenting on their photo, will justifiably, discount my comments.

The "ART OF THE COMMENT", like all "ART" depends upon the prejudices of the artist,audience, and critic. Developing a style is secondary to achieving relevance.

05/02/2007 11:42:04 PM · #8
Originally posted by jonejess:
My style is to refrain from commenting until I can at least give the illusion that I know what I'm talking about.


And my style is to dispense with that illusion altogether! poof!
 05/02/2007 11:43:42 PM · #9
Originally posted by jonejess:
Can I assume you mean the "style" of commenting on the photos of others? I haven't been here for long, and my few photos apparently are not very good based on voting results and comments.

I have been very hesitant to comment at all. My style is to refrain from commenting until I can at least give the illusion that I know what I'm talking about.

Anyone examiming my "portfolio", as a result of my commenting on their photo, will justifiably, discount my comments.

The "ART OF THE COMMENT", like all "ART" depends upon the prejudices of the artist,audience, and critic. Developing a style is secondary to achieving relevance.


I have to disagree... (I know...I'm a brat!) Not everyone who sees your photos is going to be a professional photographer. The most important part is to be honest and offer *your opinion*. Its great to be able to learn how are images are viewed in the eyes of many different people with many different skill levels.
 05/02/2007 11:50:12 PM · #10
[quote=posthumous] some of my philosophy is here:

Posthumous, by sharing his thoughtful responses, has provided me enlightenment beyond description. I feel as though I am crawling out of the primordial ooze (again).
 05/03/2007 12:12:34 AM · #11
I post comments on two types of shots, 1) a great shot that grabs my attention and deserves praise, and 2) a shot that just needs some minor improvement to have a better shot, in my opinion. I generally don't post comments on the shots I consider novice, I know everyone has to start somewhere, but the ones that have the basics of photography down already are more the type I want to 'help' with my comment. I feel the true novice learns more from research, books, exploration, etc. My comment isn't going to do much good if they don't understand the basics, like processing, adjusting dof, focusing, etc..

I don't want to be abrupt but I want to comment, vote, and get through the shots, not ponder on each comment, 'did that sound rude?'. I dish it out and I can take it when its thrown at me, cause I am definitely not a pro at this and I NEED comments too.. I think people are generally overthinking the commenting. Just say what you feel, say what you see, give a little praise or whatever and move on.. :)

edit: spelling

Message edited by author 2007-05-03 00:14:39.
 05/03/2007 01:10:11 AM · #12
Originally posted by Fairfield20:
"Please save yourself and quit photography today,
before you die of embarrassment."


No one will appreciate that kind of comment. Or were you joking? Because some of your actual comments have been just that harsh, including hoping that everyone who votes low on your shots suffers terribly.
 05/03/2007 01:30:12 AM · #13
i got a comment from someone that just said "err"
must of took alot of thought
 05/03/2007 01:31:16 AM · #14
positive
negative
little posative
good luck

i.e

Nice X but I wonder if X would/could have been better. Still I like the X, Good Luck

x = DOF, Sharpness, Colours, Border, Tree Etc

Its nice to reconise the good aspects even if you have to work hard to find them


05/03/2007 02:13:53 AM · #15
unfortunitly I don't vote that much anymore but when I do I always put this in the comment box:

Fits challenge=0
Color/lighting=0
DOF/focus=0
Wow factor/uniqueness=0
Attractiveness=0
comments

and I fill in the numbers based on how well they did each (see my bio for more info). Then usually try to leave additional comments of what I think I would like to see different...if anything.

I agree all comments are at least acknowledgement that the person saw the image and took time to comment but I would much rather not get the one or two word comments (i.e. nice, very good, beautiful, etc).
 05/04/2007 02:01:21 AM · #16
I deeply appreciate everyone contributions here! Thank you so much for sharing your insights.

A special note to Posthumous:

Your outstanding sense of commentary is exceeded only by your clever and outrageous sense of humor. I don't think I've laughed that hard in a while. ;-)
 05/04/2007 02:04:47 AM · #17
Originally posted by jonejess:
Developing a style is secondary to achieving relevance.


Actually, on this statement, I will agree to disagree. I'm trying to improve my style to gain relevance. IMHO...style and relevance are directly proportional. When the style is good, the arrow of relevance hits home. Isn't it?

05/04/2007 02:07:48 AM · #18
Originally posted by noisemaker:
i got a comment from someone that just said "err"
must of took alot of thought


Well, some people just cannot use the words "brilliant" or "outstanding" creatively...so when in doubt, I would definitely take "err" as a compliment!
 05/04/2007 02:11:55 AM · #19
I find that I like to write longer comments. I have given out a few one liners but the one's that I actually learn from are those that I spend at least 5 minutes writing. A lot of this comes from my recent involvement in the Foothills Camera Club here in Calgary, Alberta. The judges give specific detailed comments on all the submissions. I learned a lot from just listening to the comments. I've found that since I've taken the time to put more detail into critiqueing other people's entries my own have improved.

I guess that's the point I am trying to make: Giving out good comments can actually be more beneficial than receiving mediocre ones. btw...putting just the score in the comment is about the same as going to a politician and telling him that you voted for the other guy. (unless its a 10 but I would still like to know why)
 05/04/2007 02:19:48 AM · #20
Oh yes. One more thing. I also found my comments are a lot better (from my perspective anyways) when I take out the word you. One thing to remember is that we are commenting on the photograph not the photographer. Even though we might be commenting on what something the photographer did ("I like the shallow DOF you used") we can rephrase this to comment on the photo instead. ("I like the shallow DOF in this photograph"). Subtle difference but I find it makes my comments that much more objective.
05/04/2007 02:59:26 AM · #21
I LOVE getting a Posthumous comment, good or bad! (usually good though )
He has such style, flair, and humour, and appreciates OOBIES more than anyone here, I think :D

Long ago I learned the technique of "commend, recommend, commend" and I try to adapt it here.
If I find a flaw I often try to suggest a repair for it, especially if it's obviously a less experienced user. If they've gotten a dozen comments telling them the light's from the wrong angle I'm sure they'd appreciate one suggesting what angle they should try.

I also nitpick. Often we're so focussed on the big stuff like subject, composition, lighting, etc. that we fail to notice that stray hair on the backdrop. Comments on such have really made me pay attention to detail more.

The comments I appreciate are the ones that show that the viewer spent more than 5 seconds looking, and these are the ones whose recommendations I tend to pay attention to.

Eta; Commenting on technicals is helpful, but just as helpful are reactions, and I tryyyyy to add those too :)

Message edited by author 2007-05-04 03:02:46.
 05/04/2007 03:30:59 AM · #22
Well this is more like "THE COMMENT OF ART" - I use the Hollywood Squares approach.
 05/04/2007 10:19:53 AM · #23
If your comment is not longer than 4 words, don't bother.
 05/04/2007 10:27:05 AM · #24
Originally posted by Nullix:
If your comment is not longer than 4 words, don't bother.

??? That's not nice. Sometimes "I really like this" is good to hear, even if you don't know why. Yes, I appreciate more thought out comments - but 4 words is enough once in awhile.

ETA - Sometimes people get too hung up on thinking the comment section must be a critique, it's not, it's for comments. Critiques are cool, and so are just general comments.

Message edited by author 2007-05-04 10:33:15.
 05/04/2007 10:34:05 AM · #25
Originally posted by glad2badad:
Originally posted by Nullix:
If your comment is not longer than 4 words, don't bother.

??? That's not nice. Sometimes "I really like this" is good to hear, even if you don't know why. Yes, I appreciate more thought out comments - but 4 words is enough once in awhile.


I agree with Barry. A comment like "Not quite sharp", or "great composition" or "Overprocessed." can be very helpful and sometimes that's all that needs to be said. Its the intention that makes a comment helpful; both the intention of the commentor and of the commentee.
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