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DPChallenge Forums >> Web Site Suggestions >> The NO COMMENT Flag for Challenge Entries...
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01/23/2009 10:20:41 PM · #1
After seeing someone griping, AGAIN, after being left a comment, I would REALLY like to propose that someone figure out how to put a box/flag/preference choice that you could either check, or have it checked for you after the third complaint about getting a comment, so that the people who just don't want to hear it can get votes, but not have to get the input.

Personally, I don't understand it.......ALL feedback is good, because it indicates that your image generated some kind of impression that moved someone to tell you waht they thought of it. Good or bad, feedback is helpful to find out what your image evokes in the viewers.

I know I've marked every comment as helpful ever since I realized that comments are a gauge of the viewers' impressions.

There are just too many people who get slammed with nasty PMs, and who openly gripe about comments to not consider this as an option.

It seems all too often that people gripe about NOT getting comments, then someone goes on a crusade because they didn't like one they got.

01/23/2009 11:16:06 PM · #2
Isn't it crazy?! I say if you're going to enter your photo in a challenge here then take the comments.....good, bad or indifferent. Suck it up and let it be. If you don't want comments, don't enter!
01/23/2009 11:20:00 PM · #3
I agree with NikonJeb, not so much for the benefit of those who don't want the feedback, but for the benefit of those of us who do a lot of commenting. I'd like to be able to focus my commenting time on those who want it.
01/23/2009 11:23:26 PM · #4
nah, part of this website is about learning, and part of the learning process is toughing up. Think of it as social boot camp; might be a bit frustrating now, but you'll come out of it as solid as a john deere lawn tractor.
01/23/2009 11:46:10 PM · #5
someone complained about receiving a comment? hmmm, strange. I take any and all comments, harsh or nice. Most of my comments have shown me exactly where I went right or wrong on the image.
01/23/2009 11:55:51 PM · #6
I sort of stumbled onto this thought the last time one of these threads bitching about comments went 'round.

I have realized that there are quite a few people out there who are incredibly astute and knowledgeable who cannot overcome their own struggle to produce imagery commensurate with their gift for commentary.

It was more in the context of people who squawked about getting comments from people they felt were less talented behind the camera.....

I also think that the blind commenting in challenges affords the opportunity to be the most honest as not knowing the photog takes away any intimidation factor of knowing who took it.

It just seems to me that you either accept that comments made during challenges are going to happen.....and you may not like them.

Personally, I find that the more I don't like a comment, the more I need to look at exactly what is being pointed out.

Funny thing, that.....
01/24/2009 12:05:26 AM · #7
Originally posted by NikonJeb:

I sort of stumbled onto this thought the last time one of these threads bitching about comments went 'round.

I have realized that there are quite a few people out there who are incredibly astute and knowledgeable who cannot overcome their own struggle to produce imagery commensurate with their gift for commentary.


Perhaps that could do with a little translation: Jeb's realized that not all excellent critics of photographs are particularly skilled practitioners of the art.

It bears repeating. If you base your judgment of the validity of a critique on the photographic skills of the critiquer, you're really missing the point.

R.
01/24/2009 12:09:40 AM · #8
Doesn't it stand to reason that if you get any comment, you've evoked feelings in the viewer, and good or bad commentary, you've done what a photographer is supposed to do.

Make an impression, inspire a reaction......
01/24/2009 12:15:13 AM · #9
A flag to indicate the photographer doesn't want comments won't satisfy those who are dissatisfied with the current system though. They do want comments, but only the ones they approve.

Unfortunately, such a system can be abused, and conversely can offend the people leaving the comments. If someone takes the time to leave a detailed comment, they won't be happy if it were deleted by the photographer.

So either way you lose.

And of course, the site becomes less of a learning tool if you look at a photo and only see positive spin on every image.

I think the problem has been blown out of proportion. The issue doesn't come up that often, given the size of the site and the number of users leaving comments. And if someone leaves a comment against the site terms of use, the SC will remove it. If it's just a matter of the photographer not liking it, then they can always contact the commenter and ask nicely for it to be removed. Usually, they will comply, and that's the end of it.

In any case, when you place an image on the site, you need to understand the terms, including the fact that people ARE allowed to comment, and the comments can be negative as well as positive.

01/24/2009 12:48:44 AM · #10
Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Originally posted by NikonJeb:

I sort of stumbled onto this thought the last time one of these threads bitching about comments went 'round.

I have realized that there are quite a few people out there who are incredibly astute and knowledgeable who cannot overcome their own struggle to produce imagery commensurate with their gift for commentary.


Perhaps that could do with a little translation: Jeb's realized that not all excellent critics of photographs are particularly skilled practitioners of the art.

It bears repeating. If you base your judgment of the validity of a critique on the photographic skills of the critiquer, you're really missing the point.

R.


EXACTLY! Surely we, as photographers, do not intend our only audience to be other photographers? And, since we hope to have our work seen and appreciated by non-photographers, surely we would want to understand how our work is received, interpreted, when viewed by anyone. If someone here posts serious technical commentary, it is easy enough to decide if you accept the suggestions, or not.

But entering a challenge for NUMERIC SCORE ONLY seems absurd on the face of it, to me. I would be more interested in a COMMENT ONLY challenge--read one of the dozens of "how do you score?" threads and you see that the numbers are next to useless, only valid for ribbon determination, but literally useless for growth and understanding.

If you can't stand the heat, get outta the kitchen, and if you can't tolerate comments, get outta the challenges.

Message edited by author 2009-01-24 00:49:39.
01/24/2009 01:15:49 AM · #11
Originally posted by chromeydome:

EXACTLY! Surely we, as photographers, do not intend our only audience to be other photographers? And, since we hope to have our work seen and appreciated by non-photographers, surely we would want to understand how our work is received, interpreted, when viewed by anyone. If someone here posts serious technical commentary, it is easy enough to decide if you accept the suggestions, or not.

But entering a challenge for NUMERIC SCORE ONLY seems absurd on the face of it, to me. I would be more interested in a COMMENT ONLY challenge--read one of the dozens of "how do you score?" threads and you see that the numbers are next to useless, only valid for ribbon determination, but literally useless for growth and understanding.

If you can't stand the heat, get outta the kitchen, and if you can't tolerate comments, get outta the challenges.


"He then strode off into the tormented desert on his bovine steed of steel and sinew. The town folk were dumbfounded by this clarity and wisdom. It was a blessed day as the haze hindered their vision no longer. No longer would they question the unquestionable. No longer would they fabricate light as there was never a need, the light was always there. They just chose not to see."

You're right, this is heaps of fun! Thanks!
01/24/2009 01:28:52 AM · #12
Originally posted by Ivo:

Originally posted by chromeydome:

EXACTLY! Surely we, as photographers, do not intend our only audience to be other photographers? And, since we hope to have our work seen and appreciated by non-photographers, surely we would want to understand how our work is received, interpreted, when viewed by anyone. If someone here posts serious technical commentary, it is easy enough to decide if you accept the suggestions, or not.

But entering a challenge for NUMERIC SCORE ONLY seems absurd on the face of it, to me. I would be more interested in a COMMENT ONLY challenge--read one of the dozens of "how do you score?" threads and you see that the numbers are next to useless, only valid for ribbon determination, but literally useless for growth and understanding.

If you can't stand the heat, get outta the kitchen, and if you can't tolerate comments, get outta the challenges.


"He then strode off into the tormented desert on his bovine steed of steel and sinew. The town folk were dumbfounded by this clarity and wisdom. It was a blessed day as the haze hindered their vision no longer. No longer would they question the unquestionable. No longer would they fabricate light as there was never a need, the light was always there. They just chose not to see."

You're right, this is heaps of fun! Thanks!

WTFO? I've made almost 24,000 comments at this point... can't recall getting any nastygrams about any of 'em. So I think I'll just keep doing what I do. Hope that's OK with the masses. If not, I'll selectively comment on those I know appreciate them in side challenges, after challenges, etc, and just skip the challenges whilst running.
01/24/2009 01:46:20 AM · #13
Originally posted by nshapiro:

I think the problem has been blown out of proportion. The issue doesn't come up that often, given the size of the site and the number of users leaving comments.

You're right, it doesn't happen very often that this issue blows up.
However, it happens constantly that someone moans/mentions/says that they don't want comments, or that they were upset by them, or found them a waste of time.

I, for one, HATE never knowing if my comment will be welcomed or detested, so I am now commenting only very rarely.
01/24/2009 03:31:08 AM · #14
Constructive criticism related to the photograph, suggestions for improvement on any image parameters, opinions on appropriateness for the challenge or general comments on the photograph are greatly appreciated and welcome. But, that's all that should be allowed in the comment box.

Gibberish and nonsense comments, personal insults and fictional prose are common and weaken the comment system because these non-photo things are unwelcome by me.

I don't know how one would sort out the former from the latter. But, the correlation is often member/user related. It would improve my dpchallenge experience if an "ignore" button were available for members who displayed a pattern of leaving non-photo related comments.
01/24/2009 03:56:48 AM · #15
In a place as widely diverse as DPC, it's hard to keep everyone on one path - and would be rather boring to do so, in my opinion. When I comment, I will more often than not say something about how the photograph affects me - whether it makes me smile, makes me think of something in particular, makes me sad. I'll add if there's an element of composition I like or don't like, and/or if I like the processing, etc. I try not to offer personal insults - I see no point in those. I have offered fictional prose - sometimes pictures tell a story to me and I'll share what I see with the photographer. I've also offered suggestions for changes, improvements, with the caveat that the photographer may like it just the way it is.

So basically, with me you get a variety. All will be photo-related, but not all will be technical.
01/24/2009 04:29:00 AM · #16
If someone cannot accept comments on their photography - good or bad, then stop posting pictures to the site. This site was created for photographers to learn from each other.

From the about section:
"The original idea behind the site was for it to be a place where the two of us and a couple of our friends could teach ourselves to be better photographers by giving each other a 'challenge' for the week."

As a solution I suggest to clearly write in the FAQ section that a person that submit photography to the site accept comments of all nature being positive or negative criticism, musings (ala K10DGuy), non-contructive "MAGNIFICENT" comments and everything else other contributors may feel like writing. At least this way we will reduce the attacks on individuals.
01/24/2009 05:53:33 AM · #17
I came to the site to learn how to improve my photography. The comments I have received on my photos have been immensely helpful. I also learn a lot from the comments on others' photos. Without comments, the whole purpose of the site is negated.

If you receive negative feedback from someone about a comment you've left, just ignore it. They're just words after all, nobody beat you with a stick. Know that there are a thousand others that appreciate any sort of feedback that is given.
01/24/2009 06:39:15 AM · #18
Originally posted by Melethia:

If not, I'll selectively comment on those I know appreciate them in side challenges, after challenges, etc, and just skip the challenges whilst running.

Originally posted by Beetle:

You're right, it doesn't happen very often that this issue blows up.
However, it happens constantly that someone moans/mentions/says that they don't want comments, or that they were upset by them, or found them a waste of time.

I, for one, HATE never knowing if my comment will be welcomed or detested, so I am now commenting only very rarely.


This is exactly what I'm talking about.

These sentimets are a shame.......that for the sake of an infinitessimal percentage making a huge bluster over getting a comment causing people, GOOD people, to rethink whether they'll leave a comment, is a disgrace.

A couple of weeks ago I suggested actually putting ACW (All Comments Welcome) at the beginning or end of the title.....I now think that anyone who thinks that they can dictate the kind of comment that they should get should figure out their own system.

Sooner or later, on this site, you MIGHT get a comment you don't like.

That's certainly less of an issue than calling someone out, insulting and personally atacking them, for the misfortune of not knowing you'd react this way.

Hypothetically speaking, of course.

It would seem apparent that the consensus is that the system isn't broken, that occasionally one may garner a comment that doesn't suit, but if that puts a damper on your day, perhaps rather than ask that the site change based on your parameters it'd be wise to recognize that it's only for fun.

If it ceases to be fun, well.....
01/24/2009 07:00:00 AM · #19
Originally posted by hahn23:

Gibberish and nonsense comments, personal insults and fictional prose are common and weaken the comment system because these non-photo things are unwelcome by me.

Common? Personal insults?

Can you give any actual stats or examples?

Hey here's one!

"mean-spirited, depressing and wrong-headed diatribe"

This was a reply to a comment left during a challenge.

Here's another:

"I take great offense at your comments, but I take your comments in the frame of reference that you don't know what you are talking about.

ETA: I just looked at your entry in this challenge. Now, I understand."


And another reply, this one in a forum where a technique was being discussed where the poster was trying to use an example chosen completely a random.

It sure seems to me that these are the kind of responses that indicate that perhaps there's more of an issue than the comment, though for the life of me I don't know what.

Especially, when the overwhelming majority of the reactions to someone's dedicated efforts go something like this:

"fwiw, I await with great anticipation the day that one of my entries will merit a K10DGuy comment."

And....

"I just hope he realizes that if one of those stories ends up on one of my pictures, I'll probably be printing it up as a card or poster with the text included. :-)"

All I would really like to suggest is that perhaps one should step outside of one's own expectations and parameters and perhaps think that an unwelcome comment was not intended for the sole purpose of ruining one's day, and in fact, may have been intended to inject an air of mystery, intrigue, and perhaps even a breath of fresh air.

I have received over 4300 comments in the two and a half years I've been here, and of the scant few that I have not wanted, in looking at the image as a point of reference, they were unerringly accurate and merely reflected something I didn't want to consider.

And I marked them as helpful, and moved on.

01/24/2009 08:03:07 AM · #20
Photography, for me, is a hobby. I do not know the technical aspects of photography...I barely understand my camera (which is low-end). I appreciate all comments. Sometimes I find them funny because one commenter will say "I like the lighting" and the next will say "It is perhaps too dark on the bottom". I challenge myself on this sight. I am in no way in competition with anyone else on this site. I rarely give comments because I don't know the technical aspects. I only know what I like and what I don't like. Some would probably say I shouldn't vote because of this but for those of you who are professionals (or looking to be) it is "Joe the Plumber" who is buying the magazines you want to have your photos in and it is the untrained eye that is buying your photos at shows... because if they were trained they would photograph, print and frame their own stuff. I have thought about commenting with a single word that reflects my initial reaction to a photo (ie Wow, Yuck, Beautiful, stupid) It is, afterall, a comment...my comment...it isn't titled "Critique"...it is titled "Comment"
01/24/2009 08:10:31 AM · #21
Originally posted by phylsy7:

Photography, for me, is a hobby. I do not know the technical aspects of photography...I barely understand my camera (which is low-end). I appreciate all comments. Sometimes I find them funny because one commenter will say "I like the lighting" and the next will say "It is perhaps too dark on the bottom". I challenge myself on this sight. I am in no way in competition with anyone else on this site. I rarely give comments because I don't know the technical aspects. I only know what I like and what I don't like. Some would probably say I shouldn't vote because of this but for those of you who are professionals (or looking to be) it is "Joe the Plumber" who is buying the magazines you want to have your photos in and it is the untrained eye that is buying your photos at shows... because if they were trained they would photograph, print and frame their own stuff. I have thought about commenting with a single word that reflects my initial reaction to a photo (ie Wow, Yuck, Beautiful, stupid) It is, afterall, a comment...my comment...it isn't titled "Critique"...it is titled "Comment"

Your technical skills have no bearing on what you like or how an image makes you feel.

You're more likely to leave an honest impression now before your mind becomes too cluttered with things like DOF, Bokeh, leading lines, rule of thirds, and so many other ideas and concepts that cloud what you really feel!......8>)

ETA: Re your "Low End" camera" comment.....

This is from a challenge last month with one of those "Low End" jobs......8>)



Message edited by author 2009-01-24 08:13:57.
01/24/2009 08:20:05 AM · #22
I'll be honest with you. I never really want to learn the technical aspect. My friend takes absolutely technically beautiful photographs but sometimes the subject matter and composition bore me. He had tried for many years to teach me the technical stuff but it really did just cloud what I wanted to express. I do it for me...no one else. My friends have asked for some of my photos and actually have them hanging on their walls. That's my blue ribbon!
01/24/2009 11:38:47 AM · #23
Originally posted by hahn23:

Gibberish and nonsense comments, personal insults and fictional prose are common and weaken the comment system because these non-photo things are unwelcome by me.

These sort of comments still serve to convey the viewers reactions and impressions of the photograph. I'll sometimes leave a comment about some memory that a photo brings up. On the surface it may seem unrelated to he photo, but if it stirs some memories from 20 or 30 years ago, I think that photo has had an effect on me and the photographer would appreciate knowing this.

Message edited by author 2009-01-24 11:41:21.
01/24/2009 11:52:52 AM · #24
Originally posted by yospiff:

Originally posted by hahn23:

Gibberish and nonsense comments, personal insults and fictional prose are common and weaken the comment system because these non-photo things are unwelcome by me.

These sort of comments still serve to convey the viewers reactions and impressions of the photograph. I'll sometimes leave a comment about some memory that a photo brings up. On the surface it may seem unrelated to he photo, but if it stirs some memories from 20 or 30 years ago, I think that photo has had an effect on me and the photographer would appreciate knowing this.

It must be a tough row to hoe defending gibberish, nonsense, personal insults and fantasies. I get my share of these. There is no removing these by the image's author, so I just don't mark them "helpful". Hope that's alright with everyone.

To your comments about "memories a photo brings up", I think that's a great thing to add to a comment box. The more important part of my most recent post was clipped off.... so here it is again.... Constructive criticism related to the photograph, suggestions for improvement on any image parameters, opinions on appropriateness for the challenge or general comments on the photograph are greatly appreciated and welcome...

I consider general comments, like your triggered memories, on the photograph to be welcomed by me.
01/24/2009 12:04:33 PM · #25
I guess I misunderstood your definition of gibberish then. If you are referring to the sort of story comments that k10dguy has made famous, I find those entertaining and have left some myself. We'll have to agree to disagree on those, I guess.
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