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DPChallenge Forums >> Tips, Tricks, and Q&A >> Thats all I had to do to get comments?
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07/01/2009 07:12:06 AM · #1
I was still a bit bothered about the lack of comments when I entered my photo for Cars. I looked at my picture and realized it was a 3 or 4 at best, but I really really wanted comments! I wanted tips to help me improve it, it had potential! So I flipped my photo upside down to assure it caught attention and the comments rolled in!!! Now if only I can learn how to get comments that do not point out the obvious, I may learn something and improve my skills! Perhaps my current entry that seems to suck like a hoover will elicit such sage advice. While Voting I have been attempting to increase my comments as well, and managed to comment on 4% in the last 2. Not a lot, but a great improvement from 0% !!

Thanks to all who took the time to comment on that ( or any ) shot and Major Congrats to ANYONE who EVER gets into the 100% Comment club!
07/01/2009 07:28:54 AM · #2
Thanks for the decision to make more comments. That is especially important for the low and mid range votes you give. You will learn a lot from making yourself figure out why you do or do not like an entry. On top of that, people here(most of them) actually appreciate getting the feedback to know why their masterpiece is bombing.

The reason you didn't get a comment from me is because I gave it a relatively high vote, and I focus my commenting on the 4's and 5's I give.
07/01/2009 08:23:02 AM · #3
I totally agree about the lack of comments! I really hate being average at best! I want to excel at this and I have the desire to learn what I need to do to make my pics better! I love all the comments, but when I get one word comments or I see threes and fours but not a single comment as to why, I get frustrated! Come on people, I can take it! Tell me how bad I suck and then tell me what to do to make it better!!! Please!!! thanks for the venting room..... I just want to learn! Maybe an upside down pic was the key! :> I just might have to try that too!
07/01/2009 08:59:28 AM · #4
What I see in a photo is shaped by what I bring to it, mentally, so my comments about your photo are going to tell you more about me than anything else. Which is why the comments I make on your photo do more to help me grow & learn as a photographer than you.

This is hard to verbalize. Only you know why you entered an upside down shot, but how much can you learn from comments that point out the obvioius? And comments that point out the obvious are mostly what you get in a voting challenge. It's fascinating that your shot got so many relatively high votes--did they see the robot face?

If you want to grow & learn as a photographer I recommend that you spend some time in a side challenge or two. Read the photographer's notes. Spend some time making a few thoughtful comments & maybe get a response from the photographer. Learning to critique someone else's work helps you to critique your own more effectively. Start a side challenge yourself on whatever subject interests you & learn from how other photogs see it.

As for me, I almost never comment in a voting challenge. If I comment, I wait until the challenge is over.
07/01/2009 09:10:23 AM · #5
Here's a cool article pertaining to the topic: Guide to Commenting

I think if you comment on a photo it means that you gave the photo some thought and possibly studied it a bit. Therefore, if someone comments on my photo, I know that most likely they studied it a bit and took time to express their feelings on the photo. For me, photography is all about communication and the more people that see my work the better. I think it was Ansel Adams that said a photograph is not completed until someone views it and makes a connection to it. By commenting the photographer knows that you made a connection to the photo (good or bad) and therefore can help them improve.

Also, making comments and studying photos is a great way for everyone to improve. If you look at a photo and determine what you like and don't like and why, you can improve your own photographs.

07/01/2009 09:24:08 AM · #6
The only way we'll ever get comments is to have a certain % required by the leaders of DPC. Kind of like 20% or your votes will be removed. Comments have droped off through the years here, except on the really bad shots or exceptionally good shots. The 4 & 5, get low comments regularly. If I get more than five I feel lucky. Just what appears to be happening to me.
07/01/2009 09:32:17 AM · #7
Originally posted by Runzamukk:

I was still a bit bothered about the lack of comments when I entered my photo for Cars. I looked at my picture and realized it was a 3 or 4 at best, but I really really wanted comments! I wanted tips to help me improve it, it had potential! So I flipped my photo upside down to assure it caught attention and the comments rolled in!!! Now if only I can learn how to get comments that do not point out the obvious, I may learn something and improve my skills! Perhaps my current entry that seems to suck like a hoover will elicit such sage advice. While Voting I have been attempting to increase my comments as well, and managed to comment on 4% in the last 2. Not a lot, but a great improvement from 0% !!

Thanks to all who took the time to comment on that ( or any ) shot and Major Congrats to ANYONE who EVER gets into the 100% Comment club!


You want to get more comments? Try practicing what you preach. You have only made 54 comments during your time here and have cast almost 2000 votes. Lead by example.

Matt
07/01/2009 09:33:03 AM · #8
Originally posted by vtruan:

The only way we'll ever get comments is to have a certain % required by the leaders of DPC. Kind of like 20% or your votes will be removed. Comments have droped off through the years here, except on the really bad shots or exceptionally good shots. The 4 & 5, get low comments regularly. If I get more than five I feel lucky. Just what appears to be happening to me.


as soon as we start requiring comments, the quality of them will drop drastically. or voting will just drop off entirely. it's just not a feasible solution.
07/01/2009 09:55:04 AM · #9
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:



The reason you didn't get a comment from me is because I gave it a relatively high vote, and I focus my commenting on the 4's and 5's I give.


I will have to make note of this...;-]

Seriously, I had my butt kicked into doing more commenting as at the time I was new to this and I was voting much lower than I do now...you grow an appreciation of the struggle with voicing your opinions on the lower votes and to tell them why I don't like their pictures...sometimes I am just honest and get it out, other times I will "gloss" over the truth. One of the major things that I get out of doing the commenting is that I have to "look" at each picture and really study it as to why I like it or not...start with some smaller challenges and do 100% commenting on those and you will see what I mean...it is easy to comment on the top ones and kind of easier to comment on the bottom...but like Steve said it is the middle ones that are really tough to be constructive...I am not as good at expressing photographic terms, but I and trying to see and convey what I do or do not like in the shots, from a novice point of view.

Here is what I do with any challenge that I decide to comment on 100%...I divide the amount of entries by 4 and try to knock out that many votes/comments each day, this way I usually have a couple of days to really study what I have voted on and do a little arranging...then it isn't so very hard (unless you a dumb enough to vote/comment on a 1,100 Challenge!! and boy was that tough...)

And Side Challenges are a wonderful way to learn how to comment...the hard thing I have with some of the side challenges...is that people tend to be a little to nice...I try to say what I think would improve the shots IMO (and mind you that does not count).
07/01/2009 12:52:56 PM · #10
Originally posted by muckpond:

Originally posted by vtruan:

The only way we'll ever get comments is to have a certain % required by the leaders of DPC. Kind of like 20% or your votes will be removed. Comments have droped off through the years here, except on the really bad shots or exceptionally good shots. The 4 & 5, get low comments regularly. If I get more than five I feel lucky. Just what appears to be happening to me.


as soon as we start requiring comments, the quality of them will drop drastically. or voting will just drop off entirely. it's just not a feasible solution.


I agree. But to me the "really" helpful comments dropped several years ago. The problem began when members would bitch about the comment they received or the commenters would be contacted directly and were intimidated by telling their opinion of a photo.
07/01/2009 01:01:26 PM · #11
As someone fairly new in here (and still getting mostly low scores), I too have wondered why more people don't comment on low scores. It seems the comments I get are generally the "nice picutre!" kind of comment. I"m looking for "too dark", "needs more focus", "doesn't meet challenge", etc. If someone gave me a low score because I used a stupid title (I think I have done this) then that information would be important for me to know.

I do agree that comments should not be mandatory for all voting. Personally, I don't think it would be THAT hard to comment on votes under a 3. I have tried to comment more lately, too... although honestly, I wonder if I'm even qualified to pass judgement. But, the way I think of it, if I thought something should have been more focused or it had too many blown out highlights, perhaps someone else did, too.

Having said that, I have gotten quite a few extremely helpful comments (but most of them are not within a challenge, when I spend the most time and effort on a picture). So, thanks to all of you who are not only in this for yourself, but also to help others.
07/01/2009 01:04:18 PM · #12
I have never received a lot of comments, even in side challenges. I have made three times as many comments as I have received, so I must conclude that the reason why I don't receive comments is because photographically I pretty much am boring and my subject material leaves much to be desired. So since I know what the problems are, I don't need comments. Not enough people like anything I do to comment on it, which is the main reason why they comment. I am not a popular subject photographer, I just take what ever lends itself that week, and it shows. Perhaps if I shot 500 pictures a day I might improve, but since this is just "for fun" I am lucky if I shoot 30 pictures a week. Though I did shoot over 100 on Monday at a rose garden. Yesterday I took zero pictures, today also zero. Probably zero for most of the week.
07/01/2009 02:13:25 PM · #13
Any ideas for increasing commenting? Right off the bat this one occurs to me:

-If someone leaves a critique on your entry, PM them after the challenge and let them know that you appreciated the feedback. This may be especially effective and encouraging when the member is not one of the usual heavy commenters.
07/01/2009 02:54:37 PM · #14
Yo Spiff-- you may be on to something there, I will try and do that very thing after the next challenge. I may get a comment on the current challenge although not yet.
Matt O--- Thank you for reading so carefully that I am TRYING TO IMPROVE MY COMMENTING and went from 0% to 4% on the last 2 challenges. My problem with commenting is that I want to say something more than "Great Shot" or " I didn't like it" There may be technical issues that I can't express, because I don't know what they are, but if I were critiqued for the same issue, I would realize it and be better able to express my view, because I WOULD HAVE LEARNED from the comments on my shot what that problem is called... It's kind of a Pay it forward deal, I can help others after I have been helped....
I am considering a side challenge...I read in some section or another how that is done...have to look it up again as I aint all that tech savy either!
I considered becoming a "Paying" member too, but dayum.... Y'all are VERY good photographers, I just wanna learn and improve, not get slaughtered and Eaten!
Anyway...the response to this post is appreciated as much as the comments...It's all in good fun and I aint quitting yet!
Getting ready for Rothbury festival this weekend, may not get in the next challenge, we shall see!
Thanks All!

Message edited by author 2009-07-01 14:55:14.
07/01/2009 03:01:22 PM · #15
Originally posted by Runzamukk:

I considered becoming a "Paying" member too, but dayum.... Y'all are VERY good photographers, I just wanna learn and improve, not get slaughtered and Eaten!

You can still post in side challenges. Even if you don't have a paid account with a portfolio, you can link to images hosted elsewhere. The below thumbnail links to my photo posted on Flickr. Let me know if you want more info.


Most of us get slaughtered and eaten here on a regular basis.

Message edited by author 2009-07-01 15:04:04.
07/01/2009 03:04:28 PM · #16
I love to comment when I vote, but last several times I have, I get slapped in the face and get rude replies. Even contradictions after the vote is done.
I have no taste for the confrontational slap in the face so I don't much like to even vote anymore. let alone participate.
I since decided to pick and choose the challenges I even want to enter if time permits and do it not for the comments, votes, or the popularity contest, but for me and my artistic practice.
I have voted several challenges that I would have liked to enter, but didn't get around to it. I do vote 100% I avoided the comments for my sanity sake.

Just a thought as to why comments are so low. go figure!

07/01/2009 03:09:21 PM · #17
I recently started doing the 100% comments thing and it has been very intimidating but great experience for me. One of my comments was recently called out and I found it extremely embarrassing though another commentor understood what I was trying to convey. Either way I'm here to learn and I only hope that people don't take offense. A lot of the recent top 10 on some of the challenges didn't grab me but they obviously grabbed everyone else. I just keep telling myself that I'm learning and I'm going to keep trying and keep commenting. And we all have different perspectives and opinioins. I'm thankful for that or this would be a pretty boring world.
07/01/2009 03:11:40 PM · #18
Originally posted by Tlemetry:

I love to comment when I vote, but last several times I have, I get slapped in the face and get rude replies.

Unfortunately, this has happened with a number of people who used to be heavy commenters. I don't know why I have never gotten any of those nasty responses to a critique. I leave plenty of them. Maybe just blind luck.
07/01/2009 03:15:27 PM · #19
Originally posted by IWhispered:

A lot of the recent top 10 on some of the challenges didn't grab me but they obviously grabbed everyone else.

You have to interpret the voting breakdown. Sometimes these highly rated shots are the ones where everyone agreed it is at least ok. They do well by avoiding the low votes that often hold a good shot down. Some of the best entries can be found in the 5's, but they don't appeal to everyone.
07/01/2009 04:42:10 PM · #20
Originally posted by Runzamukk:

Yo Spiff-- you may be on to something there, I will try and do that very thing after the next challenge. I may get a comment on the current challenge although not yet.
Matt O--- Thank you for reading so carefully that I am TRYING TO IMPROVE MY COMMENTING and went from 0% to 4% on the last 2 challenges. My problem with commenting is that I want to say something more than "Great Shot" or " I didn't like it" There may be technical issues that I can't express, because I don't know what they are, but if I were critiqued for the same issue, I would realize it and be better able to express my view, because I WOULD HAVE LEARNED from the comments on my shot what that problem is called... It's kind of a Pay it forward deal, I can help others after I have been helped....
I am considering a side challenge...I read in some section or another how that is done...have to look it up again as I aint all that tech savy either!
I considered becoming a "Paying" member too, but dayum.... Y'all are VERY good photographers, I just wanna learn and improve, not get slaughtered and Eaten!
Anyway...the response to this post is appreciated as much as the comments...It's all in good fun and I aint quitting yet!
Getting ready for Rothbury festival this weekend, may not get in the next challenge, we shall see!
Thanks All!


Well since you called me out for not reading carefully which I did read carefully. I say again, the best way to get people motivated to comment is too comment. Its been shown in the past that is how it happens. 4% really isn't alot, in a challenge of 100 that is 4? Surely you can find things you like or dislike in each photo and convey that to each vote you cast right in a way that the photographer can find helpful? Explain to them what makes the photo work, what doesn't make it work, its not really that hard, and each one doesn't have to be in depth and earth shattering.

Matt
07/01/2009 06:32:15 PM · #21
My response to Matto.

"You want to get more comments? Try practicing what you preach. You have only made 54 comments during your time here and have cast almost 2000 votes. Lead by example."

....Sounds smug and confrontational. If you reply to comments in that manner you could easily scare off those whom are new and or timid.
Instead,I felt obligated to respond. (twice now)

"Well since you called me out for not reading carefully which I did read carefully. I say again, the best way to get people motivated to comment is too comment. Its been shown in the past that is how it happens. 4% really isn't alot, in a challenge of 100 that is 4? Surely you can find things you like or dislike in each photo and convey that to each vote you cast right in a way that the photographer can find helpful? Explain to them what makes the photo work, what doesn't make it work, its not really that hard, and each one doesn't have to be in depth and earth shattering."

... A response is not a "calling out" I never claimed I was a great commenter, only that I was trying and had shown slight improvement.4% is a definate improvement from 0%

Why am I hesitant about commenting?

Challenges Entered: 11
Votes Cast: 1,971
Avg Vote Cast: 6.5368
Votes Received: 1,879
Avg Vote Received: 4.6227
Comments:
Made: 53

Helpful: 34

Received: 67

Helpful: 54

Average Vote Cast: 6.53. Meaning I feel most photos are above average, how can I make a helpful comment when I think it looks mighty fine? After I learn/am confident in my knowledge I may be better able to leave helpful comments but with a record like :
Comments:
Made: 53
Helpful: 34
I have no choice but to figure my comments are doing no good and hold back commenting unless I think it will help.

So..... Just as you felt "called out" I felt "singled out"... and now that things have been "pointed out"
perhaps we may all carry on with peace and dignity
RA

Message edited by author 2009-07-01 18:34:14.
07/01/2009 10:22:19 PM · #22
Left a comment on the rock photo.
07/01/2009 11:52:57 PM · #23
The truth of the matter is--I experienced it after going through 216 entries (Ground Up Challenge) and tried to comment on them--An hour and a half later, I had commented on ONLY the first 36 entries... I started to comment only on ones that I felt I had something compelling to say. I just don't have that kind of free time, I guess; some might? I really tried! I also suffer from being too new to photography to offer more than possibly composition... the rest I hope to solicit.

Side challenges seem to be even harder to get a comment. I know $25/yr is like nothing, and normally I'd be all over it, but (I'm currently in the red and buying bread and milk beats buying a membership on here). Point being.. unless you have our photo hosted here, I've had zero comments on side challenge photos. I hope that changes, too, but it really is hard to keep motivated with the sheer copious amounts of photos that deserve comments!

So for that, I am truly thankful for the 4 comments I rcvd from the last challenge and hope that my photo in High Contrast gets more than that possibly because this has been the subject on everyone's mind, at least for now!

Jessica
07/02/2009 12:15:03 AM · #24
This is why I focus my commenting on the 4's and 5's. The fantastic entries will probably get plenty of comments, and the really lousy ones will probably (though not always) have someone else pointing out the obvious problems. But the 4's and 5's get ignored. It is a lot to do even that much, and I don't comment on all of the ones I should. I still like to maintain a high comment ratio. I think the last several challenges I've been about 30% or so.

I agree it is difficult when you are pulling a 4.6 to comment on shots way better (It's never stopped me, though.) Try this: figure out what it is you like about the shot. Why does it appeal to you? Half the reason for commenting is for the commenter to gain some insight from it.

I forget who it was, but when they first joined DPC I encouraged them to comment this way and they did so with a vengance. One day I checked in to find over a dozen detailed critiques from this member on my previous challenge entries.
07/02/2009 12:27:36 AM · #25
Originally posted by Runzamukk:

I was still a bit bothered about the lack of comments when I entered my photo for Cars. I looked at my picture and realized it was a 3 or 4 at best, but I really really wanted comments! I wanted tips to help me improve it, it had potential! So I flipped my photo upside down to assure it caught attention and the comments rolled in!!! Now if only I can learn how to get comments that do not point out the obvious, I may learn something and improve my skills! Perhaps my current entry that seems to suck like a hoover will elicit such sage advice. While Voting I have been attempting to increase my comments as well, and managed to comment on 4% in the last 2. Not a lot, but a great improvement from 0% !!

Thanks to all who took the time to comment on that ( or any ) shot and Major Congrats to ANYONE who EVER gets into the 100% Comment club!


So how many comments is enough for you? According to your stats, you have an average of 6.7 comments per challenge you've entered. That seems pretty fair.
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