This Has Got To Stop - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

11/15/2004 05:37:14 PM · #1

The results of the challenges on this website are becoming as predictable as GW's policy decisions;

Moody Skies
Cute animal picture
set up model shots
rustic barn
raging seas

etc, etc.

It seems to me that this website is running on autopilot churning out ever increasing numbers of challenges, that are not challenging at all, and one poster recently lamented the fact that some 1000+ images needed rating because of so many concurrent challenges.

Is it time to change the voting collation so other types of shot stand a chance of winning? Do we need to introduce a set of categories for voting on? does something, anything need to be done about this?

discuss!

(the first person to quote this entire post for no reason is getting whacked in the tackle with a foam javelin!)

Falc

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

11/15/2004 05:40:01 PM · #2

Originally posted by Article19:

Just quoted - no reason ;-)

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

11/15/2004 05:46:21 PM · #3

now if you could delete that it would be spiffy

frisca

Nikon D70

11/15/2004 05:49:02 PM · #4

well, the off the cuff answer is that you can't help what appeals to the masses. Until someone comes up with something with broad appeal while still setting itself apart from the proven formulas we've seen before, i don't see how changing the structure of the challenges will change how people feel about a given photo.

Not that I disagree with your sentiment. :)

LoudDog

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

11/15/2004 05:53:11 PM · #5

Suggest some challenge topics you think would change this.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

11/15/2004 05:58:12 PM · #6

Hang on, I posted this in Members discussion so what is it doing in this forum?

Second the challenge topics are not the issue and can an admin move this to where I posted it!

Marjo

Canon EOS-7D

11/15/2004 06:00:15 PM · #7

I don't see any solutions...no matter what I submit...it's usually voted average or below anyway...so just keep submitting what you like and try not to think about those low-life voters (thanks very much for the "one" you just gave me!) that can't appreciate something different.

mrorange002

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

11/15/2004 06:03:15 PM · #8

Originally posted by Article19:

It seems to me that this website is running on autopilot churning out ever increasing numbers of challenges, that are not challenging at all

What are you talking about?

You personally have entered 1 challenge and you have been a member since March 25th. The one challenge you did enter was an open challenge which is not challenging at all, since there is no topic! Start submitting to some of these "not challenging" challenges and see how challenging they really are.

bod

11/15/2004 06:06:39 PM · #9

Originally posted by Article19:

Moody Skies
Cute animal picture
set up model shots
rustic barn
raging seas

You missed a couple ...

Street candids
Mints
Cars
Sattelite dishes
Mailboxes
Violins
Hard Drives
Eggs
Cityscapes
Canyons
Architecture
Feathers
Flowers
Jacko's Bugs
Aircraft

etc, etc, etc ...

11/15/2004 06:07:13 PM · #10

tis is the type of response I was anticipating. The winners always look the same, anyone can see that. The front page shows two winners that are pretty much exactly the same, is that clear enough?

(meaning EricLimon post)

Message edited by author 2004-11-15 18:08:38.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

11/15/2004 06:09:48 PM · #11

Originally posted by Article19:

So what is your proposed solution?

mrorange002

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

11/15/2004 06:13:34 PM · #12

You've only submitted ONE photo! Since the challenges are not challenging to you, start submitting and winning! Then the photos on the front page won't be so similar. That is my 2 cents. You can't (well, I guess you can) complain if you don't even submit.

Message edited by author 2004-11-15 18:13:58.

LoudDog

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

11/15/2004 06:15:23 PM · #13

And he has only cast 45 votes...

11/15/2004 06:20:07 PM · #14

the friggin stat on that page is not correct for a start and why the hell would I enter challenges I don't give a toss about only to lose out, like everybody else, because i didn't take a picture of a sunset or a mouse in a cup?

since I paid i bloody will complain.

Fibonacci

Fujifilm FinePix S7000

11/15/2004 06:20:18 PM · #15

What about a "Common Humanity" challenge where we could examine the universal nature of the human condition and the things that make us all laugh or cry. A challenge where beauty is not just "cute", where a great image is not just "awesome eye candy". No flags or nationalistic icons. Just a careful examination of who we are and where we are going. Preferably basic or no editing other than cropping.
Just a thought.

11/15/2004 06:23:38 PM · #16

and perhaps, as suggested already, more comprehensive voting method and allowing the captions to be visible in the voting process.

GoldBerry

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

11/15/2004 06:26:09 PM · #17

Article 19, I don't think the number of challenges you've entered or the number votes you've cast reduce the validity of your original post. I don't necessarily agree 100%, but you've got some good points (ie a lot of the time the top spots in challenges go to similar looking shots each time).

frumoaznicul

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

11/15/2004 06:26:30 PM · #18

Originally posted by Fibonacci:

That would be cool, I'll try to win that one, I like to do that kind of photography alot.

Kavey

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC for Canon

11/15/2004 06:26:51 PM · #19

Originally posted by Article19:

Oh dear. You're certainly entitled to posting in forums but throwing a tantrum is hardly like to win people over to your point of view.

It's only natural that certain types of images will win most often because winning is determined by mass-appeal. For subjects to appeal to a broad section of such a diverse group of people they are often going to need to be on universal themes.

There are times when more unusual images do well but... the more unusual they are the smaller will be the subset of people who appreciate them.

I can't see you getting anything out of this site by badmouthing so many of the images on it.

I'd suggest you either start entering yourself and show us just what kind of image you think should be winning or find somewhere else that better suits your tastes. Otherwise your blood pressure's just gonna start doing bad things to you!

Message edited by author 2004-11-15 18:27:32.

11/15/2004 06:29:38 PM · #20

my blood pressure is just fine and thank you for missing the point completely.

frumoaznicul

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

11/15/2004 06:29:38 PM · #21

Art19 judgeing from your activity here on the site,... how about a "dance" challenge?

Message edited by author 2004-11-15 18:30:00.

Damian

Nikon D200

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

11/15/2004 06:30:37 PM · #22

Your right : |
Look at all these COMMON photos.

No imagination..........(sarcasm)

Kavey

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC for Canon

11/15/2004 06:35:39 PM · #23

Originally posted by Article19:

my blood pressure is just fine and thank you for missing the point completely.

If I'm missing the point perhaps you're failing to elucidate it.

What IS your point exactly?

That mass-appeal photos win a lot of ribbons? Well - duh!

That you don't like those kind of images? Shrug, that's a shame. Obviously a lot of people do or they wouldn't win.

That you won't enter unless there's something done to ensure your kind of photos win? Dream on.

What IS your point exactly?

timj351

Sony DSC-F707

11/15/2004 06:36:06 PM · #24

Originally posted by Article19:

I understand what you are saying but I am reminded that I am here for my own growth as a photographer and not for winning ribbons. You can't change how people vote. It is what it is as simple as that sounds. I find it much easier to apply a challenge theme to my own photography instead of worrying too much about what eveyone else is going to think. If I can create a photo I love that everyone else loves too then that is great. It's just not my main focus. Another thing to keep in mind is that what is a cliche to you may not be a cliche for everyone else particularily the newer photographers. Cliches are also cliches for a reason and that is because people like those kinds of photos the most. There is nothing wrong with that especially when you are learning. Very creative and unique shots just don't always do well here but it doesn't keep me from trying them. There are tons of various photos to enjoy on this site. Your favorite ones just might be a little less popular and further down the rankings. So what.

T