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DPChallenge Forums >> General Discussion >> What is an appropriate comment?
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09/10/2008 08:38:54 PM · #1
I consider myself fairly new to the DP World. I have tried to find the patterns in the voting, in an attempt to produce a better shot. Certain "DP" shots fair well with this crowd, ie. water drops, drop crowns, water or jelly filled glasses, funny reflections, hairy closeups, etc. In fact, sometimes, the challenge is about one thing and one of these "DP" shots appear and it's like I can hear the voters saying "ahhhhhhh"; irrelevent that the shot has NOTHING to do with the parameters of the challenge. The challenge could be about dappled lighting and a water burst shot gets in the top 10. If the challenge asks to create a shot in black and white or with overexposure, well, I try to restrain myself to within the bounderies. I try to judge someone elses work, based on the percieved difficulty, originality, thought process, etc. If, in my opinion, the photographer didn't bother to LOOK UP the words "dappled light", and submits a shot of his cat using a flash, well, I will give them a low score for not staying within the bounderies of the challenge(in my opinion). I can only hope that I am also being judged in this way. After all, THIS IS A PHOTOGRAPHIC ARENA. Which brings me to my point. I really enjoy reading comments about my pictures, because it helps me to better understand how the rest of the DP Community percieve my work, TECHNICALLY & ARTISTICALLY. There should be no personal bias when commenting on someone elses work. For example, if I dislike dogs, I shouldn't look at a dog portrait and comment..."why did you waste your time taking a picture of that crappy animal?" Recently, I was offended by a comment given to me about a shot that I submitted. The comment spoke nothing of my shot but chose to insult me about the subject matter.
I would like to know if the DP Community, a photography community, agrees with me or do you all think that I am being too sensitive. Do you believe that anyone can make any comment about someone elses work. Or should we stick to the issues at hand??
I look forward to hearing from all of you.

Message edited by author 2008-09-11 00:19:38.
09/10/2008 08:45:51 PM · #2
If it was the most recent overexposed challenge, your choice of titles for the image strayed into the political realm and may have prompted the responses that offended you. I have strong political feeling, but would not provoke a response by exposing my feelings. You are being to sensitive because you provoked it.

Message edited by author 2008-09-10 20:46:52.
09/10/2008 08:46:41 PM · #3
I left you a comment on your overexposed image.
09/10/2008 08:49:07 PM · #4
I think the term "appropriate" is too vague and ambiguous to really be used for commenting.

For my money though, the comments I get the most out of are the ones where a person takes the time to explain why they did or didn't like the photograph and are willing to give suggestions on how to possibly improve it. It's also nice to see comments that use language that makes it clear that what they are saying is based on their own feelings and visions, rather than using language that would suggest they know it all and can do no wrong themselves, if you know what I mean.

So if someone is attacking the subject matter alone, I don't have a problem with that, as long as they are willing to explain why the feel that way and give logical and constructive advice on what I should have done differently.

Unfortunately, as with all things in life, sometimes we make mistakes and leave comments that are perhaps better left unsaid, and I think it's best to just ignore those when they happen now and then and focus on the positive ones.
09/10/2008 09:52:13 PM · #5
I agree with you whole heartedly about judging a photograph based on the topic of the challenge, as well as considering it's technical execution. Sometimes photos that score well are not ones I particularly like, and alternatively ones that do poorly, I think are great photographs. What you have to understand however, is that since it is a group decision, because of the number of voters, this will always be the case.

As for inappropriate comments, I also agree with you completely. I try to leave constructive criticism to help people improve their photos, or comments of encouragement. Negative comments which are directed solely at the subject matter are not usually helpful. I say usually because some topics bring out emotional responses in people, and that might be part of your intentions of taking the photograph.

In the end, if you don't find a comment helpful, let it go. Hopefully they will be few and far between.
09/10/2008 10:02:12 PM · #6
I must be honest with you...I have read all the comments that people have given you about photos that you have entered in contests, and i cannot find a single one that is in any ways not appropriate to me.

Maybe I am missing something, but if the comment(s) was on your Overexposed entry, you made a subtle political statement with your title and photo. It appears that people responded in kind - a completely appropriate response.
09/10/2008 10:18:18 PM · #7
Everyone has their own criteria when they vote. My current entry just got an 8 followed by a 4, followed by a 9. Probably some 3's coming my way shortly. It's nice when someone leaves feedback letting you know why. Usually I try to leave helpful feedback, which I didn't do with yours. The comment I left was more about my initial reaction to the shot and trying to understand what message you were attempting to convey. Check your entry for a more explanatory comment from me.
09/10/2008 10:22:30 PM · #8
I'm a little confused. About the only comment, that I can see, that could be construed in the Baby Obama image, was the very first that talked about dooming the child to that fate.

I guess if politicians are your heros, that it could be taken as a negative. Personally, I would not want anyone I cared for under that magnifying glass, and have to face all the negative crap that all the candidates face.

I don't have a very high regard for politicians of any stripe, so no I would not want my child to have that fate either. Nor would I want my child to be president. What a gawd-awful thankless task that everyone complains about the whole time you are doing it, snipes at you over it after you are finished, and second guesses you in the history books. Not to mention the fact that it makes you old before your time.
09/10/2008 11:04:30 PM · #9
Originally posted by rlewis:

If it was the most recent overexposed challenge, your choice of titles for the image strayed into the political realm and may have prompted the responses that offended you. I have strong political feeling, but would not provoke a response by exposing my feelings. You are being to sensitive because you provoked it.


I have very strong religious views also. If someone posted a picture which represents another religious opinion, I don't see why that should distract me from the true personality of this community. I can politely agree to disagree... as many other comments did.
09/10/2008 11:07:42 PM · #10
Originally posted by K10DGuy:

I think the term "appropriate" is too vague and ambiguous to really be used for commenting.

For my money though, the comments I get the most out of are the ones where a person takes the time to explain why they did or didn't like the photograph and are willing to give suggestions on how to possibly improve it. It's also nice to see comments that use language that makes it clear that what they are saying is based on their own feelings and visions, rather than using language that would suggest they know it all and can do no wrong themselves, if you know what I mean.

So if someone is attacking the subject matter alone, I don't have a problem with that, as long as they are willing to explain why the feel that way and give logical and constructive advice on what I should have done differently.

Unfortunately, as with all things in life, sometimes we make mistakes and leave comments that are perhaps better left unsaid, and I think it's best to just ignore those when they happen now and then and focus on the positive ones.


I agree somewhat. We can agree to disagree. My point is that this community is not a blog. We are here to enjoy a particular artistic medium. And I feel that our comments should stay within those bounderies.
09/10/2008 11:22:26 PM · #11
Originally posted by ambaker:

I'm a little confused. About the only comment, that I can see, that could be construed in the Baby Obama image, was the very first that talked about dooming the child to that fate.

I guess if politicians are your heros, that it could be taken as a negative. Personally, I would not want anyone I cared for under that magnifying glass, and have to face all the negative crap that all the candidates face.

I don't have a very high regard for politicians of any stripe, so no I would not want my child to have that fate either. Nor would I want my child to be president. What a gawd-awful thankless task that everyone complains about the whole time you are doing it, snipes at you over it after you are finished, and second guesses you in the history books. Not to mention the fact that it makes you old before your time.


I agree that being President can be a thankless job. And if you don't share my admiration for honorable leaders, than that is also just fine. If you want to judge my image to be in poor taste and decide to give it a one...that's also just fine. I don't see the reason for this TYPE of comment in this particular arena. I find it to be inappropriate and YES... a little offensive. That's all. We can agree to disagree and still remain friends. But if you have a comment to share with me, while we partake in THIS venue, than it should stay within the subject matter. We don't have to digress into other realms which may TRULY provoke heated debate.
DP is fun and it challenges my humble and limited photographic talents. I hope that future comments will be more "DP APPROPRIATE"... in that it will help me develop my photographic short-comings.

Message edited by author 2008-09-10 23:45:56.
09/11/2008 12:33:29 AM · #12
Recently in the Purple III challenge, there was an image depicting a battered woman. Violence against women is a pet peeve of mine. Needless to say that this image irritated me in the worse way. I thought it best to express my opinion by voting instead of imposing my beliefs and views on someones "RENDITION" of a serious and real problem in our world. DPC is a community of photographic artists; all with different levels of skill, insight, opinions, views etc. As such we are all bound to make mistakes in our photographic endeavors. Those commenting should offer constructive criticism and nothing else.
09/11/2008 12:59:25 AM · #13
Unfortunately in these politically charged times many people will find any opportunity to make a snide remark at the expense of the "other party". And of course, the low vote goes along with it. These comments, from either side, are just a symptom of a larger issue.

My advice is to just let it go, with the realization that the majority of people here are above such things but a handful are not. Imagine what would happen if they took those blinders off.


09/11/2008 06:17:29 AM · #14
Originally posted by ALA:

Recently in the Purple III challenge, there was an image depicting a battered woman. Violence against women is a pet peeve of mine. Needless to say that this image irritated me in the worse way. I thought it best to express my opinion by voting instead of imposing my beliefs and views on someones "RENDITION" of a serious and real problem in our world. DPC is a community of photographic artists; all with different levels of skill, insight, opinions, views etc. As such we are all bound to make mistakes in our photographic endeavors. Those commenting should offer constructive criticism and nothing else.


Yes, I remember that shot. It shocked me also. Photography can sometimes be as strong a medium of communication as the written word. But, I feel that anything more than technical critique would be inappropriate.

Message edited by author 2008-09-11 06:26:21.
09/11/2008 06:25:00 AM · #15
Originally posted by Ken:

Unfortunately in these politically charged times many people will find any opportunity to make a snide remark at the expense of the "other party". And of course, the low vote goes along with it. These comments, from either side, are just a symptom of a larger issue.

My advice is to just let it go, with the realization that the majority of people here are above such things but a handful are not. Imagine what would happen if they took those blinders off.


You are very right, Ken. I guess I was just venting. I was also a little peeved about the low score, but i guess I deserved it. I should have called the picture "All American"...maybe than I would have hit 4.5. That's part of the game. Afterall, this is why we have these forums; to discuss our opinions RELEVENT TO THIS ARENA!! Leave the political blogs for another day.
09/11/2008 06:27:08 AM · #16
Originally posted by rudyhilton:


Photography can sometimes be as strong a medium of communication than the written word. But, I feel that anything more than technical critique would be inappropriate.


As you said yourself above, Photography is also form of communication. It is visual based, but often includes words and titles as well. Photography is also about art - and art is also about emotions and conveying ideas, sometimes challenging. Therefore, for someone to post an image that is communicating a specific topic, it is no surprise (and in my opinion) entirely appropriate for a commenter to provide comment beyond the technicals of 'good lighting, sharp focus, etc.' In fact, communication is a two way activity, so for someone not to respond to that communication could be considered by some to be inappropriate.
09/11/2008 07:12:40 AM · #17
I left the comment that he grew up fast, which you didn't mark as helpful and I can understand. I was somewhat bemused by the whole thing. I didn't think it as outright as a political statement as another image I saw (a flag blowing to the "left"), but as such, I didn't understand what statement you were trying to make. Baby Obama? -- Is it Obama's kid? An admirer? A lookalike? Just at a loss for a title?

If you work religion or politics into your presentation, expect digression and a mediocre score. If you work eagles or water droplets into your presentation, expect flattery and a ribbon.

To me, a comment is a comment -- whether it be paragraphs of analysis or just "cool," I'm thankful for all of them.
09/11/2008 09:23:38 AM · #18
I have been told by some personal friends that my 5 year old son looks more like Obama than myself.
No matter who wins the november elections, I feel that strong leaders like Hillary and Barack have made "cracks in the cieling" for future leaders. "Baby Obama" was just my idea of the future faces of presidential leaders of this great country. My thought was to show the image of a little kid that kinda looks like Obama, hidden by the obscurity of an over exposed shot, might be cool. No strong political statements intended. I can't help to feel that if I had put a little blonde girl called "Baby Hillary", this community may have seen clearly through the title.
Once again, I totally understand the low score...I am sorry if I "rattled any cages" of those who may find the concept I projected offensive. I will try to keep to the eagles and the water drops.
Thank you all for the feedback.
09/11/2008 09:25:20 AM · #19
Originally posted by rudyhilton:

I have been told by some personal friends that my 5 year old son resembles more like Obama than myself.
No matter who wins the november elections, I feel that strong leaders like Hillary and Barack have made "cracks in the cieling" for future leaders. "Baby Obama" was just my idea of the future faces of presidential leaders of this great country. My thought was creating the image of a little kid that kinda looks like Obama, hidden by the obscurity of an over exposed shot, might be cool. No strong political statements intended. I can't help but to feel that if I had put a little blonde girl called "Baby Hillary", this community may have seen clearly through the title.
Once again, I totally understand the low score...I am sorry if I "rattled any cages" of those who may find the concept I projected offensive. I will try to keep to the eagles and the water drops.
Thank you all for the feedback.


Message edited by author 2008-09-11 09:27:57.
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