How to provide polite critique: Here is an article for writers that could also be helpful to photographers. It includes some simple guidelines for offering comments on the work of...

Heirloom Tomato Loc: Oregon

Here is an article for writers that could also be helpful to photographers. It includes some simple guidelines for offering comments on the work of others.

http://iainbroome.com/critique-etiquette-feedback

rickerb Loc: utah

Excellent post. I only wish that the people that really need to read this, probably won't

Heirloom Tomato Loc: Oregon

rickerb wrote:

Excellent post. I only wish that the people that really need to read this, probably won't

If we reach even one, that might help. :-P

Bushpilot Loc: Minnesota

Excellent article, I will try to keep those comments in mind when and I leave feedback in the future.

Bmac Loc: Long Island, NY

Heirloom Tomato wrote:

Here is an article for writers that could also be helpful to photographers. It includes some simple guidelines for offering comments on the work of others.

http://iainbroome.com/critique-etiquette-feedback

Thanks for the thread HT. Another point I might add is to avoid the unnecessary use of pejorative words and terms while critiquing. There is no reason for it and many times it seems those using such words and terms seem to post less than satisfactory images themselves. One does not have to be rude, smarmy or crass to be "honest." 8-)

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

As one who taught writing for many years, this is valuable advice. However, when crap is crap, the perpetrator needs to be told, whether it hurts his feelings or not. Sometimes the truth hurts.

Heirloom Tomato Loc: Oregon

jaymatt wrote:

As one who taught writing for many years, this is valuable advice. However, when crap is crap, the perpetrator needs to be told, whether it hurts his feelings or not. Sometimes the truth hurts.

Truth can be written in different ways. Rude brutality is not usually the best way. A spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Thank you

jenny Loc: in hiding:)

Heirloom Tomato wrote:

Here is an article for writers that could also be helpful to photographers. It includes some simple guidelines for offering comments on the work of others.

http://iainbroome.com/critique-etiquette-feedback

* * *
Why couldn't you post it in the critique section where it needs to be read? At least post a notice there with the link.

Steve_m Loc: Southern California

jaymatt wrote:

As one who taught writing for many years, this is valuable advice. However, when crap is crap, the perpetrator needs to be told, whether it hurts his feelings or not. Sometimes the truth hurts.

I would not critique anything on UHH. People are asking for critique and when you say something, they are all over you like a killer bees. They ask for critique but expect odes.

russelray Loc: La Mesa CA

As a recovering alcoholic of 33 years, I think AA does it best when it teaches one to own one's comments and words. One does that by prefacing one's words with phrases like, "In my opinion," "I think," etc. There is a certain "In my opinion" and "I think" implicit in the fact that if words are under my name and avatar, then it's probably my opinion and my thinking. However, actually putting "In my opinion" and "I think" in the text makes it much less critical, ugly, burdensome....

Instead of "You're stupid for doing that," something like "I think you're going about it the wrong way" works much better.

The personal pronoun I sprinkled throughout your text also helps tremendously.

I combine that with something my wise old grandmother taught me when I was young: "If you're going to complain about something, offer a solution."

That piece of advice works wonders when writing politicians, fighting city hall, etc.

So instead of writing, "You're stupid for doing that!," much better would be "I think you're going about it the wrong way. Here's what I would do...."

Just my thoughts....

Heirloom Tomato Loc: Oregon

Bmac wrote:

Thanks for the thread HT. Another point I might add is to avoid the unnecessary use of pejorative words and terms while critiquing. There is no reason for it and many times it seems those using such words and terms seem to post less than satisfactory images themselves. One does not have to be rude, smarmy or crass to be "honest." 8-)

:thumbup: :thumbup:

Heirloom Tomato Loc: Oregon

russelray wrote:

As a recovering alcoholic of 33 years, I think AA ... (show quote)

This (any) site is more fun and more educational for all when we act like good-natured ladies and gentlemen. Some silliness and kidding is enjoyable, too, especially if we are well acquainted with the one we are kidding, although unless we are skilled writers sometimes jesting comments meant in fun come off sounding harsher than they were meant. UHH is a great site, especially when we don't "Open mouth, insert foot" very often. This site is a great photo university/party most of the time, and it is worth taking a little care to keep it running enjoyably for all. And...... that's my opinion. :P :P

rdgreenwood Loc: Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

This link will take you to a I created for a course I teach. It's brief, but it has prevented hurt feelings and tamed flaming egos: http://www.photosbygreenwood.com/critique.htm

Heirloom Tomato Loc: Oregon

rdgreenwood wrote:

This link will take you to a I created for a course I teach. It's brief, but it has prevented hurt feelings and tamed flaming egos: http://www.photosbygreenwood.com/critique.htm

Thanks for posting that, rdgreenwood. Your examples are very good. That must have helped a lot in your class. The successful examples probably contain more words than most of us tend to type at one go. I will re-read that from time to time to stay in touch with what to say and how to say it, and what not to say, in critique. Thanks again!