swartfort Loc: Evansville, IN

I am always amazed at how strongly some tend to share their opinions and/or experiences. A recent example was a post regarding auto ISO. To me, the OP was very genuine is asking when might be the correct time to use auto ISO. The responses were varied. Some gave very thoughtful and detailed examples of when they used auto ISO and WHY (that is the important part right?).... Others gave very strong opinions of NEVER or ALWAYS, or likened anyone who might use this feature as "less of a photographer" (whatever) than they were, or if they didn't use it all the time, they were just not smart enough to figure it out.

So, having seen this type of "discussion" before, I tend to do the following:
1) If someone has such a strong opinion, I make sure they are respectful before going any further
2) If their opinion is so strong, I go to find their results. I look to see if they have a link in the signature
area (at the bottom of their post in small writing)and click on that, or I click on their user name and
that takes me to their information page, I scroll down to their history and there is a heading "posts
created". If they have created posts, I click on that number and then scroll thru their post history and
see their results.
3) THEN I spend some time looking at results. If they have results that I desire (subject, exposure,
composition, et.al.) then their opinion is validated and I consider using it. If they have no images
posted, I simply consider their opinion less than acceptable and an example someone who really has
shown no proof that their opinions have any validity. (POSER!!)

I can think of several participants here that I really appreciate their opinions, their results, and their willingness to humbly share. I am sure I will leave some out, but: Regis, Steve Perry,burkphoto, Gene51, Chg_Canon, Linda from Maine, rmalarz, Grandpa..... and many others. I find that by weeding out those that share opinions rather than information that I learn much more and am much happier with the time I spend on the HOG.

Thanks to all who share and care

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

--Bob

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

BebuLamar

I would give people opinions but I don't prove it. It's up to the one who was asking to agree or not agree with the opinions.

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

👍
...Rich

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Good idea - maybe. There is a big difference between theory and practice. I've picked up a lot of the "rules" of photography, but that doesn't mean I can produce outstanding results. I'll give advice based on what I've learned, even though I'm not a prize-winning photographer.

All sorts of professionals rely on coaches and teachers to make them better, even though those coaches and teachers are not good enough to be professionals.

swartfort Loc: Evansville, IN

Advice based on your learning (at whatever level) is way more valuable than opinions that paint with too broad of a brush and tend to dimish others opinions/experiences.

We are here to learn and share.... I appreciate your input.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

UHH was my first online forum of any type when I joined six years ago. I have since participated (for much shorter periods of time) in 3 others. The behavior of the UHH members who are consistently rude and argumentative would not be tolerated for a single minute on some sites.

However, it is what it is (I'm still here and active every day) and is probably only going to get worse as the grumpy old people grow ever older and grumpier and set in their ways

Your advice is sound, and thank you for including me among those who try to provide a little bit of value.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

There is no difference between theory and practice
in theory.

There is a big difference between theory and practice
in practice.

swartfort Loc: Evansville, IN

Priceless!

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

In the critiques I conducted, I told folks something that might be of benefit here. I mentioned how each of us has a view of the world, and pointed out examples from current culture and well-respected artists. Given that, I continued, just take in what each person says. Then, forget it. Then [and the final, critical step], the next time you go to work, pay attention to what pops up in your head as you shoot/paint/draw. See what comes out, e.g., does it please you and is it defensible in principle.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

I can sometimes have strong opinions as to how I do something. After all, my way is the best way I've found. For me.
I do try to remember to let people know that what I say is my opinion and they're entitled to theirs (even if it doesn't work as well as my way).
Sometimes I just sum it up as "YMMV".
If I forget sometimes, just think of that phrase whenever you come across one of my posts.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

OK.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

I use much the same technique. Good advice.