joer wrote:
There are plenty of images on the forum sections that I don't particularly like but unless the poster asked for a critique I just pass it by without comment and look at the ones that interest me.
What does it say about the personality of individuals that are compelled inject their criticism without invitation. What makes them think that anyone cares about what they have to say.
Perhaps one of them can explain to me.
This part of your question could be problematic- I'll get to it later*:
"There are plenty of images on the forum sections that I don't particularly like but ..."
Anyway...this topic is getting very old and onerous lately and every time it reemerges it opens up a can of rattlesnakes. So...here my take.
Most folks don't react well to unsolicited advice about anything even sometimes among families and friends, let alone folks that don't even know each other and are mostly communicating online and anonymously. Many people do not like criticism even if it constructive and well-meaning, let alone negative or harsh criticism. Many folks don't know how to give criticism in a way that is honest yet not insulting or NOT in a way that might initiate hostilities. Starting a POST with "*There are plenty of images on the forum sections that I don't particularly like but..." can create some negativity and including a statement like "I don't like"in a critique will not be well received. A good critique does not reflect personal tastes but rather specific technical points and the associated aesthetics and remedial advice. A good critique also mentions favorable points.
So...my other important caveat is there are a time and a place, online and offline, for critiques. On photo forums, like this one, there are specific sections where critiques are SUPPOSEDLY expected and perhaps are intrinsic in the rai·son d'ê·tre for its basic premise. This is in the description of the UHH "Photo Analysis" section and is also permitted by some of the managers (moderators) in a few of the other specialized sections. If you care to offer or receive critiques- go there!
Otherwise, it behooves you to ASK the maker of any posted image if he or she accepts critiques, editing, or illustrative "markings" being applied to their image(s). If you do not do this, frankly, you're gonna catch hell from many of the members and you may hear from the admin.
There are many other platforms for real critiques. Many professional photographers organizations hold print competitions and seminars which include "open judgings" where you can observe a panel of experts score and critique yours and other entries. Many camera clubs also have competitions and seminars with this structure. The P.P.of A., at one time, offered tape-recorded scoring discussions and critiques for the benefit of entrants who are sending in their prints from far off locations and are not able to attend conventions and competition judging. Photographers pay an additional entry fee for this service which goes to show that many people are interested in constructive criticism of their work.
I am not a psychologist or a psychiatrist, but I know some folks like to issue negative critiques and harsh remarks out of some mean-spirited mindedness. I think they are in the minority. Others take the time to analyze and critique someone's work hopefully or wishfully thinking this will be of benefit to the maker- the problem is, you can not help folks who don't want your help. I don't think all that many people are mean-spirited, overly self-important or get up every morning and just need to aggravate others. There are many more folks who misconstrue sincere constructive criticism as some kind of malfeasance. It is unkind, bad form, possibly against certain rules, discourteous to critique or edits or even reproduce someone's work without permission and it is just as unkind and oftentimes uncalled for to retaliate by attacking someone's personality, mental health or honesty without knowing their motivations, or whether not they just made an honest mistake or crossed a line unintentionally.
I consider myself an "EXPERT" (sarcasm) on critiques. I'll tell you why. I thrive on criticism of my work- that's how I first learned my trade. I was fortunate enough, when I first started, to be mentored (tortured, hazed, used as the resident studio punching bag ) by experienced photographers. I was an impressionable kid for a tough neighborhood so I parked my ego and learned well, When I continued to more formal photographic education, the teachers critiqued my head off but all the classroom time in the world could no match my earlier on-the-job experiences. Then I went into the army where everything I did was pre-critiqued- the D.Is. blasted us in advance even before we did anything wrong! Then, I came back to the world and opened my own business and became the "big boss" (more sarcasm) and along with that title came an onslaught of critics- except now I have to call them clients, customers, art directors, advertising account executives, my wife, my kids, my bank manager, creditors, my accountant, and the janitor- who frankly and actually has a good eye for composition! The cat liked one of by prints and licked it and then threw-up- I guess he did not particularly like it after all!
I hope this helps!