CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Rules will break you as often as you break them.

brentrh Loc: Deltona, FL

I post photographs that have been processed. Some may see them as over processed. Just sharing a photograph, looking for likes. If you don't like it ok. If you respond negative to photograph fine I will not comment on your response.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I fail to see how that’s not a critique.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

LOL, you must be a politician

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I read this yesterday after Cany143 made it easy to find the thread.

I find nothing whatsoever objectionable about the saturation comments, and thought the OP over-reacted. Of course, this is just my subjective opinion of their exchange, not a critique

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Most people have "totally forgotten" about almost all the volunteer-managed specialty sections on UHH.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

This section is about the only one I read these days, just as “News and Rumors” is about all I read at the ‘Pentax Forum’.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

These are my observations and I stand corrected if I am wrong or have misconceptions.

Yes! Most of the specialized volunteer-managed sections are ignored and primarily unused- just about every subject shows up in the main section. The "managers" are supposed to promote the sections. I manage 4 sections and I admit to being remiss in promoting them. They seemed to attract some participation and enthusiasm in the beginning but that fizzled out. My co-mangers abandoned two of the sections and are now here to be found.

People will ask for advice or critiques. In my own expereince, when I reply with suggestions, pointers, tips, or God-forbid "rules" I usually get negative responses. I try to explain the "rules" are not "laws" but good starting points, guidelines, or reliable time-honored methods that yield basically decent results. They are not meant to stunt creativity or artistry and they are at liberty to change th recipe to their taste. So, my observation is that some folks insist on doing things their way even if they are disappointed with the results. They are seekg out someone ot agree with or reinforce whatever they are doing, right, or wrong debatable!

Critiquing can be a hornet's nest unless the "critics" regardless of their knowledge and talent in photography, first refer to the dictionary and learn the difference between OBJECTIVE AND SUBJETIVE. Not everyone, even accomplished photographers has the same taste and vision. A good critic can analyze and opinions on images of various genres based on technical detail, impact, craftsmanship, and presentation even if it is not THEIR style or category or work, OR, simply refrain from opinionating on anythg they do not understnd. Anyone who writes, "I don't like birds, cars, cats, bugs, landscapes, portraits, whatever or negatively criticizes the model or the subject is an...(pejorative word).

Y'all know the majority of folk here are good people. Communicate with those, exchange ideas, and enjoy each other's conversations.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Horseart Loc: Alabama

Guilty as charged, but wiling to try harder.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

You've made some very good observations about good critics. But the fact remains that criticism given when it was not asked for or expected is a recipe for negative reactions. My suggestion is that Admin should rewrite the descriptions of the sections that are experiencing problems, such as the Gallery and the Photo Analysis sections.

In the case of the Gallery, emphasis should be given to the fact that criticisms shouldn't be given unless clearly asked for. In the case of the Photo Analysis section it should be made clearer that it's main purpose is to provide a place where people can seek help with photos that have specific issues. It is not a place where critique should be sought.

NickGee Loc: Pacific Northwest

"Story" is overrated (no disrespect intended). So is sharpness.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Said by any True Photographer: lower your expectations to match your results.

srt101fan

“Story” perhaps, but not “Content”. I think people sometimes equate the two. I agree with you on sharpness. Some photos definitey need it, others not so much.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

"Story" is just a handy shortcut word. What if someone says, I'm disappointed with this result, but I'm not sure why. To help, you would need to know what appealed to them about the shot, why they took the photo in the first place. Whatever they were trying to capture, that was the "story."

Sharpness is "needed" only if you desire. If you want soft and dreamy, you go the opposite of sharp. I don't think clouds ever look good sharpened, nor does fog. It just ain't normal