Commenting on Photo Posts
Apr 13, 2019 10:01:52 #
Have you noticed that when a poster of usually excellent photos puts up a very average one it also gets approving comments; but, when an occasional or new poster puts up an excellent photo, it hardly gets a comment at all? That hardly seems right, does it? Unfortunately, I’ve been guilty of this, too, and I intend to remedy the practice.
Apr 13, 2019 10:09:07 #
Zario
Loc: sacramento, CA
Thanks John. Yeah, I agree. I've been guilty of this also. I hope to be more aware of this potential inequity.
Apr 13, 2019 10:13:21 #
If it is a friends photo I might give it a “like”, but it it is an unusually good image I will usually comment (on a friend’s excellent image I might add a personal quip or question). I enjoy looking a excellent photo images... just a thought!
Apr 13, 2019 10:23:07 #
"Approval" of a photo is relative to the viewer.
I've seen many "approval" comments on things I would delete if they were mine, simply because they do nothing for me. But others like them.
And agreed, sometimes not many comments on ones that are done well. Again, in my eye.
I "
" on images I like, regardless of how composed. More so on well composed and well lit images.
Just like everyone else, there are certain subjects that do not interest me.
Yes, I'm probably too logical, but that is my nature.
I've seen many "approval" comments on things I would delete if they were mine, simply because they do nothing for me. But others like them.
And agreed, sometimes not many comments on ones that are done well. Again, in my eye.
I "
" on images I like, regardless of how composed. More so on well composed and well lit images.Just like everyone else, there are certain subjects that do not interest me.
Yes, I'm probably too logical, but that is my nature.
Apr 13, 2019 10:26:24 #
Apr 13, 2019 10:40:36 #
jaymatt wrote:
Have you noticed that when a poster of usually excellent photos puts up a very average one it also gets approving comments; but, when an occasional or new poster puts up an excellent photo, it hardly gets a comment at all? That hardly seems right, does it? Unfortunately, I’ve been guilty of this, too, and I intend to remedy the practice.
Sometimes, regular/frequent posters build up a 'brand' or reputation that attracts viewers who share an interest and maybe even a group of 'buddies' who leave kind comments for encouragement. For newcomers or occasional posters, I think the title of the post is also important for attracting views. If I see 'squirrel' or 'furry' or 'at the feeder' in the title I will just skip the post. That is just me - I know I will not be interested. There are a couple of regular posters who post excellent work every time, but I know I will not be interested in their particular subject no matter how they title it.
On the other hand, I appreciate every comment when I post pics, so I should be more generous with my time to give back to others. I consider the ratio of 'comments' to 'views' as a good gauge of how I am doing.
Apr 13, 2019 10:55:43 #
This is only my personal opinion. The majority of those posting images in the forum are amateur photographers. Posting a photograph and asking others with experience to critique the image is one of the best ways to learn. We do not do others a favor when knowing that an image needs improvement we praise it instead of saying what we have to say, always in a respectful and polite way.
A person posting an image who beforehand says that he or she is a beginner needs consideration and understanding on the part of the person doing the critique. These are usually young photographers with a special interest in learning and we do not do them a favor with harsh comments or a tough critique. "If it was my image I would do this" is kind enough and should be followed by an easy to understand explanation of what should be done to improve the quality of the image. Do not modify anything in the image without the consent of the person posting. I have been guilty of doing so.
We all make mistakes. What is excellent for some is not acceptable to others since we are all different. It is important that the person posting feel happy with his or her image if it has been modified to suit his or her artistic taste. This we have to understand.
In my humble opinion many images lack software manipulation to make them better and contrast and clarity come to mind. I am afraid that many of those images were shot RAW and the data needed experienced processing to bring back all the goodness that was captured.
Courtesy and respect with our new members is in order so that they feel comfortable posting next time and can keep on learning.
When I see a senior photographer posting something I do not like or something that I believe needs a critical adjustment I refrain from making any comments in the forum. My taste could be different to his or her taste and I perfectly understand that and if I do comment I usually do it via a private message in a very respectful manner. This way I believe I can reach the person without causing a public embarrassment which is not desirable. Let me say also that we all have an ego and some persons really feel hurt and offended with our comments, no matter how respectful they could be. I have not seen many of those cases but when I did I immediately understood that particular person was only interested in been praised and I apologized knowing that no matter what that member will never achieve appropriate photographic expertise.
As I said, this is only my personal opinion.
A person posting an image who beforehand says that he or she is a beginner needs consideration and understanding on the part of the person doing the critique. These are usually young photographers with a special interest in learning and we do not do them a favor with harsh comments or a tough critique. "If it was my image I would do this" is kind enough and should be followed by an easy to understand explanation of what should be done to improve the quality of the image. Do not modify anything in the image without the consent of the person posting. I have been guilty of doing so.
We all make mistakes. What is excellent for some is not acceptable to others since we are all different. It is important that the person posting feel happy with his or her image if it has been modified to suit his or her artistic taste. This we have to understand.
In my humble opinion many images lack software manipulation to make them better and contrast and clarity come to mind. I am afraid that many of those images were shot RAW and the data needed experienced processing to bring back all the goodness that was captured.
Courtesy and respect with our new members is in order so that they feel comfortable posting next time and can keep on learning.
When I see a senior photographer posting something I do not like or something that I believe needs a critical adjustment I refrain from making any comments in the forum. My taste could be different to his or her taste and I perfectly understand that and if I do comment I usually do it via a private message in a very respectful manner. This way I believe I can reach the person without causing a public embarrassment which is not desirable. Let me say also that we all have an ego and some persons really feel hurt and offended with our comments, no matter how respectful they could be. I have not seen many of those cases but when I did I immediately understood that particular person was only interested in been praised and I apologized knowing that no matter what that member will never achieve appropriate photographic expertise.
As I said, this is only my personal opinion.
Apr 13, 2019 11:08:35 #
I am guilty of this at times, too. I try to be subtle when I do it though. Sometimes I'll just say "nicely composed" or something to indicate whatever merit there is in the image. Most images have at least some merit. Encouragement is better than harsh negativity.
Apr 13, 2019 11:12:54 #
RV
Loc: Chicago
Absolutely. Many of these images would never make it from my camera yet people are praising them. This is a disservice to the photographer who always thinks their
images are good and never learns from any constructive criticism or better yet, no review at all. Then they continue to post every day with below average images and continue to get rave reviews. Then I have seen many excellent images posted, as stated above, that never get the reviews they deserve. I always do my best to give credit where credit is do and ignore the rest.
images are good and never learns from any constructive criticism or better yet, no review at all. Then they continue to post every day with below average images and continue to get rave reviews. Then I have seen many excellent images posted, as stated above, that never get the reviews they deserve. I always do my best to give credit where credit is do and ignore the rest.
Apr 13, 2019 13:21:18 #
Aside from buddies and social sharing, the number of comments is greatly affected by whether a photo makes it into the digest. There are 35 slots for Gallery in the digest; many days that is only 1/2 to 1/3 of the photos posted in that section. That is one reason I'm always nagging people to use the "newest topics" link at top of any UHH Page, or another handy feature, "newest pictures." And even then, the specialty sections (volunteer-moderated) are invisible unless you're subscribed.
Knowing the digest generates a lot of activity for the few topics chosen, I posed this question to Admin: Any chance of making it truly random or limiting an individual's entries to one a week? There have been bad feelings for years about those who "hog" the digest (they post daily and because of their popularity, their topics always seem to make it into the digest - I was one of those folks back in the day!). It's discouraging and ultimately unfair to new members.
Admin's Reply, Nov 20, 2018
The digest exists for the "readers", not for the "writers".
In other words, the commercial utility of the digest is to provide good reading material for the people who are currently not among the active forum users but only read the digest. So that they would eventually become active users.
Looking from this perspective, it makes no sense to intentionally throttle more successful topics in favor of the less successful ones in the name of fairness. As it would basically mean I'm intentionally sending the "readers" topics with less activity than what the forum really has to offer.
Knowing the digest generates a lot of activity for the few topics chosen, I posed this question to Admin: Any chance of making it truly random or limiting an individual's entries to one a week? There have been bad feelings for years about those who "hog" the digest (they post daily and because of their popularity, their topics always seem to make it into the digest - I was one of those folks back in the day!). It's discouraging and ultimately unfair to new members.
Admin's Reply, Nov 20, 2018
The digest exists for the "readers", not for the "writers".
In other words, the commercial utility of the digest is to provide good reading material for the people who are currently not among the active forum users but only read the digest. So that they would eventually become active users.
Looking from this perspective, it makes no sense to intentionally throttle more successful topics in favor of the less successful ones in the name of fairness. As it would basically mean I'm intentionally sending the "readers" topics with less activity than what the forum really has to offer.
Apr 14, 2019 22:56:19 #
jaymatt wrote:
Have you noticed that when a poster of usually excellent photos puts up a very average one it also gets approving comments; but, when an occasional or new poster puts up an excellent photo, it hardly gets a comment at all? That hardly seems right, does it? Unfortunately, I’ve been guilty of this, too, and I intend to remedy the practice.
I agree, John and am occasionally surprised by some posts and guilty of the same failings but really try to take a second look at many of the newer members posts. Some appear very beautiful to me and while new to UHH, show a good deal of previous experience. I try to view as many as I can and really enjoy doing so but also have a number of other interests and cannot spend but so much time online! That is one reason that I do not post very often as by the time I view a number of pages and usually not able to read and comment on as many as I would have liked I'm usually ready for a break. It would help if I could think and type faster, but really enjoy taking a little more time viewing at least some of my favorites! I understand that the site owners like to keep as many online as possible, but even being retired there are many other things that I want or must take care of.
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