joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

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.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Bad form?
Pathetic?
Limited reading skills?
Maybe the Thesaurus can find something better ...

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

An overdose of self importance?

ken_stern Loc: Yorba Linda, Ca

I for one fully agree & don't -- inject my criticism without invitation.

However --

I surly do appreciate receiving it - that is when it's totally valid -
When that happens You will always receive my THANK YOU !!

Receiving unasked valid criticism via this forum has been most helpful to me in allowing whatever slight improvements I have gained over the years

Again HOGS -- Thanks for telling the truth

JoeJoe

I'm more worried about our resident thief just downloading images then placing them in large ugly borders he calls art Joer ….

Regards
Joe

Quixdraw Loc: x

If you are talking about the Photo Gallery, suggest you read the Forum Rules. People generally post for feedback - what that input will be depends on the image posted.

Mum always said, "if you can't say something good, say nothing."

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Asked for feedback is one thing. Unsolicited is another. When I'm reading the minds of people posting to the Photo Gallery and they didn't include a request for feedback, I tend to detect they were not thinking, "boy, I hope someone gives me feedback." I tend to detect I should just move onto other posts ...

As a reminder, the Photo Gallery FAQ - https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-426-1.html

ken_stern Loc: Yorba Linda, Ca

I agree with you -- If you don't ask for it I'll not give it !!
What I was referring to was when I "thought" I had really nailed it - Failed to ask for feedback since I didn't think I needed any & - Yet received helpful suggested insight often producing a much better photo --
Now that deserves a big Thank you from me

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

The bullies and the Great Truth Tellers tend to word their "critiques" in ways designed to make the OP become defensive and to hijack topics (others coming to the rescue of the OP). Whether that behavior is just a game to them or indicative of a serious mental health issue is beyond most of our abilities to diagnose

Thoughtful, courteous observations may be graciously received with a simple thank-you or a genuine appreciation for the tips that were offered. We are in control of how we respond to unrequested critique.

BebuLamar

Some people posted images for critique and it should be both good and bad critique. If I post an image it's not for critique, just information and I don't care nor want to know about anyone opinions whether it's good or bad.
Now people who posted for the purpose of critique often think their images are great (if they don't think so they didn't post them) and do not want to hear bad critiques. For those reasons I never say anything about an image unless I can praise it.

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

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!

bleirer

I'll try to do better.

Sometimes somebody posts something about how great their new camera is or whatever when it's obvious that something is way off, like white balance, I think they might want to know.

By the way you've got something on your nose in your avatar.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

They are boosting their egos by criticizing and finding flaws with others work.

CO

You did that yourself recently. It wasn't one of my photos but one of my purchases. I posted that Nikon had an instant rebate on two of their speedlights. I had purchased one of them. This was your post:

"Too bad you didn't choose a Godox V1 N and got a better flash for less money."

JD750 Loc: SoCal

I am not sure that is criticism. Just an opinion. Here would be my response:

I know I can get flash units for less money but I like my Nikon Speedlights because they integrate with my cameras with no hitches, and they are reliable, and they have good consistent color. Those things are important to me and I am willing to pay more for them.