emmons267 Loc: Arizona, Valley of the Sun

We'll put. I totally agree.

duane klipping Loc: Bristow iowa

Just because I post an image does not mean I am looking for criticism from people whose experience in giving critical analysis can be questioned. Some people just want to share and are happy with that.

Most are based on personal preference the same as judged contests. If not asked for do not give and if asked for do so offering what you like about an image and what you don't.

gessman Loc: Colorado

@gvarner - This issue was decided here in uhh by admin a few years back about submissions in the Photo gallery and is covered in the forum rules. "Critique only when OP specifically requests it." While I agree in theory with the suggestion, it presumes that everyone is equally qualified to offer critique just because they "wannabe" and the result is that people don't understand objectivity and it all too soon becomes way too subjective, way too quick.

russelray Loc: La Mesa CA

My wise old grandmother told me in 1966 about the 80/10/10 rule when she was helping me set up my first business. I was only 11, but her words stuck with me, and for the past 53 years they have rang oh-so-true: "10% of the people will like you because that's the kind of people they are. 10% of the people will hate you because that's the kind of people they are. 80% of the people will like you or hate you based on your words and deeds. So be nice, and you'll have 90% of the people on your side."

I got turned off by the Internet about a decade ago because of the negativity from people hiding behind a computer screen and keyboard. I thought sites where I had a mutual interest with people would be different, so I joined photography sites, gardening sites, sports sites, computer sites, real estate sites, music sites, etc. Nope. They all very much adhered to the 80/10/10 rule.

Thus, I rarely contribute photographs to photography sites. I rarely share my knowledge with the gardening groups, music groups, sports groups, etc. I simply read what I want to read, share occasionally, as here, and move on with my life. I know what works for me and I'm the person I need to satisfy, first and foremost. After looking out for #1, I pay attention to what my Clients want. Although I'm retired, I have passive income from my Photographic Art and my real estate holdings.

My Photographic Art is my main source of income in my retirement years. It is so well established by word of mouth that I don't need to advertise it any more unless I want to encroach into a new county. However, the last major thing I shared here at UHH (August 2, 2015) was how I was going about making my Photographic Art into a business enterprise (see https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-327835-1.html). Read some of the comments. Those are why I rarely contribute anymore.

If I don't like something, I move on.

Burtzy Loc: Bronx N.Y. & Simi Valley, CA

I firmly believe that all criticism should be constructive. A "Crappy" image can be critiqued but it should never be done in a demeaning way. It should be done in a way that offers a path to improvement the next time. Also, photography is an art as well as a craft. What speaks to one person may not do so to another. So opinions that are based solely on what one likes would be unwelcome for the poster. Remember, opinions are like assholes. Everybody has one.

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

A critic is one who analyses and comments on all aspects of an item submitted for critique. The critique should be an objective summary of positive and negative opinions on those aspects.

A valid criticism is not necessarily positive, nor necessarily negative !

A criticism should be, above all else, objective and should never be egregiously, subjectively negative, and never should descend to personal. Neither should it be subjectively, unctiously, gushingly praiseful.
Keep it real . Use any subjective characterization as an introduction to the objective reasons supporting the subjective characterization.

Dave

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I never critique without invitation. When asked, I always establish a rapport with the artist, and try to get them thinking about their goals for the image, encouraging them to be more self-critical. I ask if the artist feels they have achieved their goals. I never impose how I would have handled it, or compare work to a lofty standard. I find both totally counterproductive.

All too often, what passes for critique is really bullying. When a critique takes such a dark turn, the person on the receiving end becomes defensive - and guess what? They stop listening. In that respect, rudeness should not be a component of critique. How a criticism is delivered is just as important to the message -

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

I went back and read that interesting thread. Glad I didn’t say anything mean😜 !

Andy

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

This is covered under Photo Gallery Rules, especially the first three paragraphs of the introduction and the 11th paragraph under the rules listing. https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-426-1.html

srt101fan

Two definitions of "criticism"; from Google:

1. The expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes
2. The analysis and judgment of the merits and faults of a literary or artistic work.

By saying "Since criticism is adverse in nature" you have clearly chosen definition 1. as the basis for your comments.

Applying that definition, why should a posted photo be subject to "expression of disapproval....based on perceived faults or mistakes" unless the poster asks for it?

Furthermore, there are reasons for posting a picture where feedback on the image itself may be out of place (e.g., if the image is part of an explanation of a process).

Even if you apply definition 2, I don't think posting a picture should automatically open the door to all kinds of critical feedback.

But methinks you know all that...you're jes messin' with us, right?

Bill_de Loc: US

That is part of what the rules say … but the key is "if it's their goal".

Your beliefs are yours, but the rules are not. As pointed out already in this thread, the rules are very clear. There are sections here that do invite critiques, where folks who believe what you do post their photos.

That said, for any photos I post, my signature invites critique.

--

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

This seems to be based on an assumption that having "work accepted as art" and a "willingness to publicly and many times brutally criticize each other's work" are somehow mutually exclusive or at least in "conflict".

Having works criticized is part of the artistic process. Art and criticism exist together and move art forward. Always have always will.

GPS Phil Loc: Dayton Ohio

One of my friends and mentors taught me a wonderful lesson, if I sent him a picture he would start out telling me what I did right. There would be times when that alone would be difficult, but he wanted me to remember what I did right so I could repeat it, and that I would be encouraged to keep trying. He would end the e-mail with one thing that could be improved and explain the easiest way to accomplish that. His example of kindness and patience was possibly the best lesson of all.

Phil

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Mentors are awesome. One of mine (in theater) told me that you can learn a lot more form seeing a bad play than a brilliant one. Both the problems and learning to see them teach you lessons you cannot get from a well executed work. A truly brilliant photo would probably get a lot of positive reactions and a few comments regarding what was liked. But if truly well executed, you should not be able to focus on how it was done but just what it is.

saxman71 Loc: Wenatchee

I wander through the first four or five pages of the photo gallery most mornings. I look for unique images that I feel are well composed and some time has actually been spent in post processing. Those I may comment on. All the others I pass by. Some mornings I don't find any I want to comment on. When I see an image that meets the above criteria but I also see something I feel might make it a just bit better, I let the photographer know. Mainly because I would want to know if it was my image.