"Top 10 Annoying Photo Critique Comments" next steps...
Discussion
7 replies
Posted by Jim Goldstein on March 21, 2007 at 11:01 PM
So after getting a wide range of feedback on my "Top 10 Annoying Photo Critique Comments" blog post I've been thinking about how to turn the interest into something of use to others.
Sure its easy to rattle off a Top 10 get a bunch of feedback, but what can come out of it that will help people and move others away from the typical forum debate on critique quality?
I've settled on pursuing a series of blog posts highlighting various photography terms. Some will be basic and others will be a little more obscure. My hope is that people will not only learn something new but incorporate it in their photo forum experiences. Perhaps it will provide new insight, raise questions or just create deeper dialogue.
Posted by Jim Goldstein on March 22, 2007 at 11:31 AM
Don... ouch. its no sweat off my back with this stuff... thought it might help people put a little more into critiques. If the consensus is that its lame then I can easily kill it.
Mark... the link is fixed. The site went down just after I posted so I didn't get a chance to test the link.
Posted by Dan Borzynski on March 22, 2007 at 1:42 PM
Actually, there is merit to Jim's posts. A lot of what I have seen in critiques, to some extent here but definitely more so on other boards. I'd rather get "I just don't like the photo", than nothing. For established names here, I have no problem saying that, and have done so. Newer people, especially on a first post, I would like to think I am a lot more positive. The biggest "problem" here, if you want to call it that, is the quality of image critiques. It certainly can be improved, which I think is the point of what he is saying. It never hurts be reminded of that.
Many of the more recent images I have posted have been posted for reaction, because I am not completely sure of them, or want feedback on, especially negatives. I feel like I have been shooting long enough and am good enough to recognize what my best material is, but not long enough to have confidence of my second tier material.
Posted by Dale Williams on March 22, 2007 at 3:56 PM
Jim, I also find merit in these posts. I try to comment quite a bit in the IC forums, especially in the galleries I normally post images, and I find myself using a lot of the cliché comments as well but I try to find a balance between the positive and negative (if there is any negative) so that my comments are received as being useful, I hope!
I do find it disconcerting when images go without any comment at all or perhaps just a "thanks for sharing" comment. One of my first image posts received only one comment and was viewed about a 100 times. It was difficult to know what didn’t appeal to others about the image (which I assumed was the case) when there was such little comment.
When time is of the essence...and it is for all of us I assume...we can fall into the easy trap of leaving the three or four word comment. While it is better than no comment at all, it is probably not very helpful to those really wanting feedback.
As for me, I am relatively new to NPN and photography as well and I sincerely look for constructive feedback to my posts. I have no illusions about being in the same league as most here so leaving a comment that points out flaws or distractions or even a, "this image doesn't do anything for me" is acceptable and even welcomed. It's how I learn and I do feel I am improving with each post. It is also helpful to hear what aspects of the image appealed to others.
As has been pointed out several times in various threads on this subject, feedback is indeed a gift. Reminders and helpful discussions like these will only serve to make the IC forums an even better tool and experience.
And I'll take this opportunity to thank all who have made the time to comment and critique my images. Actually, all have been very positive and helpful.
Jim, keep blogging this subject. IMO it's useful.
Posted by Jim Goldstein on March 23, 2007 at 12:31 AM
Thanks Dale. I'll keep an eye out for your future submissions
Discussion
7 repliesSure its easy to rattle off a Top 10 get a bunch of feedback, but what can come out of it that will help people and move others away from the typical forum debate on critique quality?
I've settled on pursuing a series of blog posts highlighting various photography terms. Some will be basic and others will be a little more obscure. My hope is that people will not only learn something new but incorporate it in their photo forum experiences. Perhaps it will provide new insight, raise questions or just create deeper dialogue.
First up... Aerial Perspective (disambiguation)
Always open to feedback and ideas.
I followed your Aerial Perspective link and didn't find much about it. Although it is an interesting comment on recursion.
Cheers,
Mark... the link is fixed. The site went down just after I posted so I didn't get a chance to test the link.
Many of the more recent images I have posted have been posted for reaction, because I am not completely sure of them, or want feedback on, especially negatives. I feel like I have been shooting long enough and am good enough to recognize what my best material is, but not long enough to have confidence of my second tier material.
I do find it disconcerting when images go without any comment at all or perhaps just a "thanks for sharing" comment. One of my first image posts received only one comment and was viewed about a 100 times. It was difficult to know what didn’t appeal to others about the image (which I assumed was the case) when there was such little comment.
When time is of the essence...and it is for all of us I assume...we can fall into the easy trap of leaving the three or four word comment. While it is better than no comment at all, it is probably not very helpful to those really wanting feedback.
As for me, I am relatively new to NPN and photography as well and I sincerely look for constructive feedback to my posts. I have no illusions about being in the same league as most here so leaving a comment that points out flaws or distractions or even a, "this image doesn't do anything for me" is acceptable and even welcomed. It's how I learn and I do feel I am improving with each post. It is also helpful to hear what aspects of the image appealed to others.
As has been pointed out several times in various threads on this subject, feedback is indeed a gift. Reminders and helpful discussions like these will only serve to make the IC forums an even better tool and experience.
And I'll take this opportunity to thank all who have made the time to comment and critique my images. Actually, all have been very positive and helpful.
Jim, keep blogging this subject. IMO it's useful.