Thank you every one for the warm welcome I have recieved here. I have seen that photos get viewed alot more than the comments are. What is the reason for viewing a photo and not leaving a comment?
Hi Marie,
I contribute and comment regularly in the Flora Forum. I do so because I am learning a lot and I feel I have an opinion. I also want to support the members who participate. I also contribute and comment, although less, in other forums as well.
I often however just go for a stroll through the many pictures ,observe read comments and look at the tech info that may help my photography.
I think I am struck and sometimes 'have' to comment...usually on a remarkable photo but most often on strolls I just look and enjoy and learn.
I balance my strolls with my comments and try to support the site. That's how I do it.
I will add however that on some forums the ratio of comments to viewers seems low and have been dissapointed when I put a photo in and only got back one or two comments.
Rick T
1. The NPN galleries are open to everyone to peruse. Unlike some other sites, no registration/log-in is required to view the photos. However, a registration/log-in is required to post photos or comments.
2. NPN is the Internet's top-ranked site for nature photography and is easily found via search engine. As a result, we get plenty of traffic. For example, in May the site received 99,091 unique visitors generating over 1.5 million page views - and these stats do not inlude PhotoPortfolios.
In conclusion, many people - including nonphotographers - visit NPN to simply view the photos. Keep this in mind when considering the ratio of views to comments.
Also, some of us like to view a lot of the photos, and unfortunately commenting on all of them isn't possible, in terms of time. I tend to look at most of what's posted, on days when I get to look. I can't comment on everything in that amount of time, so I have to be more selective.
I addition, there are some photos that I don't have much to say about. This is especially true if nothing good or bad strikes me, or if the subject matter just isn't something I'm into. I still like seeing them though.
I think it is amusing that this question has far more views than replies!
It is work to comment. I'm lazy. So, I view more than I comment.
To a large extent commenting is a thankless task. When I do it, I'm doing it for selfish reasons. I want to verbalize why I like a photograph or how it might be improved, but I'm just talking to myself most of the time. After a while I know what I'm going to say. It's just replaying a tape. There's no need to say it. When I see a photograph that is different, one for which I can't just replay an old tape I might be motivated to comment.
Pete D.
Posted by Kent Staubus on June 18, 2007 at 11:46 AM
Myself, I look at every photo on the Man & Nature forum, but I don't want to comment on every one of them. I want to avoid looking like a "know it all". If someone were to comment on EVERY photo they looked at, people would quickly get tired of that person, I think. I try to write something on the ones that are getting less than 3 comments, or where I see there is something I could add that is a different perspective.
Kent in SD
Posted by Sharon Menke on June 18, 2007 at 12:09 PM
I am new to this arena, so I like to look at the photos to get ideas of how my photos are supposed to look and not make a lot of comments since I am not very knowledgeable in this area.
Posted by David Bostedo on June 18, 2007 at 12:17 PM
Sharon - nothing wrong with making comments simply about what you like or don't like about a photo, regardless of knowledge. In fact, most people here would say that you learn as much, or more, by commenting as you do by posting. I think this is probably because it forces you to think a little bit - Do I like it because of the color? The arrangement of objects? The details? The light? etc...That tends to translate over to your own photos. What do I like about this scene?
For me, there are several reasons why I don't comment on every photo I view. The first is simply practical: time, or rather not enough time. Second, especially if there are already a lot of responses, I sometimes don't feel like I have anything constructive to add. There are only so many times "that OOF area in the upper right is distracting" really need to be said. Last, there are photos I am just really neutral on. It might be the subject matter, having shot it many times already and not seeing anything new in the photo, there really isn't anything wrong with the image, or it just doesn't quite grab me.
Especially with the last two, I feel like I have to be careful with. For the more experienced people here, I have no problem stating that. Those people I don't have to worry my comment being taken wrong since I know they are solid photographers and they realize not every image is going to be a winner every time with every viewer. I am a lot more careful with much newer contributors since I don't know how what I say will be viewed. In these cases, it can take a fair amount of time to craft a good response without having to worry about the reaction and then we get back to the original reason for not posting responses after viewing.
Agreed time is an issue, and I view more photos than I comment on.
However, I do have a couple of little "rules" I pretty much go by. I try to comment on at least 10 photos for every 1 that I post. If I don't comment on other people's photos, then I wouldn't expect them to comment on mine.
Which points to my 2nd little "rule" out here...when I DO have time to comment, I usually just start at the top and go down, commenting on every photo until I need to do something else. The exception...I usually skip photos where the poster rarely comments on the photos of others.
It's just common sense and common courtesy to me. Don't expect comments on your photos if you're not participating and commenting on other people's work.
Being a novice photographer I do not comment because I feel I lack the expertise to give a learned assessment of the image. I do try to look critically at each photo to see what I can learn from it and as I learn more perhaps I will feel more comfortable making comments. Speaking for myself I greatly appreciate all comments and especially those that give ways that I can improve my images. Okay if I expect comments on my photos I will have to comment on others...........I will............I will....... May
May, you certainly don't need to emphasize techs in your comments, either. Lots of comments on the photo boards are technically oriented, but I, for one, am much more often interested in how one of my images makes a viewer FEEL, and why. Anyone who views a photograph can handle that one.
On the contrary, May, that's a perfect situation to comment! I've only been doing this for about 5 years now, and was helped immensely from NPN at the start. I commented on photos, even as a novice, but often from the standpoint of asking technical questions to the posting photographer. Was a great way to learn.
Wow good feedback on this topic. Interesting question Marie which I answered earlier but I am impressed with the answers. This is a great site and the responses to this question confirm that for me.
RickT
As I think you'll see from the varied responses so far, everyone has their own approach to viewing and contributing to forums such as NPN. Some are here truly for constructive feedback on their work, others are here for kudos and simply sharing their passion. While others still, are here simply to look at the images and read various topics. I have a good friend who's visited here for several years and never commented or posted and image (you know who you are! )
My recommendations for newcomers to the site would be:
1. Comment on other's work. This will most certainly increase the number of comments you receive
2. Anyone can have an opinion on an image. So for May and others, please don't feel you have to be "qualified" or experienced to offer an opinion.
3. Be specific about what kind of feekback you're looking for. If you're looking for technical help, ask questions. If you were trying to capture and present an emotion or story, tell us. The more information, descriptions and questions you put forth, the more likely folks will respond.
Having said all that, I have my own little personal guidelines; some have been mentioned already.
1. I actually concern myself with my post to comment ratio - I think I'm at about 25 comments for every image I post.
2. I'm less likely to comment where it's obvious someone posts more images than leaves comments.
3. I'm much more likely to posts comments to those who have taken the time to comment on my work.
4. When I have time - I usually go in spurts and comment on somwhere between 10-20 images at a time. I rarely will post comments on one or two at a time.
5. I try to make meaningful comments - but it gets hard after a while because you start thinking you're just saying the same thing over and over again.
6. To be perfectly honest, I'm much more active when I have images posted.
7. Also to be honest, most of the time once an image gets above 30 or so comments, I'm less likely to hop on the bandwagon. I truly respect the work of Marc, Guy and all the other wonderful photogs here, but after a certain point I want to make sure others get some front page time too. (The secret here is to post early before the numbers skyrocket!)
Most of all, have fun with it. And follow the old credo - You get out of something, what you put in to it.
I'm more likely to comment on a photo that has few or no comments. Generally, if there are already several comments on the image, I look at the image, consder what I might say and then check the comments already posted. When there are already several comments posted, I ususally don't have anything new or origninal to add and the photographer already has the benefit of anything I might add - assuming it is beneficial.
Thank you every one for contibuting here. You have answered my question and more.....I got some excellent advice and helpful tips, not only for me, but I think for every one that read this.
Like many I just don't have the time, at the moment I am not very active on the two forums I follow closely (Avian & UKNP) as I am quite busy. However when I am active I must admit that I do tend to look at the ratio between topics and replies and feel much less inclined to comment on an image posted by someone who has say 98 posts and 5 replies. I think that if you expect someone to take the time to comment on your images you should be prepared to do the same. At this point I would say to any novice who feels that they are not qualified to comment on an image posted by an established photographer 'you know what you like and what you don't like so why not say so' I value any comment made about my images and probably the bad ones even more so and even though I may not agree with some comments I usually find something useful in it!
Posted by Peter Conway on June 27, 2007 at 2:56 PM
This is an interesting thread. I am new here and to nature photography. I understand the need to comment, but do not really feel qualified. I think most photos of Natural subjects are interesting to the person taking the shot, but pretty mundane for everyone else. Every once in a while though something truly remarkable is posted. Its easy to comment on those photos even if it is just to say "wow". It is hard to comment on the rest because I don't know how to make the comment constructive. My own photos pretty much all fall into the same category, they are OK at best, but not truly interesting to an outsider. I am here to learn how to make the transition from OK to great, which I know will take a lot of time, a lot of trial, and hopefully a lot of input from those that can help me on that journey.
I love reading all the comments on not only what I posted but on what others posted. It is an incredible opportunity to learn from those that actually do. thanks!
Tiny thumbnails are a mediocre image size to glean much more than a vague idea of what the opened image is likely to look like. Simply a method of crude screening. There are of course many reasons to only view an image without bothering to comment. Like in most other web photography forums, I consider the number of views an image gets a better correlation to how an image is positively perceived by a communtity than the number of comments that are mere attaboy strokes. But that is relative and dependent on other factors too. Those who tend to get most views and comments on any forum tend to be well liked long time forum members regardless of the quality of their image postings.
Sometimes I am busy and maybe recently posted an active image in another forum like Flora that I am primarily visiting the site for in order to answer questions posters may have posed or add whatever. And doing so I may quickly jump to some of the other usual forums to take a quick look at what is going on. I might open one or two images up but am not likely to spend time commenting though may consider returning when I have more time.
Many of us no doubt open up images for whatever reason, quickly size them up, then immediately close them without critically taking a look at them. One reason is after viewing the larger size, the potential interest might not have shown to be as suspected. For example I may see a lake reflection thumbnail I might be positive or curious about, then open up the image only to immediately notice the lake was not very calm at all but instead had more common light shimmer. Probably not at all annoying to the majority of photographers and especially those new to serious landscapes, but in my case I simply am more critical about that. As someone that has photographed thousands of lake reflections for nearly three decades, I am rather picky about what I consider a good reflection and one aspect that immediately tends to reduce its value in my own eyes is lack of well calm water. Reflections simply almost always look far better when water is nicely calm without more usual shimmering breeze. So instead of repeating myself in my preference for more glassy reflections via a comment, I'll simply go back to the thumbnail index.
The same thing applies to some other flaws like many shadows I have a more critical than usual opinion about. So still why not offer an objective critical negative opinion? Well because if I offered negative opinions on every image flaw I didn't like or composition I didn't quite agree in the thumbnail listings, there would be considerable continual repetitions across many images. So instead I'll occasionally make comments about such images at my choosing and in fact will tend to choose images of our more prominent members or those postings where most of the other posters have only had line after line of praise for an image. In like manner it does not serve any purpose for me to complain about every overly saturated unnatural sunset picture presented because most of those here are already aware of my personal preferences in that style of image.
There are of course more reasons as with many things, our mental choices are not at all simple in such a complex world. ...David
Discussion
22 repliesI contribute and comment regularly in the Flora Forum. I do so because I am learning a lot and I feel I have an opinion. I also want to support the members who participate. I also contribute and comment, although less, in other forums as well.
I often however just go for a stroll through the many pictures ,observe read comments and look at the tech info that may help my photography.
I think I am struck and sometimes 'have' to comment...usually on a remarkable photo but most often on strolls I just look and enjoy and learn.
I balance my strolls with my comments and try to support the site. That's how I do it.
I will add however that on some forums the ratio of comments to viewers seems low and have been dissapointed when I put a photo in and only got back one or two comments.
Rick T
A few facts to consider;
1. The NPN galleries are open to everyone to peruse. Unlike some other sites, no registration/log-in is required to view the photos. However, a registration/log-in is required to post photos or comments.
2. NPN is the Internet's top-ranked site for nature photography and is easily found via search engine. As a result, we get plenty of traffic. For example, in May the site received 99,091 unique visitors generating over 1.5 million page views - and these stats do not inlude PhotoPortfolios.
In conclusion, many people - including nonphotographers - visit NPN to simply view the photos. Keep this in mind when considering the ratio of views to comments.
I addition, there are some photos that I don't have much to say about. This is especially true if nothing good or bad strikes me, or if the subject matter just isn't something I'm into. I still like seeing them though.
It is work to comment. I'm lazy. So, I view more than I comment.
To a large extent commenting is a thankless task. When I do it, I'm doing it for selfish reasons. I want to verbalize why I like a photograph or how it might be improved, but I'm just talking to myself most of the time. After a while I know what I'm going to say. It's just replaying a tape. There's no need to say it. When I see a photograph that is different, one for which I can't just replay an old tape I might be motivated to comment.
Pete D.
Kent in SD
Especially with the last two, I feel like I have to be careful with. For the more experienced people here, I have no problem stating that. Those people I don't have to worry my comment being taken wrong since I know they are solid photographers and they realize not every image is going to be a winner every time with every viewer. I am a lot more careful with much newer contributors since I don't know how what I say will be viewed. In these cases, it can take a fair amount of time to craft a good response without having to worry about the reaction and then we get back to the original reason for not posting responses after viewing.
However, I do have a couple of little "rules" I pretty much go by. I try to comment on at least 10 photos for every 1 that I post. If I don't comment on other people's photos, then I wouldn't expect them to comment on mine.
Which points to my 2nd little "rule" out here...when I DO have time to comment, I usually just start at the top and go down, commenting on every photo until I need to do something else. The exception...I usually skip photos where the poster rarely comments on the photos of others.
It's just common sense and common courtesy to me. Don't expect comments on your photos if you're not participating and commenting on other people's work.
RickT
As I think you'll see from the varied responses so far, everyone has their own approach to viewing and contributing to forums such as NPN. Some are here truly for constructive feedback on their work, others are here for kudos and simply sharing their passion. While others still, are here simply to look at the images and read various topics. I have a good friend who's visited here for several years and never commented or posted and image (you know who you are! )
My recommendations for newcomers to the site would be:
1. Comment on other's work. This will most certainly increase the number of comments you receive
2. Anyone can have an opinion on an image. So for May and others, please don't feel you have to be "qualified" or experienced to offer an opinion.
3. Be specific about what kind of feekback you're looking for. If you're looking for technical help, ask questions. If you were trying to capture and present an emotion or story, tell us. The more information, descriptions and questions you put forth, the more likely folks will respond.
Having said all that, I have my own little personal guidelines; some have been mentioned already.
1. I actually concern myself with my post to comment ratio - I think I'm at about 25 comments for every image I post.
2. I'm less likely to comment where it's obvious someone posts more images than leaves comments.
3. I'm much more likely to posts comments to those who have taken the time to comment on my work.
4. When I have time - I usually go in spurts and comment on somwhere between 10-20 images at a time. I rarely will post comments on one or two at a time.
5. I try to make meaningful comments - but it gets hard after a while because you start thinking you're just saying the same thing over and over again.
6. To be perfectly honest, I'm much more active when I have images posted.
7. Also to be honest, most of the time once an image gets above 30 or so comments, I'm less likely to hop on the bandwagon. I truly respect the work of Marc, Guy and all the other wonderful photogs here, but after a certain point I want to make sure others get some front page time too. (The secret here is to post early before the numbers skyrocket!)
Most of all, have fun with it. And follow the old credo - You get out of something, what you put in to it.
Lon
Pat
Like many I just don't have the time, at the moment I am not very active on the two forums I follow closely (Avian & UKNP) as I am quite busy. However when I am active I must admit that I do tend to look at the ratio between topics and replies and feel much less inclined to comment on an image posted by someone who has say 98 posts and 5 replies. I think that if you expect someone to take the time to comment on your images you should be prepared to do the same. At this point I would say to any novice who feels that they are not qualified to comment on an image posted by an established photographer 'you know what you like and what you don't like so why not say so' I value any comment made about my images and probably the bad ones even more so and even though I may not agree with some comments I usually find something useful in it!
Regards
David
I love reading all the comments on not only what I posted but on what others posted. It is an incredible opportunity to learn from those that actually do. thanks!
Sometimes I am busy and maybe recently posted an active image in another forum like Flora that I am primarily visiting the site for in order to answer questions posters may have posed or add whatever. And doing so I may quickly jump to some of the other usual forums to take a quick look at what is going on. I might open one or two images up but am not likely to spend time commenting though may consider returning when I have more time.
Many of us no doubt open up images for whatever reason, quickly size them up, then immediately close them without critically taking a look at them. One reason is after viewing the larger size, the potential interest might not have shown to be as suspected. For example I may see a lake reflection thumbnail I might be positive or curious about, then open up the image only to immediately notice the lake was not very calm at all but instead had more common light shimmer. Probably not at all annoying to the majority of photographers and especially those new to serious landscapes, but in my case I simply am more critical about that. As someone that has photographed thousands of lake reflections for nearly three decades, I am rather picky about what I consider a good reflection and one aspect that immediately tends to reduce its value in my own eyes is lack of well calm water. Reflections simply almost always look far better when water is nicely calm without more usual shimmering breeze. So instead of repeating myself in my preference for more glassy reflections via a comment, I'll simply go back to the thumbnail index.
The same thing applies to some other flaws like many shadows I have a more critical than usual opinion about. So still why not offer an objective critical negative opinion? Well because if I offered negative opinions on every image flaw I didn't like or composition I didn't quite agree in the thumbnail listings, there would be considerable continual repetitions across many images. So instead I'll occasionally make comments about such images at my choosing and in fact will tend to choose images of our more prominent members or those postings where most of the other posters have only had line after line of praise for an image. In like manner it does not serve any purpose for me to complain about every overly saturated unnatural sunset picture presented because most of those here are already aware of my personal preferences in that style of image.
There are of course more reasons as with many things, our mental choices are not at all simple in such a complex world. ...David