What gives

Recently in a particular forum I have noticed people posting images who have many or more posts than comments. I am sick and tired of seeing this. What can be done?

I agree it's frustrating to see folks post images but not comment, but in reality I think little can be done about it.

1. They paid their dues, and it's their right to post or not post, to comment or not comment.

2. I suspect many of the non-posters may just feel uncomfortable jumping into the fray out of shyness, feeling unqualified to critique, feeling intimidated, or for whatever personal reason they may have. When I remember back to when first joined NPN, I think I experienced all of those emotions.

3. I think the most effective way to encourage these folks to comment is to approach them in a very welcoming, positive manner, inviting them to become more active within the NPN community. This can be done while commenting on the image, or can be done through a private email if they have an email link. Regardless of the method used, I thnk the key is to be positive!

4. If, after encouragement, they still choose to not comment, well, c'est la vie! I will continue to post comments on their images, not for their benefit or edification, but for mine. I learn much more from making comments and critiques than by receiving them.

Just my thoughts on the subject.

While more participation by commenting is desirable, I think how each member chooses to participate is up to him or her. Encourage members to comment - but I don't think a member who posts more than he comments should be chastised, or discouraged from posting, or in any way made to feel unwelcome..

We all have different viewpoints and use NPN in slightly different ways. NPN is welcoming, open, friendly and helpful, and I agree with Buck. While I understand and sympathize with your viewpoint, Jody, there's no need to change those people. Nor should we try, necessarily.

I've noticed this particular topic makes the rounds, seems like every other month or so.

I think the positions expressed in the first replies are part of the reason why this site has remained so popular and devoid of much of the "nastiness" that aflicts so many other forum sites. The overall positive approach to posters and postings!!

I will add that, on occaision I have read posts lamenting the profusion of the simple "Atta Boy" or "Great Shot!!" type of replies to image posts. Since I myself suffer from time to time from the "What makes me! qualified to critique?" mindset. If I'm not feeling qualified or comfortable "critiqueing" anothers prized image, or if I'm reluctant to post a simple "I like it" for fear of offending that camp. I can end up feeling like I have little choice in how I can participate in these forums.

Thankfully, the overall emphasis of this site has remained one of positive, friendly encouragement and a shared understanding of the delicate & fragile nature of artistic desire & ability. It's what keeps me comming back and working to overcome my insecurities and improve my images.

I want to offer my thanks to all here, no matter what your level of ability or participation!!

Craig

In the end, those who "put more in" usually "get more back." It's sort of a self-regulating process that allows each to participate - and get back in return - at a level they feel comfortable with.

Of course, we encourage all to fully participate for their benefit.

PS - Craig, great insight - thanks for sharing!

Jim says what I wanted to say "put more in" usually "get more back."

I agree with Buck and Steve. Although you definitely get more out of NPN when you put more in... it should be up to each member to participate as he/she chooses, without being chastised for their choice.

As one of the new(er) guys here I know that with the talent of the photographers here Bill's comment on some feeling unqualified or intimidated can be true. If you are seeing something you dislike or might like to see different especially in a photo of one of the better known photographers those feelings can be even stronger. Add to that 20 or more replies all (or most) giving praise it can create the feeling of who am I to tell (insert any name you like) that I think their background is to busy or whatever. After all my best images still don't measure up to theirs. Now I know we don't all have to comment on the photos of the best photographers here, it could be on someone who is even newer to photography than you but once the feeling is there it is still hard to shake.

For those who do feel this way I will say that I have found everyone at NPN to take all comments well if not given in a demeaning way, and even if they don't agree with your comment it might make the photographer look at something they may not have looked at before. After all we don't have to agree on all the details because the art of photography as in all art is somewhat subjective.

Bruce

but I don't think a member who posts more than he comments should be chastised, or discouraged from posting, or in any way made to feel unwelcome..

Unfortunately I have seen this happen here and it came from one of the more highly regarded and prolific photographers who posts in the critique galleries. I'm sure he didn't realize at the time what he was doing, but nevertheless, it has happened.

As someone new to digital photography, and computer editing, how am I supposed to learn with out asking questions?

I've run a search on the topics that I'd like to read on, but if nothing comes up in the search, am I just supposed to do with out the knowledge? Or should I wait for someone else to post a similar question, then add my question as a reply to theirs?

Tim, not sure if your questions where rhetorical or not. Assuming they're not, my answer is simply to post away. It's always nice on any forum to see someone willing to use the search feature to research the question before potentially posting a topic that's already been beaten to death, but if a search doesn't answer the question, I say post away and feel good about it. That's a big part of what NPN is about, helping people solve problems -- from beginner to expert.

Steve,

Tim,
I think the original post here was in reference to folks posting photos for critique in the galleries but not giving their critique and opinions of the photos of others. At least that's the way I took it.
As to your question above Steve is exactly right post away if you have questions. We may all learn something from the answers given. Heck, I'm even guilty of not using the search feature before posting a lot of the time so you are doing better than a lot of us.

Bruce

This topic has come up enough times and gotten enough heat, why not just hide the posting statistics? Then everyone goes into each photo with an impartial view (besides recognizing the photographers name). People have many reasons for how and when they post or comment, but trying to police that will go nowhere. There is obviously a snowball effect when people start getting positive comments, they start getting more involved. It is no secret that the people with the majority of comments tend to be the most celebrated photographers. Also, there will always be reluctance on the part of newer photographers to comment as they don't want to appear critical. Especially when you have a community that prides iteself on being courteous, when there are so many communities that aren't. The people who are truly dedicated to learning will eventually get more involved, and the ones that aren't, will eventually move on.

My personal reaction is to not comment on an image if the photographer doesn't comment as much as he or she posts images. It always makes me wonder just why that photographer has posted in the first place.

I like the give-and-take nature of NPN at its finest, and I like to see comments on my own images from a range of viewers as that's how I judge what works and what doesn't work in my own images.

There are more images posted than I have time to comment on, so I'll just spend my limited time on those I think are interested in both sides of the process.

The other reason I will stop commenting is when I encounter a particularly nasty rebuttal to an honest opinion offered to help someone out. If they are not interested in honest feedback then I don't see any reason to waste my time.

I strongly agree with Richard on this. My gut feel is also to NOT comment when I see that someone has way more posts than comments.
Why are people saying that they are more intimidated about adding a comment than they are about posting an image? Surely posting an image is at least as personal as making a comment.
An if you ARE just starting, go ahead and post an image, but ASK your questions right there. It kinda bugs me when there's an image and absolutely no description/question/commentary etc.

Tim, I think you need not worry. Asking questions in the forum is no problem, as I see it. The problem is when people post images to profit from receiving critiques (the "take" part of NPN - at least that's my perspective ), but are not willing to comment on others' images (the "give" part of NPN).

Basil

I think some of this might also be a language issue. If you notice we are getting more members from "overseas" and I don't think English is their native language...... Jody, don't loose any sleep of this one, in my opinion. That which you put out will come back in more than one way. KARMA is how I try to live my life (not easy !!)