The Unheralded Ones

There are a number of topics which seem to do the rounds on this board. Firstly the one about critiques to posts ratios. Secondly, those about how great the photos are in a particular forum, usually ESS or flora. While I think both of these are worthwhile discussions to revisit from time to time, no one ever seems to acknowledge the 'unheralded ones'. These are the guys who really go the extra mile in their critiques. I won't mention any names but the feedback I get from certain individuals is always invaluable. While we are getting caught up in the quantity of comments, perhaps we have left out the quality part of the equation. Invariably those who offer quality comments often are the most prolific too. Perhaps there should be some sort of award for critiquing by an anonymous poll. It may promote more critiques as well, quality and quantity.

I often think about this too - those who go the extra mile with their comments really deserve some kind of recognition. I have some ideas to address this but they need some more work - which I will do.

Good topic Kah Kit. It has me feeling somewhat guilty as I know the quality of my critiques of late have diminished due to the abundance of posts these days in ESS. Used to, posts would be on the first page for 3-4 days; nowadays, they're pushed to the 2nd page after 1 1/2 days or so. I've been wrestling with the quandry of trying to figure out whether to comment on fewer posts and doing a better job, or trying to post more comments in order to include and encourage
more people. I haven't reached a decision, and would love to know how others view the posting options.

Bill - I'd think you'd want to keep your comments as good as they've always been, and not worry about the numbers so much.

Theoretically, the fact that the image moves off of page 1 faster should be made up for by the increased number of people commenting (and posting, which is what moves images aside faster to begin with).

I'm of the "quality-over-quantity" mindset. It's tough to dismiss the fact that the number of comments more or less reflects the popularity or impact of a given image (which is useful information), but the information that actually helps one improve comes via thoughtful commentary. So, if I'm in the role of posting an image, I'd welcome fewer, but more detailed comments over a lot of "hit-n-run" comments.

In the critiquing role, while I find great inspiration and motivation in viewing the work of the more accomplished folks here, I tend to focus my limited time for critiquing on those images and photographers that tend to get fewer views and critiques, and that are probably in greater need of critical observations and suggestions.

I should point out I am not making any statement about the number or quality of critiques currently which I think is just about ideal. The short & sweet pat on the back for good work should always be welcomed on the forum. In truth when a shot works, it is often difficult to write more than a phrase. IMO any comment should be encouraged, no matter how brief. My intention was simply to thank and acknowledge the role of the skilled critic which is as important to the success of this forum as that of the skilled photographer.

Kit,
I for one have gained most of my knowledge from guys like you, and the moderators and other people who regularly critique images on this site... I haven't settled on a particular branch of Nature Photography, and hopefully never will... I feel that would stunt my growth.
I want to know it all!!! (or at least strive to...)

The amount of knowledge and experience available here, is amazing. The willingness to share this with the rest of us, is way cool, and very much appreciated by all. This is
a 'real community' of like-minded people.

Not to pick one over another, because I learn from all of you, but here's something I sent to Guy Tal last night..., after he walked me through some printing issues I've been having... Without his help, my exhibit in May, was in serious trouble... What a GUY!!!!

Guy,
One thing you might be interested in knowing, is that I've started a file called "Guy's Advice" on my external hard drive... It's maybe a tribute to all the good advice I've gotten from you personally, and also from your feedback to other members....

Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge, and making constructive criticism on our photos... You would not believe how much shorter the learning curve is, when people like you, share what they know or have experienced in the past...

Thanks again,

Dave


Dave Flaig
Green Bay Wisconsin
www.flaigphoto.com

"Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not." - Ralph Waldo Emerson.