Posted by Lon Overacker on January 10, 2009 at 4:13 PM
First of all, I don't read advice columns in the newspaper, my wife does. This letter to "Dear Amy" was posted in our local paper and my wife read it to me. You can skip the first letter unless you want to read some smut about relationships or something...
I thought the letter and the response were both interesting and applicable to the members of NPN. I'm wondering if the reader is a member here? Please, disclosure not required.
I also thought it was a great segway to just say this is one of the best, if not the best, forum on the internet for a number of reasons. The first of course is phenomenal imagery. I believe it's a source of motivation and inspiration for just about everyone. Secondly, while we have our share of "attaboy" comments, I think most here go out of their way to provide positive and constructive critiques of images. And I don't mind the comments like "this just isn't working for me," as long as it's done with respect and a reason why it doesn't work.
Lastly, like most things in life, it's all about people. There are so many choices out there, and it's the people here that make the difference.
Keep up the great work everyone and Happy New Year!
Lon
Posted by Jim Erhardt on January 10, 2009 at 6:39 PM
Amy provides some good advice! In many ways, her advice is similar to what we discuss in The Art of Image Critique.
I will never forget the rude treatment I received a decade ago in another photo forum. Lon is absolutely correct - once the tone is set by the owner/moderator of a forum, it all trickles down from there - for better or for worse. Fortunately for us here on NPN, we have a great group of moderators who keep the tone respectful while providing useful feedback that NPN members can benefit from.
Posted by Carol Hyman on January 11, 2009 at 12:51 PM
Lon,
Well said. and Dear Amy or not, great quoted advice for all of us to remember as we critique images.
There are great people here at NPN, and sometimes we all need a gentle reminder as to what works when critiquing an image, and what doesn't work. Rude treatment, as Jim says, stings!
As always, thank you for your considerate words, and I hope 2009 proves to be a great year for all of us.
Carol
Posted by Toni Lankerd on January 11, 2009 at 1:57 PM
Excellent advice! First image I ever posted online (at another site) received a very straight forward and almost rude comment. It was an eye-opener for me and although it was also a very valuable photography lesson learned, it also taught me to be kind when offering critiques. Always say something positive, then point out the negatives...but in a nice way.
Discussion
3 repliesI thought the letter and the response were both interesting and applicable to the members of NPN. I'm wondering if the reader is a member here? Please, disclosure not required.
I also thought it was a great segway to just say this is one of the best, if not the best, forum on the internet for a number of reasons. The first of course is phenomenal imagery. I believe it's a source of motivation and inspiration for just about everyone. Secondly, while we have our share of "attaboy" comments, I think most here go out of their way to provide positive and constructive critiques of images. And I don't mind the comments like "this just isn't working for me," as long as it's done with respect and a reason why it doesn't work.
Lastly, like most things in life, it's all about people. There are so many choices out there, and it's the people here that make the difference.
Keep up the great work everyone and Happy New Year!
Lon
I will never forget the rude treatment I received a decade ago in another photo forum. Lon is absolutely correct - once the tone is set by the owner/moderator of a forum, it all trickles down from there - for better or for worse. Fortunately for us here on NPN, we have a great group of moderators who keep the tone respectful while providing useful feedback that NPN members can benefit from.
Well said. and Dear Amy or not, great quoted advice for all of us to remember as we critique images.
There are great people here at NPN, and sometimes we all need a gentle reminder as to what works when critiquing an image, and what doesn't work. Rude treatment, as Jim says, stings!
As always, thank you for your considerate words, and I hope 2009 proves to be a great year for all of us.
Carol