although "they" will deny it, the bulk of people posting here are here for the "oh, wows" .. they actually get upset if you try to help them because, after all, "they" don't need help .. they are an ... artistι
and the classic question .. "How come my C-index doesn't match my comments?"
I am of the opinion that any body can help, no matter their level of experience .. so, with that said .. link us to your most insightful critique .. 15 or not 15
I'm glad you brought this subject up Clarke. I am here for the same reason also ~ to improve my skills as a photographer & one of the ways of doing that is through receiving constuctive criticism.
It is so easy to say nice pic, oh thats pretty, & so on. I admit that I have done exactly that (many times) instead of offering any critiques or suggestions. If I see an image that I believe is very good, then yes, I will be as positive as I can be, but will try to offer suggestions if I see there could be any improvements.
So as I receive more constructive feedback ~ I am starting to do the same when I view other's work. I have had several members help me alot along the way & appreciate it very much. Believe me you will find people more than willing to help. If you have any questions ~ just ask someone. There is also a "Request for Comment" thread located under Discussion Boards.
So to sum it up, I totally agree with you & yes, it ticks me off too. I would rather have someone tell what I need to do to change or improve an image (through post editing or not). The end result being that it makes one a better photographer.
that's very true .. a lot of "subjectless" scenes are posted .. where the land, framed in the viewfinder, just needed some more reason to look at it for more than a passing glance
the above comment has been splashed with 'fish lure' to attract the lambasting I am sure to receive for putting it to paper
I would suggest too.. write in bold letters in the description..
PLEASE CRITIC MY WORK I WON'T BITE YOU well maybe leave out the bite part ;) I usually write on mine Critic wanted good, bad and ugly
A lot of people have stopped giving people suggestions because as Pig Boy said a lot get upset if you even give a slight hint of something especially if all the previous comments are "WOW"..
Personally, having little experience with photography, I feel I have too little knowledge to criticise other peoples work, unless there is a real obvious flaw like an unlevel horizon or bad exposure. I do agree with what Clarke is saying that constructive criticism is more helpful, but, at the same time, if someone just leaves a comment saying "fab" or "super", then I just take it that thats the way it is, and I'm grateful that someone has actually made the effort to comment in the first place. You have to bear in mind that a lot of us on here are beginners too, and are therefore not skilled/experienced enough, or have the vocabulary capability to provide constructive criticism. I think that to regard a "wonderful shot" or "gorgeous"comment as "crappy", is just plain ungrateful. That type of comment to me is an honour. If people are NOT criticising, then perhaps it just ISN'T worthy OF criticism, and you should just enjoy the moment! Finally, lets remember that nobody on here is forced to leave a comment on your work neither, and this is, after all, a free desktop wallpaper site, not an improve your photography skills site. Or that's what I've always believed anyway....
So what the heck is a comment such as "Beautiful!" going to teach me? Here's some more:
"nicephoto"
"Gorgeous!"
"wonderfull shot"
Perhaps not a lot, just be glad someone has taken the time to view your work, go to the voting booth and perhaps vote on it. Bear in mind that they may not have felt qualified or expert enough to offer you advice, then just move on to the constructive and helpful ones.
The beautifuls and Gorgeous's won't hurt you, but the people who made them may be hurt by having them called crappy.
I know I would.