Hi,

I didn't see a better forum here to post this. I've been a Caedes member since 9/10/04. I've never "critiqued" any work I've seen here. I really enjoy coming here and looking at the beautiful pieces and artwork. When I see something I really like I make general comments that I now see do not follow the "Giving an Image Review Guidelines". I went to this page because I saw that I have a "job" to comment on a photo. It states "You have to prove that your perspective is worth considering. The best way to do this is to back up your opinions with insightful suggestions for improvment." As this is the case, then pretty much everything I've said here is "useless and (a) waste (of) space on the site". I completely understand these guidelines. I just happen to be someone who feels that there is enough critique in our lives and I personally do not point out flaws or negative aspects I may see. Also, I'm not going to intentionally look for flaws so I can follow the guidelines. I am not trying to be a pain in the rear...I am just not interested in being someone who points out what I don't like.

So, what do I do? Do I keep "wasting space"...I think this site is amazing and I know there are a lot of people here who do want critiques so I think it's a great idea. I tried posting a couple of times and well, I took everything down. I'm not a professional photographer so I just was not interested in all of the feedback that told me what was wrong with my images.

Anyhow, what is my point....Am I still welcome here as a non-constructive criticism giver???

Thanks...
v

I think that as long as no one complains to you about your comments you should be fine. And since you don't like writing negative things then I doubt anyone is going to complain about compliments!!!

Maybe to balance it out you could leave comments on peices that you don't love, instead of just on the ones you do love, and give some suggestions as to what you think might have improved the image.

Thanks Jaecee =D

I did enjoy looking at your images and commenting on them. Any comment is constructive and welcome in my mind...whether we like it or not.

Thanks Mayne. Perhaps one day I shall try again and be more open to critique :)

You are very welcome here as far as I am concerned. Not commenting is your choice. Commenting good or bad is a form of growth, give and take. As long as things are done decently what's the problem? If I get nailed (contructive comment) I just go out and try harder so they can't get me next time and I'm not afraid to nail someone from time to time, I just try to do it as nicely as possibel. Let's face it, none of us are pros so that puts us all on equal footing.

Sometimes I'll just write that the image is cool. More just to let the person know I enjoyed it. Sometimes I'll give a "real" comment, but I think people appreciate hearing if someone just thinks their pic is pretty as much as a real critique. I am by no means a pro. I can't say if a filter is right or wrong...but I can say if the pic is fuzzy or clear, if the pic is pretty or too busy...sometimes that is just as important (at least I like to think so).

What you have to keep in mind .. is .. the images that generate a "comment request" are images that, for whatever reason, haven't grabbed anybody's attention and therefore haven't received any comments or, maybe, just a couple ... the images that fall into this category are quite often lacking in one or more "appeal" areas .. (color, composition, focus, ... etc)

If you factor in that the person who uploaded the image must feel it is their best work or they wouldn't have shared it .. then writing a critical review can be tricky. You can still try and find a way to gently point out how it can be improved .. and, maybe they will grow as an artist if they see it for what it is and not an attack on them personally

You don't do them any favors in a situation such as this by saying .. "cool image"

Agree with Do-Rag K!! ~wonders if KEIFER is ever gonna change that thang..probably needs to go in the laundry by now~

You don't have to comment on an image when it's requested of you, you can simply check the circle and then 'process checked items', however it is nice to leave feedback for the person who took time to snap or make an image + took time to upload it. Most people here IMHO, want true remarks to their work so they know what they're doing right and what they're doing wrong or maybe what they can improve up on.

Sometimes when you get that image where ya go, "ugh". I look at it in reverse and try to find something I like and make a positive note about that, then remark a little on the negitive aspect, then I say..."Keep them coming, would love to see more".

I feel personally that when I'm giving a review I look for the positive as well. If there is something that I feel could be improved I try to be as nice as possible about it. If you can't specifically tell someone what you think needs to be improved, and offer helpful suggestions, then you shouldn't say anything. Oh yeah! I think Randy's got a point about Keifer's cap! I mean, that thing is starting to get moldy. I can only imagine what the top of his head looks like by now..=P

I have a complete set .. one for each day of the week

and a staff of people to help me change them

is that what you did w/the AOT budget?

The ones that come up for image review, I am much more serious about making comments on, however, some pics that I happen by, that already have been reviewed are the ones that I sometimes simply comment that the pic is a cool pic. Sometimes there is nothing more for me to say as it has been said, but I still want to let the person know I enjoyed their picture. Just wanted to clarify things. Ok Keith...geez. :-)

Gotcha! Been there, done that, doing it tomorrow. :D

Um .. yeah .. I was mostly refering to the images that ride the 'short bus' to school ... not the images that beat you up and take your lunch money

Thanks for the feedback all! I may stick my neck out and post some of my own stuff again.

You don't have to be afraid. The worst we can do is laugh at you, ridicule you, and shun you. And we wouldn't do that. Well maybe Keifer would.....I'm kidding.....he wouldn't do it either. Post away.

Nah...ol mushroom head is many things including a bit pale (sun, Keith, is your friend) but even he wouldn't be that cruel. Any feedback is to be taken as help for improving. Unless you are just super touchy, no one here says anything meant to be mean...it really is given out of love and to help you grow as a photographer.

Haha...well, if I make people laugh than that would be worth it ;)

So I've posted a couple of photos and already got a great suggestion.

I'm happy!

And ... we are happy for you. :P

I actually took a look at your images posted on the, ahem, other site. I had to scratch my head as to the 'why' you were reluctant, for lack of a better word, to post them on *caedes.

Now, I am trying to figure out this 'spinning' thing ... but, don't give it away ... I like a good mystery and puzzle. ;)

Oh, don't worry....I will not give it away. Haha...

As far as the "other" site...well, not all are appropriate for backgrounds. But I first tried posting here before I was at the other site...so I found a new hobby just in photography itself. I find it quite fun :)

Thanks

Thank you Keifer ;D

Well, I appreciate everyones' support! =D...It was another good trial.

I received a comment today that just baffles me...I'm thinking the person posted it because perhaps my image popped up for the person to comment on...I guess he does not know that instead of saying what he did, he could have just remained silent.

I will not post anything more here.

I'm sorry to hear that. I really enjoy your "Ribbon Dance", and have been looking forward to seeing more.

I agree with your assessment of what happened with the comment you received today. Very unfortunate.

Thanks so much animaniactoo ;)

*raises eyebrow* oh.

Oh .. come on .. don't let them win

*Lights up a cig*

Yeah... If'n yea want... we kin send Guido Portobella after him if ya likes. *points finger to mushy guy above*
I admits... he ain't all that intimidatin' lookin'... but when he puts the stare down on ya... Look out.

All kidding aside though, I hope one bad apple isn't going to turn ya away. For the vastly, most part, we really is a bunch of good peeps here.:o)

Victoria - I'd read the post and don't particularly see it as either insulting or baffling. the image you posted is in the photogrpahy action and motion section and is to say the least a little ambiguous, at least Bob tried to research further where you were trying to come from with it, instead of just dismissing it.

Admittedly, my pride was hurt and it's another life lesson on overreacting. Maybe the next time I try to post here I will have even "thicker skin".

There was an explanation by the poster which helps greatly.

Thanks everyone for the comments.

Such is the existence of an artist :-) If you decide to show your work in any situation - not just here - you attract comment, either positive or negative, by default. A thick skin always helps and you will find that the majority of commenters here leave positive comment or constructive criticism if they feel an image requires it. There are of course exceptions to the rule and you will occasionally get unnecessarily cruel or nonsensical comments or votes and it's best just to ignore them, as the authors are invariably little more than a waste of perfectly good oxygen. In this instance however I don’t think this applies so just keep plugging away at it :-)