So by using that method, what does it usually mean when you only get one or no comment at all?
A lot of times, from what I've seen, it means that there's nothing really to comment on, good or bad. They might be technically correct, or close to technically correct, but there's nothing that stands out that's worth commenting on. Or, it's a subject that everyone here has seen 100 times. Pictures of pets come to mind, and things like that.
That is totally not helpful. If you don't have anything constructive to say, don't post it. This is just as bad as all the "I like it" comments people get
I disagree. Saying "looks like a snapshot" sums up a number of characteristics that would take many more words to articulate if we hashed it out each and every time. It saves the OP and the critic from beating a dead horse.
If I'm going for something beyond a snapshot and a critic, for whose C&C ability I respect, tells me "it's a snapshot" then I consider that meaningful C&C. There is much implied meaning in that simple phrase if it is given and interpreted with care.
I cut this from another thread because I thought it relevant here. YMMV.
I caught this in the thread that it was originally posted in, but decided against commenting. Since you re-posted here, I think it's worth giving a comment about. I have to agree with Twinky here. "It's a snapshot" is about as lazy C&C as "Great shot!" or "It sucks!" Snapshot means something different to each person, and it's very subjective. It doesn't describe anything that is specifically wrong, but more of a feeling that one gets from the photo. Everyone will interpret what it means differently, especially a new photographer who may not understand why a snapshot is a bad thing, and how to fix it. Sure, there are things that might be common of all or most snapshots, but there are no hard and fast rules.
If you've already spent the time to click reply, you might as well give something that the person will actually be able to use. Here's a challenge. Write out a list of problems that are common to all snapshots. Now, ask a beginner if they can list problems that are common to all snapshots. If those match, or are close, I'll concede that saying something is a snapshot is adequate C&C. If there isn't anything common between ALL snapshots, you're going to leave people (especially beginners) confused as to what they need to do to fix it.
Seriously, do you really think that "It's a snapshot" is just as relevant and useful as "You want to make sure you're down at the level of your subject, and be absolutely sure you've nailed focus on the eyes. Most importantly, try turning the pop-up flash off, and use the ambient light. You'll likely need to open your aperture wide, and turn your ISO up, but it'll be worth it for the better shot."
I think The_Traveler's post from yesterday summed things up quite well. But I want to add something that I see as a generational issue as it relates to giving and receiving of criticism,and that is that, from my mid-40's point of view, and that of my wife of the same age--that many young people today, especially those in their early to mid-20's, have a very,very difficult time in accepting criticism. The most carefully-worded and delicate criticism is often met with a mule-like, "But I wanted it that way!" or a ,"Dude, don't bag on my pics--I'm just a beginner!" or other similar protestation.
The generational gap idea is quite interesting, and I think that it's very plausible. What's interesting is, you'd probably think I was much older than I really am. In reality, I'm one of those mid-20's you mentioned. Fortunately, when I was learning photography about 10 years ago when I was 17, I had a professional photographer as a mentor. He was about as harsh as anyone I've ever seen here, but it was that harsh critique that helped me become a better photographer.
Kids these days (that makes me feel old!) want instant gratification, and they believe that if they think something is good, then everyone should feel the same way.
When I get C&C, I want is from people who are better than I am. People who have less skill than me have little to nothing to offer me. Unfortunately too many people love mediocrity and love it when the unskilled give them critique because they love seeing the "Wow, great shot!"