Is Honesty gone? Are we just a kiss and coddle forum now?

[Ernicus]

Enjoy that while I get back to reading. Break over.

 

[bentcountershaft]

Ah, I see the forum is in repeats.
I think I've seen this episode ten times now.

TPF has gone Hollywood for the summer. Thank god for Burn Notice.

 

[Steve5D]

It's possible to be direct and to the point without being a complete ass about it.

It's sad that some people have such a hard time wrapping their heads around such a simple concept. If I post a photo that needs help, the guy who says "This is horrible and it sucks" gets totally dismissed and, in doing so, identifies himself as being someone who simply has to be an ass when critiquing someone's work. Such people usually have a tremendous chip on their shoulder, and have a need to feel superior to everyone else.

The guy who says "Here's what's wrong..." is the guy I'll pay attention to...

 

[Steve5D]

If its really bad, then it irks me enough to speak back.

What's truly concerning is that you can be "irked" by a picture someone posts...

 

[dxqcanada]

And sometimes ... a photo just sucks ... I've shot many ... I just know not to post it.

 

[Derrel]

Hello all. I'm an "old noob" if you can believe the oxymoron. I joined in 2010 but only made my first photo for CC a few days ago. I wanted to understand what makes good photos by learning from the criticism given to others. I also have made mental note of the very expert (and sometimes cranky) comments given by some of the more prolific artists on this site. Reading CC every day on pictures is like a textbook that is being written as I read and that makes it very special. I try to anticipate what my favorite posters will say. Please please stay honest about feedback. Even though I feel like a taker because I have lurked so long, I totally enjoy comparing my own opinions to those of you with so much more experience. Sometimes honesty sounds mean but it isn't; it is just..... honest. AFter taking classes, reading books, and visiting this site nearly every day, I will be posting more and I crave good advice; good honest advice without sugar coating or false compliments. Thanks to the number of you who have contributed to this thread whose opinions I already respect! Keep it up.

Glad to see you STEP UP TO THE PLATE!!!!!!! Your dance card will fill up pretty soon now that you're not over there, wallflower-ing it!!!!

 

[Derrel]

Most of the time when I do want to post my CC, a few noobs already beat me to it and say how good the photos are . Then I just change my mind. I dont want to be that one A-hole saying bad things.

Nothing quite as useless as that kind of an attitude...unwilling to speak your mind for fear of not being loved...that kind of attitude is worse than posting ANYTHING.

 

[Bynx]

If its really bad, then it irks me enough to speak back.

What's truly concerning is that you can be "irked" by a picture someone posts...

Whats wrong with being irritated when someone posts an image which is clearly so bad, it just defies description. You know, like some of the ones you post.

 

[pgriz]

I think it was Overread who noted that critiquing was an acquired skill, and we can all learn to do it better. The trick is to give enough positive to allow the OP (whoever it is) to be open to the comments, and then focus on the issue that can be improved. Brutal honesty is overrated. Honesty is not. If the goal is to get people to change, then packaging the message so that the medicine is taken is more productive than wacking the errant pupil over the head or knuckles. I've trained and supervised hundreds of people. The most effective way of getting someone to do something is for them to want to do it. And that means that the "agent of change" has to make the reason to change seductively attractive. When we critique, is the purpose to show how smart/good we are, or is it to get the person we are addressing to change their viewpoint or approach? The latter requires that the person is primed to listen, and that priming is almost always started with a positive remark.

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

 

[rexbobcat]

COPYRIGHT!!!!!;$,$/82)./$/?&;$:&/

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

Then ****ing report it so we can all be each others worst enemies.

 

[manaheim]

Not that anyone gives a rat's ass what I think, or will even read what I type, but hey... what the hell...

This forum had a higher signal to noise ration when it wasn't "the largest photography forum on the internet". *shrug* It is what it is.

Over time I've learned to sorta skip over any photos that are train wrecks. Those people usually get mad because no one replies to their pictures, but they'd be even more mad if some of us did, because the best we could really say was "Um... no." And then they'll say how horrible we are for not being more constructive, but it really boils down to the equivelent of stepping out in front of a car. If you don't know that what you did wasn't the best idea, then my telling you isn't going to fix it... and frankly, I'm not sure how I can articulate to you that move was unwise in a way that would lend any additional information to what should already be somewhat obvious.

Ok, maybe not THAT bad... but you probably know what I mean, right? Right.

I comment when I see something interesting, something amazing, or something that looks like the person has a real spark going or real natural talent, but they just sorta missed a little. Other than that, I just don't have the patience to be barked at by various MWACs and HDR-addicts ("I have a hammer, so clearly everything is a nail!").

 

[mommyof4qteez]

I think it's possible to give C&C without tearing the person apart... Be positive with it...everyone here is here to learn and improve.. no one here wants to deal with a$$holes that bring them down...

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

Then go to ilovephotography.com, or the froknowsphotography.com forums.

There is a difference between tearing the person apart, and tearing the image apart.
Although both can result in personal growth.