Good Lords the lot of you just grow up!
"It's a snapshot" well to me that still tells me little save that the viewer disliked the image, but was unable/unwilling to expand further into the describing why they disliked the image. I try not to state or ever feel that an image has no planning because we only ever see the end resulting image - unless the photographer talks about their inspiration and setup etc.... we cannot assume that anything is more than a snapshot or the result of a lot of thought.
If you tell me something is snapshot I have nothing to walkaway or build from at all save that you don't like it. I, nor anyone else can read more into it than that. Further more its use (esp in this thread) is highly dismissive. If you do not wish to comment simply do not - to post is simply to start to act hostile/antagonise.
I typically agree with you with regards to using the snapshot critique. But you said something that I think shows why it still has some value.
If you tell me something is snapshot I have nothing to walkaway or build from at all save that you don't like it.
Sometimes that's enough. Sometimes there's nothing redeeming about a photo. Sometimes there is so much that needs to be done to improve the shot that it's really a waste of time to say anything more, especially considering that I could be using my precious little free time for other things. Everyone needs to start somewhere, for sure. Maybe if he only had one or two shots posted for critique would it be worth giving a comprehensive C&C. Unfortuantely, he had five, and they all needed considerable work. I'm fine with helping people out, but I just don't have the free time to spend giving comprehensive C&C to every photo someone has posted.
I've had the snapshot critique used with me when I was still learning (well, re-learning, anyway), and although more than just "It's a snapshot" would have been more helpful, it did give me a starting point to try and research what could make those shots better. Internet culture is a "me me me" and "right now, right now, right now" culture. Learning photography is something that takes a lifetime, and it requires work on the part of the photographer. Especially when you're starting out, a lot of your work isn't even shooting, it's researching, and looking at photos, and learning things like how to properly expose, and what typically makes a good composition.
"It's a snapshot" is a pretty lazy way of giving critique, but when I only have 10-15 minutes at a time to browse the boards, if there's a nonredeemable shot, (and I know this from experience), it's far less frustrating to hear that your shots are snapshots than to have people ignore them and not post anything at all (your suggestion).
As for the assuming no thought or planning has gone into a shot, I can see what you mean. However, there are always clues as to how much work, or thought has gone into something. A centered, off kilter horizon shows me that this photographer didn't take the couple of seconds it requires to think about what would look good. A shot of a pet from eye level looking down on them shows that they weren't thinking about how interesting the shot will be. I guess I can't say that there wasn't thought put into these types of shots, but there is evidence that supports it.
I never mean to be antagonistic, or anything like that. I post here because I like to help people. I want you to know that I completely respect you Overread, and when I first got here and started posting, you were one of the people I originally noticed as knowing your stuff, and being someone to listen to. It's unfortunate, because I get very passionate about this stuff, when really, I shouldn't.
