TPF Post of the Week

[DanOstergren]

I have been here for 13 years now, and have seen this site in many various points of high and low activity. I don't think "drive-by" posters and "needy photo dumpers" are the issue. I think a big problem is the mean-spirited criticisms of how others use or interact with the forum within the site rules, which are ironically always presented as little "drive-by" jabs. I share significantly less of my work here because of the "why must you flood the zone" comments, and being accused of being "self indulgent" and "oversharing" because I sometimes have the audacity to make more than one thread in a single week in the People Photography forum or when I have the gall to share more than 3 images in one of my own image threads. Or, for example, being completely and unnecessarily mean-spirited over someone simply making a new image sharing game thread in the Just for Fun forum, a thread which absolutely has increased forum participation. But sure, the way WE participate is the issue.

The way I see it, if members are following the rules, they should not be criticized for how they participate, or criticized simply for sharing their photography in a photography forum. That only serves to make people anxious about sharing their work here. If the criticisms were aimed at the photography itself, that would be welcome, but it's never anything to do the photography, it only ever seems to be critical of the person sharing their work. If members don't share or participate enough, that's apparently a problem, but somehow it's also a problem when members share or participate more than what a certain member thinks they should.

Participating within the rules of the forum should be encouraged, not discouraged. Expecting members to give more of their time and efforts here, while simultaneously criticizing them personally when they do participate within the parameters of the forum rules, isn't the way to go about increasing participation because I think it will and has had the opposite of the desired outcome, rather than allowing and encouraging everyone to contribute what they CAN or are equipped to contribute within their own personal limitations or boundaries. I don't always have the time to contribute more than a few posts and replies here and there, nor do I always have the mental stamina, and it sure would be nice not to be made to feel guilty for how some of us choose to participate within the rules of the forum. It feels very counter productive to the goal of wanting more participation here on TPF.

 

[greybeard59 32]

Well said

 

[denum142 168]

I don't find it difficult to express my opinion, if it is a negative one, without being rude about it. Takes a bit of tact but can be done. Take your work for instance. I don't come here looking for skin, whether is be male or female. Just not what I am looking for here. Now, on the other hand, your work with models that are fully clothed has many times very much captivated me. Your set with the lady with green dress on sitting by the window was superb. And the shot with the male model, standing on a ledge also piqued my interest. Both of these scenes were with fully clothed models.
See...that wasn't very hard was it?

 

[zombiesniper138 4]

I think this thread is a great idea.

I see lotsa flowers, birds, critters and landscapes...Preaching to the choir and little else.

I agree wildlife images do dominate the numbers. This just going to be due to the image volume between the types of photography. I can easily shoot 20-50 bird species on a good day with at least half being good enough poses/quality to post. I don't, but I could. With most other forms of photography you just don't normally get that volume.

I can't say why not everyone offers up more sustenance to their comments on shots. This is a pretty open platform; people just don't seem willing to take the time necessary to give more fleshed out comments.

We all know there's a lot of talent here. But it remains a head-scratcher to me about the fly-by posters or photo dumping without any effort to engage with the community here. We do have several regulars who offer support and encouragement, but also those who seem too busy to take the time needed to craft useful responses.

I used to post more critiques/encouragement. I now mostly sit back and wait for someone to look for help in their post. I found that just offering up suggestions sometimes wasn't wanted or sometimes even got a negative reaction. I also normally don't post "nice set"/"Good shot" comments anymore since we have the like/winner buttons. I feel that those that do this because they love it know if they've done a good job and also know when they need help.
Some of the lack in posting is also for me the free time I have now is less than I used to so I don't even post most of my own images anymore.

I do think the major cause of threads getting lost though is when forums started using the "Latest Threads" feature. (Blunt me on) It just plain caters to the laziest members of any forum. (Blunt me off) I'll admit it does make it a lot easier to see threads in sections a user may never look at much but it's also the only reason threads get pushed off of the first page. That thread in the people photography section that got pushed off of the main page is still on page 1 of the people section for days if not weeks.

The solution for those that want to see the posts not on the main page.....use the Forums button and go look just like back in the oldey worldy days.

 

[terri59]

The solution for those that want to see the posts not on the main page.....use the Forums button and go look just like back in the oldey worldy days.

Yayy! This is what I've pointed out, too. I know some members have the forum saved to open up to What's New or Latest Threads - not a criticism, but if your time is short then it's an easy habit to get into, and a very easy way to miss threads that might offer something more interesting to you.

I'd encourage everyone to make sure to look at the Main page before leaving - however you happen to link over here.

 

[RScottie140 55]

I am guilty of the "Nice Shot" comment and never considered it to be anything less than how I felt about the shot. People post some very good shots of all sorts of subjects and when I see one I like, I hit Like and may even make a comment.

The shots I react to may not be technically the best or shot under the best of conditions, but they did capture something that made me react and that to me would seem to be enough.

I am not at the expertise level to react on much more than an emotional level anyway but I am putting a lot of effort in to learning and improving my abilities.

I am not offended and actually appreciate comments on my photos, good or bad!

 

[DanOstergren]

I am guilty of the "Nice Shot" comment and never considered it to be anything less than how I felt about the shot. People post some very good shots of all sorts of subjects and when I see one I like, I hit Like and may even make a comment.

The shots I react to may not be technically the best or shot under the best of conditions, but they did capture something that made me react and that to me would seem to be enough.

I am not at the expertise level to react on much more than an emotional level anyway but I am putting a lot of effort in to learning and improving my abilities.

I am not offended and actually appreciate comments on my photos, good or bad!

Honestly I see nothing wrong with saying "nice shot" or "really well done" when I feel a photo deserves it, despite the "like" buttons. I don't think comments like that are somehow contributing to the decline of TPF at all.

 

[DanOstergren]

I don't find it difficult to express my opinion, if it is a negative one, without being rude about it. Takes a bit of tact but can be done. Take your work for instance. I don't come here looking for skin, whether is be male or female. Just not what I am looking for here. Now, on the other hand, your work with models that are fully clothed has many times very much captivated me. Your set with the lady with green dress on sitting by the window was superb. And the shot with the male model, standing on a ledge also piqued my interest. Both of these scenes were with fully clothed models.
See...that wasn't very hard was it?

I can't recall ever seeing you being rude.

When sharing my work I make sure I am following the forum guidelines. I think it's reasonable to expect that it won't always be someone's cup of tea though. I don't think there's anything wrong with saying that if you are being respectful about it.

 

[zombiesniper138 4]

I share significantly less of my work here because of the "why must you flood the zone" comments, and being accused of being "self indulgent" and "oversharing" because I sometimes have the audacity to make more than one thread in a single week in the People Photography forum or when I have the gall to share more than 3 images in one of my own image threads.

I for one love your style and really enjoy seeing what you come up with.

As for respectfully stating someone doesn't like or even get your style.I agree it can be done with offending someone. I've said it in the past that some styles (not yours) I can respect the effort and skill, but it's not something I connect with.

 

[petrochemist143 167]

As for respectfully stating someone doesn't like or even get your style.I agree it can be done with offending someone. I've said it in the past that some styles (not yours) I can respect the effort and skill, but it's not something I connect with.

It's certainly not difficult to say in a way that shouldn't offend, but sadly these days there are people who make an art of taking offence, (as well as a those who seem to set out to offend). No doubt there are people who'd be offended to hear 'I really love that shot'
Fortunately our hard working moderators help smooth the waters!

 

[SunriseAvenue]

No doubt there are people who'd be offended to hear 'I really love that shot'

I've encountered people like this! For some reason they think you're being passive-agressive or sarcastic and start acting all defensive when what you've actually meant was a genuine appreciation. It seems sometimes it's better not to say anything it all, let alone saying you don't like something

 

[KJ_North]

I’ve been a member for 15 years now. There was a period of several years when I stepped away from the field, but I returned a couple of years ago and have been active again ever since.

I think the quick “Nice shot” comments often reflect the amount of time people have available. Personally, I frequently have limited time, so I try to acknowledge as many posts as possible that I’ve at least taken the time to view. When a particular image resonates with me more strongly, I’ll spend extra time writing a more detailed comment because I feel it deserves additional recognition and made a stronger impression on me as the viewer.

As many have mentioned, I could easily post hundreds of images after a weekend of shooting. However, my approach has evolved over time. When I first started, I was thrilled simply to capture a photo of this bird or that bird—basic shots that documented what I had seen. Today, I find myself looking for something more unusual or a moment that stands out and gives me a sense of pride when I capture it. Of course, that is highly subjective and based on my own tastes and goals as a photographer.

I also make an effort to comment on a variety of photography styles. A particular image may not personally appeal to me, but it may hold significant meaning for the photographer who created it. I think it’s important to recognize that and acknowledge the effort and passion behind the work.

If I only commented on bird photography, that wouldn’t be fair or appropriate when so many members have different interests, styles, and creative approaches. I believe that those of us who have been part of this community for a long time can help shape the culture of the site through small actions that make people feel welcome and valued. I hope I’m able to contribute in that way.

 

[denum142 168]

Well stated.

 

[terri59]

I’ve been a member for 15 years now. There was a period of several years when I stepped away from the field, but I returned a couple of years ago and have been active again ever since.

I think the quick “Nice shot” comments often reflect the amount of time people have available. Personally, I frequently have limited time, so I try to acknowledge as many posts as possible that I’ve at least taken the time to view. When a particular image resonates with me more strongly, I’ll spend extra time writing a more detailed comment because I feel it deserves additional recognition and made a stronger impression on me as the viewer.

As many have mentioned, I could easily post hundreds of images after a weekend of shooting. However, my approach has evolved over time. When I first started, I was thrilled simply to capture a photo of this bird or that bird—basic shots that documented what I had seen. Today, I find myself looking for something more unusual or a moment that stands out and gives me a sense of pride when I capture it. Of course, that is highly subjective and based on my own tastes and goals as a photographer.

I also make an effort to comment on a variety of photography styles. A particular image may not personally appeal to me, but it may hold significant meaning for the photographer who created it. I think it’s important to recognize that and acknowledge the effort and passion behind the work.

If I only commented on bird photography, that wouldn’t be fair or appropriate when so many members have different interests, styles, and creative approaches. I believe that those of us who have been part of this community for a long time can help shape the culture of the site through small actions that make people feel welcome and valued. I hope I’m able to contribute in that way.

Thank you for this! It's greatly appreciated.