Views/Replies ratio, regarding C&C

[Bo4key]

Reasons why I'll look at a C&C thread without posting a reply:

- The photo is just kinda 'meh'. nothing particularly good or bad about it, I just don't really care for it or about it one way or another
- Too many photos. usually this is more than 2 or 3. Any more and I just can't be assed writing specifically about each one
- What I would say has already been said, either by another poster or by the OP
- The OP is a known troll or a person who refuses to listen to advice (eg. er11a posts another overprocessed photo)
-

+1

I also find that lack of experience in the field doesn't give me that ability to effectively critique some images. Also, if I don't like an image I don't want to say that it's crap without being able to tell the OP how to improve it. It's easy enough to sit behind a keyboard and be overly rude and honestly there are enough people on the internet that do that already that I'm not going to participate.

 

[FSJeffo]

I'm not great at giving critique... I look at a lot of those threads, but I only say something if it's something I think I can say well, and that no one else has already mentioned. Many times there's a photo I don't like, and it's not that there's anything wrong with it exactly, I just don't feel qualified to comment because it's not my style. Nothing I say could improve it, because the artist clearly went a different direction than I would.

If I do have something to say I think might be helpful I will, but that doesn't happen as often as it does in the more abstract, not-just-about-an-image threads.

+2

...plus, with some of the scathing remarks I've seen, I'm sure there's fear out there of having someone do a nasty C&C on your C&C

JM

 

[sarahashleyphotos]

About the odd page views. I found a website that seems to have copied one of my posts here.
This: Weddings - free is what may be causing it.

 

[KmH]

There are over 120,000 members here. Thank goodness not everyone posts a comment or CC.

But, the vast majority of the 120,000 members are not active members.

Only a couple hundred members max, are active on any given day.

 

[Overread]

C&C has been a contentious topic on this forum for years.

I would disagree. It's a problem I see on every photography forum on the net as far as I can see. There are always those who want more critique; always those who want less (or who want just praise). There are always those who are not gracious in recipt and in giving; those who blow up if their critique is ever questioned etc....

It really is the luck of the draw; however if you read the article linked in my signature there is a lot that members can do to help themselves. Self commenting/critique and also self analysis and presenation of information in threads along with critique requests helps a lot.

1) It helps the person be more objective about their work at a personal level. Before anyone else gets there the creator themselves has already distanced and given their views (even if only to themselves).

2) It helps display a level of comittment on the part of the photographer. This helps a lot in attracting more serious critique because those who might have a lot to say are more willing to give it to those who they feel are more likely to reply/respond/welcome/benefit from the info.


As for views remember that view counter counts everying - refreshes, flyby views, your own etc.. I wouldn't rate how many you get next to how may replies you get in the least. Remember if you've had a thread up at least a day or more and not gotten any input you can "bump" the thread without risk of reprisal from the mod team (bumping a thread that is under a day old is more likely to get you in trouble).

 

[Overread]

Reasons why I'll look at a C&C thread without posting a reply:

- The photo is just kinda 'meh'. nothing particularly good or bad about it, I just don't really care for it or about it one way or another
- Too many photos. usually this is more than 2 or 3. Any more and I just can't be assed writing specifically about each one
- What I would say has already been said, either by another poster or by the OP
- The OP is a known troll or a person who refuses to listen to advice (eg. er11a posts another overprocessed photo)
-

+1

I also find that lack of experience in the field doesn't give me that ability to effectively critique some images. Also, if I don't like an image I don't want to say that it's crap without being able to tell the OP how to improve it. It's easy enough to sit behind a keyboard and be overly rude and honestly there are enough people on the internet that do that already that I'm not going to participate.

Personally I greatly encourage beginners to give critique - look at any learning facility and group critiques to each other by beginners is a step most use - be it drawing, writing, photography etc....
Giving helps a lot because it starts to teach 2 important skills
1) Being objective about artistry
2) Starting to idenitify not just your own feelings but the reasonings behind them.

Even negative views don't have to be expressed impolitly; and heck if you don't know how to "correct" something, just say that. Say where you think the problems are, say why you think they are problems and then say what you would do to correct them - and if you can't do the last stage just be honest and say so. Maybe you'll hit on a strong point or someone will take up the discussion and give an example of how a correction might be possible.

 

[Joel_W]

There are over 120,000 members here. Thank goodness not everyone posts a comment or CC.

But, the vast majority of the 120,000 members are not active members.

Only a couple hundred members max, are active on any given day.

I realize that. And that's a shame. I never understood why anyone would join a forum about something they have interest in, then hardly ever, or even never stop by or become active.

 

[LaFoto]

Don't forget that this entire forum can also be viewed by people who are not even members. They just come to look, and who can tell how often they (and whoever! and how many!) do that? But they all add to the "Views" count. Thus there are easily many more view than comments.

 

[mishele]

I'll just say it......I'm lazy....lol
After being on the site for so long it feels sometimes like work to C&C....=) So I take a break and just read.

 

[Joel_W]

I'll just say it......I'm lazy....lol
After being on the site for so long it feels sometimes like work to C&C....=) So I take a break and just read.

And you're certainly entitled to do exactly that.

 

[Trever1t]

I may look at a post and not offer critique because:

1) I have no constructive critique to offer.
2) Critique I would offer has already been said as eloquently (or better) than I could have offered.
3) The image isn't worthy, the author hasn't shown any effort.

 

[LuckySe7en]

Don't forget that this entire forum can also be viewed by people who are not even members. They just come to look, and who can tell how often they (and whoever! and how many!) do that? But they all add to the "Views" count. Thus there are easily many more view than comments.

this makes a lot of sense

 

[jake337]

If you really want in depth, artistic c&c, get good enough to post on sites like 1x.com or look for a serious mentor. Or come to the realization that what you posted isn't very interesting and try again.

But really though, who cares. This is a site for amateurs/hobbyists. It's hard for some one to give critique to someone who will not understand the advice given.D

 

[jake337]

I'll just say it......I'm lazy....lol After being on the site for so long it feels sometimes like work to C&C....=) So I take a break and just read.

Exactly! Also sometimes it's just enjoyable to appreciate art instead of picking it apart. Art isn't necessarily about critique.

 

[IByte]

"Also why do you have to have a negative comment? I think when people tell me what they like about a photo that is very helpful as well."
Was in response to:
"Likewise, some photographs are so good that there is really little to be said against them."

Why not say what you like about the photo rather than trying to only find bad things about the photo? A good critique should mention both the good and the bad.

To be honest when I read both OP's views and their critic's comments, I think they are well received from both parties. It's a few drama kings & queens on both sides that keep newbies from posting or on the other side, tired of looking at hot garbage on a bagel. I posted a few pics myself, but no more until I apply some time an effort in my photographs.