General Forum observation

[Dobick]

Just a few thoughts that I have been having lately...

There have been several image threads that I have seen (to include a few of my own) that have been started by someone, and then four or five hours later, the original posters comes back to complain about no one posting any comments even though xx number of people have viewed. Up until yesterday I was kinda bothered by the fact that when I would post something, I would get very few comments. But something occurred to me yesterday... I realized that although I had looked through what seems like thousands of threads on here comprised of tens of thousands of images, I hadn't bothered to comment on all that many myself. The reason for not commenting varied as much as the images themselves. Sometimes I would think, wow, what could I possibly add to this discussion, this photographer is amazing, and this image is top notch and 25 people have already said so. Other times, there would be five or six nice comments, but something about the image didn't feel right, and I wasn't sure what it was, and I didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings. Other times, I was just kinda zoning, and didn't feel like doing anything but looking at the pretty pictures. Whatever the reason, I would pass by, sometimes with feelings of awe, but would fail to say anything.

Here in the past two days, I am trying to change that. I am trying to make a conscience effort to actually look at and comment on images that I browse past in each of the forums. I think that it is only fair, that I give a little to the community before asking a lot in return.

For those that are disheartened by the lack of comments on their own post, I offer just a small piece of advice... be mindful that making a constructive comment on a photo that you know meant enough to someone for them to post, takes a lot of effort, not to mention tact, and that silence in a post is merely an indication that viewers haven't come up with exactly the words that they want to say.

I may be way off the mark, but for me at least, asking for help is a whole lot easier than providing it, especially when the photos are good, but I see something that I think would make it better. I am horrible at tactful comments, and I applaud those who make it look easy.

[JohnRushing]

I look at a lot of photos people have posted but don't make a reply. A lot of times I don't know what to say. The photo may not appeal to me but I can't say why because I really don't know. Sometimes I do know but feel it is better I don't say because it's just my opinion that the photo is tastless but I know in other peoples eyes it's art. I learned a long time ago there are times that if you have nothing good to say then say nothing at all, other times it good to speak up even if it's not good. Most of the time if I don't know what to say I just leave it to the more knowledgable ones on here or just sya it looks great.

[Jeff_Green]

What? 43 views and only 1 comment on this thread??

[Dobick]

Originally Posted by Jeff_Green

What? 43 views and only 1 comment on this thread??

I was waiting to say that myself!

[Hogleg 44]

Here's my take on the subject Kent. Joking Aside!

When the forum was young, and not so very members, it was possible to read most of the posts and view most all of the pictures. And nice pictures were more unique then. And nice to comment on.
Now, the forum has over 9000 members and it is impossible to keep up with all of the posts. Unless the post title has something that appears to be of personal interest, I pass over it. The newly posted images have kind of become 'Old Stuff' because of similarity to something previously posted, so some of that uniqueness has worn off. So comments are not bothered with.

Then somewhere in the past I remember a thread criticizing folks for making "Good Image", "Nice Picture" type comments without offering some CC, even though no CC was requested. Perhaps that line of thinking has stifled polite comments.

But too, since it's inception, this forum has become much more sophisticated than it was in the beginning. Perhaps 'polite' comments are one of the victims of that sophistication.

Something I do occasionally now is watch for image postings that have gone for half day or longer without comments, and make a comment. Just for the sake of 'bumping it back to the top' so to speak. Then it's kind of fun to watch those postings start drawing comments, after they appeared to be dieing.

[JohnRushing]

Or you could just use a catchy title like "Girls, What are you wear" Works for some people and sure got my attention

[chempilot]

i think leaving comments is a win-win situation. i have found that by forcing myself to say something about a picture allows me to criticize my own pictures better. i usually start by asking simple questions to myself: what about this pic did or didn't catch my eye? does this picture evoke any emotions at all? does it tell a story? or maybe some technical aspects, like what lens,camera, PS technique, if any, was used? why is it cropped this this way and not another, etc. a lot of times i'll have nothing initially to say, but i'll come back to a picture at another time and things will pop out that didn't before. from all this i just try and ask a simple question, such as if i couldn't find any story in the pic, i'll ask what inspired the person to take it, etc.

i know not everyone is comfortable with writing or asking questions, but i think it's something you get better at the more you do it.

and don't be afraid to "hurt someone's feelings." they posted the pic, they should be willing to deal with critiques. while i like comments like "great pic", etc. i love the negative ones. it makes me re-evaluate my intentions about taking the picture....

[brad]

Originally Posted by Hogleg 44

Then somewhere in the past I remember a thread criticizing folks for making "Good Image", "Nice Picture" type comments without offering some CC, even though no CC was requested. Perhaps that line of thinking has stifled polite comments.

I know for a fact there are a number of people who used to be active posters that purposely and specifically STOPPED posting ANYTHING, pictures or otherwise after that thread.

That thread absolutely killed participation.. instead of people just being afraid to criticize a photo, people became afraid of making any comment at all... for fear they would be shot down for making a comment that was too nice.

[erisian pope]

Originally Posted by chempilot

while i like comments like "great pic", etc. i love the negative ones. it makes me re-evaluate my intentions about taking the picture....

I feel exactly the same way. I try to preface any picture I post with some blurb about how I appreciate crits. I know I have a TON to learn and am here to share what little I think I know and then to soak up all the years of wisdom and experience here.

I am guilty of not commenting nearly often enough. I like Kent's suggestion (original post) of trying to comment more often. I think that might benefit myself and whoever posted the pic in question.

Thanks for the thread!!

[hbwise]

First, thanks for posting the thread. I had similar thoughts last night. I was thinking of posting a couple of pics to try and get comments, but decided against it. After looking at some great pictures and not commenting, it occurred to me that this is what most folks must be doing. If I want to get CC I should be willing to give some. Even if I don't think I know enough to make comments on technique, composition, etc., at least I can mention what I like and why.

[Dobick]

I appreciate everyones comments so far. As I mentioned in the OP, I kinda had my feelings hurt about a week ago, because no one took time to comment on a post I had made, all the while there was a ton of activity on the board, and even in that particular section. But I had to kinda look at my own activity on the board and realized that I was expecting more responses than I had personally offered in other threads. The reason that I made this thread, was not so much to admonish the folks who have been here for a while, but to encourage the newer members (myself included), to actively participate in other threads as well.

Originally Posted by hbwise

First, thanks for posting the thread. I had similar thoughts last night. I was thinking of posting a couple of pics to try and get comments, but decided against it. After looking at some great pictures and not commenting, it occurred to me that this is what most folks must be doing. If I want to get CC I should be willing to give some. Even if I don't think I know enough to make comments on technique, composition, etc., at least I can mention what I like and why.

Please don't hold back from posting pics, I'd love to see them.

[xseption]

thanks for posting this thread ... BUMP!

[scott1120]

Originally Posted by hbwise

First, thanks for posting the thread. I had similar thoughts last night. I was thinking of posting a couple of pics to try and get comments, but decided against it. After looking at some great pictures and not commenting, it occurred to me that this is what most folks must be doing. If I want to get CC I should be willing to give some. Even if I don't think I know enough to make comments on technique, composition, etc., at least I can mention what I like and why.

I have posted images asking specifically for critiques, because I am still trying to learn. Usually the comments I get are something I did wrong with the shot. So I keep trying. I make some comments on other's images, but I am usually asking about the techniques used, because I don't feel I am experienced enough to make a good critique. Just post the images and take the critiques I believe there is no one here that wants to intentionally hurt anybodys feelings.

[Jake]

I look at every picture on TPF, if you don't see a comment from me, then that means I think the picture sucks.
Or that I don't like you.

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by JohnRushing

Or you could just use a catchy title like "Girls, What are you wear" Works for some people and sure got my attention

Thats some memory you have!

There are a lot of lurkers around here. Thats cool - they make up TPF too. And people can feel free to post and ask stuff - you gotta start talking some time!

BTW - I think that was one of my 1st posts (Girls, What are you wearing). ha ha.