Anonymous photo critique option?

[DocFrankenstein]

There is an established community of shooters here and everybody knows eath other.


I feel this familiarity discourages free and constructive criticizm of each other's works for obvious reasons.

"Nice photo" is not a critique.

Would it be possible to add an option for anonymity in the critique forum?

Just an idea

[Pekka]

Anonymous poll is an easy way to do that, but of course works better for specific "questions".

[strmrdr]

I think this would be a bad thing.
If one isnt willing to own up too comments then they shouldnt be able too make it.
I do a lot of CC and sometimes I might be wrong(im human) but atleast im putting my nickname on it.

[DocFrankenstein]

Anonymous poll is an easy way to do that, but of course works better for specific "questions".
What do you mean specific "questions"?


I think this would be a bad thing.
If one isnt willing to own up too comments then they shouldnt be able too make it.
I do a lot of CC and sometimes I might be wrong(im human) but atleast im putting my nickname on it.

You don't "own up" to an opinion. :confused: I don't get it

[tommykjensen]

What do you mean specific "questions"?


Like "which lens should I buy" kind of questions


28 f/1.8
300 f/2.8



You don't "own up" to an opinion. :confused: I don't get it

If it is anonymous it is much more easy to say an image sucks. It is much harder (for some at least) to say that if it is not anonymous.

I fear if an option like that would be created it would give moderators more work to remove that kind of comments. Because obviously if it have to have value then the comments should be anonymous to moderators too otherwise we would still not get the desired result. If poster knows we as moderators can see who is posting they would not be honest or sincere when commenting our photos. Here I am assuming you want us moderators to benefit from critique also.

[Woolburr]

I always thought that if people just wanted to share a photo and have a bunch of friends say "nice duck" they would post it in the Sharing section. If they want a legitimate critique...then it goes to Critique Corner. I assume that if someone posts in the Critique section they are willing to take the bad with the good and I have no problem pointing out things I see as flaws.

[tommykjensen]

I always thought that if people just wanted to share a photo and have a bunch of friends say "nice duck" they would post it in the Sharing section. If they want a legitimate critique...then it goes to Critique Corner. I assume that if someone posts in the Critique section they are willing to take the bad with the good and I have no problem pointing out things I see as flaws.

That is the intention with that division.

But I think it is getting blurred more and more because more and more that post in the share section want & expect more critique but don't want to post in the ciritque forum because they don't think they get enough responses (or they are afraid to get harsh constructive critique). Thats how I see it.

[Monkeymicra]

I always thought that if people just wanted to share a photo and have a bunch of friends say "nice duck" they would post it in the Sharing section. If they want a legitimate critique...then it goes to Critique Corner. I assume that if someone posts in the Critique section they are willing to take the bad with the good and I have no problem pointing out things I see as flaws.

That is the intention with that division.

But I think it is getting blurred more and more because more and more that post in the share section want & expect more critique but don't want to post in the ciritque forum because they don't think they get enough responses (or they are afraid to get harsh constructive critique). Thats how I see it.

i very reaely post in the critique corner but ask on all my posts of pics for C&C, its a hard choise i pondered about yesterday.

i felt that every photo of mine would go in the Critique corner but it may not get the C&C from pros or very experienced people in the feild of the photo i took, as alot of people will only look in one specific forum (i spend alot of time between transport and Motor sport) and not in the Critique Corner, and if they do its just a glance. its a tough one, i would assume that every photo posted on this forum would expect some form of C&C and not just "WOW nice shot" and get rid of Critiuqes Corner

My 2.75p worth

[tim]

If it is anonymous it is much more easy to say an image sucks. It is much harder (for some at least) to say that if it is not anonymous.

I don't have any problem telling people their image sucks if it does, maybe people should just get a bit of self confidence.

[shesgotthepic]

I get a bit tired of just hearing "I like number 3" or whatever. In my other hobby (riding) I won't learn a thing if my trainer keeps going "that's good". I want trainers who mostly shut up when I get it right, occasionaly say "well done" and seriously let me know when I cock it up. If I don't know what I did wrong, how will I learn.

"I like number 3" might mean "I like all of them but number 3 is my favorite". Fine - then tell me why the other 5 didn't suit you? What could I have done to bring them up to the same level as number 3?

It could also mean (as when I say that myself) I really like number 3, I think the others could be improved but I'm learning myself and wouldn't know how.

Constructive critisism is a good thing. It is what makes us better.

She

[shesgotthepic]

deleted for double posting. ARGH!

[Pete W]

shesgotthepic - and repeating yourself ;)

Some people like myself are on steep lerning curves and can only make comments like "lovely shot" "love number 3" ... Does this mean we should keep quite as we are not worthy...... Surely praise is praise in any form...

[Anke]

Its a kind of a good point, but I think anonymous critiques could possibly lead to increased rudeness.
I for one am happy to tell someone how I think their shot could be improved, and I also love to give and receive "nice shot" comments, its a nice thought to have someone just leave a simple comment rather than just look and go away again.

[Anke]

How about having a poll of scoring from 1-10 for your picture?

[FotOz]

Hmmm. Food for thought here. I am involved in the camera club movement in Australia and am often asked to judge exhibitions, shows, club nights and the like. I do see some shockers displayed but I always remind myself that nobody is silly enough to put their worst work up for judging or display. Every shot I judge and critique I consider to be the best that the particular author can produce. Yes - many shots are infinitely better than others, but each is as good as the other when you consider the abilities and standings of the authors. Even if a shot is down-right bad (in my eyes) I don't tell the author that. I find the good points - be it sharpness, composition or lighting - and praise them up. I then make an off-the-cuff comment on the bad points with suggestions for improvements to bring those bad points up to the same standard as the good points. That way nobody gets disillusioned, you are encouraging those who are doing the best they can, and the authors who have been doing it right for years don't complain because they know that they too started at the bottom - with shots they thought were world beaters but when part of the big picture were just so-so. That's how I encourage photographers and I must be doing something right because I've never been told not to come back.

[Becca]

I do see some shockers displayed but I always remind myself that nobody is silly enough to put their worst work up for judging or display. Every shot I judge and critique I consider to be the best that the particular author can produce.

That's a really good point! Many people who post here are just starting out and trying to learn. Usually they don't get it ALL right, but there is usually something good that can be commented on, along with suggestions for improvement.

[KIPAX]

If I ask for crtique of a photo I also take into account who is makimg the comments.. I take greater notice from people I admire and aspire to than critique from people who can't take a good pic to save there life..

I welcome all comments from anyone of any level .. but it's better to know who the comments are coming from and anon comments I would ignore.

Just my way ..thats all :)

[shesgotthepic]

shesgotthepic - and repeating yourself ;)

Some people like myself are on steep lerning curves and can only make comments like "lovely shot" "love number 3" ... Does this mean we should keep quite as we are not worthy...... Surely praise is praise in any form...

So despite me repeating myself you didn't get it? ;-)

"It could also mean (as when I say that myself) I really like number 3, I think the others could be improved but I'm learning myself and wouldn't know how."

[FotOz]

...and I also love to give and receive "nice shot" comments, ...
"Nice" as a description of a shot has been banned in my photographic circles. It's too easy to say and means diddley-squat. Roses are nice, the weather can be nice but photos - nah! There are dictionaries out there absolutely full of adjectives and superlatives - all of which can be employed. If somebody tells me one of my shots is nice, I take it as meaning they don't like it enough to even comment on it.:rolleyes:

[cdifoto]

"Nice" as a description of a shot has been banned in my photographic circles. It's too easy to say and means diddley-squat. Roses are nice, the weather can be nice but photos - nah! There are dictionaries out there absolutely full of adjectives and superlatives - all of which can be employed. If somebody tells me one of my shots is nice, I take it as meaning they don't like it enough to even comment on it.:rolleyes:

Nice post.

[R_Metzel]

Nice post.
:lol::lol::lol:

[Belmondo]

Would it be possible to add an option for anonymity in the critique forum?

Just an ideaAt first, this seems like a good idea, but after more reflection, I don't like it. Maybe I'm only looking from a moderator's POV, but there are some people who like to make gratuitously nasty comments, and we have to be able to identify them so we can give them 'attitude adjustments.'

Maybe 'nice shot' doesn't add anything constructive to the dialogue, but it builds community. In the long run, that's one of the things that makes POTN a little different than a lot of the other forums.

[tim]

At first, this seems like a good idea, but after more reflection, I don't like it. Maybe I'm only looking from a moderator's POV, but there are some people who like to make gratuitously nasty comments, and we have to be able to identify them so we can give them 'attitude adjustments.'

Maybe 'nice shot' doesn't add anything constructive to the dialogue, but it builds community. In the long run, that's one of the things that makes POTN a little different than a lot of the other forums.

Great post! Spot your around buddy :p

[cdifoto]

Maybe 'nice shot' doesn't add anything constructive to the dialogue, but it builds community. In the long run, that's one of the things that makes POTN a little different than a lot of the other forums.

Agreed. I love this cul-de-sac.

[DocFrankenstein]

At first, this seems like a good idea, but after more reflection, I don't like it. Maybe I'm only looking from a moderator's POV, but there are some people who like to make gratuitously nasty comments, and we have to be able to identify them so we can give them 'attitude adjustments.'

Maybe 'nice shot' doesn't add anything constructive to the dialogue, but it builds community. In the long run, that's one of the things that makes POTN a little different than a lot of the other forums.
The arbitrer has spoken.

I long for an unmoderated section. I don't wanna hear "nice" and I don't want people to be held back.

What happens if "nasty" stuff appears on the forum? POTN gets flagged by cybernanny or gets an R rating?

I never ran a site.

[Belmondo]

The arbitrer has spoken.

I long for an unmoderated section. I don't wanna hear "nice" and I don't want people to be held back.

What happens if "nasty" stuff appears on the forum? POTN gets flagged by cybernanny or gets an R rating?

I never ran a site.In this case, it's just an opinion. (mine) In discussions like this, it doesn't carry any more weight than anyone else's.

[Ballen Photo]

Maybe I'm only looking from a moderator's POV, but there are some people who like to make gratuitously nasty comments, and we have to be able to identify them so we can give them 'attitude adjustments.
This is probably the BIGGEST reason that an anonymous, unmoderated forum will "not" work. People are here for the most part because they enjoy the friendly atmosphere, and We (Moderators), as well as the vast majority of members would like to keep it that way.
IMHO, If anything like anonymous comments or voting were to happen here, I think it should be limited to the Critique Corner only. This brings up another point, Why not just start using the Critique Corner for its intended purpose? ;)
-Bruce

[DocFrankenstein]

Good points.

Why not just start using the Critique Corner for its intended purpose?
People critique the images they look at.
Few, if any people ever look into it.
Hence, the forum gets much less critiques.

[dekalbSTEEL]

This brings up another point, Why not just start using the Critique Corner for its intended purpose? ;)
-Bruce

Maybe if there were subforums within Critique Corner (sports, birds, nature, etc.) more users would go there to do their C&C on the type of photography they specialize in.

And I agree the SHARING section should NOT be used for C&C unless the original poster specifically asks for it.

[Croasdail]

Maybe if there were subforums within Critique Corner (sports, birds, nature, etc.) more users would go there to do their C&C on the type of photography they specialize in.

And I agree the SHARING section should NOT be used for C&C unless the original poster specifically asks for it.

Frankly, if critique were not encouraged in the seperate forums, they would become pointless to me. I post images for one reason only, to see what I could have done better. Sure the "nice picture" from a stranger feels good.... but what I really am looking for is how to do things better. "Nice Images" helps little to none... though it is still appreciated.

I wish there were a place to get serious professional critique on images... but not from the crowd who runs around here and uses terms like "junk" and "crap" to describe others work. Critique from those types would be more pointless the the standard "nice shot" crowd. But if there were a place where knowledgeable people could lend their real world knowledge on a subject... it would be great. To me it is all about progression.... and honestly that is one area this site is lacking. I have learned a ton here, and am eternally thankful to those who share real insight here. But going to the next step... critique from those truly qualified to do so... and have the time and inclination to do so....that is a tough one to get.

I think I get where Doc is trying to get to... just not sure what the answer would be. A place where you can flame others work, and not be held accountable... not the answer. Perhaps a place where you can post an image anonymously for critique, where those giving critique is identified, that might work.

I would really like to see a way we can keep the progression going so people could grow into new levels and keep them engaged in this site. You see too many talented people come here, contribute for a while, then burn out because there is nothing new, and drop off.

[queenbee288]

Spot your around buddy :p

Tim, I keep looking at this sentence and I am trying to figure out what the heck you said.

[JohnnyG]

There is an established community of shooters here and everybody knows eath other.


I feel this familiarity discourages free and constructive criticizm of each other's works for obvious reasons.

"Nice photo" is not a critique.

Would it be possible to add an option for anonymity in the critique forum?

Just an idea
"Nice photo" is a critique in my opinion as it gives a photographer some comment. I hate to see photos just sit there with no comment as I'm sure it gives the photographer a bad feeling. We all tend to think that no comment means bad. I know I hate posting a photo and no one says anything. I tend not to post because of that.

Anonymous posting might be okay for voting and other "opinion" polls such as this lens or that but I don't like it for critique of photos as that may tend to draw the negative rather than the positive. I think we should offer constructive criticism positively and avoid the negative as that just hurts feelings. I used to be on another site where that happened a lot and became a contest of who could be the nastiest and there were rarely any helpful comments.

Commenting on a photo does seem to draw criticism and that bothers me too. Instead of people critiquing on the photo they comment on the person that critiqued the photo. If someone says a particular photo should be cropped in a certain way, someone else might say they don't agree with them. That's their opinion of course but it would be more constructive if they critiqued the photo rather than the person that critiqued the photo.

Well, this is just my opinion regarding comments and I'll probably be flamed for it.

[steveathome]

I agree with Johnny G.

It has been so frustrating sometimes when posting images, not to get any response.
Yet some threads tend to get a circle of friends post endless comments, none of which are bad, for a simple snap shot.

Its also equally frustrating, when someone says something along the lines of "its terrible" (quoted from a post recently). Fair enough if you don't like it, but say WHY, and what you would do to improve it.

This is a great forum - the best in fact, but in places has become a friends meeting place rather than a vehicle for photographic exchange.

I can fully understand someone getting excited when receiving new gear, but maybe the Lens or body forum is no the place to be telling everyone, "ups man came today, or "look at my boxes", maybe a new forum for all that could be introduced?

As much as I enjoy photography, I also enjoy purchasing new gear, but I fail to see why these type of threads get so much response, when someone needing genuine information is sometimes passed by.

Having said that, there are some people on this forum with a fantastic amount of knowledge, and experience, and when you do get a response it cant be beaten.

I part understand the op's original post, so maybe if the person posting images for critique could remain anonymous, then perhaps we wouldn't get some of that silly nonsense of sucking up to friends images, of which happens at times.

[tim]

Tim, I keep looking at this sentence and I am trying to figure out what the heck you said.

I meant "you" not "your", and it was poking fun at the thread.

[3Honu]

As I see it, the "photo sharing section" is for sharing photos. Much like what would happen when I go to the in-laws house and pops wants to show me his photos of the desert. The critique section is in the "sharing knowledge" knowledge section for a reason. There are already distinct sections set up for people. Some people, like myself , will post a picture in the photo sharing section and ask for CC. If I don't get it I am happy with that because I am asking for something outside of the established norm. That being said, when I post in CC I expect replies and if necessary I expect to be hammered for my lack of talent or praise for a lucky shot.

The problem here is people are expecting too much from the photo sharing section and not getting enough from the CC section. If someone does not ask for CC in the photo sharing section I try not to give it. That is not what the forum is for.



For the record, I love my father in-law. He's a great man and a good photog. I just needed an example