Why does everyone say nice photos?

SOK wrote in post #14442593

1. This is not a new complaint. There are countless threads that bemoan this very thing.
   
2. We preach that art is in the eye of the beholder when it is suits us...so when someone says "nice shot" to something I find unappealing, do I have to assume they're either lying or stupid? Is it possibly they genuinely think it's a nice shot but don't have much more to say?
   
3. The critique you get on an online forum is often worth what you pay for it...which in POTN's case is nothing.

Nice thread though

Not sure if I agree with your points. If one posts, "Nice shot", shouldn't they follow it up with at least one detail that makes it a nice shot in their eyes? This drive by complimenting cheapens the forum.

If you say so, but I still don't see the mystery in it all.

I refuse to believe that any significant number of people offer 'nice shot' as a lie or a malicious red herring to deceive the photographer that there's nothing wrong with it when in fact there is.

Some people just don't look too deeply and others can't (or don't have the time) to expand.

To be clear, I'm not saying I don't like detailed and specific C&C. I try to go to that level if I'm ever dishing it out.

Maybe I'm far too trusting and simple but I take "nice shot" for what it's worth. It's not worth very much but it's something. They don't have to say anything.

I suspect they actually think they're good pictures. To each their own. I've noticed that in the G&N forum often random posters (rather than regulars) will compliment terrible pictures. I suspect it's because they appreciate the model or some sort of picture that's too trashy for me to like or maybe because they just don't know what a good picture requires.

I don't think it's for the sake of the poster's feelings. I think we just don't comment when doing so would require too much criticism or it's hard to even pick a place to begin that's not: these are awful.

It's also possible some are being sarcastic to counteract those "these are awful" feelings.

Right and I appreciate that, but why not post why they think so? One reason would be enough. But as it stands most compliments are thrown around without any reason.

To clarify, if someone likes my photo, I want to know why they liked it so I can replicate it. Simply posting, nice pic, is possibly one of my worst fears since it offers no substance to go off of in how I shoot in the future.

Actually, this is a great thread for a noob (like me).
I am probably one of the big offenders, following examples of others posters.
I have posted some shot asking for specific C&C and had some help comments for a noob.

Other times I post shots and get no comments. I assume that they are simply uninteresting to the serious sports or motorsports photographer.

When I compare my shots to most of the stuff posted here, my stuff pales. Honestly, I expect it to.

If there are threads and links as to what make a good sports / motorsports shot, I'll look there there and ask for very specific comments and make either none or make specific comments.

Owen Guion - aspiring sports/motorsports shooter

I think the forum rules create the tendency to make "nice-nice" - and contribute to distorted reality. It's unfortunate. I've made some critical comments on this forum that were nicely worded, but honest, and they were deleted. This cheats the person who's asking for honest advice. Sadly, there are many who are just looking for a pat on the back, and if you're honest, you hurt their feelings - and lord knows we can't have that! This coupled with blog admins who are more concerned for a person's feelings than giving it to them straight, and you have a watered down blog that works against some of the reasons it was started in the first place.

ajaffe wrote in post #14438517
Like the title says, why is the increasing trend in the sports section post "Nice photos" or "Excellent picture" or "Great set" when the reality is far from it? I for one hope that if I ever post a weak photo, people tell me that is sucks so that I can learn and grow from it instead of taking more weak photos thinking I am doing well.

Further, why is it that so many people do not mention "why" it is a great photo or great set?

Just some thoughts, time to hop off my soap box.

Believe me I do not

eat, I got some nice rolls from the bakery
eat, I gotta nice roast from the butcher
Dr. Frankenstein, nice set of knockers

nice has just been around forever

You-by-Lou wrote in post #14446264
eat, I got some nice rolls from the bakery
eat, I gotta nice roast from the butcher
Dr. Frankenstein, nice set of knockers

nice has just been around forever

Was I supposed to not understand this?

ajaffe wrote in post #14446477
Was I supposed to not understand this?

no....it was a nice soapbox...............​I hear ya

A majority of the talented pros have been chased away from this Forum by the trolls so there isn't much meaningful advice going around these days. POTN sports threads have kinda become the National Enquirer of photography. It pales to what it was.

Instead of asking why the shot is bad, we should ask why the shot is nice...since people like to comment "nice" anyway...

That is completely my point! Great to know others feel the same way.

In today's world, most people expect positive feedback, like a trophy for showing up.

So, anything negative and the receiver of the feedback is likely to react. And it is just isn't worth it.

So, I usually only post nice comments.

Even posts with instructions on how to improve a result, for example in photoshop, may be met with resistance or disdain.

Again, why bother?

S.Horton wrote in post #14448274
In today's world, most people expect positive feedback, like a trophy for showing up.

So, anything negative and the receiver of the feedback is likely to react. And it is just isn't worth it.

So, I usually only post nice comments.

Even posts with instructions on how to improve a result, for example in photoshop, may be met with resistance or disdain.

Again, why bother?

Yes, why bother. Those with gifted eyes can see something is wrong with the photo. They ask the ontological questions of why the photo existed or why the photo should be here. They can even learn from their own photos. Those that got no eyes, they just make excuses.