What makes you respond (or not) to a thread?

Last few threads I have started asking for critique on the photos did not generate many responses and it made me wonder why. I got many hits but not much input.

Some pics draw a lot of feedback whether its just fluff ("great job", "wow", etc.) or constructive criticism (going into detail on how the photo could be improved).

I got neither so is it something particular that turns people off from commenting? Something I am doing wrong?
Are my pictures so good that people are left speechless? LOL

I know its not just me because I see some threads out there with no responses at all, but there must be a reason.

So what is it that draws you in to comment on the photos and what may turn you off?

I believe this may benefit us newbies the most.

Please share your thoughts.

What I have noticed is the threads that get the most reviews are the ones where the poster is known for responding a lot to other posters threads. I look at most everything posted on POTN but don't respond back a lot which is probably why my post get little action (only two replies to a G&N post I made three days ago) on some of my posted pictures. Most times I don't feel there is anything I can add that would help the poster, as my work needs help, so I don't say/post anything, just look, read and learn.

I am in the same boat Calicajun. I dont have enough knowledge yet to critique people's stuf.
But that is an interesting point: Give more = receive more.

^^ tends to be true. I think one reason is we know what to expect when commenting.

I'll pass on a lot of them if the OP gets defensive or rude.

Or, if the OP is simply on my ignore list.

And for me, unless I'm pretty sure of what I am taking about, I'll be quiet.

Well, not always.

I know some of us are being "nice"...photos that are beyond criticism are best left unspoken...while some are too jealous or proud to comment anything.

In gen, people don't post (at least for me) are mainly because I've no interest/knowledge or opinions that are totally not helpful to be posted I will just read and go away.

I totally understand not wanting to comment if someone cannot take criticism. Saves a lot of aggravation.
Is there a way to check if you are on someone's ignore list? I dont believe I have earned that yet.

You have commented on my stuff before, Sam, and I greatly appreciate it.

I think I tend to respond to a specific question in a title more often. Or a direct call for help.

smyke wrote in post #14220573
I totally understand not wanting to comment if someone cannot take criticism. Saves a lot of aggravation.
Is there a way to check if you are on someone's ignore list? I dont believe I have earned that yet.

You have commented on my stuff before, Sam, and I greatly appreciate it.

I only imply when I'm on someone's list, because I can say things and they just never respond to any of it.

I think I get on ignore lists when I'm in a bad mood and I get provoked. Then I can be, well, poorly behaved.

If the thread pertains to something I have knowledge of or personal experience with then I will offer help. Being partially color blind, I don't think I qualify to critique images unless it is questions about composition or focus.

I had horse pictures in my threads so there may be people on here that dont feel like they can contribute but I was looking for critique on actual technical aspects as well (exposure, WB, etc.)

The decision to comment or not is often set up by the original poster. Sharing a link to your entire online body of work is a sure fire way to get no response. Even sharing the forum max of 8 images is a bit too much for many people. They might feel like commenting on one shot, but then feel like they are obligated to comment on all of them, so it is easier to say nothing.

Another way to get no responses is to set up the photo with some over the top lead in....."this is the greatest photo I've ever taken" or "I showed this to family and friends and they were totally amazed!" If you offer an honest critique, the OP gets offended, because obviously it is the most wonderful photo of all time and couldn't possibly be improved. That of course, begs the question, "If you already think the photo is perfect, why are you asking for critique?"

So many times, it seems like people are just looking for a pat on the back....nothing wrong with that....but put those shots in the photo sharing section. If you really want critique, submit one or two photos tops. If you have a specific concern about the image, don't hesitate to mention that. "What do you think of this pose" or "how can I make the background look better"? Include the details of the photo....either by leaving the Exif intact or by listing the shooting details. If there is no information on how the image was captured, you can almost guarantee that people won't offer up a lot of comments.

Great pointers Dan.
I usually put up 4 - 5 pics so that will have to change.

The first thing that draws me to a post is the title,or I know the poster has posted some outstanding photographs of things I am interested in eg birds,wildlife,aircraf​t and NG. I have done all except NG so I feel I can not comment on them. The others I feel i am not qualified enough to give critique beyond I like, great photo,and wow. If I go beyond that it has to be something very obvious.
As has been stated earlier I have found the more I respond to other peoples photos (even if its just good shot) the more I get responding to my posts, Also as stated if you ask a particular question about one of your photos you would get a better response.
It is a great board stick with it.

I am definitely not going anywhere. This place is great and I have gotten crits before but just couldnt put my finger on the last few.

I tend to skip over posts with misspelled words in either the title or body. I do give slack to posters where English is not their core language. I'm just thankful Pekka didn't make this a Finnish language forum