Force people to comment on other threads

I'm not sure if this is something that's doable, but there's some behaviour on here that's downright rude that I was hoping might be addressed in forum software. In short, at least in the urban forum, you have probably over half the posters who have no issues about posting threads all the time to get input on their photos, but never ever ever comment on anyone elses threads and as a result we have tons of threads that just drop off the page with 2 comments at most. I can understand that maybe people don't have time to comment on every post they come across, but it's downright rude to post your own work and expect people to check out your own stuff without giving any thought to looking at theirs.

So what I propose, if possible, is maybe some kind of forum feature where a poster will have to post in just TWO other threads before being allowed to post their own topics. It's not a huge commitment in time, and hopefully it will get people thinking about contributing as much as they plan on taking from the forum.

Don't get me wrong, there is a core group of people who post on all sorts of other people's work like condyk, bottombracket, BIGTUFFGUY and several others that are only ommited because of my own carelessness but it's crap that there's so many people who don't contribute what they expect to get out in return.

Please use that little red and white triangle button to report rude or inappropriate threads..... Considering the number of members here, we don't have too big of a problem with that but please report those that you find.

Hmm, I just totally disagree. Feel free to post and feel free to comment. If your shot is interresting you will get plenty comments. Putting a minimum just doesn't make sense to me, you will just get a million more "great shot" comments and what difference will that make?
To many rules allready, please don't add more.

Hey I get tons of comments on my threads, I'm not worried about myself here. I just think it's unfortunate that myself and a small group of other people are the only ones (in the subforum I participate in, I can't speak for the others) encouraging the new guys who's shots maybe have some improvement to strive towards still. I think it's actually doubly disapointing that the new guys don't even encourage each other when I think we all have a vested interest in photographers sticking it through and providing us with more interesting photos to look at.

Oh well, merely an opinion of mine

Fair point indeed ... I'll usually comment with people who seem to be interested in photography and are trying to improve or people, like yourself, who have an unusually good eye or demonstrate some real craft.

If someone supports my meagre efforts I will usually support them, tho' I'm too lazy to PP most of the time so maybe I comment more than I post and so part address the imbalance I think my 'style' is unlikely to attract many WOWS anyway, as if I care!

Myself, I'd hate to get lots of 'token' comments which is where your idea could end up I reckon. So, in principle you're right but in reality there are always plenty who take, take, take and fewer who give something back ... and maybe the proposed solution would offer no real satisfaction.

I think we have to ignore those who don't want to play the game, or who prefer to play by/with themselves But I also thing it's possible to build a culture where people eventually are doing what you suggest and being mutually supportive, in terms of getting better, and just plain encouraging. Sincere criticism is good. Mutual backslapping that keeps us all mediocre is no good to anyone. Fine line sometimes. I think as a small group we can probably do a good job of helping that along.

You're absolutely right, I hadn't thought of that. It's unfortunate but I can't think of any way around it either.

This seem's to be happening to me at the moment. I have made roughly 3 threads in which i have posted work up and one got 4 posts! (2 being my own!). I am happy to comment on other people's work and actually look for those that have no comments or reply's. It seems that if there aren't comments existing in the thread already, people won't go ahead to be the first?!

I have had one of my threads viewed over 20 times and not one reply yet - tell me, how long does it take to give a simple reply of 'nice work' or 'could have done this...'.

Well thats my opinion on the matter anyway! I don't think there is really a solution to the problem - the only thing you can do is hope that people like "condyk, bottombracket, BIGTUFFGUY" keep the comments coming and others follow suit.

I just checked out your photo threads and my guess is, the reason you dont get any reply's is that your shooting film on a pentax - this is a forum dedicated to digital canon photography (just my guess).

I suggest you replace the pentax in your signature with your future 350D (or just leave it empty) people tend to comment more on fellow gearowners.

Also do some sharpening on your pictures before posting them some of them are a little blurry and post a bigger size, people kinda expect 800 pixels wide or tall. Im pretty sure this will get you more attention.

I think you show plenty talent in your shots, but the signature is working against you.

Hey, i always thought no news (or comment) is good news.

I think we often see many people view but less comment, is because the forum does not require guests to sign up before they can view the images (is it still the case?). So, some guests just like to browse and see what's new today in Nature & Animal, and then go on to another photo forum, for example.

Further, some members just want to share their photo and don't care much about comment. Either they know their skill is almost pro, or they know their images are mediocre but just want to share the story.

When i comment, i first look for threads from members who have commented my images in the past. If i still have time, i'll comment on images that wow me regardless who the op is. If i am really bored, i comment on people that i hate. Ok, the last one is just j/k. Hate is a strong word. I don't really hate anyone here.

El Twitcho, I agree with you in spirit that to participate means to offer your own work and to comment and acknowledge the photography of other POTNers.

I suggest it also takes time for a new poster to become established and known as one of the participating core of members. Sometimes great threads can be missed if there is a flurry of new posts.

My interest is very much a niche one: stereo photography. Without a dedicated forum I look around forums and freely comment on what I find, enjoy and admire. I dont think it is possible to legislate a certain level of participation other than to stipulate, whatever the participation, it should be civil and in the spirit of free exchange of an enthusiasm for photography in all its forms.

In addition to that I view and possibly comment on threads that have a catchy or unique subject. One good example I like to bring out was when Belmondo started a thread titled "First Post" at at time where I knew that the post definately was not his first post so I looked and got a real good laugh because it really was his first photo of a post

My point is that it is important to give the thread a good title.

It is a pain in the backside when people take a lot of time to comment on others work and then receive no return input and to see people posting lots of pics and no comments. But life's like that.

I think an enforced minimum post count would take away the spontaneity of this fourm and result in lots of "wow" and "nice pic" and not much else from those who fit into your catergory anyway.

There is also the issue that people like Balliolman may not comment on dozens of threads, but when he does reply he gives a considered opinion and offers either support or constructive criticism. I'd much rather have that sort of input than someone racing up the post chart with lots of 's 's and

I really enjoy participating in this forum. I also enjoy going on holiday to the Scottish Highlands - but the day it becomes a legal requirement for me to go there twice a year is the day I stop enjoying it.

It is interesting, however, that the biggest response I have ever had was to a thread I entitled "Test please ignore"

Thanks for your comments. I have just changed my sig. to include the fact I am soon to upgrade! The pictures do need a bit of sharpening don't they.

"I think you show plenty talent in your shots" - you have made my day!

I'm sorry; it may be a bit of an inferiority complex thing but I really don't feel qualified enough to comment or offer advice on other people's work, I do however seek advice from the more experienced on my own work. Perhaps when I feel more comfortable with my own abilities I'll comment more on others.

Having an opinion qualifies you.

And working through a comment makes you think about the image, what you like/dislike, and *why* you like or dislike the image, or parts of the image. This extended thought process will actually help you take your own pictures - you'll think even more when you see your own shots, and you'll be more critical, and eventually think even more when you're *taking* your own shots. Eventually this will - hopefully - become more instinct rather than a thought process.