What is the purpose of posting (in the photo-sharing forums)?

I am fairly new to ths site and I have been watching other people's posts. For the most part everyone is very nice and only makes positive comments about other's photos. I have assumed that that is the norm here and so I have limited myself to positive comments and I have avoided critiques that point out flaws and suggest improvements. Is this what everyone wants? Do any of you want honest critiques of your work? I know I always appreciate it when someone points out falws or suggests an improvement for next time. I guess my question is, Is this a showcase forum, a critique forum, or both. If both, how do we tell who wants what. I want to be helpful, but I don't want to offend anyone.

I usually only offer critique only if the person specifically asks for it (bird forum) and then I try to do it based on the skill level of the poster. If you critique everything here I'm afraid people would think you're an a@@ ('you' meaning anyone who critiques everyone and not you in particular). 95% of the time I'd say this is a showcase forum.

I think those who wish constructive critique will usually say "C&C Welcome."

Given the high quality of the photos on your website, I'd say that you could offer much good advice.

.02

pmk

Jim Neiger wrote in post #4380913
I am fairly new to ths site and I have been watching other people's posts. For the most part everyone is very nice and only makes positive comments about other's photos. I have assumed that that is the norm here and so I have limited myself to positive comments and I have avoided critiques that point out flaws and suggest improvements. Is this what everyone wants? Do any of you want honest critiques of your work? I know I always appreciate it when someone points out falws or suggests an improvement for next time. I guess my question is, Is this a showcase forum, a critique forum, or both. If both, how do we tell who wants what. I want to be helpful, but I don't want to offend anyone.

Jim IMO

This is a sharing Forum where Dialog and critique is shared amonst others with similar interests. Critiques should be to highlight good and share methods to correct the bad. To only Criticize servers no value if help can't be offered. Many viewers only express positive and for them that is a safe approach, but many will offer ideas for making a better photo.

That was my initial impression. Since my primary goal is not to offend anyone, I will stick to the positives unless specifically asked. When I do critique an image I try to express my thoughts on the positive and negative aspects, suggest improvements, and do it all gently and honestly. So if you want critiques, please ask for them. I have very thick skin, so I will not be offended by anyone's honest opinion of my images. Please feel free to be brutal when critiquing my images.

Jim, feel free to rip my photos apart with your critique for me, the best way to get better is to have other people view my images and give me feedback. i have way too many people to give me only the good (my family) so i post my images here in hopes to get a real honest critique.

Gretings Jim...I know how you feel. Sometines, NO comment is the BEST comment.
...tom

"ask and you shall receive...seek and you shall find"

Well, I do, and I don't often get any critiques. I don't put C&C Welcome on every post like some do, and it's not in my footer, but that's from laziness. I just don't feel like typing that stuff out each time I post a shot, I assume it's understood.

In your case, there are no flaws to point out. Or none I can see. Your bird shots are awe inspiring, and I doubt many here see anything bad to point out and maybe wouldn't if they did. I have asked questions about how you did shoot some and got answers, but mostly I just drool and view your EXIF, wishing I could afford better equipment.

Jim, I think most of the bird regulars know who you are and would certainly appreciate some how to do it better criticism from a pro. I know I would. Which brings up another point. It's really not good enough to just post our own stuff and answer questions in our own thread. It really goes a long way on the point system to spend time viewing and posting a comment about others work in their threads.

The worst thing that can happen to a person who whipped up the courage to post one of their not so good shots is to see it drop off the bottom with no one posting anything. POTN would become a forum of the elite in no time at all if people didn't take the time to make some sort of comment in threads started by the not so good photographers among us. What makes POTN the best is exactly what you questioned, "Is this a showcase forum, a critique forum, or both." It's both IMO, some come to showcase, others come here to post their stuff for critique so they can become better. Everyone has a different core reason I think, but it all boils down to people wanting to post their shots and see what others have to say. I think we all are aware what others say may not be what we wanted to hear, but those are the chances we have to take. It's like any other community, we all have to commune together to make it what it is.

Well said Mitch.

We put photos there just to brag
Ok seriously... I don't comment all that often, but when I do, I skip that "oh great photo" thing. Since there's no perfect photo, I try to point out those things, which could be done better. I hope people are not offended because of this, but personally I consider such forums as way to learn something new. I might be in this business quite some time, but I can always learn something new, even from someone, who has no idea about photography. Just "I don't like this photo" is sometimes enough, to start thinking on your own. So for me personally, comments pointing out bad things, are worth more then "great job" comments. Even though it feels nice if people like your work, I still prefer bad ones
If someone is offended by my "bad" comments, they can always tell me to stop commenting their photos.

People receiving critique must be able to keep their feathers from ruffling; sort of speak; if they read something that may offend.

What's good in one person's eyes could be taken differently by others.

As a relatively new; and nowhere near the quality of the vast majority of posters hear; I value the critiques and use them as a learning tool. All too often though; the comments received come across as "I must be doing ok", but viewing other post; I can see that I have a long way to go; and would benefit from any/all tips.

The "Constructive Critique" is always in my signature....

Most people don't want true critique, but rather just wish to share. People can be very touchy about their images, so I refrain from sharing my opinion in most cases so as not to hurt feelings or bruise egos. If they don't ask for critique, don't give it.

Well for starters there's a sharing section, and there's a critique section. Not everyone wants feedback whether good or bad...and just wants to show some pics. There's nothing wrong with that, in my opinion.

When I share, C&C is fine as long as it's realistic and tactfully given. Don't rip my images apart because I do put effort into them, but at the same time don't pussyfoot around either. Pouring on the praise is, of course, always more than welcomed by my ego! Most importantly, critique what I can control. I've received comments that certain elements of nature (ie clouds) were distracting in a one-opportunity-only (ie wedding) photo. I'm sorry but I don't have Nextel with Mother Nature.

Hear, hear. And that about boils it down to essentials.

I think this is a very friendly forum where people share their shots. I think its a great nurturing place to learn; personally I have learned a great deal here by looking at the work of others and occasionally asking a question about tecnique, pp or equipment. Also a great place to see cool birds from all over the world regardless of the quality of the pic.