'No words' forum vs. 'Explore' - and comment on - photos

As far as I can remember, I haven't yet commented on this subject but I've felt a need to do so since 'rejoining' PN many months ago.

 

People use any forum as they wish and I'm perfectly OK with that. I use PN as I wish too. Like most members, I read and comment on the forums/threads/posts that interest me and ignore those that don't. I fully subscribe to the motto 'each to his own'!

 

What I still find difficult to understand at PN is the huge popularity of the "No Words" forum in relation to the - much less popular - reviewing of 'new/recent photos'. No, I don't mean the photos for which the photographer explicitly requests 'critique'. Just the new/recent photos that members post.

 

Personally, the 'No Words' forum seems to me to be analogous to 'playing cards' (Snap). One person offers a theme/subject (and an example photo) and other members who - from their archives - have photos on broadly similar themes/subjects post their own examples. No discussion, No questions, No comments. Yet it's by far the most popular forum!

 

Meanwhile, members post new photos that get somewhere around 1% of the attention (views) that posts in the 'No Words' forum get.

 

I personally think that our main focus on PN should be on reviewing new/recent photos and helping photographers to develop rather that sharing our old photos on similar themes/subjects.

 

But ... each to his own.

 

Mike

Many assumptions. Folks who Explore and view images without clicking on them leave no "footprints" - many do that. As to No Words, I post new / very recent photos for themes and as new as possible in response to others' themes (occasionally going out to take a photo for a specific thread) - I am not alone in that. Participation, what is practical, depends a great deal on mobility and health - we have a number of members (by their own statements) who do the best they can, would love to do more, but are able to participate. Had a taste of that myself last year. Others have work or time constraints - No Words just takes a photo and a bit of thought. It is popular for a lot of reasons - a mix of good photos both old and new, whimsy, wit and even occasional ribaldry. No one is required to view No Words or participate.

No Words is my favorite forum. I can skim over some and linger over those I like. No (heated) discussions.No need to defend or explain a viewpoint.

An interesting point, Mike - I find that often I do use a previously-taken photograph, but equally a theme or thread will stimulate me (ooh, Matron - that's the ribald bit) to explore ways I could shoot images that, however loosely, interpret the theme, and it would not surprise me if others take a similar approach. There are times, however, that I feel a simple 'Like' does not express the feelings I obtain from an image, and would like the opportunity to indicate various degrees of 'Like' on images. How do others feel (not that it is likely to happen, but still ...) ?

An interesting point, Mike - I find that often I do use a previously-taken photograph, but equally a theme or thread will stimulate me (ooh, Matron - that's the ribald bit) to explore ways I could shoot images that, however loosely, interpret the theme, and it would not surprise me if others take a similar approach. There are times, however, that I feel a simple 'Like' does not express the feelings I obtain from an image, and would like the opportunity to indicate various degrees of 'Like' on images. How do others feel (not that it is likely to happen, but still ...) ?

When I really like a photo, I start a conversation. Otherwise, there is nothing to say I can't post under virtually any other forum and accomplish what you're talking about. For example a post under Nikon, or Nature, or, or ...will often generate comments and others' contributions.

No Words is more fun than work. It engages me creatively in terms of what variations can be applied to interpreting the theme, can it be multiple entendre, and what images might I have that most creatively respond to the opportunity? Critiques are worthwhile, but hard work. :)

 

I feel a simple 'Like' does not express the feelings I obtain from an image, and would like the opportunity to indicate various degrees of 'Like' on images.

The old PN allowed for this, and I much preferred it over the current version. As noted in other discussions, it's too easy to click the "request critique" button when uploading photos, so it's far too much work to sift the wheat from the tares in knowing what to spend time on. I like the separate seeking critique forum specifically because one must make an effort to select and upload images for consideration, and it encourages thoughtful engagement. Still, I review new postings almost every day, and I try to make comments on the really engaging images, whether or not requested. I frequently find I only have time to comment on one image in a series of outstanding images (like Sanford's excellent harbor set). It comes down to time more than anything else.

Personally, the 'No Words' forum seems to me to be analogous to 'playing cards' (Snap). One person offers a theme/subject (and an example photo) and other members who - from their archives - have photos on broadly similar themes/subjects post their own examples.

 

Not the least of the reasons I like it. It is like a game, not serious and heavy with portent.

 

Although it has got a little more chatty than it used to be, and I think that's a good thing as long as it doesn't get too far down that road.

Good points, Sandy. It's true that Exploring and viewing images without clicking on them leaves no footprint. I guess the actual number of 'views' is higher than registered. And I understand that some members for reasons of health or mobility time constraints (including me) are able to post less new photos than they would like.

 

Don't get me wrong - the NW forum is fine and fun and I occasionally participate too. It's just the apparent difference of popularity (in photos posted and thread views) between NW threads and photos that puzzled me.

 

Many assumptions. Folks who Explore and view images without clicking on them leave no "footprints" - many do that. As to No Words, I post new / very recent photos for themes and as new as possible in response to others' themes (occasionally going out to take a photo for a specific thread) - I am not alone in that. Participation, what is practical, depends a great deal on mobility and health - we have a number of members (by their own statements) who do the best they can, would love to do more, but are able to participate. Had a taste of that myself last year. Others have work or time constraints - No Words just takes a photo and a bit of thought. It is popular for a lot of reasons - a mix of good photos both old and new, whimsy, wit and even occasional ribaldry. No one is required to view No Words or participate.

Hi David, by 'reviewing' photos I didn't mean to suggest writing a 'critique'. As Sandy says, I Explore recent photos now and again, click on the ones that I want to see full-size (adding a registered 'view') and occasionally leave a compliment for photos that I really like.

 

QUOTE="DavidTriplett, post: 5766859, member: 9150524"]No Words is more fun than work. It engages me creatively in terms of what variations can be applied to interpreting the theme, can it be multiple entendre, and what images might I have that most creatively respond to the opportunity? Critiques are worthwhile, but hard work. :)

I fully agree with Sandy and JDM about the forum, but I have a frustration, definitely personal, but perhaps others share it.

 

Every day there are spectacular pictures, often of local or foreign scenes, streets, buildings, etc., with a notation of, perhaps, a beautiful 12th century church as " Nikon D7100".

 

Obviously, a rose is a rose.....(Stein) but a clear identification of a subject which is interesting would not abuse the "No Words" rule.

 

Any opinion on that?

I fully agree with Sandy and JDM about the forum, but I have a frustration, definitely personal, but perhaps others share it.

 

Every day there are spectacular pictures, often of local or foreign scenes, streets, buildings, etc., with a notation of, perhaps, a beautiful 12th century church as " Nikon D7100".

 

Obviously, a rose is a rose.....(Stein) but a clear identification of a subject which is interesting would not abuse the "No Words" rule.

 

Any opinion on that?

 

I agree entirely - indeed, I usually try to do the same, knowing not every subject is obvious, especially many of the Natural History subjects. And I believe the rule explicitly permits this.

Direct from the No Words Forum Rules

 

"A sentence or two regarding how you made the photo, the technique, or about the subject is permitted, however discussions and comments about the submissions are not allowed in this forum. Those are best posted in the Critique Forum. If you wish to comment on a member's photo that you saw in this forum use the PhotoNet messaging system and send a message directly to the contributor, or alternatively, send an email. DO NOT post comments into this forum."

The No Words forum is great for old people like me! Good idea to keep the neurons in the brain moving around and generating electricity and it never hurts to have some non-political fun. Seeing what others post is always interesting and I don't care if it's their current or old images.

I enjoy the No Words forum, in part because it's amusing to see if I have anything that fits the topic, including things that aren't too obvious. It stimulates me to rummage in memory and archives sometimes too. And while I like technical discussions and so forth, I also like the idea of a forum that's not too serious and just about the pictures. I do usually mention locations where that seems useful .

 

If that forum displaced something else, I suppose it would be worth arguing about, but since there are plenty of others, I don't see any problem whether anyone else likes it or not.

I like the No Words forum, and post there often. I have a large archive of images and post both new and old photos there. I've been posting in the Critique forum, participating on both sides (adding photos and talking about others' images). While I seem to get "likes" from people on images I post in No Words, having people actually critique my photos is both more satisfying, and really helpful as well.

 

That said, I don't always post my *best* in No Words, but always post photos I've taken that I really like a lot, ones I might consider among my better shots- in the Critique forum.

 

I do find myself wishing more people would offer critiques tho, there seem to be only a few people posting over there, more. posting photos for critique than those actually critiquing.

 

I do find myself wishing more people would offer critiques tho, there seem to be only a few people posting over there, more. posting photos for critique than those actually critiquing.

 

I often don't like to post negative reviews, so I frequently don't offer my critiques. Wonder why? Here is a composite review I wish I had nerve to post of some of the critique forum images I've seen:

 

"I really don't like this photo. It's not sharp where it needs to be, and the image is too busy. For a black & white photo, it lacks much needed contrast. The bokeh isn't too good either. It really doesn't say anything to me. And what it seems to be trying to say doesn't seem all that important a message to begin with."

 

Whew! What a load off my mind LOL.

HA well Vincent, a critique is a critique, and I, for one, put photos up and fully accept whatever comes back at me for it. I don't think people would take things personally, but I can only speak for myself. We put photos up in order to learn, well at least I do. One thing I've learned is that some of the photos I've posted which I like, aren't always accepted by The Collective.

 

Another thing I have found (not in No Words or Critique, per se) is that there are a lot of people running around with cameras these days. From seeing things, around the web from f@c3b00k, Inst*gram, P.net and other places- some people are better at photography than others. (and there is my own VERY broad, negative critique) ;-)

It was the NW forum that brought me to this site all of those years ago. In the interim I have had periods where I actively participated in critiquing images and engaged in other wordy forums. This never ends well and I go back to the NW forums. It's safe and fun and wonderfully free of other people's wisdom. I do on occasion skim the crop of latest photo uploads. I seldom see anything that moves me to leave a comment and when I do, no active interaction occurs.

The NW forum is light relief to some of the more wordy forums that on occasions stray way off from the original OP.

Long live the wonderful No Word Forum.

There has occasionally been comment on threads being 'resurrected', with cogent arguments being made on both sides of the debate. However, in the NW forum, there are two threads which occur on a regular weekly basis - Fixed Focal Length and Monochrome Monday. The start dates of these are indicated. Despite this, there have been occasions when images have been posted in threads clearly marked as referring to previous periods.

 

In the 'Landscape' and 'Nature' Forums, when a thread has reached the end of its 'lifetime', it is locked to prevent further postings, although still open for likes to be registered. Could the same be applied to NW threads, so that people do not inadvertently post to an outdated thread ?

I think 'no words' make this forum unique. I've never seen it before. Leave it alone.

There has occasionally been comment on threads being 'resurrected', with cogent arguments being made on both sides of the debate. However, in the NW forum, there are two threads which occur on a regular weekly basis - Fixed Focal Length and Monochrome Monday. The start dates of these are indicated. Despite this, there have been occasions when images have been posted in threads clearly marked as referring to previous periods.

 

In the 'Landscape' and 'Nature' Forums, when a thread has reached the end of its 'lifetime', it is locked to prevent further postings, although still open for likes to be registered. Could the same be applied to NW threads, so that people do not inadvertently post to an outdated thread ?

 

Does it seem like a majority of people get peeved when or if someone dredges up an old thread? Because I'm not sure this is the case. (although I could be wrong) For my money, I cannot say I've seen it all, so I personally don't mind if someone goes back a few pages and posts s something to an old thread. Clearly, they are just now seeing it and have a contribution to make.

Does it seem like a majority of people get peeved when or if someone dredges up an old thread? Because I'm not sure this is the case. (although I could be wrong) For my money, I cannot say I've seen it all, so I personally don't mind if someone goes back a few pages and posts s something to an old thread. Clearly, they are just now seeing it and have a contribution to make.

 

Yes, I understand, accept and respect this - indeed I have added my own minor contributions to these on occasions. What I was suggesting was that threads with a definite start (and, presumably, end) date be locked once the end date has passed. Not peeved, just a thought, as adding to previous weeks' threads adds little to the overall result.

It's looks like two different Pnet communities coexisting on the same website, two different groups of photographers posting pictures in the same time, some prefer forums including "No words", some like Critique.

Direct from the No Words Forum Rules

 

"A sentence or two regarding how you made the photo, the technique, or about the subject is permitted, however discussions and comments about the submissions are not allowed in this forum. Those are best posted in the Critique Forum. If you wish to comment on a member's photo that you saw in this forum use the PhotoNet messaging system and send a message directly to the contributor, or alternatively, send an email. DO NOT post comments into this forum."

 

Most often I write nothing, but sometimes a little about how I made the photo. One time, I did get my words removed, even though I thought they weren't excessive. (Besides how I made the photo, I also mentioned the hole in the shutter. It seems it was too much for a secondary moderator.)

 

Note that Facebook used to have only "Like" but now has a few other choices. Maybe we could get those choices here, too?

 

I try to match up the "No words" threads with my favorite pictures from recent trips, though sometimes have gone back

to my college years (about 40 years ago).

 

You can, of course, post a photo in any other thread and start a discussion about it. I might have put one that could have gone in "No words" somewhere else, so I could discuss it, but not in the critique sense. With a little luck, you can get a discussion going, like you won't in "No words".

 

A few times, I have had a picture that I liked, and waited for the appropriate "No words" thread to post it into.