How to get more views

[mpblaze]

<p>How do I get more people to see my photos on pnet?<br>

Thanks!<br>

Matt</p>

[paul_de_ley]

<p>Hi Matt,</p>

<p>Try posting some pics in different threads of the No Words forum, or if there's a Picture Of the Week thread for your brand camera then show some of yours there - and if there isn't one yet then don't hesitate to start such a thread yourself.</p>

 

[gordonjb]

Currently the best way to get the largest amount of attention for your photos is as follows.

 

 

1. Upload photos for ratings , any photo will do, quality is of no consequence.

 

 

2. Go to the Top Rated Photo Gallery pages and note the small group of people whose work dominates those pages. They are easy to identify, just look for mediocre work with large numbers of 6/6 ratings and fluffy gratuitous praise attached.

 

 

3. Do as they do and rate every photo they upload with a minimum of 6/6. Leave comments such as " Great pic! ". Always address them as " your friends "in order to make sure there is no doubt that you expect membership in the club and reciprocation. Be sure to never offer any actual constructive criticism, if you do, they will never rate your images or leave comments again.

 

 

4. If you carry on like this faithfully the 6/6s will start to roll in and slowly build over time. If you stick to it for enough weeks, you too can have your images in the TRP section of photo.net and consequently have the greatest number of people viewing your latest uploads.

 

 

 

 

The other alternative would be to produce stunningly good photographs and hope that people notice the quality of your work and that you garner enough ratings to rise up in the Top Rated Photo galleries. This is more of a long shot and takes more time and talent but it does work..... sometimes.

 

 

Good luck and happy posting.

[bernie moore]

Gordon, does my hair trigger detect a faint note of cynicism?

[aldrich]

<p>Gordon,</p>

<p>You forgot, the absolute key to earning membership into this exclusive club is to use the word "maximus" as much as humanly possible.</p>

<p>Matt,</p>

<p>I have begun paying close attention to people in the forums, and especially those who have critiqued my work in the past. Those that provide insightful help or comments go on my magical list (OK, so it's my interesting people list, but anyway). When I post an image I'd like feedback on, I distribute an e-mail to selected members who I feel would contribute a fair, honest critique to the image. I may only call on some for abstract and portraits, but I wouldn't bother them if it were floral, I might ask someone else for that. Pay attention to people and what their "specialty" is. This will take some time...I've been a fairly diligent poster here for over 2 years, and I only have 15 people on my interesting list, but I know I can call on any of those 15 and they will always come through...don't expect to have 50 by tomorrow.</p>

<p>If you want to do this, pull up your word processor and draft an e-mail explaining which image(s) you want them to look at, and maybe a brief summary of what you are looking for commentary on, whether it be focus, a certain mood, or whatever. Tell them you like their work in a certain category (and mean it, I'm not telling you to lie or pretend you're interested), and you'd appreciate their feedback, IF they'd like. Make sure you tell them it's optional. People don't like things like "if you don't do this, I'll be very disappointed and won't visit your portfolio again."</p>

<p>Once your draft is done, go to the member pages of the chosen, click the "E-mail member" link, enter a subject, copy, paste, include their name, done. I just did that yesterday with about 10 people on a small portrait series. In less than 8 hours, 3 of them have already commented, and most importantly, it is honest feedback, not the garbage Gordon is making a farce of. I'd rather have two people write paragraphs on how much they dislike it AND why/what they'd do differently over 50 of "Yet another great shot my wonderful friend. maximus! 7/7 anon."</p>

<p>I was a bit shy about doing this at first, but I've found it to be very helpful as long as you are polite about it and make it known that it is entirely optional. And as I said before, this only works if you seek HONEST feedback. If you send e-mails asking someone to give you a good rating...well...just don't do it. :-)</p>

<p>And of course...return the favor, and offer those you ask an insightful look at their work too. Karma.</p>

<p>Good luck to you...give it a try.</p>

<p>--Ryan</p>

 

[stamos]

<p>If you are adult and if you don't have problem with nudity maybe nude category.<br>

Nudes have more views.</p>

[AJHingel]

<p>Matt I have only one advice. View photos of others in the first place and comment on them when ever you feel you have something to say. Others viewing your photos will come by itself thereafter.<br>

Flattering others in the hope that they will flatter you serves no end in improving our photographic skills - apart from maybe flattering you. </p>

[gordonjb]

Bernie;

 

Your trigger is most likely functioning within acceptable parameters, however Matt did ask how to get more visibility for his photos and my answer is the quickest and currently most popular approach. Can you suggested a more effective route?

 

Ryan;

 

How could I have overlooked Maximus! ?

 

I can testify that your suggested approach works to instigate more genuine critique. I cannot tell from Matt's original question whether he is looking for more critical feedback or an increased amount of exposure at PN. They are distinctly different goals achievable by different tactics. Some clarification from Matt may be helpful.

[lex_jenkins]

<p>Gordon, you made me snort coffee through my nose! Kinda stings. Like honest criticism. Well done, my dear friend. Excellent use of Fauxteauxmatics HDR (Humorously Demented Rejoinder).</p>

<p>Semi-seriously, Matt B: Just join in the fray. Submit photos for ratings and critiques. Just remember that ratings and critiques are entirely separate and distinct things. Ratings are a popularity contest and not intended to be instructive in any way. Giving attributed ratings to other's photos will improve your chances of receiving views and ratings.</p>

<p>When requesting critiques be specific about your goal for the critique. I tend to overlook most critique requests that say something like "Thoughts?" or "All comments welcome" or "Thanks in advance." I have no idea from those generic requests whether the person is seeking:</p>

<ul>

<li> instructions in the basics (which might be interpreted as condescending by an experienced photographer); </li>

<li>an invitation to submit an edited version with cropping (again, some people are offended by this); </li>

<li>an informed essay based on an experienced viewer's interpretation of the intent of a skilled photographer who is not seeking suggestions for improvements but feedback about whether it succeeds in conveying a particular aesthetic. </li>

</ul>

<p>I look for specifics such as the request for <a href="../photo/9215979">this photo</a> : <em>"I tried working with natural light and decided to get some helpful critique that will help me get better at it. What do you think are do's and don'ts in this photo? Thanks."</em> That's a very specific request that makes clear the photographer's goals and invites constructive suggestions or, in the event that a photo is excellent as-is, a confirmation that the photographer's technique and choices were successful.</p>

<p>Or just <a href="../photodb/user?user_id=4130248">write something amusing</a> in a discussion forum. That's what usually prompts me to look at someone's portfolio. But another person might be more motivated to look at the portfolio from<a href="../photodb/user?user_id=172915"> someone who babbles incoherently</a> or never misses an opportunity to <a href="../photodb/user?user_id=4522427">discuss sheep in every conversation</a> ; or a <a href="../photodb/user?user_id=2344388">fellow who manages to make dogs seem interesting</a> to <a href="../photodb/folder?folder_id=913268">a cat person</a> . Or just be <a href="../photo/1100067">a classic meme</a> .</p>

[bernie moore]

Gordon, sarcasm only works because it is brutally honest. The twinkle in my eye remains; just didn't use a smiley face to suggest the hyperbolic intent of my remark. As for Matt: be careful what you ask for; the 3/3 beast is lurking.

[gordonjb]

Lex;

 

I would have more sympathy toward your stinging nose holes if it were not for the fact that I've done the same thing on more than one occasional while reading your rejoinders , my friend. You may now be in need of one of those Netty pot sinus irrigation thingamajigs I read about on yet another one of these wonderfully educational CC threads.

 

 

Bernie;

 

Even though you did not put on a smiley face , no doubt to avoid incurring the wrath of Josh the smiley hater , I managed to pick up on that twinkle in your eye all the same.

[thomas_hardy1]

<p>Pretend you're a woman and upload lots of pics of your girlfriend or teenaged daughter and say that they are your self portraits.</p>

<p>Sorry, that's for Flickr.</p>

[jgalyon]

<p>Here's one that no one has mentioned...and one that I wouldn't recommend, i.e., don't try this at home.<br />Find a way (it shouldn't be hard) to become clinically depressed...refuse to take your meds...loose your temper on a regular basis (while signed in)...make outrageously offensive comments...challenge everyone on every subject (including administration)...make a total ass of yourself at every opportunity....and, humm...seems like I'm leaving out something. Oh yes! Threaten to beat the living hell out of Gordon! All this assures that you will get plenty of attention and most likely...an abundance of ratings, but it has its negative points as well...including being suspended from the site for a year. <br />Gordon-if you're listening...my apologies for not responding to a comment you made on a photograph of mine...and a welcome back. I'll be writing soon! And...I promise to never again ...threaten to beat the hell out of you, and my promise to share some Tennessee sipping whiskey with you stands as well! Your friend from Dixie...John</p>

[gordonjb]

Hi John;

 

Yeah that strategy works. You did however back up that plan with some fine photography and more than a few damn funny forum comments.

 

I leave comments scattered about this place with no expectations attached, so no worry. You should know by now that I'm always listening, I try to stay away but it just does not ever work out. I managed to quite smoking and to shake off an advanced pain med addiction ( gotta love those medical specialists ), but I can't shake this PN monkey off my back. Maybe I need to get out more, or get kicked off the site for a year. Most of the annoying members have been weeded out yet I have so far remained. I do not get very many of my comments deleted these days and it has been ages since I got a email from management, Good Lord ! maybe I am beginning to fit in.... Nah.

 

I hope you took lots of photos during your exile because I was and am very fond of your work. I missed your wit, your honesty and even your bluntness -- not so much your temper and the threats of violent beatings, although I never did mentioned those emails to management so that had nothing to do with you getting suspended. There can be no doubt that I escalated our exchanges when I should have been trying to diffuse them, so some portion of the blame comes my way.

 

Next time I am passing through the hills I'll drop a line and hope for the chance to sit back and sip some whiskey on the porch, we could toast to new beginnings. Good to see you around again.

[mpblaze]

<p>Thanks for youur input!<br>

I am not looking for flattery or anything, I just want to grow as a photographer.<br>

Thanks!<br>

Matt</p>

[steve_mareno]

<p>Take better photos? Just a thought.</p>