john_vo1

Thanks for starting this thread Ross. It has generated many interesting views and opinions which I have not had the chance to read all, but have skimmed over quite a few.

 

I don't know if this was mentioned above, but why not have just one rating category that encapsulates both originality and aesthetics, as well as other presently non-ratable categories such as technicality, artistic value, emotional satisfaction, etc. At the moment, I see a lot of confusion over the concept of rating a photo for originality. Originality and aesthetics seem to be rated hand in hand, i.e. [6,6] or [4,4]. Often ratings include the typical one-point spread of [4,5], [5,6], or [6,7] combinations. Sometimes I come across two point spreads, and very rarely I come across those over two-point spreads (are these raters being original or malicious?).

 

I feel that confusion in the individual ratings leads to confusion with the final ratings. I have to admit that I sometimes don't understand the final ratings at all. However, having said that, I see that the very best photos get the excellent ratings they deserve. But, what about those photos that aren't very good, but are still good. I often see a final rating of [4.75,4.50] which doesn't tell me anything useful.

 

I find that the two category rating system, of aesthetics and originality, is quite an original concept (no pun intended), yet I feel it has not worked out as well as imagined. Is it because users are not quite informed on how to rate for originality, or is it because each user has their own interpretation of originality. I think that most people would feel it is a bit of both, with more because of the latter.

 

Isn't a one category rating system sufficient? This seems to be the norm when ratings are offered for movies, music, restaurants, etc. at other websites. Why not have one rating category that cover the gamut of all possible categories a photo can be rated upon (as I have listed above)? I don't mind a numeric rating system at all, however I think it should also be tied in with comments. That is, a user must include a comment with a rating. This will not only limit the excessive compulsive raters, but also give more confidence and validity to the rating system. It can possibly deter the occasional spam rating and hate rating as well. Isn't a one category rating system quite subjective enough that we have to have two subjective rating categories?

 

I feel the Photo.net staff are doing a very good job with this website so far, and I hope they will take this into consideration to make the website even better.

I have recently purchased the Velbon MAXi 343E to use with both my digital Canon Powershot s40 and SLR Canon Elan IIe. I use the EF 28-105mm and the Tamron 70-300mm lens with my Elan IIe. Although I have not used it for long, my experience with it so far is very good. I use it for long night time exposures (30 secs and more), as well as landscape photography. The results from my pictures are impressive, not one image has turned out blurry. The Velbon doesn't weigh much, only 2 lbs. Its quite sturdy, although I usually hold down the center column for insurance in long exposures. The finish and quality of the material is quite good. I find setting up and using the MAXi 343E a snap. The legs extend to a decent height of around 5 feet without center column raised. As for the ball head, I find it very easy to use. The ball head is sturdy and holds my Elan IIe with the 70-300mm lens tight without any slippage. The tripod collapses to a length of 18 inches, and I was quite delighted to note that it can fit into my backpack. I happily carry this tripod wherever I go, since it doesn't take up much space and is so light. For the price of this tripod, I don't think you can go wrong buying it. I highly recommend this lightweight tripod, for the short period I have been using it. Just don't expect this tripod to perform like a much heavier tripod, since for its purpose as a lightweight travel tripod it excels.

I like the current rating system, although it is not perfect. I do find that I rate pictures when I get too lazy to do a review on it. I try to rate pictures because I know that the other person wants some feedback on their picture.

 

Here is how I view the rating scale. I rate pictures according to this criteria.

 

Any rating below 4,4 are pictures that I wouldn't want to keep myself.

Ratings of 4,4 (or combinations of 4 with other numbers), are average pictures which I will keep but won't make a big deal of it.

Ratings of 5,5 are those pictures that I would like to show other people.

Ratings of 6,6 are those that I would enlarge and frame on the wall.

Finally ratings of 7,7 are pictures that are classics, and I would submit to a professional photo magazine.

 

The rating system can't be perfect because each person has their own criteria for rating.