hollysmile

There are some of us who do not rate the photo's we don't like. I guess that doesn't give the rating system the 'bottom' you are looking for. I personally have a problem with giving 1's and 2's because, it seems to be a matter of taste as to what is good or bad. I have a whole spectrum of ratings on some of my single photos, ranging from 2- 6 (for the same photo), with no real idea as to WHY. I have had one 7, which was immediatly followed by a 3 I think, so who can figure these thingums out?

I think if you feel strongly enough (good OR bad) to give someone a 1 or a 7, you owe the photographer at least an explaination so they can either do that 'gOOD' thing again, or try to avoid that BAD thing.

I REALLY LIKE that idea about using MORE WORDS in the comments, that would be good :)

just my two cents worth

holly:)

As a newbie, I'm sure a lot of you will think I have no business posting in this discussion. However, I'm gonna do it anyhoo :)

From what I can gather from the above posts, the concern does not seem to be about negative comments per say, it seems to be about giving a 1 and leaving a single word comment. Now I understand how that can be interpreted as a little RUDE. If you do not LIKE the photo, you should be able to say WHY you don't like the photo.

Marc, I have not had the honor of one of your critiques, but I can assure you, if you actually comment/critique however negatively, It would not be unwelcome. I believe what is being questioned here is the practice of putting low ratings, and no legitimate comment.

Legitimate meaning using actual sentences. Words. Information.

Not snide remarks like 'you are so stupid'

'I can't believe you posted this'

'?'

In MY humble opinion, if you put a question mark there, that means you don't understand something, and if you don't understand it, how in the world can you make a judgement as to whether something is good or bad?

There are a LOT of things I don't understand, and I certainly don't get mad at people because they put something up I don't understand.

That old saying 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder' holds true.

In the art feild, there will NEVER be an agreement as to what is or is not 'ART'/ 'GOOD' 'LEGITIMATE'

This isn't about that, this is about being just downright rude and nasty.

holly:)

I would love to read something like this. I think it's a great idea!

holly:)

Nikos,

I enjoyed your 'blantently plugged in' examples :) heh :)

I think I understand how it works here. Pretty relaxed and casual, no 'expectations'. It's sort of refreshing actually.

holly:)

So I can assume that no one will think I'm rude or unappreciative if I don't respond :)

thank you so much for the clarification :) I am really enjoying it here.

holly:)

I apologize if this has already been asked and answered.

I'm new to the site, and am not sure what the proper etiquette is for

answering comments to my photos.

I would like to answer every one with a thank you etc., but I noticed

that there is a rating for most comments and that would appear to be

boosting my comment rating. (which is not my intent) Not that it

would make that much difference in my case :)

How do you respond to individuals who help you? I would like to show

my appreciation so they don't think I'm ignoring them or mad. Are we

supposed to send private emails? If I would like elaboration on a

suggestion, should I email the individual or ask in the comment

section? What is the standard on this site?

Also, I would love to be in a 'circle' but I'm not sure how to join.

Do I have to be invited into one?

thanks!

holly:)

That's what I was hoping. I have been clicking on profiles and going to portfolios then to the photos commented on by the photographers I really like. There are some amazing photos here. Is there an Archive? Or a place to mention your 'favorite photographer' in the profile area? Or a 'most influenced by' area?

I really like this place so far. I'm just a little confused about the rating war thing. I'm afraid if I rate someone high I'll get bashed for being to 'nice' ?

holly:)

I have been reading a LOT of words posted on this 'rating' topic. I also noticed a site called Photosig mentioned. I wandered over there and guess what? They are having the SAME argument/discussion.

This rating system/points/'he has more cookies than I do' thing seems to be a real concern on both sites, therefore I am guessing it must be important in some way.

I have to be honest and say, I am new and really do not understand why all this attention is being put on the ratings? Is there prize? Do you get money or a trophey or a JOB if you get the most ratings? What difference does it make if someone who posted 4 days ago has higher ratings than someone who posted a year ago? If I posted something a year ago, I would hope I had taken more shots since then and that the photo I took a year ago had already been commented/critiqued/examined and weighed by now.

Is this/are these sites vanity sites? Are we supposed to be here for the ratings? Because if we are, I am going to start my own site and call it

"here's my picture, whatcha think?"

because that's basically why I'm here. I want to know what you (meaning the people who actually KNOW how to take a good photo) think and how I can take a better photo next time,in hopes to one day be as good as I can be.

I can't figure out how to do that 'whos the best today' page anyway.

Are you best because more people commented on you? Are you best because you got more 6's and 7s? Are you best because more people LOOKED at your picture? AND, WHY is this so important?

Like I asked before, am I missing something? Is there a prize? Is there a winner who gets to go on a cruise? Are there free cameras being given out to the highest rated photos?

Dare I say this? If you give me a 1 and I look at your profile and see what you are giving 6's to.... I might consider a 1 a compliment (meaning I think you like things I don't)!

If you give me a 7 and I see who/what else you gave a 7 to, I may consider a 7 an insult.

There comes a point where you have to use your common sense. I am like some others. I'm new so forgive me for my naivity.

If I see a photo I don't like, I don't look at it anymore.

If I see a photo I DO like, I'm going to tell you, I LIKE IT. AND if I can figure out WHY I like it I"m going to tell you that too.

I don't know enough about lighting/angles/lines and design yet to be able to comfortably critique someone's photo, but I can sure tell you why I like it. Hopefully, and that is why I came here, in time I will learn from some of you enough to understand about the lighting/angles etc. and be able to intelligently offer critique on some photos I really don't like. Isn't that the purpose of this place? If I misunderstood, please tell me and point me in the direction of the proper site to post at.

holly:)

I don't know what this site was, but I do know that my experience here has been very good so far. I'm one of those dreaded 'newbies' making all those mistakes you guys apparently already made a hundred years ago :) But I have had some very helpful comments, some a little harsh, but that's what I'm here for, honest HELP.

I don't expect to be fawned over, courtesy is always nice, but not expected. (courtesy would be nice though) The comments I have recieved both good and bad, have actually been pretty specific and helpful. I am extremely greatful for any suggestions.

I don't think anyone expects every single one of their photos to get comments, I don't. If I learn just a little bit by reading the comments made to everyone, by following people's profiles and ratings etc. I can sort of make some sense as to what is and isn't something or someone I should take seriously, if that makes any sense.

For instance, if someone comes says 'this stinks' and I go to that persons portfolio and only see one photo there, and a whole history of telling folks how they 'stink', I'm probably not going to pay a whole lot of attention to that individual. Know what I mean?

But if someone tells me 'this stinks' and they have a portfolio of more than a couple of photos, and a history of positive critique, I'll probably listen to what they have to say, even if it is hard to take.

I really don't have anything to compare this site to, except my own experience, being here a week. But so far, I am very pleased.

I think you guys are great and I bow humbly to most of your talents.

holly:)