lucas82

Alright, don't focus on the wrong part of the analogy. While I agree that far too many rate simply on the beauty or interest of the subject (be it a person, a car, or a strange shape in the mud), the fact remains that when you ask for someone's opinion, that's exactly what you should get. Thus my point about leaving a message. I can't comprehend getting upset because somebody let their opinion be known, when you asked for it in such a broad manner.

I would prefer that everybody leave a message when they see my photos regardless of rating or not. That way if you're a pro (or just somebody who thinks they can offer some advice) and you feel a need to enlighten me on something that might improve a shot, I'll be able to see that. And if you leave some other message about not liking my picture because apples make you sick or something, then I'll know just how serious to take your rating/opinion.

Some people seem to be really butt-hurt about ratings on this site. Does it suck that someone (or some people) keep rating 3/3? Of course. But is it worth making everybody pay just to look at this site? I don't think so.

I know that I personally (and get the feeling that many others as well) are here because we want to show our accomplishments, look at others', and share knowledge. If I were really worried about what the random public thought about my pictures on a scale of 1-7, my portfolio would have maybe three pictures in it. (And I know there are some people like that on this site, and they have that option of only submitting the pictures they think will be rated highly)

For what my two cents is worth, let me say this: I hate Scions (the cars). If you drive a Scion, I think its ugly. If you ask me what I think about it (or ask me to rate it) I'll tell you its hideous and on a scale of 1-7 I would give it a 3/3. I think they look like milk cartons and wouldn't survive a moderate headwind, let alone real crash.

It's the same with pictures. Hey, you asked, you subjected yourself to my opinion. Life sucks--get a helmet and move on. As long as you're happy with it, what's it hurting that someone else doesn't appreciate the beauty of it?

The only thing I find a bit annoying is when someone rates "below average" but doesn't bother to explain why. There are many people here (paying and non-paying) who contribute a wealth of knowledge and experience and will certainly take the time to let you know exactly what they think of your work and why.

To tell someone that you don't like their work without any logic to back it up, is just plain rude. But again, passive rudeness on some website isn't gonna really mess my week up.

Ratings are fun/exciting in that "HotorNot.com" kinda way, and do add some spice to the site. And if that's all you're here for, then have fun, but understand what you're subjecting yourself to. The rest of us will be rating too, but we'll be offering/requesting objective feedback and sharing our pictures as well.

In closing, the only suggestion I have for this "problem" is that perhaps if someone opts to give a "below average" or less rating, they should be prompted to also contribute a critique, if for nothing other than to explain why they rated so low.

I believe that there should be a TRP for each category, as well as the overall TRP. However, I have never had the problem of having to sort through page upon page of nudes. Partly because I rarely look at the photo ratings, but when I do, I actually notice a healthy helping of many different categories.

Personally I think this site has done a good job at representing all different genres.