So many lookers so few comments

[DebT]

Hi, can't help wonder why so many posts are getting looks of lookers - yet so few comments ?? The same applies to the excellent Chimp articles ?
When I post it's because I am interested in a cross section of comments good, bad & indifferent and this was a great way of getting that feedback from a group of (semi anon) peers. I don't necessarily post my best stuff (I'm happy its good), but new things I am trying, or wondering how to change/ improve, simply do differently, or just to confirm I'm on track.
I know none of us are compelled to do anything by the very nature of the forum (and this is a good thing) but I am curious as to why so many don't take a minuite to add a comment - do we tend to say nothing if they are not 'our mates' ? do we only comment on outstanding (good or bad) ? do we feel unqualified to comment? are we too busy? Do we think there is too much bland content? Just curious ?
Guess I am noticing that members seem to be drifting off elsewhere and can't help wondering what we as a community can offer to encourage them to stay ? PS I know I'm guilty of it too but have decided to make the effort - after all people can choose to simply ignore my comments

DebT

[aim54x]

Deb, I have disturbed this trend, and it has been mentioned before. I know that I am guilty of this as well, but I have been trying to comment more. A lot of the time I find that other people have said what I want to say, and other's still I cant think of constructive comments, and on occaision I am in a rush.

Sadly there has been a lull in the active posting on this forum, I hope that this will change.

[Killakoala]

I do agree that we should, as a forum, be more active with our comments. It's a team effort though.

We don't need to write war and peace when making comments either. A simple 'Nice work' or 'That's pretty' or even 'Needs more contrast' is helpful.

Like any dynamic environment, the forum does go through phases of development and neglect. It's up to us to ensure when it has a downturn, that we nurture it back to health.

[TonyT]

I agree the activity has been down for a while. I all way try to post a photo in big reds comp as to support it. I do not make many comments but I have posted a few photo's of late and I intent to post more. I will try to add comments when I have some thing worth while to say .

Tony

[ATJ]

This same comment comes up every now and then:

viewtopic.php?f=29&t=36865&p=391657#p391657

[DVEous]

... Obsolete ...

[surenj]

What really bothered me, is when people post pictures under the guise of seeking feedback, but aren't really interested in feedback at all.

I must say, I have occationally wondered about this? One would wonder why they post their pictures in that case? Show off their equipment perhaps?

[ATJ]

Just to support my "overwhelming" claim, 24 of the 43 new posts since my last visit are in C&C.
56% of total new posts in one subforum alone.
The remaining 44% of new content is scattered over the remaining 45 other sub-forums.

I have noted up to ~80% of new posts in the C&C forum alone in the past.

That's likely to be a weekend statistic - more people take photographs on the weekend and then post them. Have a look on a weekday, say a Wednesday, and see what the percentage is then. I doubt it will be as high.

[chrisk]

However, IMO, the overriding reason why there is a poor comment/view ratio, is that photography can be a very personal thing. That makes it a questionable exercise, at best, to ask somebody else for C&C on your own pictures.
They might crop it differently, tweak this or that. Who cares what THEY might do.
If you are happy, then that's all that matters.

this was quite a curious post to me but this part in particular peeked my interest...

if you don't seek feedback from others then how do you seek to improve ? to say simply cos the photographer liked the image s enuf is imo, quite myopic and limiting to the photographer him/herself. the reason you should care what they do is cos its a different opinion, a different take. it allows you to take on bord what they say and accept or reject it as you wish...but to at least consider it.

by the logic you expressed above, why even debate or express an opinion or interact with anyone about anything.

[bloop]

Most of the time when viewing a thread, I find that much of what needs to be said has already been said by someone else, so if I have nothing valuable to add I don't comment, I don't see the point in making a post. Pretty much explains my low post count.

[Reschsmooth]

However, IMO, the overriding reason why there is a poor comment/view ratio, is that photography can be a very personal thing. That makes it a questionable exercise, at best, to ask somebody else for C&C on your own pictures.
They might crop it differently, tweak this or that. Who cares what THEY might do.
If you are happy, then that's all that matters.

I find this interesting as it doesn't take into account the possibility that the original poster may not have considered other alternatives which they may find preferable. For example, in MattK's recent street photography thread, Gerry posted a reprocessed version with greater contrast. Matt may have liked his original but not considered the alternative version(s).

Further, taking this issue further, if we do not seek feedback on our own work, how does the novice improve? Why would the novice who shoots a portrait with the subject's head smack-bang in the middle know that it may be improved by getting a tighter shot with the eyes closer to the top third, for example?

[glamy]

I started a new post when I remembered this thread... And now I even think I won't bother boring you with my thoughts... Maybe just this: I think my pictures are boring and do not bother to post.

[glamy]

I started a new post when I remembered this thread... And now I even think I won't bother boring you with my thoughts... Maybe just this: I think my pictures are boring and do not bother to post. They actually are. So why write anything at all?

[ian.bertram]

Some thoughts for what they are worth.
I am also curious as to why people send photos up that are not really after c&c- I don't see the point. Maybe they are seeking to stay in contact or maybe showing off some great shots. I post because I am trying something new or am not sure why an image 'failed.' In both cases I am seeking guidance from those with much more experience than myself. The problem is that unless everyone else is doing the same thing then the requests for help can get lost amongst the masses. I do though make comment on some of the truly stunning shots from time to time, asking how they did what they did.

[biggerry]

VK4CP (Adam), I swear i saw a post from you on Sunday here, but looked today and there was nuttin' - really spun me out

but I am looking for more technical discussion on photography.

I would love to see some techie stuff too, things like people commenting on new lens accessories etc, even mini reviews by end users would be awesome - not necessary 15 pages essays....

Ya know what, you have a tasty tokina 11-16mm in your kit, i am looking at purchasing one of these, what are the chances of popping out a thread with a bit of feedback on your usage of this lens?

This same comment comes up every now and then:
viewtopic.php?f=29&t=36865&p=391657#p391657

[gstark]

VK4CP (Adam), I swear i saw a post from you on Sunday here, but looked today and there was nuttin' - really spun me out

You're correct, Gerry, but Adam has since deleted his post.

Your suggestion about a review of the lens is a good one: it takes the efforts of everyone here to address the issues that this thread raises, and your suggestion is a very positive way that everyone can help us to help everyone else.

FWIW, I also, several months ago, in fact, modified the Forum Rules wording on the Image Critiques page. Hopefully, somebody might take a few minutes to read them.

[inmotion]

HI As some will recall I have recently purchased a 200-400vr as this was a significant purchase I sought council from this forum and one other.As the other forum had several useres of this lens I had some valuable feedback from those users.After approx 2 months and several posts mostly about this lens I received a PM from the forum operator quite bluntly telling me to post images or he would remove access to that forum.The point to this is that CC of images is valuable to MOST but others have different needs.I find that feed back or advice on Lens and bodies from original users to be invaluable.Also we must remember that advice on images/gear in the foreground may help many watching.I hope I bring a balance of questions and answers/image posts as do most people. BTW I was very Pleased to be made Official Photographer for the recent
Adelaide International Horse Trials

And my typing still sucks
Cheers Jim

[surenj]

I would love to see some techie stuff too, things like people commenting on new lens accessories etc, even mini reviews by end users would be awesome - not necessary 15 pages essays....

I am about to do a Golden Eagle review. one year of service. Still going strong. Wait for it, early December, coming to a forum near you. yeah it will be concise; unless my typing improves in 2 weeks.

Inmotion, Congrats!

[biggerry]

I am about to do a Golden Eagle review. one year of service. Still going strong

I look forward to it suren!