Bob Walkden wrote some intelligent comments.
I'd like to respond 'in-line' to these (see below).
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
<< This raises the question: what is the PUG for?
If people treat it as an exhibition gallery then you're quite right,
people should behave as though they were hanging their prints in an
exhibition, and treat the comments sent via their email address on
the web page as they'd treat comments in the visitors' book. If this
is the case then there is no need for comments on the pdml.
I agree completely with this. If we each gave some private
comments, the problems would be solved.
If it is to be used as a learning forum then there is nothing to be
gained by sending in a shot you know is a sure-fire Pulitzer winner.
People who want advise on how to improve should, imo, tell us why
_they_ think the picture is not up to scratch - ie, give us a clue as
to what they want, and how we can help them - and then listen without
getting upset when we tell them they're not Ansel or Hank or Helmut or
whoever.
I think this is the point Len Paris was complaining about. Most
folks don't contribute less than their best, and squirm with
discomfort when told their 'baby is ugly'.
I think it would be great if the photographer said, 'I don't think
this shot works because of ... and I'd like to know what you folks
think!' This could inspire some interesting commentary.
If it's to be information only ('this is representative of what I do so
you can know more about me & my pdml writing'), then any comment about the
photos is superfluous.
I hope your not being sarcastic here. I'd take the task of building
a friendly, trusting, and respectful community seriously. If the PUG
gallery makes a positive contribution here, I wouldn't call it
superfluous.
Just think of it as a little water spread around to prevent flame
wars.
If it's intended to be therapy for the insecure then let's make that
clear so that nobody's allowed to tell the truth when they see a
photo they don't like, but have to say something soothing & motherly
instead. >>
I've taken a similar approach for some time now and perhaps it
is time to change to another approach.
The PUG gallery has moved from 15-20 photos per month to over
90 photos in the past 2 years. I have tried to encourage people to
participate, because I've had fun doing so and because I learned
a lot trying to meet the quality of photos and jpegs shown in the
PUG. (no bullshit and I'm not stroking any ego's here!) So, I've
been encouraging others to get into the game and enjoy the it.
We have some 400+ readers on the pdml, and some 90 contributors
of photos. That's close to 25%. Maybe it is time for us to stop
wishing for more participation in the PUG. Maybe it's time to stop
encouraging people to try it and start discouraging participation
with a bit harsher public critique of the submissions. Maybe you
want the PUG to evolve into something new.
I know after this discussion, I will be much less hesitant to offer
some
negative feedback on people's images.
Regards, Bob S.
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