I agree with Ann. Cheers, frank
--- Original Message --- From: Ann Sanfedele <[email protected]> Sent: November 28, 2011 11/28/11 To: "Pentax-Discuss Mail List" <[email protected]> Subject: Re: Giving and taking criticism Well put, Tom.. Nice summing up of the whole bit ann On 11/28/2011 13:21, Tom C wrote: > Been out and about at Bryce and Zion National Parks over the weekend. > I may have one or two shots to display. :-) > > Here's my thoughts on this semi-annual topic: > > 1. If a person posts a picture they're inviting a response. Usually > they're expecting a positive response I believe, otherwise they likely > wouldn't have posted it. > 2. Having invited a response a poster must be prepared for a response > they did not expect, i.e., negative feedback or tips for improvement. > 3. There's nothing wrong with posting an image and getting an "ego > massage" out of it, especially if it's a praiseworthy image. We all > like to feel good about our photography. > > That being said: > > 4. Many images are offered for viewing that were intended more as a > show& tell and sharing, a form of communication as opposed to an > example of photographic craft. > 5. It seems kudos are often given for these images and they often > receive the same adulation as images that meet a higher standard. > That's unfortunate because it, in essence lumps great shots and > otherwise into the same bucket. It's akin to pooling tips for > waiters/waitresses. Excellent service and poor service are rewarded > equally. That can have the tendency to make some with mediocre shots > believe they have a great image and it tends to have a diluting effect > on praise given to worthy images, especially if the same person is > giving the feedback. > 6. For criticism and critique to have validity one must take into > account the credentials of the one giving feedback, be it here, or any > of the numerous photo sharing sites. But credentials alone is not the > end all, because personal subjectivity always enters in. I've found on > other sites, that it appears some individuals have the tendency to > downgrade others images as a means to inflate their own egos. > Likewise, a beginner in photography can easily get excited about an > image that has little merit - or not realizing how little they know, > give negative feedback and advice. > 7. A negative critique that attacks the photographer as opposed to the > photograph serves no use. It's that kind of negative attack I've seen > from time to time on the list, that I find onerous whether it occurs > to myself or someone else. It's pointless, rude, and serves no purpose > other than to elevate the one giving the critique - in their own mind. > > Personally: > > 7. I generally give only positive feedback and feel that praising the > positive is the best way of promoting improvement and continued > excellence. The photographer can learn the basics from a book and with > practice, so I feel no need to give instruction. > 8. Take a 'no comment' as either negative feedback or lack of interest > on my part. If not that, then it means I was simply too busy too look > or respond. > > Tom C. > -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
