We're a very polite people (with the exception of Bill Robb). ;-)
(just kidding, Bill) cheers, frank --- Original Message --- From: "P. J. Alling" <webstertwenty...@gmail.com> Sent: November 28, 2011 11/28/11 To: "Pentax-Discuss Mail List" <pdml@pdml.net> Subject: Re: Giving and taking criticism Stop being agreeable, but then I guess you can't help it, you're Canadian. On 11/28/2011 2:00 PM, knarftheria...@gmail.com wrote: > I agree with Ann. > > Cheers, > frank > > --- Original Message --- > > From: Ann Sanfedele<ann...@nyc.rr.com> > Sent: November 28, 2011 11/28/11 > To: "Pentax-Discuss Mail List"<pdml@pdml.net> > 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. >> -- Don't lose heart! They might want to cut it out, and they'll want to avoid a lengthily search. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net 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 PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.