I am curios about how you go about selecting photos to comment on. Do you check out pp or tp, check your feed or what. I try to go through my feed most days. I also try to leave a comment on at least one photo by every member in my feed. I don't have time for long comments on all shots so mostly stick to one or two words. my thought is that you know I saw and appreciated you efforts. But I worry that you weary of my simple posts. Should I continue my simple posts or be more selective and give a longer comment . So please share your thoughts on commenting.
I shall keep an eye on the replies to this interesting question! I mostly only look at my feed, but at the beginning of the year I look for new starters to encourage them. I'm sure I try to say something about at least one of the photos each friend has posted when I open 365, but friends with many albums probably get fewer responses. Pictures with lots of previous comments don't usually get one from me because everything has already been said!
I just comment on photos that I especially like and fav those I really like. If a photo has moved me in some way, like made me say "Awwww" outloud then I comment. Sometimes photos are unusual or have beautiful lighting, so I comment on those too. I don't write long comments just whatever comes into my head when I see the photo. Basically, I don't comment for the sake of commenting. I look down my news feed and look on the popular pages for inspiration and if something jumps out at me or effects me in some way, I comment.
I like all comments, be they long or short. Please do not think we ever weary of the short comments ... each and every one of them are appreciated.
Please do continue as you are. 365 is a joy, and you should do what you can and not worry about the rest even though I realize that is easier said than done. It will no longer be fun if it becomes a chore.
I try to comment on photos in my feed every day, especially on those who comment on my posts faithfully. (though I just went through a long period when I barely had time to post let alone comment)
While I do check out tp and pp, I seldom pick a photo to comment on, preferring to spend my time with my friends and followers.
@joansmor I do the exact same thing you do. - comment on one shot by each person in my feed. If a photo makes me want to see it again, I'll give it a "fav". There's never enough time to thank everyone individually for their comments, as some do. I prefer to leave comments on their photos - it's a better use of my time.
I usually make an effort to look at and comment on pictures of the people who have commented on one of my pictures plus look at and comment on pictures by people I follow. Recently my time has been rather limited and my commenting has had to take a backseat. I do try to look through my feed everyday and if something jumps out I will comment or fav. I appreciate each and every comment that I receive.
I try to comment but if someone uploads tons at once I'll only do one.
I try to acknowledge all comments individually ( rather than on my next photo say thanks for all your comments favs etc etc etc) but appreciate people who have dozens of comments don't have time for individual replies.
Like Sally I'll look at people who comment who I don't follow, and may then follow them after all.
I appreciate the one worders, the quips, the suggestions on improvements. sometimes I'll reply with a :) or a ;) or start a thread of conversation.
I love that people bother to take the time the write, and hope they appreciate what I write.
I visit everyone I follow every couple of days or so, sometimes those in trending, popular or to cheer on new faces. I don’t always comment but I do if something strikes a chord with me, whether it does with anyone else or not. Short comments are fine by me, sometimes they are a calling card and you know who has visited you. I love meeting new faces on my page. You be you. 365 is for you, not the other way around.
I go by who comments on my photos, or just great ones that jump out at me as I scroll through the feed as I have time. When I have time, I like to try to go out to some of projects I've been following for a long time, like yours. I'm rather willy-nilly! LOL! It all depends on time. Sadly, I haven't had much time lately for anything.
I tend to go to the 'last' page of the 'by day' page and work my way backwards. There's usually loads of amazing shots there that don't get much by way of views, because they don't 'take off' as such.. if that makes sense?
I like to visit my "365 friends" pages. I don't always comment on every photo there if I am pressed for time. Sometimes other things in my feed pop up and I may comment then
I appreciate all comments, short or longer. Many of my comments are quite short.
I don't comment on every person's picture/s in my feed, just the ones I like or that appeal. I give a fav if I admire a picture or wish I had taken it. I try to comment on everyone who has commented on mine and do try to go through the feed every day but time isn't always available.
I used to comment on more shots but I struggle to find the time. These days I usually find I flick through my feed and comment on any that grab me if iI'm short on time I sometimes just fav. I do however enjoy checking the PP TP and TT pages.
Thanks for asking the question, it's interesting to read how other people handle this.
It's great to receive comments no matter how short. Many of mine are also short depending on how much time I have available. I have been replying (at least briefly) to those who comment on my images, but like the idea of visiting their pages and leaving a few comments and faves instead, as a better use of time. I also sometimes just fave if I really like the image but don't have much time, or there are many comments already and I don't have anything new to say!
I do a bit of everything, PP, New Faces, friends feed etc.
I know we chatted about this when we met, but I thought I'd write it down here too.
I first and foremost comment on those who've taken the time to comment on my photos. I don't mind the short comments- they let me know someone took the time to view my picture and that's the most important aspect to me.
If and when I have time I comment on the first two or three photos on my feed- but more often than not, commenting on the above takes all my time.
If and when I have time I do look over the PP and TP. I will sometimes fav a shot that strikes me there but I don't always comment on them- unless it's one of my faithful followers and I haven't seen their picture yet that day.
I wish I had time to do more- but "real life" calls!
My habits have varied across years and also available time. So in year one, I faithfully commented on everyone in my feed, everyone who made a comment on my posting of the day, and I looked at PP and New Faces for new people to follow. Over time, I've modified. I like to comment on photos of those who have commented on mine -- it's a way to view and sometimes find new people to follow. I also like to comment on those in my feed -- people I've followed in many cases for several years. When I have time, I'll check out TP, PP, New Faces, and 'By Day' for those random images that 'pop' and usually I'll comment on or, if it fits, fav those. And then sometimes a week will go by when I've had little time to do more than post (and sometimes not even that). I enjoy seeing photos and of course appreciate reading comments whether they are short and sweet or sharing a story or response or critique. I do what (a) I have time to do and (b) enjoy.
I am one of those "short comments" people. I go through my feed twice a day and leave a comment, or sometimes only a fav if it is special and I am short of time. It does take up a lot of time, which I like many of you do not have. There are some wonderful photographers in the group and I wish I could tell them how much I appreciate their work in more than just a few words. Very seldom there is a shot which does not appeal to me, and I will not comment as I do not know what to say ;-)
Generally I look through my feed - on occasion I'll visit the popular, trending and new faces pages to see what's going on, but I do try to reply to everyone that is kind (or foolhardy) enough to comment on my images.
I have the same problem with shots which do not appeal to me and my action then is the same as yours. More constructive criticism would be appreciated and even when I have specifically asked for it, it's not usually forthcoming apart from one or two followers who are very helpful. I do sometimes feel that this site tends to have a little too much of 'you scratch my back...etc' but I do not wish to make myself unpopular by saying so!
Depending on time I seem to do a bit of everything that has been mentioned - I try to go to those who have commented first and then check out my feed - which of course who is there will depend on the time of day. I also randomly check out the PP and TP in case I have missed something awesome from a friend or to encourage a newbie.
We can all only do what we have the time for and what we feel comfortable doing - never feel guilty or sorry - as long as you are having fun and it isn't becoming a chore do whatever suits you best.
I switch up my behavior as well. Sometimes I go through the feed, commenting on everything (or sometimes just one photo per person). Sometimes I reply to anyone who commented on mine. Sometimes I don't do any commenting at all (though I've stopped apologizing for such hiatuses). Sometimes I just randomly comment on photos that catch my eye. Sometimes I end up having long conversations as part of a commenting. My only goal is to enjoy commenting, as once, several years ago it became a chore, which temporarily tarnished the whole 365 experience for me. The fact that people look at each other's pictures is really quite the blessing of 365, I think. Comments are like little gifts people give each other, the gift of noticing that someone else exists in the world, perhaps.
@quietpurplehaze I think you have hit the nail on the head there! Constructive criticism can be hard to come by on here and I think that is because different things appeal to different people, and many of us don't see ourselves as professionals but amateur enthusiasts jostling along together - the blind leading the blind! I think also it is simply not the culture here, but personally I am always interested in comments of how someone else would improve what I did or use a different shutter speed etc. I'm here to learn as well as simply enjoy it, but it can be hard for people to know how to say something constructive and say it well enough that people aren't offended!
I admit to mostly commenting on those in my feed. I try to comment individually. I also need to find more time to look at TP, PP, and New Faces. I find looking at other's comments helps me to see another's point of view. This community of creative people is very supportive and has helped me so very much.
Great discussion Joan, I usually comment on people who comment on my photos first, then check out my feed if time permits. I appreciate every comment whether it is a short comment or long..................just keep doing what you can do, or otherwise it isn't fun anymore. :)
My comments also tend to be very short Joan. I don't have the expertise to make long, in depth comments, but I want to acknowledge that I've seen and appreciate what someone has done. If I have a lot of time, I scroll through my feed and comment (however briefly) on photos that catch my eye. If I'm pushed for time, I at least try to check out the shots of those who have commented on my photos. I don't thank individual people for commenting because I would rather spend that time looking at and commenting on photos.
I appreciate the time that people take to look at and comment on my photos.
@casablanca@quietpurplehaze Several years ago, probably my second year on the site, there was extensive conversation about the need for critique and wonderings why that didn't happen more. One of the thoughts was that 365 was, for many people, a place to develop the habit of photography and thus there is far more attention to encouraging photographers to take, process, post as part of that developing habit, and much less on explicitly helping photographers improve through offering critique. Learning is based more in the themes and challenges that push us to try new things.
So, back then, someone set up a thread to invite people who wanted critique to line up with a mentor who would agree to play that role. I can't remember all the details, but in some cases, we created a small 'mentor group' (I was part of a group of 5 who continued to interact long after all of us were active on the site). We would simply mark our comments as being for the mentor group project and then we reduced the chance that someone would rush to defend one of us from criticism. This site is so kind and supportive that sometimes critique made it feel like a photograph wasn't being properly appreciated.
I never found it 'worked' to ask for critique, but within the mentor group, we committed to critiquing each other's photos that were marked in some way as part of the mentor group (maybe one photo a week? It wasn't every photo, I do remember that).
Just a thought -- there may be interest in that idea again, as it's been several years since anyone organized it.
@taffy Oh how interesting, thanks for that. I’m only in my second year so haven’t come across that, but what a useful thing that could be for those who wanted it.
The whole idea was originally simply keeping a diary of your life and what was happening each day, but of course some people will want to look for another pair of eyes to look at what they have done and offer thoughts on improving. It isn’t for everyone, that’s for sure. And that’s fine too.
Maybe that idea might have some interest again now.....
A really interesting thread. My habits have changed over the years and from answering every comment on my images individually I just make a comment the next day unless the image has sparked a discussion thread which I love to join in. I used to comment on every image in my feed and also go through the tp and pp. I no longer do that and normally only go through my news feed as time permits. I often just fav a shot if I love it but everything has already been said. A few people who I have followed from day one I will try to comment on at least one of their shots - sometimes a short comment and sometimes if a shot has really moved me a longer comment. I was in Taffy’s @taffy mentoring group and loved the fact that we could challenge each other with new projects and also help each other with our critique. We all found we had our own strengths and I felt we were all able to help in our own ways. I have been missing our mentoring group and was thinking of asking the “girls” to start it again. @taffy@rachel888@golftragic ? At the end of the day you need to enjoy 365 and not make it a chore. Treasure any comments people have made short or long as it shows people care or are interested in your project.
Many thanks for that info, Taffy. I had not heard of the mentoring group although I have been a member of 365 for six plus years. I might be interested if it started up again. One of my friends/followers does critique my photos very helpfully from time to time. 365
is a very generous and positive place to be and I would not be enjoying my photography as much as I do were it not for the interaction on the site. @casablanca@pamknowler
I want to thank everyone who responded. I am going to take to heart and post when I have time and in a manner that I like. Which for me is trying to leave a word or two on most members who show up in my feed. One person related comments to gifts. I like to think of them as encouragements - you took the time to take a picture and I will take the time to comment. Bringing beautiful, joy, humor, and the unique into your life each day must be a good thing. You have enriched my life and shrunken my world.
When I am enjoying my ciffee, I usually go through my friends feed and try to comnent. It does take time, but since I am fortunately retired, I probably have more free time than many here in 365. I love reading all the comments on the photos I post, long, short of just faved. I love getting suggestions on improving. I hesitate to give critiques because I don't feel I am qualified. I love looking at the PP, TP pages and often wonder about how that works. This site has given me so much inspiration and knoekefge. And had been said before, you are all a gift to me whether you follow me or not. I learn much exploring people I do not follow it who do not follow me.
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Please do continue as you are. 365 is a joy, and you should do what you can and not worry about the rest even though I realize that is easier said than done. It will no longer be fun if it becomes a chore.
I try to comment on photos in my feed every day, especially on those who comment on my posts faithfully. (though I just went through a long period when I barely had time to post let alone comment)
While I do check out tp and pp, I seldom pick a photo to comment on, preferring to spend my time with my friends and followers.
I try to acknowledge all comments individually ( rather than on my next photo say thanks for all your comments favs etc etc etc) but appreciate people who have dozens of comments don't have time for individual replies.
Like Sally I'll look at people who comment who I don't follow, and may then follow them after all.
I appreciate the one worders, the quips, the suggestions on improvements. sometimes I'll reply with a :) or a ;) or start a thread of conversation.
I love that people bother to take the time the write, and hope they appreciate what I write.
I don't comment on every person's picture/s in my feed, just the ones I like or that appeal. I give a fav if I admire a picture or wish I had taken it. I try to comment on everyone who has commented on mine and do try to go through the feed every day but time isn't always available.
It's great to receive comments no matter how short. Many of mine are also short depending on how much time I have available. I have been replying (at least briefly) to those who comment on my images, but like the idea of visiting their pages and leaving a few comments and faves instead, as a better use of time. I also sometimes just fave if I really like the image but don't have much time, or there are many comments already and I don't have anything new to say!
I do a bit of everything, PP, New Faces, friends feed etc.
I first and foremost comment on those who've taken the time to comment on my photos. I don't mind the short comments- they let me know someone took the time to view my picture and that's the most important aspect to me.
If and when I have time I comment on the first two or three photos on my feed- but more often than not, commenting on the above takes all my time.
If and when I have time I do look over the PP and TP. I will sometimes fav a shot that strikes me there but I don't always comment on them- unless it's one of my faithful followers and I haven't seen their picture yet that day.
I wish I had time to do more- but "real life" calls!
I have the same problem with shots which do not appeal to me and my action then is the same as yours. More constructive criticism would be appreciated and even when I have specifically asked for it, it's not usually forthcoming apart from one or two followers who are very helpful. I do sometimes feel that this site tends to have a little too much of 'you scratch my back...etc' but I do not wish to make myself unpopular by saying so!
We can all only do what we have the time for and what we feel comfortable doing - never feel guilty or sorry - as long as you are having fun and it isn't becoming a chore do whatever suits you best.
I appreciate the time that people take to look at and comment on my photos.
So, back then, someone set up a thread to invite people who wanted critique to line up with a mentor who would agree to play that role. I can't remember all the details, but in some cases, we created a small 'mentor group' (I was part of a group of 5 who continued to interact long after all of us were active on the site). We would simply mark our comments as being for the mentor group project and then we reduced the chance that someone would rush to defend one of us from criticism. This site is so kind and supportive that sometimes critique made it feel like a photograph wasn't being properly appreciated.
I never found it 'worked' to ask for critique, but within the mentor group, we committed to critiquing each other's photos that were marked in some way as part of the mentor group (maybe one photo a week? It wasn't every photo, I do remember that).
Just a thought -- there may be interest in that idea again, as it's been several years since anyone organized it.
The whole idea was originally simply keeping a diary of your life and what was happening each day, but of course some people will want to look for another pair of eyes to look at what they have done and offer thoughts on improving. It isn’t for everyone, that’s for sure. And that’s fine too.
Maybe that idea might have some interest again now.....
Many thanks for that info, Taffy. I had not heard of the mentoring group although I have been a member of 365 for six plus years. I might be interested if it started up again. One of my friends/followers does critique my photos very helpfully from time to time. 365
is a very generous and positive place to be and I would not be enjoying my photography as much as I do were it not for the interaction on the site. @casablanca @pamknowler