I'm amazed at how many photos I've come across wherein the post accompanying it discloses a death or illness (or something similar) only to read a ton of comments like, "Great photo!" "So cute!" or some such thing. It kind of makes me sad for the person posting the photo but at least I know who is reading posts (or even opening the thumbnails). Thoughts on this?
@clarissajohal I completely agree Clarissa but I think sometimes people want to acknowledge the photograph but don't know what to say to the photographer. Some of the things I've written as commentary to my photos obviously hasn't been read by those who comment but I understand how busy people are x
It´s hard to make more specific comments when there are so many pictures to see. I usually see way more pics than I actually post. Also, when I follow someone I usually check at their entire album, or at least one entire album when they have multiple albuns.
When the picture is really appealing or really impresses me then I explain what draw my eyes to it. Sometimes I just leave an "instant fav" which for me expresses perfection in a pic in a way or another.
But I like to get picky sometimes, and actually would not mind at all to have also some negative criticism. Sometimes I pick in small things trying to give some insights for the people I follow or that are not so good, or just new to photography... but I never know if they actually like it or not.
@carrapeta00 well I appreciated the critique you and @wadey gave me today:) (And your assistance with my German too:)
But I always try and read the entirety of people's posts, if I'm in a hurry and just scroll down to comment, usually a "sorry for your loss" catches my eye and i scroll back up to take a closer look at the caption.
I've also posted shots for a Crappy Photo Challenge that a few of us occasionally post, and it amuses me to no end when someone writes "great shot!" or something similar, as I know that person hasn't read my caption and thus hasn't realized that it was an intentionally crappy shot and I don't honestly think it was a "great shot", lol. But I can understand how the commenting on 100's of photos can get a little overwhelming.
@clarissajohal I have noticed this before and I feel really bad for the person who has posted a tribute or sad news. I always read the posts, before I comment.
Good point: too many positive comments was the main reason it took me about 3 months before I started my 365 project: I wanted to do something which could help me to learn and improve. I ended up finding myself writing that sort of messages... my own rule is: comment only if you really like something. I think most people do the same and I can see it applied on my own shots: it is quite easy to see if a shot is working or not.
I also did write a negative (not offensive) comment before I started my project: it went something like "of all your great shot, I like this less than the others" and I felt like it was kind of offending... I think would appreciate and accept negative comments, especially if I were told what does not work or how I could have made it look better.
Happened to me once. Commented from the main window without clicking the image first. Do that sometimes if there are too many shots to look at in too little time. Can't read the entire caption from the overview!
Wasn't nice and I pay more attention since then.
One of the main points to remember here is that this is primarily a photography-based site, and uploading a photo here is different to updating one's Facebook status.
It's place to display photographs we've taken, and get other people's opinion on them. It is true that, sometimes, the narrative adds to the image, but at the end of the day, if it's a good photo then that's what counts (the most).
As much as I like to know more about the people I follow, so that I feel I "know" them a bit more, I don't believe that the reading the narrative (whether emotional or not) is of utmost importance. An image should be able to attract praise or critique on its own merit.
I'm sorry in advance if this upsets anyone, but they're just my thoughts on how/why people do it, and how this site differs to networking sites such as Facebook.
@clarissajohal Seen this many times and I completely agree. Sure, this is a site devoted more to photography than writing, but still you can't ignore what is right in front of you.
There was a person who used to post a lot of photos with cute stories to go along with them. I always took the time to read the story and leave two types of comments: my thoughts on the story and my critique of the photo.
This is why I don't follow 400+ people. How could you possibly take the time to properly appreciate and critique that many photos each day?
I've been told I'm a story teller. I have kept people entertained for hours with my stories, both good and bad. I don't do that so much here because I feel 90% of the people wouldn't read them and wouldn't appreciate them.
But I do find it a bit irritating when someone posts a sad story and all anyone does is critique the photo. Don't ignore part of the post. If there is a story, read it, comment on it, say something nice or give a constructive critique.
@mej2011 that's only true when it comes to your Hambone shot. @woot I find the critiques I've been given here invaluable - so don't worry if you feel like a gently worded critique would be offensive to someone. I think the majority of us are here to learn, and are able to handle a little constructive criticism.
@mej2011 I had this person in my life for awhile who would call me each day and ask, "So how was your day?"
An hour later I would finally realize I had been telling her stories ranging from my first memories of walking to my most embarrassing moment. I think she used to love listening to my stories. Sometimes she would even blatantly ask me to tell her some.
I get this from my great-grandfather, a man I called Big Dad all my life. He used to do the same thing and even though he would tell the same stories over and over he told them with such passion that each time was like the first.
If you want stories, I've got stories to tell. I could keep everyone busy for hours.
Maybe she is a wanna be psychologist and she was secretly analyzing you? As a former psychology student myself, I find this completely plausible. Also, because I have obviously been guilty of demanding that people tell me stories. At least you are comfortable enough to share your life memories with others. I would not be so brave. Thanks for the story! You have me as a follower now. :)
I always open to comment, but have to admit I'm probably one of the few who is much more interested in just the photo than the photo and the commentary - especially if it's long. I don't want to read what others said either - at least until I've had a reaction. I'm too easily influenced by all the accompanying "stuff" so I like to look and comment and some times don't take time to read. Hope I haven't hurt anyone's feelings as I certainly didn't intend to and have read many touching stories of deaths and illness that I then commented on appropriately.
@mej2011 She was secretly analyzing me, but not because she wanted to be a psychiatrist. And in the end...I didn't hold up under scrutiny I guess.
Long, long time ago I was told by my favorite middle school teacher that I wear my emotions on my sleeve. My biggest fault is that I'm too honest and too open; I'll talk about anything.
So...if you want stories...you'll get them. Hope you're ready for the awesomeness that will ensue.
This being my first foray into any kind of photography social network, and being very new in photography, I have gotten very close to quite a few of those I follow. I would never comment before reading the entire post first. I sometimes only comment on the post and not the picture, although most of the time I do both. This is above all a social networking site for me. I enjoy it thoroughly, and look forward to posting and reading and viewing posts. I learned from another 365'er how to open the photos in new windows, and it makes opening and commenting on everyone's photos much easier.
I have noticed this too Clarissa and it too makes me sad because this 365 in a way is also a bit of a social network. I sense that people want to get as many comments in as they can (and perhaps don't take the time to read the post) so they will get comments back - perhaps I am wrong here. I do try to read the whole post before commenting which does limit how many photos I can comment on - and there are far too many I would like to comment on and do not have the time. But the good news is that almost all the people commenting on this 365 are genuine, read the posts, offer encouragement and build community. :) And that's a good thing.
I've posted about a death before (May 31), and I got some of the 'great photo' comments. It didn't bother me at all. I was actually glad that people were stopping by, even if they didn't read the story. I completely understand if someone doesn't want to read my story. It is lengthy, after all.
On the other hand, I got some really awesome comments on the story. Such as, "you were a good friend to her..." Those comments really warmed my heart, and were greatly appreciated.
BTW, @jasonbarnette I love that you're a great storyteller. I am, too!
Oh yes, guilty of this myself, and it made me feel like a jerk. I try to go right back in and apologize and comment appropriately. It's a poor excuse, but sometimes you get behind and you want to get caught up and you rush through, so I try my best to open up the photo completely so I do not miss a significant piece of the photo.
I've mentioned this easy opening method before and it was well-received so I'm mentioning it again in case some of you missed it ---- If you hold down the command/control key when you click on the thumbnail or name link, it opens in a new tab. You can go to that tab, read, comment, whatever, then close the tab. I open about 10 or 15 tabs at a time. Closing the tab you are in automatically pops you into the next one until there's none left except your main one, which [here's the best part!] is still at the same spot in the list where you left off.
@clarissajohal I do try to read all the commentary. Some days, especially this week, it is just overwhelming, but I know how important it is to me to have someone look over my shot and what I've written, so I try my best. Thanks Anne @sunnygreenwood for posting that tip again. I must really try it! As far as condolences, I think it's important to give them, but I don't want to be trite either, so I handle those with care. And lastly- the "great photo" comment. Ahh- it's a blessing and a curse. Sometimes it's true and it's short and sweet. But many times you really wonder if the person LOOKED at your picture or not- so there's always a question mark attached to it in my mind!
@sunnygreenwood Thank you!~in case I hadn't the last time I saw you mention this. I use it on every visit to the site now. So helpful!!
As far as my own commentary on my photos, sometimes I use it to vent, ramble, grieve, smile, laugh. It just depends on the day. It's fine with me if people over look my comments, because its usually just my own rants. I understand that most are here to look at photos. I usually try to send condolences along with a photo comment. Sometimes it's not easy if the person has never shared anything personal before. @clarissajohal Just so you know, I keep up with all of my followers and try to reciprocate the love.
For those interested in reading stories, besides watching great shots, you may like to follow @dbjohnson : see for example http://365project.org/dbjohnson/365/2011-11-01 . Another good point raised in this thread is the number of Leo le you follow: I find it hard to follow more than 15 people: maybe because when I follow someone I want to do it carefully. All in all anyway this is a great site with a lot of interesting,motivating and fantastic people! It's all about this great community
regarding portraits of a person or animal I usually read the description below the photo before posting a reply.
as a rule if a mark a pic "FAV" I always read the entire description of the pic. some people write a lot and I have to confess that I tend to write too much too... but if it is something I feel really important for the picture then I start with one "please read below".
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When the picture is really appealing or really impresses me then I explain what draw my eyes to it. Sometimes I just leave an "instant fav" which for me expresses perfection in a pic in a way or another.
But I like to get picky sometimes, and actually would not mind at all to have also some negative criticism. Sometimes I pick in small things trying to give some insights for the people I follow or that are not so good, or just new to photography... but I never know if they actually like it or not.
But I always try and read the entirety of people's posts, if I'm in a hurry and just scroll down to comment, usually a "sorry for your loss" catches my eye and i scroll back up to take a closer look at the caption.
I've also posted shots for a Crappy Photo Challenge that a few of us occasionally post, and it amuses me to no end when someone writes "great shot!" or something similar, as I know that person hasn't read my caption and thus hasn't realized that it was an intentionally crappy shot and I don't honestly think it was a "great shot", lol. But I can understand how the commenting on 100's of photos can get a little overwhelming.
I also did write a negative (not offensive) comment before I started my project: it went something like "of all your great shot, I like this less than the others" and I felt like it was kind of offending... I think would appreciate and accept negative comments, especially if I were told what does not work or how I could have made it look better.
Just my 2 cents...
Wasn't nice and I pay more attention since then.
It's place to display photographs we've taken, and get other people's opinion on them. It is true that, sometimes, the narrative adds to the image, but at the end of the day, if it's a good photo then that's what counts (the most).
As much as I like to know more about the people I follow, so that I feel I "know" them a bit more, I don't believe that the reading the narrative (whether emotional or not) is of utmost importance. An image should be able to attract praise or critique on its own merit.
I'm sorry in advance if this upsets anyone, but they're just my thoughts on how/why people do it, and how this site differs to networking sites such as Facebook.
Maybe they find it to be a "great shot" in a craptastic sense.
There was a person who used to post a lot of photos with cute stories to go along with them. I always took the time to read the story and leave two types of comments: my thoughts on the story and my critique of the photo.
This is why I don't follow 400+ people. How could you possibly take the time to properly appreciate and critique that many photos each day?
I've been told I'm a story teller. I have kept people entertained for hours with my stories, both good and bad. I don't do that so much here because I feel 90% of the people wouldn't read them and wouldn't appreciate them.
But I do find it a bit irritating when someone posts a sad story and all anyone does is critique the photo. Don't ignore part of the post. If there is a story, read it, comment on it, say something nice or give a constructive critique.
OK...there is my long-winded response.
@woot I find the critiques I've been given here invaluable - so don't worry if you feel like a gently worded critique would be offensive to someone. I think the majority of us are here to learn, and are able to handle a little constructive criticism.
I'm gonna take the ham bone and throw it at you. lol.
I will follow you if you start to post stories along with your photos. I love me some stories.
An hour later I would finally realize I had been telling her stories ranging from my first memories of walking to my most embarrassing moment. I think she used to love listening to my stories. Sometimes she would even blatantly ask me to tell her some.
I get this from my great-grandfather, a man I called Big Dad all my life. He used to do the same thing and even though he would tell the same stories over and over he told them with such passion that each time was like the first.
If you want stories, I've got stories to tell. I could keep everyone busy for hours.
Maybe she is a wanna be psychologist and she was secretly analyzing you? As a former psychology student myself, I find this completely plausible. Also, because I have obviously been guilty of demanding that people tell me stories. At least you are comfortable enough to share your life memories with others. I would not be so brave. Thanks for the story! You have me as a follower now. :)
Long, long time ago I was told by my favorite middle school teacher that I wear my emotions on my sleeve. My biggest fault is that I'm too honest and too open; I'll talk about anything.
So...if you want stories...you'll get them. Hope you're ready for the awesomeness that will ensue.
On the other hand, I got some really awesome comments on the story. Such as, "you were a good friend to her..." Those comments really warmed my heart, and were greatly appreciated.
BTW, @jasonbarnette I love that you're a great storyteller. I am, too!
@sunnygreenwood Cool!!!
As far as my own commentary on my photos, sometimes I use it to vent, ramble, grieve, smile, laugh. It just depends on the day. It's fine with me if people over look my comments, because its usually just my own rants. I understand that most are here to look at photos. I usually try to send condolences along with a photo comment. Sometimes it's not easy if the person has never shared anything personal before.
@clarissajohal Just so you know, I keep up with all of my followers and try to reciprocate the love.
as a rule if a mark a pic "FAV" I always read the entire description of the pic. some people write a lot and I have to confess that I tend to write too much too... but if it is something I feel really important for the picture then I start with one "please read below".