Thank you or reciprocal comment ???

[bassrock]

When I started with PBase in 2004 it was usual that when someone commented on your PAD, you would reciprocate and leave a comment on one of their pictures. Now it seems increasingly common for people to send a message to thank the person leaving a comment, rather than simply reciprocating with a comment of their own. As a result, the total number of comments on PAD appears to have dropped considerably. I am not sure what has caused the change, but I expect it just reflects the changing community of PADders.

There are no rules one way or the other, of course. From my perspective, I prefer the reciprocating comment approach because it leads to more comments (hopefully constructive ) being left on everyone's pictures, which I think is one of the reasons we do PAD in the first place.

I would be interested to know what other PADders think

[prinothcat]

While I'm not a PADer, I wish people would take the time to leave a comment in general. That would serve to provide constructive critique, and we would know that real people are passing by not just spam bots and harvesters... I find it amazing that in 52k + (in a years time) visits to my images, only 10 have left commentary. In general if someone takes the time to leave a comment on an image, I will reply, and make an effort to visit that individuals pages as well.

[corypdot]

I feel the same way! I do get quite a few comments on my PAD pics, but nothing really on my others. I am an ameteur photog, and I was hoping to get comments or suggestions for my pictures from those who know photography. I would like to think that Pbase is more than just a storage place, but also a learning place.

[prinothcat]

What is entertaining, is that after my previous posting, my comment count doubled. Today. Someone was reading I guess. Thanks to those that looked in and commented. A factor that is easy to over look, is that the turn over on the galleries page is so fast, and there is so much volume around here it is hard to get noticed. It is probably a good idea to put a number of images in the show and tell threads as you feel good about and see what happens.

[captain_superlekker]

I prefer the reciprocal comment, too. Whenever someone leaves me a comment, I look at their galleries, out of courtesy, and usually see something I like. This is about sharing, and being curious about other people's work. but each to their own -I certainly have no hang-ups about not getting comments, seeing this as my place to share wedding and other occasion photography.

[halesr]

I too prefer a reciprocal comment if the poster finds anything worth commenting on in my galleries. It seems to me it takes about the same amount of time and I just feel better that the person actually looked at some of the stuff I am doing.--Rene

[ralf1324]

I started PBase in June, so I wasn't aware of the comment reciprocating tradition! New PBasers must be the cause of the changing from comments to thank-you's. Now that I know of the tradition of comment reciprocation, I will take part!

[amoxtli]

Reciprocal comments are certainly nice, but when somebody leaves me a particularly helpful comment, then I do send a note of thank you, especially if it improves the image. I also leave a reciprocal comment in most cases. For me the comments that are helpful and critical are the best, especially if they help me improve my work. Comments such as "nice shot" and "cool capture" are ok, but when someone leaves a comment that explains what they liked specifically about one of my images, then that certainly makes me feel good, and I do try to return the favor, but I will only comment on images I really like. I've received well over 10,000 comments on PBase, and this has not only helped my work and my self-confidence, but it has gained me friends from many countries and has introduced me to many different types of photography and broadened my horizons. It is these friendships that keep on PBase.

Best Wishes,
Walter

[prinothcat]

Reciprocal comments are certainly nice, but when somebody leaves me a particularly helpful comment, then I do send a note of thank you, especially if it improves the image. I also leave a reciprocal comment in most cases. For me the comments that are helpful and critical are the best, especially if they help me improve my work. Comments such as "nice shot" and "cool capture" are ok, but when someone leaves a comment that explains what they liked specifically about one of my images, then that certainly makes me feel good, and I do try to return the favor, but I will only comment on images I really like. I've received well over 10,000 comments on PBase, and this has not only helped my work and my self-confidence, but it has gained me friends from many countries and has introduced me to many different types of photography and broadened my horizons. It is these friendships that keep on PBase.

Best Wishes,
Walter

Well said... I can't add to this except to say I agree with you.

[jypsee]

I've stopped commenting on photos for the most part, especially in the PAD community because the whole process has devolved to the point that photos don't matter, connections and reciprocity do. This is not to say that the folks who make up my pbase "community" don't matter to me. I look at the work of the folks I "like" on a daily basis. Bill Miller is one of the pbasers whose work I like.
So, if someone likes my work and leaves a comment I generally say thanks in a pmail. And, I'm not particularly interested in comments. If you go to a gallery to look at work you won't find a comment board by the photos. I see pbase as functioning in the same way... for me, anyhow. I suppose this sounds smug or cold or something; what I'm trying to convey is that comments don't tell me much unless the viewer is articulating her or his reaction to the photo in some way that resonates to/for me. Comments made simply to produce a reciprocal response just doesn't work for me.

[camera0bug]

I've stopped commenting on photos for the most part, especially in the PAD community because the whole process has devolved to the point that photos don't matter, connections and reciprocity do. This is not to say that the folks who make up my pbase "community" don't matter to me. I look at the work of the folks I "like" on a daily basis. Bill Miller is one of the pbasers whose work I like.
So, if someone likes my work and leaves a comment I generally say thanks in a pmail. And, I'm not particularly interested in comments. If you go to a gallery to look at work you won't find a comment board by the photos. I see pbase as functioning in the same way... for me, anyhow. I suppose this sounds smug or cold or something; what I'm trying to convey is that comments don't tell me much unless the viewer is articulating her or his reaction to the photo in some way that resonates to/for me. Comments made simply to produce a reciprocal response just doesn't work for me.

No wonder Pbase has lost it's charm.

[amoxtli]

I've stopped commenting on photos for the most part, especially in the PAD community because the whole process has devolved to the point that photos don't matter, connections and reciprocity do. This is not to say that the folks who make up my pbase "community" don't matter to me. I look at the work of the folks I "like" on a daily basis. Bill Miller is one of the pbasers whose work I like.
So, if someone likes my work and leaves a comment I generally say thanks in a pmail. And, I'm not particularly interested in comments. If you go to a gallery to look at work you won't find a comment board by the photos. I see pbase as functioning in the same way... for me, anyhow. I suppose this sounds smug or cold or something; what I'm trying to convey is that comments don't tell me much unless the viewer is articulating her or his reaction to the photo in some way that resonates to/for me. Comments made simply to produce a reciprocal response just doesn't work for me.

No wonder Pbase has lost it's charm.

You said it Dan.

[heinsite]

I've stopped commenting on photos for the most part, especially in the PAD community because the whole process has devolved to the point that photos don't matter, connections and reciprocity do. This is not to say that the folks who make up my pbase "community" don't matter to me. I look at the work of the folks I "like" on a daily basis. Bill Miller is one of the pbasers whose work I like.
So, if someone likes my work and leaves a comment I generally say thanks in a pmail. And, I'm not particularly interested in comments. If you go to a gallery to look at work you won't find a comment board by the photos. I see pbase as functioning in the same way... for me, anyhow. I suppose this sounds smug or cold or something; what I'm trying to convey is that comments don't tell me much unless the viewer is articulating her or his reaction to the photo in some way that resonates to/for me. Comments made simply to produce a reciprocal response just doesn't work for me.

No wonder Pbase has lost it's charm.

We still have you, Dan!

[norm4fun]

I visit about 5-6 artists a week, and comment 5-6 photos also, out of 20-30 I look. I also visit anyone thats comments on one of my picture, even if it is just a "nice". I contribute to about 10 sites, and a couple of them, people never comments, most sites u get about one comment out of 10 photos. Exceptions, are those photo games, there is pleasure there, cause those there want and give comments.

[mathildaportfolio]

I also try to pay a visit to the galleries of people who have commented on my work. Because of this, I have discovered
wonderful photographers here, whose work I would otherwise not have seen. So, I like to visit and comment on their work,
and I appreciate reciprocal visits and constructive criticisms and comments. Live and learn