My take on "comments for comments"

[gpaai]

This morning I woke up and checked all of my messages the way I always do. Well upon reading my new picture comments this morning, I came across one that was private and in two languages.

The just of it was, I was being informed that it was proper etiquette to exchange or return comments to those leaving me comments. Well at the expense of making enemies here, I take issue with what I basically see as another form of "I'll scratch your back and you scratch mine."

1. Without sounding stereotypical, many individuals will spend hours leaving comments in hopes that their image comments will become so padded that it appears they are one of the in crowd or popular Pbase members and possible get their gallery on the popular list. Sorry, even if I do leave a comment on an image, it doesn't guarantee you'll receive a vote from me.

2 Besides my work load in the real world there are many photography related sites I visit throughout the day. This only leaves me so much time to spend on Pbase. I would rather spend that time commenting on images I find creative than those I'm forcefully being led to.

3. Could it be that after reading and commenting on so many images I overlooked one or two? Or maybe I had planned on returning some of my comments at a later time?

4. Being forced into a "C4C" situation might not give an individual the comment they were hoping for. If I leave a comment such as "Cool" or "Nice", you'll have to wonder if I was short on time or just trying to be nice. I could leave constructive comments but have found that I have offended too many people in the past only to receive rather rude and insulting comments or messages.

The bottom line is, I give comments to those images that stand out to me as creative and when I find the time. On the other hand PLEASE don't leave me a comment just because I left you one. If you like my work thank you, if you don't, well thank you as well. It takes all kinds to make the world go round.

Gary

[bigpaul]

Well said.
I will normally have a look at someones gallery if they leave a comment and I have no idea who they are but I feel no pressure to be in a C4C situation.

[gpaai]

Well Paul, I'm thinking we may be the minority here...

[clickaway]

I'm 100% with you Gary.

And that kind of feedback from such a person would probably tempt me not to comment on their galleries ever again!

Ray

[gpaai]

Thanks Ray.

I just never could understand the concept of soliciting for comments. And this site isn't the only one. I belong to a site that has an announcement board. On this board it's not unusual to see posts like "2 for 1 comments". And heaven forbit you should be honest about an image. After that it seems many have a vendetta against you leaving negative comments.

Gary

[1designguy]

Ahhhhh... the unwritten rules of backscratchism That goes right in the mix with vote whoring

[gpaai]

Ahhhhh... the unwritten rules of backscratchism That goes right in the mix with vote whoring

Oh yes! Let us not forget to put that big ~V~.

[norbertf]

Sounds sensible to me. I handle it the same way as the original poster.
Obviously it is nice to get and give spontaneous honest comments and if I like the others work then I am happy to write it.
I found some great inspiration this way.
In the beginning I tried to solicit criticism but gave up on that.

[lys1022]

If someone leaves me a comment, I go to their galleries and poke around to see what there is to see. I usually find something to comment on because I do like to leave feedback for people. I know that I like to get feedback, but I'm with norbertf in that I would really love for people to give me more constructive criticism on my shots. Like anyone, I'm glad to know when people appreciate what I've managed to do with my cheesey little camera, but I would love to get suggestions on better ways of framing or processing things.

I guess that I don't believe in obligation in terms of comments, but I always think it's nice to make an effort to respond to someone who has taken the time to give me feedback. I would never snipe at someone because they DIDN'T comment back, but I really appreciate the folks who take the time to do so.

Does any of that rambling make sense? I was interrupted about five times while typing those two little paragraphs. *grin*

Lys

[marielou]

Well, well, well, Gary, do not know you are so sensible(sensitive is best in English, I believe). Sorry.
Yes, it's me the person who wrote in two languages. No reason to hide.
I just wanted to recall to Gary that the rules of the game for the monthly challenge is :

"Participants should comment at least on some of the images of fellow participants. If you receive a comment, you will return a comment....”
Images should be about the topic of the challenge."

viewtopic.php?f=16&t=42861&start=0

I never spoke about the whole images of this site !
Just one game among the serious pictures you all are posting here and there !
__________________
Fun can obviously change behavior for the better.

To you all !

Marielou

[amoxtli]

It takes all kinds to make the world go round.

Bingo Gary.

[gpaai]

"Participants should comment at least on some of the images of fellow participants. If you receive a comment, you will return a comment....”
Images should be about the topic of the challenge."

Marielou

"Participants SHOULD comment" not "Participants MUST comment". There is a difference. Besides, read on: "at least on SOME of the images of fellow participants". I try leaving comments when time permits, but will never be pressured into doing it. I'm starting to figure out why I have never participated in a challenge before now. Oh the politics!

Thanks for coming forward Marielou. I truly do respect you for that.

Gary

[marielou]

Ok, Gary, should not must. But in a game if you are alone to play with the tennis ball the game stops quickly...
It's a kind of courtesy to say should instead of must.
And do you remember the second part of the quote ?
I would greatly appreciate you to do it.
Thank you.

Marielou

[gpaai]

Ok, Gary, should not must. But in a game if you are alone to play with the tennis ball the game stops quickly...
It's a kind of courtesy to say should instead of must.
And do you remember the second part of the quote ?
I would greatly appreciate you to do it.
Thank you.

Marielou

I have an even better idea Marialou. Let's just discontinue leaving comments on one anothers images and that will easily resolve our situation here. Count how many comments you have left me, then count the ones I left you. If I am short a couple, I'll play catch up so we finish in an even heat. Does that sound ok?

I don't quite understand how you know what my motives are.

1. Maybe I somehow overlooked your comment and in time would have seen it and replied.
2 Maybe I have such a work load that I reply at certain times.

After all, I'm not one of those individuals that have my eyes glued to Pbase 24 hours a day.

I'm so sorry if I have caused you any grief.

Gary

[marielou]

Ok Gary : "After all, I'm not one of those individuals that have my eyes glued to Pbase 24 hours a day." Me not too.
If you see my galleries you'll see i'm a great traveler and Africa is my second home !
Let the good time roll !
and I will never count. I do not know . I just have feelings.
All the best and happy shooting!

Marielou