Constructive criticism ?

[vid64]

If I critique I mostly offer a suggestion for composition, not technique

yeah right, and sometimes you just offer a single word - which I assume was meant as a put down. "Pedestrian" Thankyou. I've kept it on that picture as an example of your wonderful critique style.

see http://www.pbase.com/image/26926867

[jypsee]

it's good to know you follow my threads; you must really value what I have to say...thanks!

[juliano]

Laughing my ass off Vid64! ... I dont tend to get one word comments or leave them unless I've been rendered speechless by an awesome shot! But I know turrets (spelling?) syndrome can make one come out with inexplicable expletives/ random words... just a theory

[annayu]

Tourette

[clickaway]

I'm still in awe about taking part in 'sunday photography' as described by a guest. But at least I'm not a Pedestrian Hack! http://forum.pbase.com/viewtopic.php?t=12855

Ray

[vid64]

you must really value what I have to say

Please, don't thank me. I think we all know how 'valuable' your comments are. And how thick your skin is. Maani has a good theory.

Back on topic - I don't think that public galleries work for getting the constructive critisism that so many seem to want. That's why there are so many discussions on this exact subject. There has to be some form of relationship wereby the critiquer is recongnised in the eyes of the critiqee to be qualified in some way. In other words, everyone needs to find their own mentor and build a relationship where constructive critisism can be useful. Otherwise, helpful comments from strangers can just become another online example of the blind leading the blind. Being told that you're composition is all wrong is meaningless when it comes from someone who can't focus a lens.

[jypsee]

you must really value what I have to say

Please, don't thank me. I think we all know how 'valuable' your comments are. And how thick your skin is....

oh, but I must thank you, Dave; and I know you value every word I have to say... else why would you keep my comment?
As for a thick skin: this is the internet, Dave. It's not real life.

[jeannius]

But, Jypsee, didn't you try to mess with people's REAL lives??? By writing to their boss about what they do with their images?

I seem to recall you did that once....

[jypsee]

this is really making for interesting reading and I can't thank you and the crew enough ....

[bobfloyd]

Back on topic - I don't think that public galleries work for getting the constructive critisism that so many seem to want. That's why there are so many discussions on this exact subject. There has to be some form of relationship wereby the critiquer is recongnised in the eyes of the critiqee to be qualified in some way. In other words, everyone needs to find their own mentor and build a relationship where constructive critisism can be useful. Otherwise, helpful comments from strangers can just become another online example of the blind leading the blind. Being told that you're composition is all wrong is meaningless when it comes from someone who can't focus a lens.

While I agree that a critique from an unknown quantity is not helpful I can tell you that there many folks here in this very forum that I do not have a relationship with yet whose critique I would readily take. You see, I have seen their work and through that work they have established themselves as being an artist in a position to give some advice. One or two have done so, in fact, and I have been very greatful.

Pbase offers us a quick measuring stick by which to know if a critique is from something a legit source and that stick is the galleries of that very source. If the galleries of the person offering advice are crap in my eyes, I give little weight to the critique and if the galleries of that person are beyond my own current skills, I listen and try to understand.

It is not full proof, by any means, but I think it is improving my photography...slowly.

This is not to say that I don't agree that having a close relationship with a good mentor is perhaps the best way, I just don't think it is the only way.

[pathfindar]

yeah right, and sometimes you just offer a single word - which I assume was meant as a put down. "Pedestrian"

Someone actually only left that as a comment- what a jejune and grandiloquent critique

[leggings]

But, Jypsee, didn't you try to mess with people's REAL lives??? By writing to their boss about what they do with their images?

I seem to recall you did that once....

http://forum.pbase.com/viewtopic.php?p=84535&highlight=

Duncan