People shouldn't be put off being negative if an image isn't so good, it needs to be said, the idea being that this is of course a photography forum to discuss and improve our photography rather than just exhibit it. But, it should be phrased in a reasonable way and usually balanced with the good or at least conveyed in a civil and adult way. Having said that the starting point for anyone here is that they should be self critical of their own work and get an appreciation of the technical and asthetic aspects.

I'd also encourage those people who show pictures and expect comment to take the time to critique other peoples work too, and those who don't exhibit anything to join in and get this to be a busy forum.

I think there are already a range of options for people to chose when posting images, it's just we could do with a few more people contributing to the comments.

I always hope that when I post an image I get a response, any sort of response, there's nothing worse than being ignored. I am happy to receive any sort of criticism as long as it is honest and constructive.

I hope to get any comment really, its very off putting when your image only gets a couple of comments, like Moonstone said, it must be because its crap! But I would like to know why its crap, especially if I actually think its ok! Its the only way we can improve, I don't always comment on every photo, as sometimes time just runs away from me, but I do try!

Same answer for me really I have had so much help, and critiques have so far always been put very nicely while giving me valuable pointers which have in turn helped me with technique but building my confidence as well so I have never once felt like anything I have posted was useless, [ even though looking back I know I have taken some really duff shots ], which is why I have been able to improve as much as I have so far

I don't mind what posts I get, as long as they're polite and pleasant - there's something good about nearly every image, and that should be pointed out where possible, even if there's plenty to critique.

I do think it's important to let people know if there's something that doesn't look right to you, however, art is subjective, and all aspects of critique do revolve around opinion really - even if it's a majority vote.

Erm... I think getting replies at all is a bonus most of the time... and a lot of the time it depends on the photo(s) I've posted. Sometimes I really like what I've taken, and think it deserves to go in showcase sections -and I don't want it ripped apart, because basically I am happy with it, and 99% of the photography I do is to please me! Other times I'm not sure, and I want detailed critique so I can improve on something.

xx

Hey Guys - I will probably be adding this, so please be sure to say what kind of 'comments' you would like given on your pics, so we can consider adding it as one of the options too.

Basically, the comments posted will then have to be in the spirit of how the recipient wants them. That way people who want critiques can get them, those who want 'lighter' more encouraging remarks can get those, etc etc I think this is the only way we're going to be able to make sure each poster is relatively happy with the kind of comments they get

To be totally frank I would love to go back to the way the forum was at least a year ago. Then we were all happy just to post a shot no matter how good, bad or just a joke knowing that it would be commented on by our cyber friends some of whom would like it and some who would hate it.

It did not matter back then if the person making comment knew more or less about photography, their opinion was valid if it were technical or just a gut reaction. Your work could be pulled a part and reconstructed and I think it fair to say we all learned even those who considered themselves to be professional. After all it can not hurt even the most skilled to hear how their work is received by others.

But the forum seems to have changed, it now seems to be trying to be just another photographer’s forum and people are now not sure whose work they can comment on and if they dare post a picture they want help on. There also seems to be separate groups who will communicate with one another but not with members of the forum in general. This could be because of the fear of being jumped on if you get something wrong either in the image you have posted or the comments you made.

We are still good with new people and beginners but everyone else seems to have been pushed into cubby holes only feeling able to comment in the very loosest of terms with those outside their “group”. Don’t think I am alone in feeling that things have not progressed for the better, if I am then ignore me, if not then say so and perhaps we can do something.

Can we go back, well, that is up to the community, it will take a good deal of will and it is likely that there are those who did not like the way it was and it is their input that has in the most part changed things. If they are in the majority now then there is no hope of recapturing the old YOP.

I think that post was pretty much exactly how I feel.

xx

Very well put, it used to be great and sooooooo friendly.

Remember the days when we chatted into the night.

Now I pop on and sometimes there is nothing new for 24 hours which does push you somewhere else.

I sound like my mum now ''back in the old days'' ha ha

But you are forgetting about those people who do not think like you or want the same as you (not everyone likes to get a critique for example) and you're forgetting the problems we had with our old system (people getting called up on the technical aspects of their photo - and taking offence).

You have to bear in mind the old YoP was small (and largely populated by beginners) - and so back then we didn't have the variety (hence needs) of people we do now.

So the only solution I can think of is we let people say what kind of comments they want/prefer. Then for people like you who want any type of comment, can just select that option and those that don't can select whatever they want themselves.

Can you tell me what's wrong with this idea - making it easier to see what kind of comment someone wants. Do you think it's better to know and keep the poster happy, or not know and risk offending them/cause bad feeling?

If I make choosing compulsory, it will be interesting to see what options people choose - it will certainly give us a good insight into what people want from YoP. We just need to make sure we have enough options to cover each major avenue.