Accent on quality in PHOTOS instead of quality of EQUIPMENT?

[bob williams]

I would like to suggest two things:


To people posting their photos: please, be more self-critical and do not flood these threads with total garbage, where one may have problems discerning the content of the image (for example, totally unsharp and totally underexposed shots of 'something' - where that 'something' can only be deduced from the caption or the title of their post).

Disagree: Many people on this forum, Inlcuding myself quit visiting sites like you suggest because many of those commenting were hateful, sarcastic, condescending to the point of offensive. I hoenstly don't want this forum to turn into one of those. I like the casual, friendly and "Supportive" nature of TDP. As far as real critique, I am usually my own worst critic,if I ask for a critic of my work, I usually get honest and helpful responses, with out the arrogance of the self proclaimed "expert critic"---Personally, I like it that way.

To people who view and/or comment on photos posted by other people: please, be constructive in your comments. Things like 'awesome', 'cool', etc. are not really very helpful to anybody - especially not for a poster who tries to learn something from those comments. Let's make an effort and write some coherent opinion - even if it may be painful for the recipient. At least, they may learn something from that kind of feedback. 'Awesome' is counter-productive...

Disagree: I have had the pleasure of developing my craft in parallel with others on this forum. The sharing of photos and recieving the occasional "Cool" or "Awesome" has been an accepted practice on this forum since the beginning and has probably resulted in far more skill and artistic improvements than the "brutal critic" method--Why, because people are not afraid to post here. Since they are not afraid, they are more likely to listen to subtle criticisms and helpful hints when offered.---I personaly like it this way.

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One last thought. We all want to own the best cameras and lenses we can afford. That is understandable and natural.However, owning the greatest camera ever made does not equal being a good or even decent photographer. On the other hand, owning and properly using even the cheapest and simplest of the most amateurish kind of equipment can result in great photography.So, what do we do with those dream cameras? Let's strive to learn how to use them, instead of just discussing their features or lack thereof.

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<div style="CLEAR: both"]I personally like talking about my camera, lenses and other equipment, I also like hearing about the equipment of others, thier opinions and experiences with thier equipment.---I learn from these discussions, but most importantly, I enjoy those discussions. Most here are striving to improve thier craft and the understanding of the technology by whichthey produce it---to change this would be a huge injustice to those who have spent countless hours educating those of uswho wanted to learn beyond the owners manual.</div>
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Does that make sense?

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<div style="CLEAR: both"]No, It absolutely makes no sense at all to change a forum that many enjoy and learn from.</div>
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<div style="CLEAR: both"]Respectfully,</div>
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<div style="CLEAR: both"]Bob</div>
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