Clearly I have no desire to make anyone feel uncomfortable but I also have no desire to feel like I can't say something.
I find it interesting that you can critique people's work but nobody else can? This to me seems very odd and is the reason I won't participate since I'm not really understanding why and how that really works if there is only one person that is allowed to have an opinion.
So kudos for starting this thread since I think all photo enthusiasts can learn from others.
I do comment on every photo. I do not critique every photo. There are often images that I'd like to critique, but since the poster hasn't asked for it, I refrain. I try to say something positive about every image (or post at least, sometimes people put in multiple images per post) to acknowledge participation.
Also, we are five months into this project. At this point I know that there are a couple of people who specifically want CC with their images. Katbel even now has it included in her signature. She has really embraced the give and take of CC, so I am often more direct with her. I am building relationships in this project with our members and I have a good read as to who wants something more than "nice photo." And if someone doesn't want more than that, then I'll comment on the colors, or the mood, or the location in a positive manner.
Am I perfect? Do I give CC when it isn't asked? I'm sure that I've done so once or twice. But the thing about CC is that it is "constructive criticism." You have to give actionable advice with your comment. Saying, however well intentioned, this doesn't seem to fit ROT doesn't help unless you give a visual on how you would crop to ROT.
You are right, as I look back through this thread, I did offer JAWJr advice when it wasn't specifically asked for. For that I apologize to
@JAWJr. But, as I did so, I didn't just say, "hey, your image doesn't fit ROT. Take a look at it again." I posted two options for him (and anyone else reading along) that are constructive ways to get his image to fit the theme.
I would love for you to continue particpating. ❤️ I've been an active member of this photo forum since 2016. I've seen a lot of people come and go. I've seen some people be offended by seemingly innocuous statements and never come back. I've also seen a lot of comments about wanting to have a more serious line of discussion about photograhpy here at MR, and no one was willing to step up. So I created this project for the year, and it's a lot of work. But at the end of the day/week/month/project, I want everyone to feel like this is a safe space to share, even if they are just using a phone for their photos. If people want what we used to call HHCC (hard hat constructive criticism) 15 years ago, where you know you are going to get ripped to shreds but you are willing to hear the bad and the good....well, MR is not the place for that.
I really just want people to feel better about their skils and techniques, whether they have been shooting for one year or 50 and whether they use the latest camera or a phone or a dodgy P&S. I honestly welcome all abilities for this project and I do not want people run off because they feel like they are doing something wrong. Not everyone is ready for CC. Some people just want to share their work, and that is okay. I can find something positive in every photo.
And while your comment was not malicious or even rude, it obviously caught
@AlixSPQR off guard. I really hope he comes back and shares again.
