Critique Section Feedback

[Saknika]

There's been some discussion lately that concerns how the Critique is on here, and so I'm going to open this idea up for feedback.

Please though, to give me less headaches, follow this format loosely:

First, tell me what you think works well for it. What do you really like about the critique sections? Is it the guidelines, the users, ect? Basically, anything you really find good about how it is now.

Then, please let me know where you think there is room for improvement. Meaning, I don't want to just hear you hate something--I want to know why you dislike it and an idea for how it could be better.

After that, you can add any comments you'd like as well.

I won't be responding to anything right away, just reading and thinking. I can't promise any changes; but if I see a trending feeling about certain things then it's more like those things will be updated.

Basically, what I'm saying is that if six of you comment here and tell me six different things, I may or may not implement any of the ideas. On the other hand, if six of you comment here and two or three of you are all echoing a certain aspect that you really love, or really feel needs reworking, I'll probably be more apt to do something about it.

Of course, there are some things that aren't changing. They are:
1. I won't be putting a mass of categories on the front page to replace the Critique section. I however am not adverse to sub-boards. I know there are those of you who don't like sub-boards, but I really don't want a ton of boards on the front page.
2. The guidelines on needing to be an active commenter will stand, because it's the only way I can ensure that things remain fair in the critique board. Until we've grown to the point that there are two or three mods who will ensure that everyone gets comments, I don't want to lift this. I've been on boards where certain people get a ton of reviews of their work because it's beautiful, but they never comment on other pieces; meanwhile others are left in the dust and are commenting on others anyways--it's upsetting, and I don't want that here.
3. I am not accepting suggestions for new mods, just in case that thought occurs to anyone.

Aside from that, you're free to make suggestions.

I'll leave this open for a week or two to give everyone a chance to respond, before making an decisions.

And remember, it's not useless to voice your opinion because I may or may not agree. I can't make any possible changes if you don't take the chance and let me know, after all.

The forum will be a year old in July, and we've grown a lot in that time. So this is my way of trying to get a balance of interests with you guys.

So, without any more rambling, let me know what your thoughts are please!

[ŋєт™]

Personally I like the Crit board how it is now. I love how chill and laid back it is. If we were a huge photography forum I would enjoy a more structured board system, but the one board system is fine with me.

As of now I really can't put my finger on how to make it any better.

[shp]

I like it, too. Was thinking about suggesting sub-forums to help people work on particular fields (categories) and have help from others on the same field. Maybe offer points for people submiting at least ten photos so that they could be encouraged to do more, even if there are the good things people can say about their photos. But yeah. =)

[MarianMurdoch]

Well, since you said the 2 things that I'd like changed won't be changing... ;D

I like how everyone jumps in to critique, not just the members with the most experience. It makes for a much more rounded critique. Sometimes someone new to photography will have an insight that those who have been shooting for a while have never considered. It's refreshing.

I don't like it when someone comes in and tells someone something is wrong, but neglects to suggest a way in which to improve. It leaves little room for growth and can lead to hard feelings amongst the members. Perhaps if a mod sees this happening, they can ask a question of that poster, such as, "how would you suggest they do it differently in the future". I also think the mods need to keep an eye on "educational snobbery". These are members who have some education and like to toss it around as if it's gospel. There are times when rules can be broken in the pursuit of artistic expression.

What I would REALLY REALLY REALLY like to see is this: photos should be shown in the thread. No simple links to Deviant Art or something like that. Most image hosting sites will give you a link for direct hosting. I hate hate hate having to go somewhere else and then come back here to critique it. It is the biggest reason I don't critique as often as I would like.

[enigmarose]

I don't comment to much on these type of things with my lack of experience e.t.c but I agree with everything you have said Marian; especially: -

I also think the mods need to keep an eye on "educational snobbery". These are members who have some education and like to toss it around as if it's gospel. There are times when rules can be broken in the pursuit of artistic expression.

One of the reasons I have the quotes in my footer.

[ScottWood]

I couldn't agree more about the images being in the thread. I would expand this to all boards that can display images. I really dislike having to go to another site to see the image.