Not a lot of praise!

[skedras]

There does not seem to be a lot of praise for excellent and deserving shots[I don't count mine in this category!]on this site,I have looked at hundreds of outstanding pictures on Photoradar and seen about two with comments and ratings.Not very encouraging to newcomers,methinks! p.s I have rated several shots.

[mondmagu]

You are right Skedras,this is not the site for comments good or bad.Yes there are many excellent photos here and it is disheartening not to get feedback and encouragement from other snappers.If you are looking for feedback log onto www.ephotozine.com.You will find a vast array of styles and standards and you will get feedback,both good and bad so be prepared.I have been a member since early this year and always load my photos there first.
But I have to admit,Photoradar is best for the forum content and getting answers to your questions.

Best of luck
Des

[OldBoy]

The problem is that the people who designed this site didn't consider the galleries and comments. As it's a real pain to make comments most people don't bother.

[GeoffWessex]

Yes, if it were just a parade of the new pictures of the day it would be easy to 'rate'....(although giving marks out of five is fairly meaningless) but who wants to have to write a comment on each image?

[ABERS]

A little controversy and perspective.

Why do people crave or expect comments on their pictures? Is it because they are not comfortable with their work? If you visit a gallery or exhibition do you comment on each photograph. The exhibitors are saying "this is my work for what it's worth, I hope you enjoy".

If you receive a comment all well and good but it's not the end of the world if you don't.

If you get a zillion comments and a universe of stars on Pradar, frankly what's it worth? Can you imagine saying to a gallery owner, "my photographs received 10,000 comments on the Pradar forum and I got 15 POTD's". I think there would be a lot of blank stares and eye rolling!

It's akin to saying 'I'm the darts champ down at the Dog and Duck, so you must select me for England'

Nicely put Alan, although it is nice and encouraging when positive comments are received.

I tend to visit galleries from the forum rather than the sites front page, simply as I have not got the time to sit watching the latest images being posted!

[skedras]

Thanks for the feedback everyone,I remember this site in its previous incarnation,it seemed to be easier to rate photos and less impersonal,perhaps i'm judging it by those standards.

Originally Posted by skedras

Thanks for the feedback everyone,I remember this site in its previous incarnation,it seemed to be easier to rate photos and less impersonal,perhaps i'm judging it by those standards.

My feeling is, that the more you put into something the more you can gain from it. Participation in the forum is probably the key, especially when you realise that there are so many galleries here.

[kerchi]

Some interesting views here and I agree with most of what has been said. While we are free to put forward our views (and of course keeping it clean!) you are never going to please everybody.

Giving a rating isn't fairly meaningless if you look at from a different perspective; if you see a lot a 4 or 5 stars this could be seen as a boost and think you are doing something right; 1 or 2 stars and maybe you're not. If someone comments, then that's great regardless of a good or bad review, we can use these to hone our skills.

Saying that though, if someone wants comments then they shouldn't expect them from their gallery items because of the tens of thousands of photos on this site, instead post something for critiquing (which is a whole other subject and some people have varied views on that subject too from what I have seen) and the chances of getting some feedback is much higher.

In my short time here I have stumbled across so many good galleries. I don't go out of my way to look for them though but I would be happy to just rate images because I simply don't have the time to think of something noteworthy and constructive to say for every photo I'd like to rate.

My feeling is, that the more you put into something the more you can gain from it. Participation in the forum is probably the key, especially when you realise that there are so many galleries here.

Wise words beaureflets.

It boils down to: we have the option to comment but don't as most of us simply don't want to, don't have the time or simply can't be bothered.

[GeoffWessex]

Good point about the stars, Kerchi. If lots of people give 4 or 5 stars then yes, something's pretty good. I suppose it's when about a picture's got about ten ratings ranging from 2 to 4 that it's a bit meaningless.... the higher the number of 'voters' the more accurate the result, just like any other survey.