This thread was locked on 2013-01-19 04:33:19
Forums > General Industry > Begging for comments???

Model

Kiera Stone

Posts: 9

Atlanta, Georgia, US

Whats the point in everyone begging for comments? Seems to me you don't earn it that way by asking people to comment your photos etc.

Oct 21 11 08:18 pm Link

Photographer

Three Cats Photography

Posts: 856

İstanbul, İstanbul, Turkey

Kiera Stone wrote:
Whats the point in everyone begging for comments? Seems to me you don't earn it that way by asking people to comment your photos etc.

I guess people think that comments on a photo imply that it is a good photo. So, more comments=good photo=good photographer
I do not agree with that but that is my theory

Oct 21 11 08:24 pm Link

Photographer

BOBBY DIMARZO

Posts: 203

Boston, Massachusetts, US

Yes is everyone so insecure that they need to beg for a positive comments.

Oct 21 11 08:24 pm Link

Retoucher

MM020

Posts: 1046

Braşov, Braşov, Romania

As I see it, it's more about networking, seeing other people's recent updates, seeing what others think of your images, rather than a fair assessment of your work (especially since from what I know you can't critique, but only post positive comments), see what the pictures in your portfolio are that others like most etc. .

I don't think people should take MM so seriously, for every person begging for comments, there's a rant about flakes or escorts, it's all part of the mayhem.

Oct 21 11 08:26 pm Link

Photographer

Three Cats Photography

Posts: 856

İstanbul, İstanbul, Turkey

BOBBY DIMARZO wrote:
Yes is everyone so insecure that they need to beg for a positive comments.

then there are ones you scratch my back i scratch yours. MM buddies. They defend each other at forum discussions, leave comments for each other, etc.

Oct 21 11 08:26 pm Link

Model

Kiera Stone

Posts: 9

Atlanta, Georgia, US

Three Cats Photography wrote:

I guess people think that comments on a photo imply that it is a good photo. So, more comments=good photo=good photographer
I do not agree with that but that is my theory

lol your from my hometown smile

Oct 21 11 08:27 pm Link

Photographer

Three Cats Photography

Posts: 856

İstanbul, İstanbul, Turkey

Kiera Stone wrote:

lol your from my hometown smile

yes, let me leave a couple of comments on your pics since we are maybe neighbors smile

Oct 21 11 08:31 pm Link

Photographer

RP Chicago

Posts: 230

Chicago, Illinois, US

Part social and part sales. How will you get noticed if you don't participate?

Couple weeks ago you asked the forums about your pictures and a lot people gave the opinion that you should take down the pic of you on all fours on the blue sweep. Did you decide to keep it?

Oct 21 11 08:32 pm Link

Photographer

ChanStudio - OtherSide

Posts: 5403

Alpharetta, Georgia, US

Train wreck soon..

Oct 21 11 08:39 pm Link

Photographer

Aaron Pawlak

Posts: 2850

New York, New York, US

Kiera Stone wrote:
Whats the point in everyone begging for comments? Seems to me you don't earn it that way by asking people to comment your photos etc.

It's a ploy to get people to look at your portfolio.

Oct 21 11 08:39 pm Link

Model

Frances Jewel

Posts: 9149

Dayton, Ohio, US

AaronPawlak wrote:

It's a ploy to get people to look at your portfolio.

Ding!  Ding! DIng! We have a winner


on another note...this isn't the forum for this discussion.....

Oct 21 11 08:40 pm Link

Photographer

Aaron Pawlak

Posts: 2850

New York, New York, US

Kiera Stone wrote:
Whats the point in everyone begging for comments? Seems to me you don't earn it that way by asking people to comment your photos etc.

That's a nasty spread shot in your port.

Oct 21 11 08:41 pm Link

Photographer

Cherrystone

Posts: 37171

Columbus, Ohio, US

AaronPawlak wrote:

That's a nasty spread shot in your port.

ninja

Oct 21 11 08:57 pm Link

Photographer

Geoff Jones

Posts: 1573

Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia

Because the more comments you have, the better the picture is obviously.

Oct 21 11 09:05 pm Link

Photographer

ROCK KANDY

Posts: 61

Oceanside, California, US

pxspace wrote:
As I see it, it's more about networking, seeing other people's recent updates, seeing what others think of your images, rather than a fair assessment of your work (especially since from what I know you can't critique, but only post positive comments), see what the pictures in your portfolio are that others like most etc. .

I don't think people should take MM so seriously, for every person begging for comments, there's a rant about flakes or escorts, it's all part of the mayhem.

Thats Just what it is.. It just opens up more avenues, More people to see your port, Etc. We all can take photos and we all have different styles and experience levels, As long as we enjoy what we do and put a smile on our subjects face, thats what is important.
My belief is " It has to be fun, If its not fun it becomes work, when its work, WHY DO IT "

Oct 21 11 09:05 pm Link

Retoucher

GregWatson

Posts: 754

Mount Airy, North Carolina, US

AaronPawlak wrote:

That's a nasty spread shot in your port.

popcorn

It's called networking, go check my port big_smile

Oct 21 11 09:11 pm Link

Photographer

JWB2

Posts: 5965

Evansville, Indiana, US

Kiera Stone wrote:
Whats the point in everyone begging for comments? Seems to me you don't earn it that way by asking people to comment your photos etc.

Your chose to describe asking for a comment as "begging".  That tells me a lot about you.

Oct 21 11 09:12 pm Link

Model

Frances Jewel

Posts: 9149

Dayton, Ohio, US

just a note....OP's post did not influence me to open her port. lol

Oct 21 11 09:20 pm Link

Photographer

DG at studio47

Posts: 2365

East Ridge, Tennessee, US

Comments = recognition and 'approval' to most who post images here on MM. the problem is, members are not allowed to give unsolicited 'critiques'--a combination of the good AND bad points of an image.What you wind up with is usually a list of comments in the 'nice image', 'sexy shot', 'nice work', category--just comments. not much real value except positive reinforcement, even if the image sucks. it trains everyone to repeat technical and concept mistakes, expecting more 'recognition' to follow.
I recommend submitting images in the critique forums, submit your images to a wide open comment/critique site such as photosig.com, or provide comments on other members images that detail the good aspects of that image--why is it 'good'? if the image does not truly merit credit and praise, don't provide false positives.
All this takes time and study--therefore it usually does not happen and is not attractive to the average member here.
best wishes.

Oct 21 11 09:24 pm Link

Photographer

Rich Burroughs

Posts: 3259

Portland, Oregon, US

I just won't trade comments. If people leave me one and I have a chance, I'll check out their work. And if there's something I really like, I'll comment.

I'm not going to have people see my name saying "Great job" on crappy pictures. I think it brings your taste level into question, besides not being honest.

Oct 21 11 09:30 pm Link

Photographer

Rich Burroughs

Posts: 3259

Portland, Oregon, US

RP Chicago wrote:
Part social and part sales. How will you get noticed if you don't participate?

Couple weeks ago you asked the forums about your pictures and a lot people gave the opinion that you should take down the pic of you on all fours on the blue sweep. Did you decide to keep it?

I wish people would follow good advice I give them in critiques. Usually I look at their portfolio after and it's exactly the same.

Oct 21 11 09:31 pm Link

Photographer

JWB2

Posts: 5965

Evansville, Indiana, US

Every once in a while I would trade comments.  I would comment on those asking or begging for comments.  I got burned several times and did not receive a comment in return.  So I said the hell with it.

Oct 21 11 09:34 pm Link

Photographer

J Landry Photography

Posts: 418

Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada

For honesty the local models and photographers won't stop by and say eww that's sucks and most local photographer's won't give you tips to improve your there competition dunno my 2 cents lol.

Oct 21 11 09:38 pm Link

Photographer

coffee_high

Posts: 227

Chicago, Illinois, US

i need more love...love me !!!

Oct 21 11 09:47 pm Link

Photographer

DG at studio47

Posts: 2365

East Ridge, Tennessee, US

JWB2 wrote:
Every once in a while I would trade comments.  I would comment on those asking or begging for comments.  I got burned several times and did not receive a comment in return.  So I said the hell with it.

been here, done this, still smell like smoke--oh well..................

Oct 21 11 10:43 pm Link

Photographer

Aaron Pawlak

Posts: 2850

New York, New York, US

DG at studio47 wrote:
Comments = recognition and 'approval' to most who post images here on MM. the problem is, members are not allowed to give unsolicited 'critiques'--a combination of the good AND bad points of an image.What you wind up with is usually a list of comments in the 'nice image', 'sexy shot', 'nice work', category--just comments. not much real value except positive reinforcement, even if the image sucks. it trains everyone to repeat technical and concept mistakes, expecting more 'recognition' to follow.
I recommend submitting images in the critique forums, submit your images to a wide open comment/critique site such as photosig.com, or provide comments on other members images that detail the good aspects of that image--why is it 'good'? if the image does not truly merit credit and praise, don't provide false positives.
All this takes time and study--therefore it usually does not happen and is not attractive to the average member here.
best wishes.

The first comment trade I did, she gave me a negative criticism in return. I decided trading comments is a waste of time. She thought she was helping me.

Oct 21 11 10:49 pm Link

Photographer

Aaron Pawlak

Posts: 2850

New York, New York, US

AaronPawlak wrote:
That's a nasty spread shot in your port.

GHWatson wrote:
popcorn It's called networking, go check my port big_smile

Huh?

Oct 21 11 10:50 pm Link

Photographer

Boris M Struk

Posts: 1182

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

"Begging" - that now explains why I have sore knees...

Oct 21 11 11:14 pm Link

Photographer

DG at studio47

Posts: 2365

East Ridge, Tennessee, US

AaronPawlak wrote:

The first comment trade I did, she gave me a negative criticism in return. I decided trading comments is a waste of time. She thought she was helping me.

sounds cold

Oct 22 11 02:57 am Link

Photographer

Chris Rifkin

Posts: 25581

Tampa, Florida, US

I used to include the phrase "comments returned" when I would have a casting call up
to in theory get models and such to hopefully get to my page to see the casting call..(kinda like using a lure for fishing)
I ended up with a ton of comments from people nowhere near where the casting call was for...
mostly saying "nice pic" or something...
since have stopped that tactic and just hit the announcements hard...

To me, a comment out of nowhere means 100x more than one that was "begged" for

Oct 22 11 08:36 am Link

Photographer

Chris Rifkin

Posts: 25581

Tampa, Florida, US

Oh...and awaits the trainwreck

Oct 22 11 08:36 am Link

Photographer

Light Writer

Posts: 18391

Phoenix, Arizona, US

Chris Rifkin wrote:
Oh...and awaits the trainwreck

It doesn't have to be a train wreck. Let's assume that there's a serious question which unfortunately was not phrased well.

There are 600k members of this site. Probably 100k are "active" daily, posting to the forums (fora), searching, posting casting calls and so on. Advertising is an important aspect of "networking". Before the internet one went to conventions or meetings to promote oneself in a community. With the internet the line where a special interest group (like a photography club) meets the public has disappeared. So rather than having a small discussion promoting oneself, it is more like advertising to the general public. One way to advertise is to post on the forums, another is to post in shout box, a third is to browse/search for others and a fourth to post comments.

What's wrong with promoting oneself by asking for comments? We assume that the critique forums are about critiques solely, but they are a form of self-promotion and thus "advertising".

Now some ads are wonderful at explaining the product, some are bad at it. Some ads are better at promoting the advertiser than the product. It seems to me that there's nothing wrong in offering to exchange comments in order to promote oneself in the community, the risk is that the advertisement becomes the subject rather than the photography or modeling.

In internet land, there is also the danger of trolling and the rise of snarky-ness due to anonimity and other factors.

Oct 22 11 09:36 am Link

Model

J O A N N E

Posts: 2362

Derby, England, United Kingdom

Chris Rifkin wrote:
Oh...and awaits the trainwreck

+1
yadda yadda yadda yaaawwwwn.....
this  topic has been covered before & have always turned nasty. You don't like to trade comments? Then whine about in the forums because it's 'whoring'

Oct 22 11 09:44 am Link

Photographer

Light Writer

Posts: 18391

Phoenix, Arizona, US

There's also a distinction between comments posted to specific images, tags left on a member's page, and the various critique forums (fora). The member can delete the comments and tags, but in the critique forums (fora) s/he does not.

In other arenas, like youtube, there's a big kerfuffle about members deleting and blocking other users, and how petty such a deletion can be. In this site one has the freedom to delete comments without disapprobation since the member's port is more of networking/advertising feature, than a "free exchange of comments" (forum).

Oct 22 11 09:44 am Link

Photographer

WMcK

Posts: 5298

Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

I tried an experiment recently. I commented on ten portfolios where the owners said "all comments returned." Not just one comment, but at least five per portfolio. Only two returned comments as they had promised. Out of the eight who didn't, one was someone who considers himself one of the biggest names on MM, but still resorts to begging for comments (and lying about returning them!) So if you are tempted by "all comments returned," don't. the chances are that they won't be.

Oct 22 11 09:46 am Link

Photographer

A N D E R S O N

Posts: 2553

Rockville, Maryland, US

You can't win if you don't play.

Oct 22 11 10:25 am Link

Photographer

Paul Tirado Photography

Posts: 4363

New York, New York, US

It is a networking site. Like my photo, comment, list...all part of the game.

Oct 22 11 11:22 am Link

Photographer

Craig Thomson

Posts: 13462

Tacoma, Washington, US

Kiera Stone wrote:
Whats the point in everyone begging for comments? Seems to me you don't earn it that way by asking people to comment your photos etc.

Insecure I guess.

The site banned members from asking people to vote on their contest entries seems similar to me.

Oct 22 11 11:40 am Link

Photographer

Charles Gast

Posts: 191

Mason, Ohio, US

Kiera Stone wrote:
Whats the point in everyone begging for comments? Seems to me you don't earn it that way by asking people to comment your photos etc.

Some people tend to be comment counters. Its a quantity over quality thing for them so to speak.  Doesn't do anything for me although some people are flattered

Oct 22 11 11:48 am Link

Photographer

Art Wraith Images

Posts: 1411

Antioch, California, US

pxspace wrote:
As I see it, it's more about networking, seeing other people's recent updates, seeing what others think of your images, rather than a fair assessment of your work (especially since from what I know you can't critique, but only post positive comments), see what the pictures in your portfolio are that others like most etc. .

I don't think people should take MM so seriously, for every person begging for comments, there's a rant about flakes or escorts, it's all part of the mayhem.

+1

Oct 22 11 11:51 am Link