I just want to say a few words about my view of this blog and posting comments against people's images.

While I really appreciate it if someone goes to the effort of commenting against any of my pictures, it is not something which I expect. I started posting pictures here as a means of regaining some of the reasons why I started taking photos in the first place, as a diversion from other things which were going on at the time and simply as a means of sharing images, feelings and views with some like-minded people. It was never an ego-trip or some kind of popularity poll.

Similarly, if I choose to post a comment on someone else's page, I do not expect them to respond or expect them to feel in some way obliged to do so - that just devalues the whole experience for me. I post comments because I have something to say and because I have enjoyed the pictures - there is no "quid pro quo" element involved.

I think that too often on this site there is an expectation of positive feedback which I think is wrong - I would rather someone honestly post a comment to the effect that they think my picture is crap (and give the reasons why).

To me it is the honesty of the comment or view which is paramount.

Ok, rant over - now hit me those negative vibes!

yes, it is good to know the truth. sunshineand · 2007-10-04: 13:59

You have a good point,but if i don't like a picture i do not give a comment. Because; perhaps its just the subject that i don't like or perhaps the camera used is a very bad one(thats why i liked to see exif info) and the pictures are always very blurry or bad exposured. I also don't have enough knowledge to tell you how to do things better or maybe its a perfect shot and i dont understand it... In my profile i ask people also to give me some bad comments but i do understand why its not happening. If i do like a picture, i will leave a comment. I tried to avoid comments like "nice shot" and try to say wich one i like most, this means the others are not so good in my humble opinion. eljapa · 2007-10-04: 14:26

I agree with the points you have made and started my own blog for similar reasons to you. My only expectation is of myself and the pictures that I put up. However, I do always try to say thank you for any comments that I get - that's just polite! On your picture, I like the hint of a view and the colours through the door that has been left ajar. Alicehume · 2007-10-04: 15:11

I agree absolutely your words, love the view of the landscape inside the door,great image.!!! Agodashi · 2007-10-04: 17:52

this picture stinks!!! kidding! sunshineand · 2007-10-04: 22:26

Lol it seems there quite a few of us who feels the same way about posting and commenting. If a picture is really bad or doesn't touch me at all I refrain from commenting. however I have found that not everyone likes it when I add some suggestion to a good photo, so I guess it is a fine line to walk. I know of some photo blogs that have the option where you can ask for technical, social or no comments. Ok now an invitation to critique a photo I can never let go by great idea in this one with the door.. I would have gone for a tighter zoom on the door with maybe the two pillar on either side as a frame. as it is now the crop is to tight with the post on the roof almost cut off. The lines of the steps shows that your photo is not straight . very slightly, but strong lines in a photo will always show that up. lol ok now you may have a go at mine. it is always appreciated slowpete · 2007-10-05: 01:37

I like the symmetrical vaule of this shot and the door as the focal point.. I like the seeing the whole of the building but also would like to see the door up close because it is such a fantastic view... so maybe 2 pics ....xx ????? · 2007-10-05: 10:28

Porno for architects. What's not to love in this pic? odradek · 2007-10-05: 17:56