:bsmilie: :bsmilie: Uh oh!
But I agree, unless the photographer whose photos were put up had specifically requested that there be no critique or requested for babysitting comments.
Everyone is welcome to their own opinion. Sure, it is always nice to be civil, but sugar-coating everything will always result in an overly high opinion of one's self, and impede improvement if one has a true heart with regards to upgrading his skill.
I think it is sad that some photographers here think that because there are 8 people who give good comments, their photographs are untouchable already. And because their previous work has been pristine, whatever they post next are godlike. That is wrong. People who are good make mistakes. People who are not so good sometimes produce miraculous shots.
You have my full support with regards to sugar-coating, DP.. With the exception of one thing. While it works that way (i.e. people should be receptive to comments) I think sometimes at least a minimal amount of effort needs to be put in to explain why you have said what you said. If not, you are no better off than the photographer who refuses to listen to harsh critique. =)
I have not followed P&P much, but now and then I see the debates about comments and it amuses me how people love to squabble about the comments itself instead of helping the photographer to learn. And they profess that the critics are not helping the photographers to learn, when the critics have given high quality feedback (complete with reasoning and logic), while the critics of the critics simply just run their mouth about how the critics are always harsh.
And another thing - while photographs can be insulted, I think branches of photography should be treated with what I would term "mutual respect". Just because you have some personal opinions about an alternative branch doesn't give you any reason to allow your comments and judgement be tarred and marred with that personal bias.
As an afterthought, I wonder if that is the reason why the 2 examples above were warned? Perhaps there was no sincerity in their critique, only a perceived interest in doing nothing but slamming the photos?
Cheers!