You guys DO know that there is a rating system, right???

Let's cut to the chase. If you've posted a pic, I believe you can rate anybody's pictures. It's on a scale of 1-5. Now, one person who votes can give a 5, the stars will be 5. But if another person comes in and votes a 3, the stars will change to 4. It might seem lame to rate a picture but I think a lot of people rely on it. I mean, not all pics are critiqued and by doing a rating, you can stay silent but still give your 2 cents. Surely, nobody wants a 1 or 2 star. But if you get them, something is going wrong, right?

I admit it, I don't respond to every picture. I don't RATE every picture. But if a point needs to be made, I'll rate a shot. I try to be fare and I rarely give 1 or 2 stars cuz honestly, I feel it's mean. I'd rather work with the person to make things better!

So please, if you are in the mood, please rate pictures. It can help the photographer figure out if something is amiss. Think of it as a tool to help one get better.




Btw, there's been talk in the past about this place NOT being a competition. We post pics for the fun of it. But in my view, there needs to be competition. Part of the way we get better at our photography skills is to compare ourselves to someone who is better. It's not a contest in terms of who is better. I myself, look at pics and I will sit there and go, "Crap, his shot is sooooooo tight. I wish I could do that." Guess what, I strive towards it. It's inspiration. Think of it as inspiration. We all have things to learn from each other and that's what makes this place great. We are all photographers. Some people have high standards. Some have low. But we all want to produce the best product possible Please think of competition as something between YOU and someone else. Think of it as a way to improve. To say, "I gotta do better than THAT shot." I'm far from perfect or even good. I see pics and I try to beter myself.

Just food for thought.

G

The rating system is cool if people use it properly, but it's too easy for smart alecs to abuse the system. There are people out there who use the cover of anonimity to give one star ratings to decent pictures, which makes the ratings meaningless. That's why I won't use the ratings any more; If I like a picture I'll make a comment. If you deem a picture to be worth only one star, then have the guts to put your name to a comment and explain your reasons for the judgement.

I have the same opinion that Outrider has. It's too easy to abuse a rating system. If there is any issue between members, it would easily be a way to hurt a member's status.

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Hmmmmm, interesting. I guess I was thinking of a more positive vibe where people were truthful about stuff. Honestly, the way I look at it is if the shot is ultra fuzzy/out of focus, I'll most likely give it a 1 star, y'know? I don't feel I NEED to say anything because the photographer should be able to look at it and see the problems. On the other hand, if you give an excellent pic a 1 star, then yeah, comment would be nice. But we've read most of the comments here. "Cool" "Great shot" etc. That helps about as much as "This sucks". lol. Anyway, I was just letting people know that it's available if they wish to use it.

I usually PM the people whose shots aren't all that great. Don't necessarily want to air it for the public to see.

Plus, I'm not gonna comment on every pic. Often times, it's faster to just rate 'em and be on with the next. That's probably just me and I don't rate each and every one of 'em.

Personally I'm not a big fan of the rating system, and I would agree with the anonimity statement. My only problem is I wish I had time to comment on every picture I see because there is a lot of great shots taken and I get tons of great ideas from you guys. I don't look at it as a competition but more of a learning experience. I've learned a lot so far. So thank you all for the great inspirational photos.

I agree with you guys. I have only been a member for a little while, and already I have noticed some moron likes to give one star ratings to good pictures. It should be that you have to put your name to a rating so that we know who gives all these good pics a 1 star rating.