So if I understand I should better stop participating in critic because I'm not senior critique, and my comments are less "valuable" . Strange way to motivate more people to participate.
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The second thing i don't understand is why moderators always feel attacked when people try to help ?
I feel in Anne's initiative there was nothing about complaining, nothing about gathering points … just a fair intervention to activate participation in critic zone.
No need for reply
Hi Piet,
Well, yes I think there is a need for a reply. You have expressed some thoughts that I would like to respond to them.
I want to start with Anne's OP. Anyone who has gotten to know Anne, and has observed her own work, her critiques, and her positive approach to life will understand that her OP post is written with the good intention of communicating her ideas, and hopefully improving the Critique section. I want to emphasize this because I did not see her as complaining. In fact, I think that what Anne has experienced is what most of us who have spent time there will eventually come to see, and at times it can be frustrating.
I also wanted to give Anne and all the others writing in this thread some additional history of the work that has been done in the Critique in the past. This work was done by the Moderators, and also by the Senior Critics. Honestly, if you knew the effort we made to improve the quality of the critiques and the on-going daily interventions we have had with anyone who did not write an adequate critique you probably would be staggered. I know I spent about two hours at minimum every day, writing and communicating with people to help them improve their critiques. Robert, Christoph and other Mods did the same. In addition, we also continued to write critiques to help with the workload of the SC.
Now I do not share this because we want to be acknowledged or need anything. We did it because we wanted what Anne wants now - to make the critique section a more harmonious and useful area of the website. For a while I believe we were somewhat successful. I believe it was a friendly place, and a sub group developed of people who returned. I do think some people were helped in the process, which of course is the actual reward for a Moderator or a SC.. To see a member come a long way and receive a publication which made them happy, made me feel a tremendous sense of joy for them. And so - it was worth it.
I will add that we also had an 'attach image' feature which I personally found to be very helpful. We could , and often did remake a shot, so that the member could actually 'see'' what we had in mind from our written critique. We also had a Like button which was useful in letting members know that their critiques were on the right track. It would be great to have these two features back, and perhaps Jacob will consider it.
Next, Piet I want to address this point you have made. You have said,
"So if I understand I should better stop participating in critic because I'm not senior critique, and my comments are less "valuable" . Strange way to motivate more people to participate. "
Now it appears you have not understood my point, so perhaps some additional clarification is needed. There are people like yourself who are capable of writing in English, skilled in observation and techniques and their participation is always appreciated, respected and really desired. Unfortunately, most people with these skills are actively creating photos and participating in other parts of the community here, so their presence in the critique section is limited. This does not mean it is less valuable, so I have no idea where you would get this idea.
Many people who want to participate in the Critique section to have opinions about their own photos are not skilled in writing English, and/or have no experience in writing a Critique. Some feel intimidated offering advice to others. What happens then is that there is an imbalance. Many people 'wanting' and not enough to offer.
One solution is to have Senior Critics.
A Senior Critic has been chosen because they have already shown they are capable of offering a valuable critique, and have good communication skills. Their participation in the Critique may not be able to solve every issue, but it does make a big difference because at least some of the participants are receiving valuable advice and suggestions. Unlike a member like yourself who may come and go, a SC is also someone who has committed to coming to write on a more regular basis.
As for being attacked, well, I certainly do not feel that the Moderators were attacked. I believe what Robert and I wrote was done to offer a history and to let Anne know that her points are well taken. However, sometimes understanding history puts things in perspective.
As for a dialogue between the critic and the member, I found that if someone did not respond and it appeared that they could write in English, I would write again in the thread and ask..."Joe, what did you think about my suggestions."....
As for those who are defensive - well I think this becomes personal. It takes a lot of time, patience, and a real openness to actually hear what they are being defensive about. I think it is important to first accept it, and to meet them on their ground. It is a give and take that eventually gets someone to hear you. People will put a photo there but it is hard for them to have their 'child' not accepted as it is. Most will be open, but not everyone...but we can work with those people also...it just takes more loving kindness to do so.
Thanks for listening Piet. :)
Anyone reading this - and wants to help out - please come to the Critique and lend your expertise to your fellow members.
Phyllis
Forum Moderator
