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Quote: Knowing what is wrong with an image is the path to getting right
Its a part of the path, but its a bit like being told "where ever you want to get to, I wouldn't start from here" 
A problem with being told what is wrong without an indication of ideas for improvement is
how do you know if the person telling you what is wrong knows what they are talking about?
It can be made worse of course if the "Critic" doesn't post any images to show that they may do so
If ideas for improvement are given at least its possible to try them out and see if they work for you
Quote: Knowing what is wrong with an image is the path to getting right. There may be more than one way to do that.
oh, the force is strong within you Obi Wan Keithobi 
Quote: It can be made worse of course if the "Critic" doesn't post any images to show that they may do so
I disagree with this sentiment. You don't have to have a portfolio to have an opinion.
I am no great painter, but I have a good idea of what good art is in a wide variety of genres. Not being able to do something yourself does not stop good critique, and a portfolio on here is not always a good indication of a person's photographic ability. How many art critics are artists themselves?
In addition, someone with no photographic knowledge can still give an indication as to why they think a picture fails, for them. An emotional response is as important as technical ability in most cases.
Nick
Quote: It can be made worse of course if the "Critic" doesn't post any images to show that they may do so
does that mean it makes it harder to do "revenge" comments about their photos
Quote: It can be made worse of course if the "Critic" doesn't post any images to show that they may do so
does that mean it makes it harder to do "revenge" comments about their photos
I feel this would just lower your own intentions ,i mean to get involved in" revenge" comments , i personally comment on very few shots unless i truely like them . if i dont i leave it to people with far more knowledge to critic and be able to back that up ..
Quote: How many art critics are artists themselves
Probably very few and it shows in the value of their judgements!
Much in the way the best films / TV progs are usually the ones that the "Critics" slag off
Quote: It can be made worse of course if the "Critic" doesn't post any images to show that they may do so
does that mean it makes it harder to do "revenge" comments about their photos
what a strange view of life you must have Ade (or am I just too naive, even at my age? 
)
Quote: Much in the way the best films / TV progs are usually the ones that the "Critics" slag off
In your opinion.
But maybe not in terms of production quality/acting/lighting/direction/camerawork/editing/music score or story? Ie the things that they may be judging by are different to whether or not they just enjoyed it?
Quote: what a strange view of life you must have Ade
being normal must suck Brian....
Quote: Much in the way the best films / TV progs are usually the ones that the "Critics" slag off
Quote: In your opinion.
But maybe not in terms of production quality/acting/lighting/direction/camerawork/editing/music score or story? Ie the things that they may be judging by are different to whether or not they just enjoyed it?
I don't know but I can think of quite a few examples where critical opinion is in tune with public opinion - 'Black Mirror' and 'Utopia' for two. However, critics generally review a wide range of programmes/films, some of which will inevitably fall towards the 'arty' (minority) end of the scale and others will have wider appeal.
I can only go by the reviews I personally have read but I see no direct correlation between critical acclaim and minority audiences.
Quote: In your opinion.
Isn't that all a criticism is, just one man/woman's opinion???
"You could say that but I couldn't possible comment"
to misquote Yes Minister
whereas a Critique can be defined as:
Quote: A detailed analysis and assessment of something
The meaning of critique can be easily defined...the scope within which you are critiquing though is surely personal and therefore subjective, and as a result always open for debate or criticism by others.
If we all had the same 5 criteria for example that we were critiquing against, there would be greater parity and potentially less misunderstandings...but we're not, we're judging simply by what we individually see, and we all have our own 'maps of the world' unique to ourselves (NLP reference) which in turn means conflict of opinions.
The challenge for us all is to take a step back, remove the 'emotional aspect' from how we interpret a comment, and then make a more pragmatic analysis on whether or not it is a valid piece of advice. And if unsure, ask the question direct to the individual via PM!
Chris
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