I am on a few photography message board forums and, over the years, there has been questionable etiquette at times. Many of you here know exactly what I mean as you can see some of the bickering and back&forth which goes on at times. There is a lot of behavior which is less then classy.
So I have decided to author this thread and offer up some rules of etiquette to live by on the photo message boards.
#1. Keep in mind that these forums do attract "trolls" and there are people out there who get on these boards with the intent to incite a riot. Some others may not be official "trolls", but their manner and conduct are trollish.
#2. If someone places up a photo they took do not comment publicly if a critique is not specifically asked for. If you like the photo, then tell them you like it, but if you dont like the photo then stay silent unless specifically asked for that type of input.
#3. If you feel you must provide input which is not specifically asked for then offer it up in a private message rather then a public post.
#4. When critiquing a photo either publicly or privately use the "sandwich" method. Follow in with a greeting and introduction. Tell them what you like about the photo, then follow in with critical commentary, then state some positive words followed by a conclusion. Basically, keep it classy and dont come out as sounding harsh.
#5. Always consider who you might be talking to. There are a lot of fakes and frauds on these boards, but take a few moments to consider the audience.
#6. My final rule of etiquette is to "keep it classy". Do not take the attitude that this is a "free country" and you can say whatever you want as you please. I would take the attitude that you are in someone's home and to keep it classy watching your words carefully crafting responses. You wouldnt swear or be argumentative in someone's home.
These are my basic rules and advice when participating on a message board. Just thought I might offer this up in the morning.
Have a great day.
Comments
But other than that, these sound like good guidelines for other forums... that I no longer visit because of negative attitudes:)
I have zero desire to see this forum devolve into the mean-spirited sniping you see on DPReview, and lately, FStoppers and Petapixel. Trev and I have moderated a few comments over time - there's little chance that a harsh comment stays up.
I first started posting to my website, Planet Neil, when I was trying to figure out why the Nikon D100 under-exposes by 1 stop, compared to Canon D60. After 30 years of shooting slide film for my personal photography, I really had the hang of exposure metering, and the D100 didn't play along, and certainly didn't give the same exposure as the Canon D60.
So I posted a few questions on DP Review forums about the Nikon D100, because it just didn't respond like I was expecting. (This was about 10 years ago.) Instead of a discussion and help, I was accused of being a troll. WTF? Other experiences like that left me with little desire to participate on photography forums, and I rarely post elsewhere.
So yes, Be nice and be helpful.
This thread eats me to be told what to do or behave when no such disbehaviour has occurred .
I have read alot of threads on here and all seems great .
This would be like myself teaching neil or trev about studio lighting .. They dont need to be told how to suck eggs .
I speak in a calm and collective way .
Michael i know u mean well , so i respect that.
Neil on you last paragraph its nice to see your a down to earth chap ( wtf )
That will be my go to phrase from now on and will replace "what a douche."
And Stephen71...I am serious here. Digging that phrase!
Rudy
Now u have made my day. ,, how funny.
Chears pal
Ps thank u for my first news letter ..
Good night all
Luckily this forum seems to have cornered the market on photographic genius so there is little need to go elsewhere ;-P
My recent discovery of this site/forum I'll say has already done more for my photographic knowledge than all of the forums and message boards I've read in the past, and I haven't even asked any questions. So thank you all. I thought this thread would be the right one to take a moment to post something of a self introduction since the basic message is one I try like hell to live by "be Polite."
I am not sure whether be a troll means to be in a "Read-Only" mode or refers to being some form of social media instigator. I tend to read and observe and glean much but rarely speak up. I'm like that face to face too until I've been oiled up with a tall glass of bourbon, or a few pints.
So Again Hello all,
Thanks for the knowledge,
Stay classy.