Changing Contest Photos.

[northbeach]

Just a reminder that the site has guidelines about this.

"Had some critiques on how to improve your photo(s) during the Photo Contest... ? ... please post your edited photos here instead of reposting to the Contest section as your photo(s) may not be accepted for the contest finals."

Personally I'm disturbed when I look at an image and read comments that no longer make sense to me because the image has been edited mid-stream.

Leaving aside the guidelines I think I get better feedback if everyone can always see the original image and then I can try to implement them on my own time and decide which I think works for me.

Sheila.[I]

[northbeach]

I notice no one seems to want to add to this.

From now on I will not critique any images when I know the poster has the habit of editing after comments are made.

It is simply not fair for this kind of editing to go on with a very few people when the rest of us follow the guidelines. How would it be if we all did this?

This is a contest. Excellent feedback is given to people and my personal feeling is that feedback is being abused when it results in editing that leaves old comments. It's not helpful to other posters who would benefit from seeing all the feedback and perhaps learning from it.

Sheila.

[Punwit]

I'm opposed as well but I think for different reasons. My primary issue is that folks might be confused by comments that point to something that's no longer true. Neophytes reading the comments may be lead in entirely the wrong direction if changes are made without attribution. If one is only interested in improving thier own photography perhaps they won't be disabused by this possibility but those that would wish to help everyone improve as photographer and critiquers should be mindful of the possibility of confusion. My suggestion for those that enjoy the evolution of an image is to retain the original while making edits and uploading to the critique or edits gallery and posting back with a link. I'm optimistic that folks will then follow the link and respond with comments regarding the improvement or lack thereof in those edits.

My hope is that the comments I leave don't end up solely benefitting just the originator of the image (please accept this disclaimer for the hubris to suggest that my comments are beneficial).

Darren

[northbeach]

I agree with all you say, Darren.

And...there is a guideline that prohibits edit and post again in the same thread.

However, this comes up from time to time and I always get exercised over it and I should simply give up and leave it alone. Then perhaps when the majority of the entries are doing it the ones who aren't might care.

Sheila.

[JPope42]

It seems to me that this is becoming a more widespread practice, a rule is only a rule if it's enforced. If not, it becomes merely a guideline.

I'm kind of with Darren here. It's confusing to those who are trying to get a better understanding of photography. From a selfish perspective, I often receive excellent comments that make me look at my posted images quite differently. I don't change the image during the contest period because it's often interesting and informative to read the "point/ counterpoint" of image critiques rather than jump in and make a rash edit.

So, Sheila, I must also be in agreement with you as well in that measured consideration of the entire comment stream is a way better way to go. After all, I for one ain't working on a deadline for this stuff... it's just for fun!

[TcJohnson]

I also have to say that it is confusing to look at an image commenting then reading others remarks to find that the image has been altered without any avisory to such alterations to the image. I am under the impression that the contest page was for our best work, perhaps wongfully so. I have in the past made alterations but found it an ill practice, due to this very thing, and I felt they were ready for the contest. I think alterations should be preformed after the week has ended then resubmited if the individual feels its a Winner. After all we have finished the image and felt it was ready for the contest. Others see things we have missed or in a different light. Comments vary between individuals what one may find off another may enjoy do to there grasp of subject Matter, reality, technique, Ect, on the image.

Aw Heck Everyone should just be able to see the image as presented in the first place. Make there comments, and then if it is felt something needs changing do it afterwords.

[northbeach]

Yes, it is still going on. I just don't understand why on the one hand people want this to be a learning place but then change their image so that a person who gets to the thread late loses the opportunity to learn from earliler comments because the "offending" thing commented on has gone.

I'm sticking with not offering my dime's worth on images that are changed mid-stream. Not much of a loss perhaps but nevertheless another opinion.

The playing field is not level when only some of the people play by the rules. I have an image up this week that has a soft spot in it. I didn't realize it until it was up. I'm leaving it. Someone commented on it and it will stay so those coming after can see that that commenter is talking about.

As you might be able to tell, this is a real peeve of mine

[Rrdjserv]

Sheila-

I understand your reasoning, but don't think that you can micro-manage everyone's posts. Besides, how is this any different than posting in the critique section, getting comments, fixing it then posting in the contest? Either way, it is not the original.

--Rick

[northbeach]

I'm not micro managing people's posts. There is a specific note about this from admin (sometimes called Management) on the first page of the contest. Should we all begin ignoring that? What a mess that would be, comments would be come worthless since they'd pretty much all be about things that weren't there anymore.

You get my point but don't see the point of it, I guess. We'll have to agree to disagree. And I will stop commenting on entries where I know the poster might alter it mid-stream. That's my choice.


Sheila.

[~Rick~]

Sheila
I think i have already commented on this subject in one of this weeks entries
I agree with all you have said.
Entries should not be fixed up mid competition
As i see it , you upload to the competition and take it on the chin, any faults that are noticed and slap your forehead and learn.