Downvoting media

DingoSeanThe subject isn't even in focus. That's what's downvotable.

MLJThat's my point. I would have no way of knowing what is wrong with my photos if people don't tell me. Just saying "it's bad" doesn't really help. Thanks a lot, I'll look out for that next time.

ForcilloYou didn't notice it was out of focus when you uploaded it?

LynxNationThere's some things that are going well in that photo but, also a lot of noticeably bad things. The focus is on the box behind you, leaving the subject blurry, the shadow from the guy coming up on you is really distracting as well. Though I'm sure you killed the trick, it looks like the photographer missed the apex of what you were doing or was just shooting from an unflattering position for it.

That's why I'm guessing you're getting down votes on that photo.

With that being said, I agree with the others, it shouldn't be a requirement to post a comment when something gets a down vote,but posting in the photography thread might give you a better insight into what is good and bad in something, I've seen some solid critiques in there.

MLJI have recently noticed on some of my media that people have been downvoting it seemingly randomly, without any explanation or cause. This is really quite annoying because of the system the "trending" photos are selected, where even a single downvote removes you from the running. So after all this bitching, I think the right move would be to create a system where to downvote an image you need to first post a comment saying why you don't like the image. I'm fine with criticism, as long as it is constructive so that I can take better photos or ski better next time!



What do you think NS?
Here's the photo for reference, I don't think there was anything 'downvotable' in it (sorry for self promotion)
https://www.newschoolers.com/photo/761411.0/Gap-tap?c=3&o=10

Mr.BishopYeah I will freely admit, I'm one of those downvotes.

The shot was fun and all, but the subject is out of focus and the body position isn't that great. The feature wasn't particularly big, and I didn't get a sense of what the overall trick was.

I really appreciate the effort you put in, and I know you can do better! Just keep trying, and take the feedback when you get downvotes for what it is.

MLJYou see, that's my point: I suck, and I have no idea what I'm doing wrong. Without that kind of information I have no way of improving, so simply saying "this is bad" doesnt really help at all. My point was not that I was unhappy with the down votes, but that if people are going to down vote a photo they should say why they don't like it.

Mr.BishopYeah, I do understand what you're saying. That is one thing that is too bad about the culture of the site - we use the comment section simply to say "sick" and the downvote button to silently share discontent.

I know there's been mixed results in the past about trying to change the idea behind commenting to give more feedback. As well things like having to comment on downvote have been suggested - but again I don't know if that is the right move.

Perhaps its between the two - one we should encourage Media type people to give more feedback, and second perhaps a downvote could trigger a suggestion to make a comment.