Request to please comment . . .

[Analog6]

even if it is just I like it or not, as the case may be.

I have been glancing through the threads and there are many pics with lots of views (eg, one of christophe's has 23) and NO comment.  I am guilty of this too.

The reason for posting is to get other people's opinions.  No matter how good (or bad) the pic, there's usually something about it you can constructively or positively comment on.  And don't be afraid to say what does not work for you.

This is a forum for discussion, please discuss!

[bigbob]

I agree we should comment on every picture but that just is not practical because of time so i tend (like most of you) to flick through and only comment on the ones that catch my eye. however if everybody was to do that i think that we would get a comment on every picture and more participation from members

[Truckman]

I think everybody's pics look better than anything I can produce...Howzzat?... ...Ben

[Tim N]

I was trying to make comments as much as possible but in the end I was spending hours sitting in front of the computer and the other (some would say better) half was not impressed so I have been cutting my computer time down as much as possible which unfortunately means I have to glance and selectively comment.

I guess it comes with being a relatively small forum without large numbers of people looking and commenting.

[christophm]

I have been holding back as I find it difficult to comment.  I don't just want to leave a comment like - great shot.  However, I am at times unclear as to why I like or dislike a picture or how I would improve it. 

[Ross and Cher]

I have been holding back as I find it difficult to comment.  I don't just want to leave a comment like - great shot.  However, I am at times unclear as to why I like or dislike a picture or how I would improve it. 

Guilty as hell of being time challenged and skimming, but we will always try to be positive or not at all, but think even only "like it" is good!!   

Given that we have prob about 10 active members , most of whom skim the recent post thread, I suspect that most of the 23 views Odille refers to come from the lurkers - a great sign at least they are watching!

[christophm]

I wonder whether the comment count is representing the correct picture.  I looked at one on my earlier pictures - Before the Storm.  In the gallery it registered 13 views and 1 comment.  However, on the 'black & white' board it registered 120 reads and 7 replies.  These counts are not inluded in the gallery stats even though these 7 replies on the board have the same weight as comments in the gallery, I believe. 

Also, the board is the place where I should expect most comments and suggestions.  Correct?  And this seems to be happening most of the time. 

So maybe the situation is not as bad after all.

[Analog6]

That one of yours I used as an example was on the boards, but I can't remember which forum.  It has a comment now 'cos I posted one! Posts in the board thread don't show up in the gallery, I always look at the forum index board.

[admin]

One of the minor deficiencies of the 'Simple Machines Forum' board software tying into the gallery module, is that it effectively takes over the function of the comments associated within the gallery.
Given that we gain the benefit of a thread being automatically created, the ability to rate, the EXIF software and now the ability to post to Twitter (for those inclined) this seems like a fair trade - and nothing is actually lost by being able to make a comment against an image, if you happen to be browsing the gallery.
A lot of work goes into forum software and each has its pros and cons. I have not yet been able to identify and alternate program that allows for this auto creation of threads from a gallery and this does seem to be a popular feature.
Alternatives exist, such as Wordpress (I thought this provided a superior gallery, image presentation and related comment system, but most of of you voted with your feet against that one). There are some great Joomla integrations of phpBB, whch can integrate a ery good forum - but I do not have the time, nor motive to embark on yet another version, without much hope of monetising in some way to generate even a modest return on the effort involved let alone even knowing whether a new version will be accepted.
As always, feedback and suggestions on ways to improve Light Art are always welcome. I am happy to adjust as require, within the means of the program's capabilities (and cost constraints, of course)