Howard:
If you read my post carefully, you will note that I was referring to film and book critics with that comment and that a smiley was also included.
It seems that you should take your own advice: Don't take things personally.
Your comments stopped being constructive advice some time ago and have tainted some of the excellent suggestions that you initially made. Criticism also has more merit if the critic has some qualifications in that regard (this applies to film, book and photo criticism). Though comments can have intrinsic value on their own, they do have more weight if it's backed with personal expertise (for example, criticism from Michael perks the ears up more than some unknown named Howard who is unwilling to provide any bona fides ;-) <--- not the smiley Howard and don't get your shorts in a knot).
As for photographers not being able to respond, that may be the case in "formal" critiques. But is not the case in informal internet postings to the best of my knowledge. When those critics take comments clearly denoted to be humourous as personal affronts, I consider that an indication of a problem with the critic not the target of the criticism. As for providing "reasons", my only purpose in doing so was to highlight the steps I am trying to take to improve upon my images. As for "excuses", I have already explained that I offered no such thing, and your continued allegation that I am trying to "excuse" certain facets of my photographs is insulting and inflammatory.
You want my opinion (which is worth what you paid for it, just like yours is)? You come across as an arrogant fellow that seems to want to push my buttons till I agree 100% with your personal opinions. I have had the impression that you have been trying to make this thread adversarial rather than helpful and constructive.
I would review your own comments objectively before throwing stones in glass houses.
Please do not expect any further responses from me to any future posts you may choose to make. The last word is yours if you want it, but due to your recent actions/posts your opinions no longer interest me.
.....Andrzej