Equipment & Techniques > Cameras, Lenses and Shooting gear
Bullying as a substitute for Argument
dwswager:
Not sure where this belongs, but since I've seen dozens of posts in this particular board, I put it here.
A statement to the effect of "Show me your photos" is not an argument and in it's basest form is nothing short of bullying. It is a tactic to intimidate in lieu of actual argument. Photographic samples that prove, reinforce or refute an argument are always helpful, but that is not usually how these statements are made. It is usually a blanket ultimatum intended to shut down debate from a particular poster.
Being a master craftsman in some area does not always mean knowing the technical details. Nor does knowing the details make one an expert. Some details are unknown or unknowable and through experience we accept the cause and effect relationship that exists even if we don't fully understand the nature of the cause and effect. This drives people like me nuts because I always want to know why. But while an craftsman would like to know why, and may continue to strive to know why to better exploit the situation, in his execution he merely needs to know that it is.
NancyP:
Agreed, on the internet not only is there a temptation to be rude, but one has to be careful not to write something that could be interpreted as rude by someone who doesn't see your facial expression / tone of voice and doesn't know your writing style.
On the other hand, sometimes people really want to see exactly what your problem shot looks like. Valid - am I the reader missing something? OK, so I am a huge geek. I want to learn technique and the mechanics/ science behind the image, as well as how to create a meaningful image. I tend to look for geekery in the equipment fora and aesthetics and philosophy in the image fora. But sometimes, as in the current dynamic resolution thread, actual images are really helpful.
armand:
Let's add a little perspective to this: Should a football coach (be that American also) or a boxing coach be able to play the sport well to prove its worth? Or are the art critics renowned for their work? Just saying.
dwswager:
--- Quote from: KLaban on March 27, 2015, 10:52:03 am ---Call me fickle but I tend to garner an appreciation of visual creatives by looking at what it is they do rather than reading what it is they say.
--- End quote ---
That is the best way to judge skill of the craft, but almost the worst way of judging technical competence. You might be dazzled by a wonderful photograph, but the photograph may not in any way demonstrate the technical point being discussed.
I judge myself as mediocre as a photographer because I don't have a great eye, but even I produce a great photograph from time to time. Neither has anything to do with technical knowledge. I can show you a poor example or a great example and you would draw 2 different conclusions.
Like I said, photographic evidence is great and might be the only way to get help on a particular issue. Things like "Why did I get this..." a photo attached.
Tim Lookingbill:
Not sure how folks can be accused of bullying by not using harsh, cruel and derogatory epithets similar to what's been read on twitter, YouTube and other not so well known enthusiast sites and comment sections. I've never seen that kind of bullying here or on any other photography related site.
So I'm not clearly understanding what your issues with folks asking anyone to post photos to support a point of argument or provide clarity as a way to advance understanding of the photographic process.
In my 15 years discussing digital imaging on various forums I do find some folks don't like to be called out online to avoid feeling humiliated in the cyber world throngs of millions of faceless, anonymous lurkers that banter around ideas like a "blind man's bluff" convention when all they're doing is trying to get more newer information so it can be found online for anyone searching the internet.
I've been in discussions where I've been proven to have been wrong, misunderstood or just flat out misinformed where I'ld expect to feel humiliated like I've seen others respond accordingly but for some reason that feeling doesn't register with my ego when it happens to me. I'm left asking how come I'm not pissed off? That's just weird which makes the internet for me so damn interesting from a sociological aspect.
I look at communicating in forums on the internet similar to prayer, except instead of speaking to a faceless entity that doesn't speak back, there are these characters that appear to know a lot of stuff they're passionate about to the point they lose their compassion for the folks they're attempting to enlighten, advise or just exchange new information.
I just learn to roll with it by walking away from the computer or smartphone, take a walk and return to the discussion with fresh cup of coffee and "fuh-gettuh-bout-it".
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