Guidelines - Required Reading before posting!

[G. Couch]

These are important guidelines to follow when posting in this forum. I am going to ask that prior to posting here, everyone read these and acknowledge that they have, either in this thread or send me a PM...I know that sounds pretty strict but it will hopefully help avoid any situations of posters making personal attacks or "drive-by" posters - individuals who show up, post 30 images at once and then never contribute anything else. Anyone who blatantly disregards the guidelines, engages in personal attacks, or is just consistently rude, will get a very kind warning...followed by not-so-kind action if the behavior continues. Keep in mind however, there is a big difference between honest discussion and rude behavior...

These are guidelines that apply to giving and receiving a critique-

DO -

• make constructive comments.
• post any photographic image - Restorations, Photo-Art, Retouching (keep in mind that the guidelines that govern the overall site apply here as well.)
• qualify compliments or criticisms with reasons and give suggestions for improvement.
• be honest. If you really do not like something, say so!
• If you post an image, write a basic description of how the image was created. This is very important as it will help others give a more informed opinion and allow everyone to learn.
• post your skill level. If you have just begun to learn a program like Photoshop, please say so....And if you are giving a critique, keep the skill level of the image creator in mind. No one will benefit if you treat a beginner like a pro or vice versa.
• Always try to post something positive even if you really dislike an image.
• ask for things to be explained further if you do not understand someone's comments.
• keep in mind that opinions are subjective...and a criticism of your work is not an attack on your character.
• feel free to make any suggestions that you feel would improve this forum!
• ask before uploading changes to someone's image. This mostly applies to when you see a post by a new member. Some people may take offense to any altering of their images and a quick "is it ok to make and upload changes?" could prevent a confrontation.

DON'T -

• engage in personal attacks, or make rude comments
• make posts that only compliment or only criticize. The fact that you might like an image is wonderful...but please explain why!
• post every image you have ever created. This forum is really meant for in-depth discussion of work...so be selective about the image you post for critique. It might be your best work and you want to see what other's think...it might be an image that is giving you all sorts of problems... Or perhaps it's an image that is bound for a competition or show and you want to get the opinion of peers. It could even be an image that a client rejected and you want to find out where you went wrong!
• flood the forum with images. No one is going to respond if you upload 20 images in one day. 1 or 2 images a week is probably a good number. This will allow everyone to see your work and make detailed comments before you post another image.
• post an image and then not respond to any of the comments. We want a dialogue...not comments that fall on deaf ears or posters who disappear into thin air after uploading.

These guidelines are a rough idea of how this forum should operate...and will probably be updated and added to. Most of all just keep in mind that this site has developed a reputation as being one of the most helpful on the net and this forum should continue in that spirit.

Have fun!

[Ed_L]

Just to qualify myself, I've read the guidelines.

Ed

[winwintoo]

Well said Greg!

Margaret

[themanda]

Couldn't agree more!

[TwinbNJ]

I read the guidelines-- I am in full agreement with the above guidelins.

[KenB]

I have also read the guidelines and I'm glad to see this area realized.


Ken

[CJ Swartz]

I've read the official guidelines, and agree to abide by them.

I think this forum is an excellent addition to the site, and will be a good learning tool for many of us.

Greg, you have given us a fine standard of conduct with work with, and a clear method with which to use the forum -- good job!

[roger_ele]

Roger

[gland]

These are really common sense guidelines. I've read and agree with them.

[Wanda Schwind]

I've read the guidelines and will abide by them. They are plain common sense and courtesy rules that we should all be able to follow quite easily. Again thanks, Greg, for realizing this is needed

Wanda

[jrolinc]

Seems common sense but nice to see so clearly and definitively stated.
I look forward to seeing/hearing how it goes.

[spinnnz]

I've read the guidelines and couldn't agree more, it is just common courtesy. Well stated!

-Lisa

[pjb]

Very well said Greg. I agree with everything.

[BigAl]

Well said, Greg.

Does this mean you're going to have to moderate this particular forum before anything gets posted?

[Jade]

Thanks Greg - I concur and don't have a problem agreeing to abide by these guidelines.

Regards
Jade

[Opal]

I did send you a PM, Greg but posting in here also incase you didn't get it.

I not only agree with the sensible guidelines but will abide by them.

Cheers,
Opal

[G. Couch]

Originally posted by BigAl

Does this mean you're going to have to moderate this particular forum before anything gets posted?

Nope...post away! (Who wants to be the first guinea pig? ) As many have already pointed out, these guidelines are pretty much common sense to everyone...well, almost everyone. A critique forum, especially one were honesty is encouraged, can get out of hand quickly if there not at least some basic rules...that's the reason why this forum may seem to be under a little tighter control. If someone did come along and get out of line, this protects all of us and the offender will not have an argument as to what is and is not allowed here...I can just point them back to the guidelines.

[Flora]

Thanks Greg!

I read the guidelines and couldn't agree more ...

I only think it's sad to have to put them down in writing .... since, as Lisa pointed out, "....it is just common courtesy..."

[jeaniesa]

Oops - forgot to post here before I made my comments on Al's submission. I promise I read the guidelines as soon as they were posted, I just didn't say that I had.

Thanks for putting this together Greg - and for moderating. I think this will be another great addition to RP!

Jeanie

[G. Couch]

Originally posted by jeaniesa
Oops - forgot to post here before I made my comments on Al's submission. I promise I read the guidelines as soon as they were posted, I just didn't say that I had.

You are in big trouble now! ...I guess we can let it slide, considering you helped write the guidelines and all...

Just a quick note - I added one more item to the guidelines regarding asking permission before uploading changes to other's images. This mostly applies to when you see a post by a new member or member you do not know...it's best to ask, since some folks can take offense to any altering of their work. This may only apply to 1 user out of a 100, but it's something to keep in mind. (for any forum really...not just this one)

[tyeise]

I didn't realize at first that we had to respond here to indicate our agreement. I thought we just had to "be" in agreement before posting to the section. I agree, so I have no problem posting a note saying that I agree. <g>

Tyeise

[d_kendal]

I definitely agree with the guidelines, I think this is a great addition to the forums, good job Greg!!

- David

[DannyRaphael]

Those were brief guidelines? LOL

Read and acknowledged.

This forum is destined to become another jewel of the site. Well done, Greg.

~Danny~

[dcarr]

Wonderful section. When I get back into business here I will enjoy this section to the fullest. And yes, I have read and understand the well written, comprehensive guidelines.

Debbie

[Blacknight]

I can't read, and only come here to look at the pretty pictures. Could you send someone by to read the guidelines to me please? Perhaps in the RP motor home, and maybe with a cup of coffee?

[themanda]

Originally posted by Blacknight
Could you send someone by to read the guidelines to me please? Perhaps in the RP motor home, and maybe with a cup of coffee?

Don't y'all have enough coffee up there already??



You crack me up, BK

[G. Couch]

photomauler - No need to apologize...thanks for the good comments.

BK - So...what you are saying is that I have to bring you a caffeinated beverage before you will agree to the guidelines?

[TwinbNJ]

Hello Greg - That is caffein in the RP van!

[Blacknight]

*wouldn't want a moderstor's job for all the tea in china!*

[G. Couch]

Originally posted by Blacknight
*wouldn't want a moderstor's job for all the tea in china!*

It's not so bad...I get to post long-winded guidelines and yell "No Kudo posts!" all night long.

You guys go flirt in the Salon...or petition Doug for a new forum for that purpose!