I finally found the Mentoring Group.....

[sk66]

And I don't get it.
There's no "sticky" with purpose statement, rules etc.

From Max's first post it looks like a place for "honest critique"....I give "honest critique" in the critique sections, and it's not always "nice" (I try not to be "cruel").

It seems there is a post length limit and some kind of "critiquing formula" (I've seen it show up in the critique section)?

It appears 31 people have joined but minimal participation/posts...


So, what's the point?

I'd participate if I thought it beneficial or if I thought I could help others by participating.

[Preacherman]

Originally Posted by sk66

And I don't get it.
There's no "sticky" with purpose statement, rules etc.

From Max's first post it looks like a place for "honest critique"....I give "honest critique" in the critique sections, and it's not always "nice" (I try not to be "cruel").

It seems there is a post length limit and some kind of "critiquing formula" (I've seen it show up in the critique section)?

It appears 31 people have joined but minimal participation/posts...


So, what's the point?

I'd participate if I thought it beneficial or if I thought I could help others by participating.

Well, your participation would be beneficial SK, and by participating you would be helping people like me Who are eager for honest critique. That's the point, to answer your question.

[BCampbell]

Originally Posted by sk66

And I don't get it.

I checked it and I don't either.

If I want to give or get critique I'll stick to the critique sections.

Maybe someone can enlighten us? What are we missing?

[sk66]

An explanation as PE'd to me:
I believe what was hoped for was that some "pros" would come on board and critique the shots of those who really want to get better. On the critique site, you tended to get people who would put themselves in the critiquer spot who did not know the difference from a f-stop or a neutral density filter and were unable to offer good pointers of how to recompose, use filters, use photoshop tools etc......It sounded alot like sys......I like this, I don't like that etc but with no constructive ideas to get better. I would love to see a pro put up a picture knowing what was wrong with it and ask the "class" to examine it and offer their solutions and have the pro respond later with what is wrong with the shot what would you do about it.......Like why Getty would not choose this shot and what would be needed to for it draw attention......any thoughts on your part?
__________________



And my reply:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I think the idea of posting images with known flaws is decent.

I think putting up a "good" image for group discussion about *what* makes it good is also workable.

I also think someone wanting to learn should post an image (which they can readily retake) for "critique" and then impliment the changes (with direction on how to impliment them if needed) and repost. Perhaps several times, perhaps implimenting one change at a time to see how each change makes a difference. This would provide the greatest benefit to the ones being "mentored".
__________________


I understand the reason the group was started...partly to get away from the overwhelming mass of newbies who post obviously poor images in critique or provide no really beneficial critique. Partly to allow "honest" critique without as much regard to "feelings"....generally the more "experienced/advanced" can tolerate it better and even need/want it.
(I'm not slamming anyone, everyone needs a place to participate and lean)

I don't know that that "requires" a special "group", but I guess it's not much different than having a "mentoring section" within critique (which I think might be a "better solution" if implimented correctly).

[Jim Poor]

I joined a while back, but can't seem to find my way to it again.

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by Jim Poor

I joined a while back, but can't seem to find my way to it again.

Yea..me too.

[sk66]

It's under the "community" drop down> "social groups"> the link is then on the rt side.

[Marija]

I'm a member of MGroup and until recently I participated in, in sense that I was giving my honest opinions on posted photos - of course, my opinion is not that good and helpful since I'm just a beginner (I stated there that I'm beginner) but I really tried to contribute in the best way I can.
Here's what I could tell you about MGruop.... at least this is how I understood the purpose of MGroup... If I'm wrong, correct me.
audrey-g came up with the idea to start a small group of people (certainly not 31!) who will be willing to give and receive honest critique with advices how to do better. She posted a thread here in General Chat with the idea of MGroup. Maxharvard then started the group. We had a discussion thread there with ideas how to organize the group.....That's beginning of MGroup, and it was promising...
I was very excited at first (unfortunately, the Internet is my only learning source), thinking Wow, I'll get honest and constructive critique from someone who knows much more than me and we will discuss about a photo more then in Critique Section.Then I'll retake commented photo and so on... (reality- I didn't post a photo yet)
But....the things weren't like that...It started to be like Share Your Shots - "Thanks for sharing" and Critique Section...
Whit all this said, sk66 your second post include some good ideas! If there is a will for organizing a group of people who seriously want to help/learn I would like to be a part of it.

[Athas_orm]

I joined but I can't find the guidlines for critiquing. Although I know there are some. Also I was told membership was moderated when I attempted to join but I didn't see any notification that it was approved.

[Marija]

Originally Posted by Athas_orm

I joined but I can't find the guidlines for critiquing. Although I know there are some.

The first page, the second thread as I recall.

Originally Posted by Athas_orm

I was told membership was moderated when I attempted to join but I didn't see any notification that it was approved.

You are in the group's list of members. I didn't get a notification either.