I like to see the level of critiscism appropriate to the posters skills. If a beginner posts, the comments should (in my opinion) be relatively gentle but constructive (and to be fair i don't think I've seen any other type on here). But for those that are more proficient, I think the critiscism can be harder..basically you'd be saying 'not quite up to your standards' (which is a type of compliment).

the difficulty I have is not feeling qualified to comment on anyone's posts other than 'nice shot' (which does get a bit repetitive!) so I often say nothing. However, I do really enjoy looking at shots from the more experienced and I think I do learn quite a bit purely from looking at them.

Sometimes I'd love to know a bit more about how the shot was taken - what lens, settings etc, though I appreciate it can be a pain to post this on every shot.

Hi again folks! I'm going to start posting again! and feel free to comment on my pics! I want to improve so don't worry about hurting my feelings! because at some point you prob' will! lol but thats what you need sometimes to take your rose tinted glasses off!

p.s. if I do get all sulky direct me to this post! lol

Copied from another photographic forum - says it all really.

Comments on a photo really help the photographer. They can give confidence, offer suggestions and give ideas for future photos. A good comment can forge friendships, develop ideas and educate. Not every comment need be deep or insightful, but just expressing how a photo made you feel is very valuable to a photographer. Thoughtful comments encourage photographers and build communities, and that benefits us all.

Obviously you can’t comment on every photo you see, but when a photo stands out to you, makes you think “wow!”, or makes you wonder how it was done, then it’s only fair to let the photographer know. They will have worked hard to show you their photograph, so you really owe it to them to return the favour and comment.

If you have been moved by a photograph, then you should have something to say. Don't, whatever you do, think you are not qualified to comment. If a photograph has gained your attention, moved you, angered you, made you wonder or the subject is close to you, just think about that and write what comes to your mind.

I promise you the photographer will be grateful for your effort.

Thanks for that - I will certainly give it a try