Manuel,

I just browsed your site a bit. You've got some terrific images...and I like your take on "The End" with this shot :-) Your two featured shots to date are great, and, hence, I took the time to browse over to your user page here at WeeklyShot.

I then noticed that on your user page only one comment appears. It's from 17 days ago on the Rust theme. Unless you did make more comments on the two older themes that are now closed, it seems odd that you made only 1 comment since you started here at WS, if, indeed, that's what I'm to understand by seeing that single comment.

The reason I bring this up is that WS continues to be "plaged" by folks interested in uploading images but not commenting on other people's images. I'm wondering if you have any thoughts on that?

I apologize if I'm way off base, and I'll check back here to read your reply if you care to comment.

Regards,
George

Hi George:

I don't think you're off base at all, actually, I appreciate you brought this up.

Of course, I do have some thoughts on the images I see here, however, at this point, I rarely feel comfortable enough to share them.

As you might have noticed, I am new to WS, I just joined a couple of weeks ago. To tell you the truth, I have seen some "animated discussions" (not to say "arguments") between members about their respective comments and this is not too encouraging. That being said, I think that as I'm getting more familiar with this contest and the community, I will share more comments.

Thanks again,
Manuel

Manuel, Obviously you're free to take it or leave it, but for what it's worth I'll share my approach to commenting - which is simple.

I endeavor to consisely present my reaction or feeling on the image, and to provide ways in which - as I see it - the image could be improved if indeed I feel it could. I also try to make it clear that it's just my opinion and others may have different responses. I also hope not to appear as if I believe I'm an authority on the subject - which I'm not and don't want to appear as. Nonetheless, given that WS is open essentially to any level of skill/experience, there's no reason why anyone should feel a thoughtful comment is not worthy of their effort. In my book it is :-) And for those who don't want to read anything "negative" about their images, I suggest they reconsider why they participate.

I appreciate your reply :-)
George

George and Manuel. I just discovered Manuel's work and find it really appealing. George, Manuel lives in the Bay Area and so the next time we all get together, perhaps he'd like some face to face with the rest of us. It's always nice to meet other folks in person. So Manuel if you're up for it, let me know. King is really a gracious guy in person, so don't let his blog banter scare you off. George is just like he is online, articulate, considerate and positive. Jarrett is fun and at the same time intense. His sister is the chef at a place in the Phoenix hotel. And if Vernon ever gets over here again, he's a hoot. Don't let his bad ass looks scare you. He's really just a pussycat!

And on the subject of this image, I think it's a great one and deserved a feature.

Pursang, haha! On the meetup, most definitely, whenever you're in the area, just let me know, it would be my pleasure to meet you all.

I'm up for it :-)