A note to all new forum users.

[™Ken Kruse™]

All opinions here are my own, I am not in any way connected to Panoramio other than being a fellow user.

I've been a contributing member of this forum for a few years now and have seen a repeating pattern that I find is counter-productive to keeping the forum healthy and alive.

I believe this could be a thriving community if a few considerations were followed by new members.

In no particular order;

1. Read the rules before posting. https://groups.google.com/d/msg/panoramio-photo-critique/ZTFTBQ0aUvU/LVzxFksHEScJ
2. See Rule #1
3. See Rule #2
4. See Rule #3
5. See Rule #4

I started to write an essay on what I thought was needed and decided to check the Photo Critique Forum rules prior to submitting, what I found is that everything I wanted to say is in the rules already! Please read them!

If you just want people to see your pretty pictures and say how great they are then you're in the wrong place. There are other forums that are a great place to showcase your stuff, please find them! 

If you wish to improve your photography then I highly recommend sticking around and participating on both ends, offering images for critique and critiquing others work. Keep in mind that critiquing others work is generally MORE productive because it causes you to thoughtfully consider techniques and styles which you might not otherwise consider. If you really want to dive in head first then start critiquing someone elses photos before jumping in with your own. Don't worry if you're an inexperienced photographer, that's the whole point! We are all inexperienced, some just a little more than others. Plus it's always nice to see a fresh perspective!

Regular members have so many times spent time and energy writing well thought out critiques only to be disrespected by never hearing from the original poster again. I've often wondered if these people were offended, or maybe they were just trying to drive views to their gallery. Was someone perhaps too harsh in a critique? Perhaps they didn't get a big enough response and felt "left out". We'll never know because they simply vanish! Very few stick around longer than the time it takes to see their photo posted to the forum. If you don't want to be a contributing member than don't bother posting. If you do wish to join then please try to understand the catch 22 we're in and have some patience while you build the trust of the regulars.

Because of this repeating pattern I am reluctant to spend much time welcoming new members, especially those that haven't bothered to read the rules. Unfortunately the people who post and run have ruined it for all the new people, that is the main reason I have little patience for them. If you are new please stick around and contribute a critique or two of your own so that we can witness your intentions, before you know it you'll have some really great people you may just call friends! I do!  

The posting process is NOT intuitive AT ALL!  We DON'T expect you to post perfectly the first time but please show that you've at least read the rules!   On the other-hand If you post 5 or 6 links to your photos it's obvious you haven't read the rules!

Posting Instructions:

Tutorial 1

Tutorial 2

Tool (with thanks to Rob Stamp)

HVB. Post edited after consultation with Ken added links to posting instructions

edit HVB deleted two posts after permission from the posters

Edit -- Thank you Herman!