You might not like them, but the ‘no Photoshop’ rule does not dictate a great photo. For my personal photography I stick to the ‘no Photoshop’ rule, only because I’m trying to stretch my photography skills. But I recognise a talent in Jon’s work that pushes me to also try a little post-processing. Why the hell not? Life is too short to always stick to the ‘rules’. You just need VISION.

Jon, btw I’m still laughing at ‘douchey fuckwads’ - seriously, please can either yourself or Heather slip that into the next TV interview you do? Please?

Personally, my fave thing is that you have categories called “douchey” and “fuckwads.”

I don’t think Doug is entirely horrible for voicing his opinions. Some art moves people. The same piece might bore another. Doug doesn’t appreciate some of your work. Oh well.

I don’t think he needs to be such an ass about it, but he also makes some points when he hints that artists are sharpened by criticism.

As for your work: I made a very nice 6 figure yearly income for more than 9 years with my camera lens. I’d consider myself a “professional”, at least in the field I “practiced”. I see talent in your work. Not every piece moves me, but many do. I loved the photo in question.

I’m not just saying this to do the cliché, jump on the bandwagon against the “hater” thing… I really mean it: I think Doug is jealous. Personally, I know that I am definitely jealous of you two from time to time (well, quite often, actually). But adults learn to deal with such feelings.

Keep doing what you do and we’ll continue enjoying it.

For all the people who recognize the behaviour for what it was - Doug wanting to start a flame war - there will always be a few tag alongs who defend the instigator.

In an era where people are casual about their offhand remarks and don’t think twice before they open their yaps, this is as good a reminder as any that civility has a lot going for it. I think those of us who’ve been on the receiving end of bullying appreciate this. Doug, whether he has been or not, apparently doesn’t value civility. He views himself as more evolved, sophisticated and knowledgeable, while he drags his knuckles across the floor. (No offense to apes who have more going for them, overall.)

Doug’s intention was to start a fight from the word ‘go.’ If he had opened with “I do not find this particular photo to my taste…” or “I do not see the value in a photograph of a cloud,” or “I personally find this photograph medicocre” that would have been fair. He didn’t do this. His “big deal. a cloud. You really think much more of your photography than you should,” followed by rapid fire insults aimed at every commenter who enjoyed the photograph got him the reactions he wanted and deserved.

He’s a big boy, JenB. He doesn’t need mommies coming to his defense.

You can’t insult and taunt people and expect to be treated with respect. That’s elementary.

Though Doug is evidently very proud of himself to know of a couple of artists (big f’ing deal…) I’m certain that the two he linked to would not be keen to have Doug as a fan. I know I wouldn’t.

Re: criticism. If you are going to criticize then fucking do it right. “that sucks” “you overvalue your shots” “your fans are stupid” doesn’t add ANYTHING to ANY conversation. I’d love to hear valid criticism of my work. That would be extremely helpful. So far, that hasn’t really happened. If you are tired of people saying nice things to me DON’T READ MY SITE. Don’t read the comments. Don’t speak, gentle Scorpio.

JenB, I turned on registration because I’m tired of having to watch the comments for the OCD/BPD/Boundary issue people who continue to harass me. The weird comment thread was just the last straw.

It’s my site. People are guests here. You don’t get to shit in my living room and say that your shit is odor-free or that I’m stupid or other guests are stupid for allowing you to shit in my living room. Your shit does stink and shitting my space is not allowed. The end. I’m entitled to delete comments I don’t like. I’m not a nation state. I do not have a constitution. I do have a low tolerance for people being fuckwads and douchebags. I’m still debating deleting EVERY comment on the cloud image post. That is my right.

It has nothing to do with hurt feelings (they are not hurt) or any kind of spat. It has nothing to do with if you like or get what I do or not like or get what I do. On some level, I don’t really care, because I’m just sharing. The positive comments are great and awesome and make me feel like a million bucks. I don’t think nice people are sycophants. They are nice people. Name calling? Douchebaggery. Over it.

I’m just tired of comments in general, and it seems that forcing people to register means they have to work a little to speak. There is value in making people stop and think before they post. You don’t dig? GO AWAY.

I’ve never really “got” either your or Dooce’s photography. I think they are nice and it’s obvious lots of people love it and that’s great. Blog comments are generally supportive. I am sure that both you and Heather are constantly learning and critquing your own work for improvement. And that’s wonderful too.

What surprises me is the reaction to Doug and a couple non-positive comments. So what if he doesn’t like it?

I read you comments regularly and this first time in as long as I can remember that you had anyone post something controversial your blog. And then to start making people register because of that little spat?

The reaction to his posts were definitely overblown. So much so, that I think he might have a point. And now I kind of feel disappointed.

Jen

I have been viewing your images for a few years, but as a first-time contributer, reading some of the outlandish comments has finally prompted me to write. As a small disclaimer, I tend to fall on the purist side of the fence and as such, adhere to the NPPA’s standard of ethics when it comes to post-processing photos — generally meaning that all Photoshop work is kept to a stark bare minimum.

As such, I think you are a wonderfully gifted Photoshop artist, but I see the photos posted on your Web site as just mediocre and truly representative of the work of someone starting out in photography. However, if taking photos and processing them digitally is what you enjoy, then keep at it. Photography should always be something its practitioners truly love. Also, kudos to you to spark such lively commentary!