Cat in Dunce: Flickr's Forum for Self-Criticism

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About Cat in Dunce: Flickr's Forum for Self-Criticism

"Father forgive me, for I have sinned..."

When I browse through some of the "ratings" or "score me" groups at this site, I often notice that a lot of photographers are reluctant to admit there's anything wrong with their pictures -- not to mention that many of these groups are shameless stomping grounds of arbitrary, meaningless ratings, arrogance, and bad feelings.

Isn't it time for some humility?!?! Isn't it time to step into the confessional, beat your own burdened breast, ease the strain on your soggy soul, and admit "What the heck went wrong?"

Yes, kids, it's time to air your own peccadillos, purchase some quality down-time in Purgatory, and confess that goof-ups can be instructive.

MISSION, GUIDELINES & RULES

1. This is not your typical group! The purpose of "Cat in Dunce" is emphatically not to get feedback on your own shots from other Flickr members, but for you to write feedback on your pictures so others can learn from your mistakes.

2. Haul out your archive. Show us good pictures that could have been better. This group is meant to be instructive, however, so please, do not post obviously terrible shots that Almighty Zeus himself couldn't redeem.

3. Members posting photos to this group are welcome to tell us what went right with their shots, but they MUST also confess to at least one goof-up (doesn't have to be a serious one, just has to be a goof-up!). This should be included in the "caption" section of your shot. Self-criticism can address anything from technical issues to composition to subject matter.

4. Although this is not a ratings group, members are encouraged to add their "Here here" or "I pat thee on the back, thou dost err", according to whether they agree with the self-criticism offered by the photographer.

5. Lack of humility will result in postings being removed. Members MUST offer self-criticism of their own photos.

6. An abundance of humility will result in weekly crowning as "The Cat in Dunce", a boon prize awarded to the member who has posted the most technically instructive screw-up of the week. The prestigious "Dunce" may be redeemed at all participating Flickr outlets for one free breath of fresh air, not to mention the endless admiration of your fellow flagellants. Behold our liege lord:



7. I will periodically invite some of Flickr's best photographers to join the group so we can learn from a wide range of talent.

8. There is no limit to the number of photos you may post. However, postings that offer no real lesson in "How I could have made this a better picture" will be removed by the admin.

9. Since in olden times, repentance often took place in a public arena (and since "public space" is dying in our wonderful "global" world), all Flickr members are welcome to join.

10. Lest we be accused of slavishly imitating the horrors of the Inqusition, we hereby subvert the philosophy of Father Tomás de Torquemada by adopting as our motto the glorious refrain: "There's no salvation without sin."