Everyone gets a trophy

A bit of a rant. I'm cranky today.

When I was growing up, I heard "if you don't have anything good to say, then don't say anything" about other's creations, appearance, speech, etc. Isn't that a lot like "everyone gets a trophy"? I bring this up because I have observed some forums where people post images (made with quite expensive and sometimes exotic photo gear) that would be better off staying on their computer. It provokes the critic in me. But if no-one says anything, how do they improve? I'm not saying to rip the image to shreds along with the photographer's ego and feelings, but only positive comments seem welcome. Some forums have a "like" or "thumbs-up" button. None seem to have a "meh" one. Or maybe they don't care to learn and improve or that is just the best they can do. And if there is a constructive (or god forbid, negative) comment, offense is taken and hordes come to the photographer's defense. I'm not asking for masterpieces or that the images suit my taste, just why did they think some of those photos needed sharing? I shoot plenty of crap, I certainly don't hold it up for the world to see.

People can post what they want. Maybe it's to their detriment that the audience is too polite.

Yep, you’re cranky. But that’s okay as it happens to all of us. You’ll get over whatever has you cranked.

Frankly, I'd prefer someone honestly stated the shortcomings of whatever I happen to post. Some people are more insecure, though, and are hesitant to show their work due to fear of people disliking it. Anyway, a lack of reaction is generally a good sign of apathy on the part of the audience. There's no need for a "meh" button, since no reaction does the job perfectly well.

Consider on this forum, if your gallery post gets 400 views and 3 likes - that's 397 "meh"s.

You're not wrong, but the internet is built on everyone patting each other on the back for whatever piddling thing they did. You can vomit in the street and people will hit that old Like button by the millions. There’s a lot to be cynical about in modern life.