There's no foolproof system. It has been known for a poster to ask for critique and then get defensive and argumentative when they get critique.

At that point the best course of action is to walk away.

Monitors deteriorate, but I guess they can die in many different ways.

Perhaps you could find another monitor to check that the fault isn't actually the video card or something else.

It's usually a matter of time, so I tend to only comment on images that for some reason attract my attention, not necessarily because I like them but sometimes because they raise an interesting issue.

Yes, and here I tell you that I am also a judge, appearing in camera clubs/photo societies in various places.

The basic principle is that when somebody puts up an image they have invested some of themselves in it. It's an expression and it's not to be trashed. Let's celebrate and highlight the positive aspects first and enjoy it along with its creator.

Then it is certainly OK to suggest improvements and point out any weaknesses, but with courtesy. Cheap shots are not on the agenda.

If we enjoy looking at pictures and genuinely want to help, this process can be honest without being negative.

When I said be careful what you ask for, I simply meant that if you ask people to be brutally honest, then be prepared for some biting comments.

It was light hearted.

If you want hard critique, you can always say so when you post an image. Be careful what you ask for!

Well done - let us know how it goes?

Well your post sort of hovers between worlds, Just Joined, Digital SLR Cameras and medium format.....

Staying where we are for now, there's no designated place for 645D chat, but either Digital SLRs or Medium Format will do it.

If it were me, I might go for the latter becasue the lenses are compatible and that may make some crossover interest between the film and digital bodies.

Interestingly, you can get pet hedgehogs, at a huge price. I've seen a couple of them recently, tiny ones that look incredibly cute!

http://www.ephotozine.com/user/johnriley1uk-22471/gallery/photo/bella-18483940

Title corrected.

100mm macro lenses make excellent normal telephoto lenses as well, nice for portraiture and landscapes and anything else you could throw at them!