We just released the new site features, including a complete re-build of the login/submission process. For people who just browse the site, the only new functionality is the random view (in the main navigation). Just click away to discover new treats you may have missed.
For food bloggers who submit pictures, you'll see the following changes...
We hope you like the improved user experience. We'll update the FAQs shortly to reflect the changes we made. Let us know if you have any questions or have any issues with the new features.
The new submission process works great, it's good to get a preview and the feedback on no-go posts will be appreciated. Thanks for all your hard work: it really shows.
I hate the feedback part. It kind of feels like a slap in the face and I have to say I much preferred thinking there were just too many great posts to choose from. My first feedback said my picture was low lighting/under exposed which is not true at all, it was taken on a black table cloth and is completely clear. Regardless, I've found getting a post accepted on here (either from my own site or a great one I've found on someone else's) practically impossible.
Seriously, is this a food site or a photography critique?
@artificialagent We're sorry if you think it's a slap in the face. It's not our intent. Many submitters have asked for feedback on why their posts have not been accepted and we have responded individually via email. Now, we have a system, which will tell you the reason we declined your submission in a more efficient manner.
Regarding your feedback, please keep in mind that the submission review process is subjective. We are reviewing images that are cropped to a 250 x 250 pixel square. We'll give you the benefit of the doubt if the original picture on your site looks good. So, take our feedback for what it is... one editor's subjective opinion.
You stated that you find it "practically impossible" to get a post accepted. At least now, you'll know why we didn't accept a post. It would be much easier and less time consuming for us to simply decline posts and not give a reason, but then submitters get frustrated with this "black box" approach.
To answer your question "is this a food site or a photography critique?"… we are simply a site where you can discover great food, food bloggers and food photography. If you choose to submit posts, we have to critique it against our submission guidelines. And we evaluate the food/photo composition, photo quality and content (including the linked site) of each submission. The only thing that's changed is we are now disclosing the reason we aren't accepting a post. We hope some people find it constructive, but it's not intended as a "slap in the face." We hope you understand the rationale for building the feedback feature.
I'm just saying it's a little disheartening for those of us who cook and don't have the greatest cameras or photography skills to constantly be rejected for doing the best we can. Especially when the feedback says our photo was rejected for whatever reason, agreeable or not, when photos of comparable, or worst, quality still appear on the site.
I completely agree that photos should meet some submission guidelines. I am however, not quite sure I understand the need to evaluate the blog or post from which the photo may come. As someone who enjoys cooking and taking photos I understand that by submitting my photos I am opening them up to be critiqued. I myself have had a couple of photos declined for undisclosed reasons, However I wasn't aware that I was subjecting my blog to similar evaluation.
@artificialagent We understand your perspective completely. As food bloggers ourselves, we know how much time and effort it takes to cook, photograph and write a post. We would love to accept everyone's submissions, but we need to stick to our submission criteria/guidelines to maintain the quality of the site. Please keep in mind that the review process is subjective. You may not like our selections, but others may and vice versa.
@MoonlitKnit Let us clarify when we say we evaluate your site content, we look at your site to make sure the submitted photo appears on it. Then if the submitted image is on the borderline of our photo criteria, we'll take a look at the image on your site. If it looks good on your site and doesn't look as good in the resized 250x250 square, we may publish your submission anyway.
Similarly, if the submitted photo is on the borderline, but if your post is informative, interesting and/or unique, we'll accept the submission. That's what we mean when we evaluate your site content. For us, it's not about perfect photos. It's more about enticing food and allowing people to discover new food blogs/sites. We hope that clears things up.
I personally like knowing the reason - it gives me more incentive to try and improve my photography skills - before I would wonder and now I don't need to anymore. Thank you to FoodGawker for giving us this new submission process! BTW, I have had more than a few photos rejected. I much prefer knowing why they were rejected. I can "get over" it easier that way!
Guys, you are doing a great job. I personally think feedback is a great idea. It's your site to run as you see fit and I can appreciate that. I wouldn't want someone to tell me how to run my blog!
Thanks for the traffic you have sent my way and thanks for giving me the incentive to learn to take pictures as well as I can cook!
You guys rock!
Joe
I love this site. I love the feedback and knowing if my pictures will make it or not (and knowing a reason is helpful too). I won't lie, it's a bummer when my pictures don't get selected but what a thrill it is when they do. I just wanted to say thank you for all your hard work in making this the best food porn site out there. You are doing a GREAT job!
CookingDunkinStyle says
I love the feedback feature, now I know how I can improve my photo's in the future. I have to admit it does depress me that you have almost the exact same photo's as TasteSpotting and it is always the same people who get published.
Thanks everyone for the feedback!
@CookingDunkinStyle There's definitely some overlap between all of the food porn sites. Regarding "the same people who get published", we evaluate each submission/photo on an individual basis to maintain an impartial review process. We don't care if you've had no submissions published or if you've had many accepted. And there's no bias if you've been blogging for one month or 5 years. If it's a good picture that meets our guidelines, we'll publish it.
Being able to see the feedback on my photos is great. I can learn from what I am doing wrong to become a better food photographer.
I am happy to hear I am not the only one getting rejected...Bwahaha! My jekyl (or is it hyde?) writing here..
Seriously, I have a love and hate relationship with your feedbacks. Your rejections crush me for days but I truly appreciate the chance to improve and to know what to improve on...don't mind learning from the best. Your SND photos are absolute food porn!
Thanks for the email & feedback. I think this is a great learning platform. Thanks for accepting my submission! Cheers Deeba
Hello. Is it ok to repost a photo after it's been declined, if we try to fix the problem? Thanks.
@thecookmobile Absolutely. If you can fix the issue, please feel free to re-submit.
We just found your 08/24 comment in the spam folder. Sorry for the delay in publishing it and thanks for the compliment on our SND photos.
I was waiting and waiting for my virgin submission to be featured .. then i stumbled upon the "My Submission" feature ... bingo ... my photo was not good enough. Thanks for the feedback. Will try better ones next round!
Why can't I submit? I hit the preview button and nothing happens. No preview, no submit, nothing. Can you help me?
Megan, we haven't changed anything on our end in awhile. Can you clear your browser cache and try again?