Specifically, in regards to Flickr and this post. A criticism that the Wired staff threw out was that they didn’t like trite comments.  Now, I understand what they mean: if you can’t comment with meaning, then all you’re doing is giving me a pat on the back.

The thing is, lots of people like that.  Sometimes I do, although I usually prefer conversations with more substance.

But the other thing I’ve noticed: the amount of trite comments varies, depending on how I behave and how good the photos are.  If I post a photo that people can connect to, those people will put in more meaningful comments.  When I communicate with people, they respond to me.  If it’s merely “nice,” they’ll leave a “nice” comment.  If I leave small, meaningless comments, they’ll do the same.

So in short, if you don’t like trite comments, don’t act trite and don’t post trite photos.