a thought

[tonymidd]

There are 709 'members' of this forum but you can count the regular posters on your fingers and maybe your toes. WHY?????
It would be interesting to know how many visit once or twice and go away.
I know forums have this transient nature but it does seem more out of balance than a lot of forums. If any transients see this they may like to let us know why they are not more active.

[Stemmy]

There are around 100 unique visitors per day but I are the bulk of the posts are by a few die hards.

I think there are getting more and more "Regulars" but it would be Nice if any of the "Browsers" would comment on reasons why they dont post.

[David Worthington]

Yep seems strange to me too, loads of diverse threads abilities and interests surely something for everyone on here..... and its free
In the short time in have been here i can honestly say i have made a few mates, learnt plenty and saved £££££, not to mention idled away a few otherwise boring hours........... what else do folk want ?:confused:

[StagePhotography.co.uk]

Ok... Judging by other photographers I have spoken to in the past..
If you can sterotype "Film" users then do so, you'll get the idea...

I think most photographers tink themselves above helping others (it starts up too much competition) and hate to think that their photographs need to be commented on...

The wise of those, come back and are quiet, check out our thoughts and ideas and go away again...

Some even stay and post now and again...

I feel we've got the most friendly lot to stay and offer advice and help others which I feel this is all about...

[irene]

well i'm sticking around, don't class myself as a photographer, more an amateur enthusiast but with the help of you lot, well who knows:icon_nice

[BarryM]

Ive worked on a few forums in my time, one very large gaming forum and fotolibra forum, we also found the same, maybe 10 percent of people kept the forums alive. Im sure its just the way things are with forums.

This is a great forum, funny, helpfull, good picture criticism and help, funny, oh and did i say funny.

I can say now after a few months, its the only forum i visit and comment on now.

[Dotty.c]

It's strange but I think of all the regulars as friends and they crop up in conversations at home. I like it here, it's nice to not feel so isolated which is a real problem when you work from home. :gossip:

[Tim]

Yep I agree... What am I agreeing to.. Oohh my head.. Long night of poker last night.. Anyway something about this forum being great.. It's the only one I'm on and I think it rocks.. Though never met any of you 'regulars' I feel like I knows ya... Those who want to stick around, will, and those who don't, won't.....

[Kirsty]

I agree.

It has been nice to make new friends :)
and perhaps people are just shy?
No need to be people - post away!

[coolerking]

i am becoming more of a regular on here!!! im usually busy with work, or demolishing my new house if im not on here at the moment!


I do have to say that this is the friendliest site ive been on, not just for photography, the whole board! you dont seem to do much criticising, only on the constructive side of things!!! ;-) Thanks!!










:crigon_02 of all things cooler!!! sorry couldnt resist!!!!

[StagePhotography.co.uk]

i am becoming more of a regular on here!!! im usually busy with work, or demolishing my new house if im not on here at the moment!


I do have to say that this is the friendliest site ive been on, not just for photography, the whole board! you dont seem to do much criticising, only on the constructive side of things!!! ;-) Thanks!!

:crigon_02 of all things cooler!!! sorry couldnt resist!!!!

Except for his stuff... *wink*

From now on... We slate him... ;)

[Alan Schofield]

The thing to remember is that we all had to start one day, & all of us need help in some form or another, because some know about one thing & someone else about something totally different, it's what makes this Forum go round


As for the friendliness of this Forum that starts at the top ( Did I say that ) but it is the members that make this the forum that it is & if someone comes in that thinks they are bigger then they are, they will not stay around that long because nobody will respond to them

I wish that I could spend more time here but work & family has to come 1st

But it is by far the best Forum around

Long live this forum

Alan

[David Worthington]

With you 100% about this forum, and like a lot i guess, I have been on a few-none are as friendly and helpful as this...... the members in this one do not suffer from inflated egos as in some other "professional" forums

Stemmy's is:first: in my address book

[BarryM]

Yep have to agree, when postingn images on other forums, comments were great, but then you would watch the little groups forming, so person x posts a photo and person a b and c are the only ones to comment.

This forum, everyone seems to comment on everyones photos (i miss a few its through stupidity not lack of interest though). Detailed guidance is also given to those asking what was done to an image, and some of the image edits are fantastic, and very helpfull.

For me the wedding thread is by far the best one, when everyone started posting their contact sheets it was truley great to see how others all work and their style, and has given me loads to think about.

And last but not least, if it wasnt for this forum and George, id never have known about the famous clarity arty farty script that im so in love with, thanks George. :tease:


Long live the forum and those who err sail... message...chat or whatever in it.

[Earl53]

I?ve been in a lot of photo forums over the years and have seen a lot of them drop off the web. I found this place by doing a search.

Now I?ve been here since April with 70 post and I don?t know how long or what I have to do to feel welcomed but I haven?t felt that yet.

I do a lot of reading here and try to help out when I can with helpful advice and helping search for things. I?ve posted photos and try to participate, but it?s like you have too close knit a family and don?t let anyone in.

I will stick it out here until I feel welcomed enough or leave if after a while I don?t feel I fit in.

Paul

[tonymidd]

I?ve been in a lot of photo forums over the years and have seen a lot of them drop off the web. I found this place by doing a search.

Now I?ve been here since April with 70 post and I don?t know how long or what I have to do to feel welcomed but I haven?t felt that yet.

I do a lot of reading here and try to help out when I can with helpful advice and helping search for things. I?ve posted photos and try to participate, but it?s like you have too close knit a family and don?t let anyone in.

I will stick it out here until I feel welcomed enough or leave if after a while I don?t feel I fit in.

Paul

Hi Paul,
While I'm sorry that you feel that way I can't say I'm surprised.
This is a problem that many forums suffer from and eventually those whose members don't recognise this go to the wall. I feel that much on the open forum is more suited to the chat rooms. It's a difficult balance to achive, being sensible and still having fun.

[StagePhotography.co.uk]

Sorry you feel that way Paul, I can't see it myself
because the main posters are always trying to help
others and comment on people's posts and photo.

Perhaps it's a cultural thing, but at 70 posts you're
doing well. Keep posting, you're doing fine... :)

[Stemmy]

Paul

Sorry you feel this way. I always try to respond to most posts but as the forum is getting busier I am finding it hard to keep up and a few messages do slip through the net.

You will see some changes in the near future that should help the forum. There are going to be more moderators and then hopefully all posts will be answered with a constructive reply.

Thanks for your comments. I can only make changes to correct problems that I am aware of.

I hope you stick with us.

[tonymidd]

Sorry you feel that way Paul, I can't see it myself
because the main posters are always trying to help
others and comment on people's posts and photo.

Perhaps it's a cultural thing, but at 70 posts you're
doing well. Keep posting, you're doing fine... :)

Geoge, this is the disturbing thing, 70 posts and Paul still feels an outsider. That means somethings not working properly, maybe he feels excluded from the banter, I know I do at times. Maybe he's not getting any feed back. Well, we all suffer from that at times, my last picture post has had 0 replys.
On the other hand there are a lot out there who don't contribute, that OTT miners shot of mine over 90 views but 12 replys, 5 of them mine answering a point so that's 7 comments, 1% of the membership. Debating a picture is the way we all learn it matters not if you've been taking pics for 5 days or 50 years we all can still learn from each other.
I know commenting on a picture can be difficult for some people, you have to expose a bit of yourself when you do this. This is why so many of the comments are of the 'great shot' 'that's awesome' type which really are not much use without the reaction that was generated. If a pic is not liked, say so but also say why. I been assesing photographs at various levels for over 30 years so it's easier for me. Maybe this is a subject for another thread.

[beryl the peril]

Well theres a lot of forums out there to choose from on the net...I admit Ive joined quite a few and not posted much..lots of reasons..some are not busy enough..some too busy...etc or you feel more at home on some rather than others. Im a member of a few driving forums..helpful when I was learning to drive and met a lot of friendly people on, I still go on but driving isnt as important to me now Ive passed and get rather bored with it, so have moved onto photo forums. This one is the best so far....;)c

[wileycoyote69]

On the other hand there are a lot out there who don't contribute, that OTT miners shot of mine over 90 views but 12 replys, 5 of them mine answering a point so that's 7 comments, 1% of the membership. Debating a picture is the way we all learn it matters not if you've been taking pics for 5 days or 50 years we all can still learn from each other.
I know commenting on a picture can be difficult for some people, you have to expose a bit of yourself when you do this. This is why so many of the comments are of the 'great shot' 'that's awesome' type which really are not much use without the reaction that was generated. If a pic is not liked, say so but also say why. I been assesing photographs at various levels for over 30 years so it's easier for me. Maybe this is a subject for another thread.

I am new here and new to photography and I'd just like to add my little bit....although I am finding it easier to post my pics now as I'm not being slated for them lol, I must admit to being guilty for not posting comments on others pics as I dont feel I have a right to?
Ok so I could go onto each photo and say yes great pic or whatever but that has no constructive input technically as I know absolutely nothing technical about photography!
I'm learning all the time and I feel personally that this forum and the comments I have already received are helping me a great deal and hopefully I will be able to give something back very soon :help:

[StagePhotography.co.uk]

Geoge, this is the disturbing thing, 70 posts and Paul still feels an outsider. That means somethings not working properly, maybe he feels excluded from the banter, I know I do at times. Maybe he's not getting any feed back. Well, we all suffer from that at times, my last picture post has had 0 replys. .

And perhaps some people have posted even less and felt right at home?

We cannot cater for everyone, you know that.... We have to aim to keep most of the people happy most of the time, than a couple of the people hppy all the time..



On the other hand there are a lot out there who don't contribute, that OTT miners shot of mine over 90 views but 12 replys, 5 of them mine answering a point so that's 7 comments, 1% of the membership. Debating a picture is the way we all learn it matters not if you've been taking pics for 5 days or 50 years we all can still learn from each other.
I know commenting on a picture can be difficult for some people, you have to expose a bit of yourself when you do this. This is why so many of the comments are of the 'great shot' 'that's awesome' type which really are not much use without the reaction that was generated. If a pic is not liked, say so but also say why. I been assesing photographs at various levels for over 30 years so it's easier for me. Maybe this is a subject for another thread.

A good point, why don't members who are feeling left out review some of the images and post their comments?

One major factor is that it does take a lot of time and energy to review and post, unlike me who works usig the internet, some people don't have the time to spend (ok ok ok I sad gits who have no life like me ;) ) and do post less...

We've really got to be happy with what we have, if no one was posting at all then we'd be having an other discussion.

Perhaps Paul should review more images to feel more included.

The added issue is that most times, one of the main posters sees images first, and by large post their very encouraging and construct comments very quickly...

Yes and and again we miss things... I do get busy now and again at work... :)

[Bindii]

I?ve been in a lot of photo forums over the years and have seen a lot of them drop off the web. I found this place by doing a search.

Now I?ve been here since April with 70 post and I don?t know how long or what I have to do to feel welcomed but I haven?t felt that yet.

I do a lot of reading here and try to help out when I can with helpful advice and helping search for things. I?ve posted photos and try to participate, but it?s like you have too close knit a family and don?t let anyone in.

I will stick it out here until I feel welcomed enough or leave if after a while I don?t feel I fit in.

Paul

Gee Paul...I don't know why you feel as though you don't fit in here...I always look out for your posts.....and we have even shared some Pm's in the past - get your mind out of the gutters peoples...I consider you as one of the 'family' here at the forum and I am sure that I am not the only one who hopes that you will stick it out....cause whether you realise it or not you are already fitting in! :)


I am new here and new to photography and I'd just like to add my little bit....although I am finding it easier to post my pics now as I'm not being slated for them lol, I must admit to being guilty for not posting comments on others pics as I dont feel I have a right to?
Ok so I could go onto each photo and say yes great pic or whatever but that has no constructive input technically as I know absolutely nothing technical about photography!


Hey Wiley! You know I felt exactly the same way as you...true....and I often still do..the quality of most of my shots are no where near as good as a the majority of the other shots posted on the forum... but I still like to post a small commment though...even if its merely 'great pic' etc to show the poster that I did see their shot and that I liked it....I don't know enough to post constructive critism and nine times out of ten I wouldn't have a clue what could be done to improve the shot....but I do want to acknowledge that I appreciate someone else sharing their work with us...sometimes this also serves the dual purpose of 'bumping' that post to the top of the threads so other visitors who just 'skim' the site will see it and have their say...



And for all the other 'lurkers' out there....or members who are feeling a bit left out...

Don't be shy with your posts...whether it be comments on other peoples pics or a 'chatty' post....we love them all...so come in...introduce yourself and start posting...we all want this forum to grow and value everyones input...you will find that we really are a friendly bunch....and I for one have plenty of love to go round....;)c

[Dotty.c]

I?ve been in a lot of photo forums over the years and have seen a lot of them drop off the web. I found this place by doing a search.

Now I?ve been here since April with 70 post and I don?t know how long or what I have to do to feel welcomed but I haven?t felt that yet.

I do a lot of reading here and try to help out when I can with helpful advice and helping search for things. I?ve posted photos and try to participate, but it?s like you have too close knit a family and don?t let anyone in.

I will stick it out here until I feel welcomed enough or leave if after a while I don?t feel I fit in.

Paul

Please do stick it out, yes your right some of us do post and chat more than others, and thats a simple time issue, a lot of us are in the uk and work from home, except Bindii of course, who just never sleeps. As for feeling left out, we would never intentionally do that, I'll let you into a secret, when I posted in the 'who are you' thread when I joined, Martin didnt even welcome me, did it bother me YES, so I thought I would just stick around to bug him for ever. We all enjoy your posts and find your advice and comments very helpfull.

[Stemmy]

WHAT !!!!

Didnt I Dotty ???

Stay there a min !!!!

[Tim]

I am new here and new to photography and I'd just like to add my little bit....although I am finding it easier to post my pics now as I'm not being slated for them lol, I must admit to being guilty for not posting comments on others pics as I dont feel I have a right to?
Ok so I could go onto each photo and say yes great pic or whatever but that has no constructive input technically as I know absolutely nothing technical about photography!
I'm learning all the time and I feel personally that this forum and the comments I have already received are helping me a great deal and hopefully I will be able to give something back very soon :help:

When commenting on a pic it's not necessary to know the tech side of it or even how to improve it. Simply say you don't like it for whatever visual reason it is. Maybe the colours are off, or there's unnecessary clutter or it just looks wrong. Have your 2 cents worth and let those with the tech savvy give there's if it's of use.. nobody's better than any one else in here and we're all learning.
And Paul, sorry to hear that you feel that way. I guess it's a matter of just sticking your neck out and getting involved in some banter.. No one bites here (bar Bindii)...

[lostmysnorkel]

It can be very difficult getting into a group of people who already seem to know each other quite well. In my own experience mind, however left out you may feel in this forum - it would be ten times worse at most camera clubs!

Often it is simply the case of sticking you oar in and commenting, good or bad, on someone's picture. Remember, we are all 99% anonymous on here so noone is going to hold it against you.

If you don't feel confident to comment remember two things:

ANYONE who can look at a picture has the ability to decide whether they like it or not. All we are asking is that you tell us why?

There will ALWAYS be someone who can help you - just as there will ALWAYS be someone whom you can help. The more you help, the more help you will get.


I love this forum for it's frank and open exchanges, both critical and humurous. Tehre are not many places where this can happen without petty rivalrys and personal slights.

'Tis good that the forum is getting busier, but we the users should be aware that this could create pitfalls swith 'cliques' forming. We all have a responsibility to keep it warm and friendly to all - it's no good just leaving it to the moderators (of which there seems to be a growing number! Congratulations to all who have been 'promoted'!).

[Tim]

Just after noticing I'm a moderator..... :banghead:

[tonymidd]

Fully agree with lostmysnorkel technical 'knowhow' is not the main thing when looking and commenting on a picture. That's how the majority of club judges work, play it safe, be objective, no need to let emotion get in the way. How wrong, Your reaction to an image is subjective, like it, dislike it, what ever, but don't be afraid to say how you feel and why.

:offtopic: Ye gods, it's snowing outside!!!!!!!!! (Always wanted to use that smilie:grin:)

[esso]

Well I wasn't going to comment. I was just going to lurk as usual the I got worried about Bindii and Dotty camanding that all should 'stick it out'. I'm not surprised at Bindii, she's a one track mind but Dotty, now she is usually more discerning. Then Tim made it clear that what you should stick out was your neck. Phew thank goodness for that. But then lostmysnorkel suggests sticking you oar, 'IN'. So now I ma just so confused that I'll go back to lurking.
Welcome all anyway, you're better than the rest of us - you care.

[David Worthington]

Just caught up again with this one...... I think Stemmy has made a useful move in appointing some more moderators... it musta been getting out of hand for him and George to deal with all the posts each day... so hopefully with the new moderators things should loosen up a bit and then maybe nobody feels excluded.

I think one factor that will always "let the forum down" is that the posts can very easily be misinterpreted, because the voice and its intonation is missing. What would be intended as a playful jibe/comment may be read as the opposite.... i know this may sound daft but i often look for the smilies to indicate the tone of the comment/post............... yep there are going to be personality and cultural differences, but that can also be a positive, - in some cases language is a tricky BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE area.

The benefit from the world wide interest/input is priceless..... i hope that it gets onto a track that suits all............... i will do me wee bit to help if i can.

[StagePhotography.co.uk]

Look at the start when Martin installed in 5 years ago
and had no one to talk to for years... now THAT was
difficult to break into.... ;)

Everyone can push in...

Don't feel you can't...

If someone doesn't agree with your comments, they will
tell you.. If you don't agree with theirs, tell them...

Remember it's like a box of chocolates... :)

[Bindii]

Well I wasn't going to comment. I was just going to lurk as usual the I got worried about Bindii and Dotty camanding that all should 'stick it out'. I'm not surprised at Bindii, she's a one track mind but Dotty, now she is usually more discerning. Then Tim made it clear that what you should stick out was your neck. Phew thank goodness for that. But then lostmysnorkel suggests sticking you oar, 'IN'. So now I ma just so confused that I'll go back to lurking.
Welcome all anyway, you're better than the rest of us - you care.

Lol...and you say I have a one track mind...

actually my mind has several tracks...

and all of them lead to one place..;)c

[richardtm]

I have to add my bit. I've only been on here for a short time, posted a few pics and received a few comments. Some good, some with (helpful) suggestions or ideas, and some that are not quite as good as the good ones! Overall, I want to learn and improve, so I will carry on posting.

At the moment I am not over sure about offering any criticisms, constructive or otherwise, because if I can't get my own pictures to a level I like, then how can I comment on others? I am happy to receive constructive comments, and will attempt to learn from them.

All in all, I have been made to feel welcome and at home, and I'm sure I will soon be commenting freely on the efforts of others.

Thank you people, I am enjoying it.

[BarryM]

Richard, i always think that it doesnt matter what level your photography is at, you can stilll comment on images, you have a good eye for a photograph, and in that respect yoiu will have a good eye for any photograph. We are all individuals, and each have their own thing they like or dislike about an image, or what changes could be made to make it better in your opinion etc. Please do comment on photo's, we can all help each other no matter what abilities we all have.

[Bindii]

All in all, I have been made to feel welcome and at home..

Oh good....now show us your bits! ;)c

[tonymidd]

I
At the moment I am not over sure about offering any criticisms, constructive or otherwise, because if I can't get my own pictures to a level I like, then how can I comment on others? I am happy to receive constructive comments, and will attempt to learn from them.

All in all, I have been made to feel welcome and at home, and I'm sure I will soon be commenting freely on the efforts of others.

Thank you people, I am enjoying it.

Richard, if a picture raises a reaction that's what I for one am interested in. How it was done is not the important thing, it's what it does and why it was taken that matter.
Glad you are enjoying the forum, like mose things you only get out what you put in.

[richardtm]

Oh good....now show us your bits! ;)c

Patience Bindii, patience. Good things come to those who wait, apparently. I'm still waiting. And BTW, what bits??

[richardtm]

How it was done is not the important thing, it's what it does and why it was taken that matter.


I know what you mean, Tony. Some of my favourite pictures have been spur-of-the-moment snaps, quickies on the P&S that I would never have caught by the time I had set up the SLR. They are no exhibition pieces by a long way, but the sentimental value when you catch, for example, the grandson doing something is what it was about, and it is almost impossible to convey that to another person who doesn't even know you or your family. All they then see is a badly composed, poorly lit (direct flash on camera...YUK), possibly slightly blurred snap rather than a photograph, yet to me it could be priceless. Still better a poor picture than no picture at all.

[Davey]

I've been on other forums who advertise themselves as "friendly" and give "helpfull" advice only to find when you ask a question, how else are you supposed to learn if you don't, you are slatted for not knowing and gradually pushed out! I found this forum by accident while browsing the net and although I am NOT a wedding specialist I find any questions are answered with bonuses, any pictures posted are commented/critiqued in a very friendly manner wether good or indifferent and advice is usually given on how to improve your work. Which personnally I find really usefull as we all "see" images from a different slant and how many times has anyone shown an image and heard "if you'd done this......" and you think oh yeah, never thought of that! I'm here for the long haul guys (and Bindii) and lovin it, keep up the good work fellow posters and moderaters all.:snap2:

[Stemmy]

Thanks for posting your comments Davey nice to hear you are enjoying the forum !!!

[Tim]

Glad to hear it Davey.. Checked out your site.. Nicely done and some cracking shots there..

[crazy monkey]

Hey I've been guilty of the lurking thing (only on the forum I might add) but to honest I've just not had the mind space for it coupled with an enormous
confidence crisis - must be a biorythym thing.
But for the brief few minutes that I have lurked from time to time, I have
forgotten all the worries and sat smiling at the banter and friendlyness.
Will put my a--e in gear and start posting - must try harder is back to haunt me.:wave3:

[StagePhotography.co.uk]

*bash the monkey*

Get posting! ;)

:)

[crazy monkey]

I prefer smack!

[StagePhotography.co.uk]

Wasn't going to go there...

:)

LOL

It is though interesting that it, if you enjoy the humor, then you will come back.... Suppose it can be the same for tech advice... If you get it and it's good, youl go back...

If you get it and it's good and it's funny... Even better... :)

[Stemmy]

Yeh come on monkey man get postin !!!!

[BarryM]

and i always thought it was bishops that got bashed :hand: