View Full Version : Are we getting it right?
I was discussing this with matty the other night, how there have been some popular members that seem to have fallen by the wayside (eg fingerz and milou), not posting as much as they used to.
It got me thinking, are we getting it right? All the members past and present, we thankyou for your input to the forums, but we want to make sure we are a place that everyone can, and indeed, come back to regularly.
Now I know we can't please everyone, but we can have a damn good try.
So is there anything that might put you off regularly posting here? Is there anything we can do better? Anything else you'd like to see? (venomator, the green colour scheme is on backorder, will be here as soon as it arrives).
If you're a member whose activity on here has dwindled, would you please tell us why? Like I say we'd like to get it right for everyone :)
If you feel you can't say on here, then you can either PM us, use the Contact Us link, or mail me at marcel@talkphotography.co.uk.
Heck if you want, grab me on MSN (marcelbooth@hotmail.com) and we can natter about it :)
Like we've always said, without the members, there is no forum. And even though we're steadily growing (we'll be at 1000 members soon), I'd like to keep our fingers on the pules and in the pie and make sure we're doing the best job we can for you lot.
Things, like any forum changes? Policy changes? Swearing policy? Too lax? too strict? Any rules you'd like to see included or scrapped.?
Etc etc.
Get your thinking caps on and let us know, we're all ears :)
I'd like to keep our fingers on the pules and in the pie and make sure we're doing the best job we can for you lot.
Spell checker for admins and mods might help ! ;)
Its PULSE lol
Good question to ask and I think so far you are doing fine, the only way you'll be sure would be to ask those who are not here to ask. People drift off for many reasons, RL being a huge one and sometimes they drift back again.
Work wise I'm supposed to be part time but I've been putting in 45-65 hours a week for some months and it affects my hobby if not my ability to post about it :) others can have equally valid reasons nothing to do with the site itself.
Pah, excuses, we expect full 24 hour membership here :p
Just kidding, thanks for the reply Steep.
The place needs more Nikonians :suspect:
The place needs more Nikonians :suspect:
Well we dont discriminate by camera ! As long as the mine is better than yours arguments dont get too carried away anyway ! ;)
The place needs more Nikonians :suspect:
Agreed! :p
With regard to this place, I think its pretty great.
On the subject of those people who dont post as much as they used to, I would suspect that RL is to blame. Milou, for example, is also a member on OcUK but he;s not posting there much either.
I wouldnt worry too much guys, but doing more cant be bad!
That's good to hear.
As I've said, the forum is nothing without the members, so if we're alienating people or we're not doing something as well as we should, then we'd sure like to know about it :thumbs:
Warspite
20-08-2006, 21:29
I hope that anyone who isnt posting, can put it down to real life taking priority - on a side not I havent noticed any posts by Boon in while, hope nothings wrong.
Personally I think the forums has done nothing but go from strength to strength due to its members who have unequalled diversity in their background and experiences. Add to that a tolerant and considerate administration that pretty much lets the site flourish to its full potential.
Not meaning to sound like Im after a gold star or something - just saying how I see it :eek:
Sites certainly alot more busy and I take that as a reflection of its success and atmosphere :thumbs:
:clap:
thanks Warspite!
Boon was taking a break from the forums, but hes online right now!
Thanks Warspite :thumbs: Comments like that really do make me think that we've got a right and fair balance here :D
markgray
21-08-2006, 08:42
Since i started getting more serious with the photography i joined approx 10 photography forums, out of all of them this has been my favourite, the level of help and advice you get from both the admins and the members has been far better than the other sites. So keep up the good work. :clap:
I think you're getting more right than you admins give yourself credit for, this is a very friendly forum, it's somewhere were you ask for help and get good sound advice, not only on photography matters but other topics to.
Yes a forum is as good as it's members want it to be, but in order to have a forum you must have a team of fair minded admins to run the forum site, you can't have one without the other.
All that I can say is carry on doing what you're doing as this is a great place to be a part of.
:agree:
The only thing I would like is a restriction on how many posts people can put on the sharing/critique forum. I like to browse the photos and leave comments/critique where I think I can contribute but some days there are so many I just can't do them all :(
Would it be possible to have a images-per-week quota system ? , it would give people a chance to reply & stop the photo posters from feeling ignored :)
:agree:
The only thing I would like is a restriction on how many posts people can put on the sharing/critique forum. I like to browse the photos and leave comments/critique where I think I can contribute but some days there are so many I just can't do them all :(
Would it be possible to have a images-per-week quota system ? , it would give people a chance to reply & stop the photo posters from feeling ignored :)
:agree: Nice idea!!
Keltic Ice Man
21-08-2006, 19:15
It does get really busy at time - but then isn't that good - more ideas / thoughts / sights to see - not sure about a restriction - maybe then people think wont share that as I've had my Quota this week.
But - on the otherside it can be disheartening when a post gets 1 or no replys days after, and drops quickly off page 1 and 2.
Not got an answer - just saying it as I see it :)
Allan
i have a suggestion...sharing for sharing, critiques for comments required and critique?
i have a suggestion...sharing for sharing, critiques for comments required and critique?
If I'm understanding you right, that's kinda how Photosig works - it's OK, but not great.
edit : actually, completely misunderstood you. Carry on!
Keltic Ice Man
21-08-2006, 19:59
i have a suggestion...sharing for sharing, critiques for comments required and critique?
You're very right Matty - I think many of us (myself included) are using sharing in the wrong way. - looking for comments - when as you do point out thats what Critiques is for.
I think the recent change to Critique so you could post more than 1 shot was a good step forward.
But sharing for sharing....isn't that what the gallery is for? Just posting your shots?
Just a thought
Catdaddy
21-08-2006, 20:16
Didn't we have this discussion a while ago - and wasn't it decided that Sharing should be for general comments and thoughts on the images in question, whereas the Critique forum was meant to be more akin to 'Christians To The Lions' time?
For what it's worth, TPF is a very friendly forum, in my opinion, and nobody is too precious to take a bit of a ribbing from time to time. Bring it on! And well done Admins! :) :thumbs:
Keltic Ice Man
21-08-2006, 20:23
For what it's worth, TPF is a very friendly forum, in my opinion, and nobody is too precious to take a bit of a ribbing from time to time. Bring it on! And well done Admins! :) :thumbs:
Got to agree totally - I spend most of my internet time on this site, because its a great place to be.
Aye the change of the sharing and critique forum a while ago was to allow general criticisms (or observations) in the sharing section...basically, turning the critique forum into a proper InDepth critique forum.
PS Thanks for all the positive comments, you really don't know how nice it is to read them :)
PS Thanks for all the positive comments, you really don't know how nice it is to read them :)
makes me feel all warm and fluffy
Unfortunately, I think losing people along the way is just part of life. Everything is transient and it's often hard to find the time to post here as well as sort through gigs of photos, keep the g/f happy, work, sleep, drink etc.
I recently received an email from an old kiting site I used gently reminding me they were there and that I hadn't been around much. Gave me a little warm glow inside at the time.
I think as long as you keep the forums open and friendly, the members should tell you if they think anything is wrong.
I'm guessing you have the facility to look at members log-in habits? If so, it would be fairly simple to send out a 'we miss your company' type email with a few questions about why they don't come here so often anymore etc. Sometimes you have to actively seek feedback.
Gandhi, spot on. You're right, I think we can expect to lose people along the way. Such is the nature of forums. I've lost count of the number of forums I've registered on, even posted, and then sort of lost along the way.
We can check members log in habits, and we are toying with the idea of sending a "we miss you" email, but we're very very wary of annoying people by sending them emails, we know it can be quite a hot potato so to speak.
namllihs
21-08-2006, 22:27
Are we getting it right?
I'm fairly new here but I think the answer is yes, but you will never please all of the people all of the time, so try to please as many as you can for as long as you can. :-)
We can check members log in habits, and we are toying with the idea of sending a "we miss you" email, but we're very very wary of annoying people by sending them emails, we know it can be quite a hot potato so to speak.
Good to be weary. A one off email is OK [IMO] - but if you don't then get a response, drop it.
I get really riled by the periodic emails I get sent by photosig - I only blinking well joined so I could browse the site!
Catdaddy
21-08-2006, 22:39
Here's what... Are you guys getting it right?
The fact that you bothered to even ask tells me that you are!
ShawWellPete
22-08-2006, 10:10
It's a good forum, friendly place, people who know their stuff and aren't patronising even when a sarcastic comment is almost deserved to a daft question.
Can I ask what the longer term plan is for you guys? Is the idea to build up traffic and then get revenue from advertising?
It's a good forum, friendly place, people who know their stuff and aren't patronising even when a sarcastic comment is almost deserved to a daft question.
Can I ask what the longer term plan is for you guys? Is the idea to build up traffic and then get revenue from advertising?
we have plans for revenue(not a membership fee either), we are just aiming to grow and make the site self sufficient, we have a donate button if people feel like making a contribution to the running costs, but we have plans....:naughty:
..pop ups aint in the plans btw....
For what it's worth I think you guys have got it just right, this site is friendly and informative and has certainly been a great help to me in improving my photography and starting my business, the critique on images has been good without being harsh and dumb questions have been answered with patience and good humour. :)
I joined another couple of forums last year, one of which is US based and that is all about how big your wallet/lens/penis is with some real petty nitpicking. The other site (British) was just a bit too dull and 'train spotterish' for me but this site has the right balance.
Keep up the good work. :clap:
Gandhi, spot on. You're right, I think we can expect to lose people along the way. Such is the nature of forums. I've lost count of the number of forums I've registered on, even posted, and then sort of lost along the way.
We can check members log in habits, and we are toying with the idea of sending a "we miss you" email, but we're very very wary of annoying people by sending them emails, we know it can be quite a hot potato so to speak.
I don't think a one off mail would annoy.
I do wonder how many members wanderd off into the wilderness Neither place) when there where issues a while ago though.
This forum does have the best balance of all the ones I read. I only post here as I find the other ones just don't scratch the same itch lol. It's nice and busy too, so there's always fresh stuff to look at and new people to force my distorted view of the world upon!
neonpollen
22-08-2006, 11:09
I'm sure this point has been raised before but I think with the popularity of the sharing forum it may be worth splitting it into a few different categories, then posts won't get pushed down to page 2 so quickly.
I've been working out of the country and have had very limited access to the net, I only get to check the forums once a day or so and the number of new threads posted daily in the sharing forum is growing. I quickly browse the titles and select a couple to look at, if they were categorised I could be more selective and then maybe have time to comment etc. The only down side to this is splitting the current forum into too many separate forums so that they only get a few posts a week.
I used to run a busy site with an active forum and I found people come and go it's just the way it is, we used to send out a "We've missed you email" once every 6 months but to be honest it didn't really make that much difference. We would get a few extra logins the days following the email but it often tailed off to the regulars.
Is there a feature in the Gallery to show what's new ? If so I'm missing it, I know you can find the last photo uploaded but a feature similar to the fourms showing all new uploads since you last logged on would be good.
Thanks for the comments guys.
Andy, we were rediscussing that very same issue on MSN last night, and we think splitting the sharing forum may be the way forward, at least if only as a temporary test, to see how it goes.
Maybe rather than break it down into categories completely. Just split off the most popular categories into their own subforums, to take the weight off the main sharing forum. That way the main sharing forum stays busy (but not too busy), and the newly created subforums are guaranteed to be also busy, as they will hold the most popular categories.
I'm not sure there *is* a feature to show new photos on the gallery, because the software doesn't mark what you have or haven't seen. I suppose with some heavy code modification to the showfullsizeimage code and some code creation, it could be entirely possible. I'll have a look into it, but I don't think it will be easily possible.
As for long term plans, like Matty says, we do have plans for increasing revenue.
I can personally state though, that these will never include popups, popunders, or registration fees. As matty said, it's mainly for self sufficiency, and once it becomes self sufficient, then the further plans would be to fund any extra features / functions for the members.
We've got a number of revenue building ideas in the pipeline ;) Which I'm sure will be welcomed by everyone.
The main ethos of the forum when it started was to have somewhere where photographers of all levels can chat about what they enjoy, for free, and in a relaxed and friendly environment. And that's how I personally would like to see this site in 1, 2, 5 10 or whatever years time....No matter how big we become.
We *would* like more members though, as ever. (Not that you guys aint enough :D...lol), so don't forget to keep spreading the word. :thumbs: Links in sigs and profiles, tattoo's on foreheads and URL written on the back of dirty buses :D
No complaints from me whatsoever, you guys are doing an awesome job.
I agree with neonpollen too as I am incredibly busy & don't get to post anywhere near as often as I'd like - but its always a pleasure to be accepted straight back into such a great group of people when I do.
I'm now off to find a dirty bus to scrawl the URL on & am seriously considering the tattoo (used to be a tattooist so shoudn't be too difficult) I'll have to learn to write the URL in japanese so when someone asks for lettering that they have no idea of the meaning of, I can write the TP forums :lol:
Thanks for the comments guys.
*snip*
agree with Marcel 100%, totally free site with no popups and stuff. No need for it IMHO:D
We *would* like more members though, as ever.
I think that a testament to how great these forums are is the way I found them, which was through Noah. We were just chatting about various photography forums, their plusses and negatives, and he mentioned this place. He was surprised I hadn't heard of it, and didn't have anything negative to say about it, either :D
I think sub forums for sharing are a good idea, but keep the topics broad.
Just to throw a few ideas about :
Landscapes [but encompasing everything from waterscapes to cityscapes]
Macro's [close up, not necessarily real macro]
Sports [everything from cars to footy to surfing]
Portraiture [mebbe pets, too?]
I got a reminder email from Nikonians a week or so ago. Although a good idea, it hasnt actually made me go back to the site. Maybe its because I like it so much here....:p
I got a reminder email from Nikonians a week or so ago. Although a good idea, it hasnt actually made me go back to the site. Maybe its because I like it so much here....:p
That and the fact we know where you live :bat:
hehe just kidding :)
This place is great, good banter that never gets carried away and nice people :) , you guys know you’re doing a great job or member’s numbers would be going down rather than up. RL takes its toll and people will hover in and out. With me just about to start back again I'm unfortunately going to turning to one of them:( but I think because I learn so much hear and my course is photography I can get away with it :)
Nope, it's crap, getting worse and you've got it all wrong :thumbsdown:
Just kiddin :D Well somebody had to :nuts:
you bet your sweet ass you are, still the best goddam forum on the net, and a very big thank you from me..
Nope, it's crap, getting worse and you've got it all wrong :thumbsdown:
Just kiddin :D Well somebody had to :nuts:
Glad someone appreciates us and our sick senses of humour ! ;) LOL
you bet your sweet ass you are
Careful or I'm gonna have to waggle it at you with talk like that :D
you bet your sweet ass you are, still the best goddam forum on the net, and a very big thank you from me..
much appreciated Steve! :)
Talking from a newbie's point of view this site is the best thing to happen for me since getting my D50.
I see and learn something new everyday, and have really appreciated the advice from both site staff and other forum members. It is really helping me to learn and improve my shots.
One thing I would like to able to do though on the forum, is have a link to all threads where I have previously posted, to enable me to find those threads quickly and easily and see the responses, rather than searching all the various forums.
(Note: I have seen this facility on other sites, and may be on this site and just haven't found it)
So all that leaves me to say is keep up the good work, and thank you matty for making me aware of this site when you were on the DP forum.
Cheers Lee :thumbs:
(Note: I have seen this facility on other sites, and may be on this site and just haven't found it)
Technically you can do it, but the only way I know is a workaround.
In your User CP > Options (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/profile.php?do=editoptions) you can set your subscription preferences so that it automatically subscribes you to every thread you reply to....
Just click the dropdown box and select "No Email" notification.
That will hold in there, all the threads you have subscribed to (which it does whenever you reply).
Failing that, if you PM me the names of the forums where you've seen it, I'll go have a scout round see how theyve done it and see what we can do for you here :thumbs:
stuff
Do you mean like this? (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/search.php?searchid=124430)
Or perhaps thraeds you have started? (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/search.php?searchid=124429)
Talking from a newbie's point of view this site is the best thing to happen for me since getting my D50.
I see and learn something new everyday, and have really appreciated the advice from both site staff and other forum members. It is really helping me to learn and improve my shots.
One thing I would like to able to do though on the forum, is have a link to all threads where I have previously posted, to enable me to find those threads quickly and easily and see the responses, rather than searching all the various forums.
(Note: I have seen this facility on other sites, and may be on this site and just haven't found it)
So all that leaves me to say is keep up the good work, and thank you matty for making me aware of this site when you were on the DP forum.
Cheers Lee :thumbs:
Try doing a search for threads that have been posted in by you (by entering your username in the right hand search box).
I do this all the time. :)
Thanks for the help guys, that makes things a little easier for following things up.
Cheers
Sean_Mcr
25-08-2006, 17:40
I sometime go missing for a period of time. There's no doubting that this is a friendly site, that's not in question. I do feel some times that the photography is very general and much of it that i see does not really suite my style or outlook on photography.
A shot of a cat next to a street shot, or a portrait next to a rally shot, is too much of a mish mash for me at times to be honest. I think in order to attract more people and to keep them there needs to be a more focused approach to the lay out of the site.
I sometime go missing for a period of time. There's no doubting that this is a friendly site, that's not in question. I do feel some times that the photography is very general and much of it that i see does not really suite my style or outlook on photography.
A shot of a cat next to a street shot, or a portrait next to a rally shot, is too much of a mish mash for me at times to be honest. I think in order to attract more people and to keep them there needs to be a more focused approach to the lay out of the site.
we will be splitting sharing down into categories, the amount of posting will require that very soon, we will see how that pans out, we dont want to make the site appear quiet, even if it isnt, if you see what i mean
Careful or I'm gonna have to waggle it at you with talk like that :D
Is that a promise? :p :D
I think what Chris mentioned about you guys even asking the members already speaks volumes. I wouldn't worry about it though tbh. You win some, you lose some, just the way it is really. In the end if the numbers are growing and things are moving forward as you like than don't worry about trying to please "everyone", cos you just can't. All I know is it's a great site, and when I am gone for a few days I go through withdrawls! :lol:
Jewel
In the end if the numbers are growing and things are moving forward as you like than don't worry about trying to please "everyone", cos you just can't.
That is very true and large numbers + intelligent moderation really make a forum in my experience.
I usually pop in a couple of times a week to see if there is anything interesting going on, or to check the buy and sell, and so I only have general impressions.
The jumble up of brands means I don't look at the gear section, too much filtering needed so I don't bother. Similarly, the subject areas are all over the place and I can't be arsed looking through all the stuff I have no interest in to find stuff I am interested in. I see you're changing this tho.
Second, the Mods seem very involved, high profile and of similar personality types, tho this is just an observation too so may not be the case. What this can mean is that the site attracts only similar people because the vibe is very much in one direction. At the moment, it's often like going into a pub to meet a close friend but the friend has his 10 best mates along who you don't know, they are all laughing and joking and you also don't know WTF they are on about half the time.
Third, the traffic is pretty low so far and that makes it a bit slow in updating, so less reason to visit ... which is a bit of a chicken and egg. More people come to active forums and active forums have more people. Tough one.
Finally, the site has a feel that is more about the social than photography, which is Ok if that's what the mods want, but I am more interested in photography. It seems quite accepting, tho' I usually prefer to chat offline to 'real people' and chat photography online (because my mates don't care!) This will different for everyone and no right answer, but there needs to be a better balance I think.
This is all just my impression and every member will see things in different ways according to what they are looking for. I appreciate the work you guys put in and you can only do anything in a way that seems right for yourselves, or you end up with a Camel (Horse by Committee) thing!
thanks for your thoughts Condyk, as always everyones opinions, thoughts and suggestions are important :)
the problem we have is that we are a small forum, and we are growing quite quickly now and we want to try and adapt and change as necessary, adding subforums or categorizing gives the impression of a slow forum, and people dont hanging around a slow forum for long, but we do try these things and see how they work, sharing subforums is a case in point
The other important thing is the community, we all have a love of photography, thats the one thing we have in comman, so we try to cultivate a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that you dont get on the large forums, its not to everyones liking, but i reckon we can wear you down...:p
we tried having different personalities in the mod team, didnt work though!:shrug: :D
as said, everyones opinions are important, and even though we know we can't please everyone, we're gonna have a good try at it :)
I joined the forum last week after getting fed up with the Practical Photography / Digital Photo magazine forum - out of date and very limited. I found a link to TPF from there - someone posted it in a topic running about how they could improve their forum saying "make it like this one" with a link to TPF - I've not looked back. I'm quite new to "proper" photography (having tinkered for years I've finally ordered a DSLR and 2 lenses) and I've already picked up some very useful advice from here - and everyone's so friendly too which is really refreshing. So often on forums you get a high and mighty attitude from the regular posters but there's none of that here. I'm sure that stems from the moderators openness and appearance of being "one of us" and not "the bosses". Just my tuppence worth!
ShawWellPete
05-09-2006, 11:38
I think that may have been my post. :) Welcome...
I joined the forum last week after getting fed up with the Practical Photography / Digital Photo magazine forum - out of date and very limited. I found a link to TPF from there - someone posted it in a topic running about how they could improve their forum saying "make it like this one" with a link to TPF - I've not looked back. I'm quite new to "proper" photography (having tinkered for years I've finally ordered a DSLR and 2 lenses) and I've already picked up some very useful advice from here - and everyone's so friendly too which is really refreshing. So often on forums you get a high and mighty attitude from the regular posters but there's none of that here. I'm sure that stems from the moderators openness and appearance of being "one of us" and not "the bosses". Just my tuppence worth!
thanks very much! thats what we aim for :D
This is an interesting thread!
I'm guessing I'm one of the guilty culprits for joining, posting a bit and then disappearing. The reasons are varied I suppose... I'm a bit of a forum junkie (even just launched my own forum a couple of weeks ago I like them so much!) - I've been a member of several over the past year, enjoy posting, but then find for one reason or another time is short and just use one or two sites. Then sometimes get a bit bored with a site and start posting again on another one previously joined, then after a while revert back again when an interesting topic arises. Then I say to myself 'OK I'll just stick to these two' from now on (due to available time, or unavailable should that be?), but then while general browsing something interesting will crop up and start posting again! Am I the only one like this? :thinking: :shrug: :)
One thing I will say is that TP has a great community feel quite unlike many other sites and should be congratulated for this! It's one of the reasons I joined in the first place and one of the things that makes me return every now and then, even though I may not post. Not saying I won't post more in the future though! ;) ;)
Sean_Mcr
06-09-2006, 18:24
Well guys if i didn't care i wouldn't type it, while i don't expect one the regular members to read through this lot, i'd be grateful if one of the owners got through it. It wont be as bad as it looks i promise lol
I can become disillusioned with forums at times. I got fed up with flag waving on Fred Miranda, potn had my teeth grinding for much the same reason along with the brand (bland) loyalty.
The level of photography you see on Fred Miranda is higher then most other places. It's not unfriendly to get a frank and honest reply, you do get smarter by playing a smarter opponent. So it's more important to me to see work and to share ideas with passion as long as it remains with in the realm of photography, there's no need to stick a smiley face at the end of a comment that's simply focusing on the image.
So on Fred Miranda, more often then not you tell it like it is, be it good or bad. Its expected that if you're going to post their you should understand that, and i do understand that. But I'v been told that the reason i did not like a shot with the 85 1.2 was because i was from the uk, i'm actually Irish :suspect: It's hard to remember that their are sane Americans with idiocy like that, and it's only hammered home when another American in the same debate tried to convince me that Ire was part of the UK, and then yet another asked my why it was not so "are you guys anti social?"
You'll see a shot there praised because of the lens it was shot with. Ultimately i came to realise that what impressed people most was how sharp a shot was ect, it was the technical before art for the most part. I've seen comments about shots of atrocities in war lacking because they were not sharp enough.
I've seen a comment on one of the best and most artistic portrait photographers in the world today totally baffle people because his shots were not always super sharp, how could he desire anything else?. One guy gave the reply as "welcome to the wonders of marketing". to him it had nothing thing to do with talent, it was down to marketing. I checked the guys work out, he shot houses for sale for a living, knew about as much about art as i know about the landscape of my arse
So by no mean is FM the zenith of photography forums. It probably has the greatest concentration of measurbaters in one place on the Internet
So there's plenty of FM that i'd not like to see here. But i do think that if you want to attract more photographers of a good calibre in both theory and practice, then we have to get more serious about the way we exchange our ideas with each other. It's not ending critiques with a smiley face that's going to get this forum taken seriously, it will be the calibre of the photographers & information it contains.
I think you it would be a good idea if the site started a new section about what's going on in the photographic world as an art form rather then what new lens ect is out, less mechanics more theory.
This is Mike Johnston's blog
http://theonlinephotographer.blogspot.com/
He's one of the best writers on photography around. some will remember him from his weekly column 'The Sunday morning photographer" on luminous landscape. That blog is truly a great resource and there's very little actual photographs shown on it, but it has a wealth of knowledge with in it, and it's attracting some big names, i'd love TP to be more then just a forum but to actually be a true teaching aid in the true art of photography
I really do want TP to be a success guys.
Cheers
thanks Sean, i know you care!
Ive pm'd you Sean :)
Interesting thoughts there Sean. Thanks for sharing your views. I do understand what you mean too.
Be nice to see a smiley in there somewhere Sean :naughty:
Yup, nice piece and sounds about right to me ... and maybe someone should start up a 'photo gear' forum for the techie shooters (sharp Ducks!) and measurebators (front focusing Ducks!) and leave we 'artists' to ourselves. As I often say ... easier to take a sharp photo than take a good one :thumbs:
So there's plenty of FM that i'd not like to see here. But i do think that if you want to attract more photographers of a good calibre in both theory and practice, then we have to get more serious about the way we exchange our ideas with each other. It's not ending critiques with a smiley face that's going to get this forum taken seriously, it will be the calibre of the photographers & information it contains.
Good post Sean! I do agree with what you say, the last thing I want to see is the board degenerate to the point where pictures get "Great shot" type comments regardless of their merit, which does absolutely nothing to help anyone improve and look at their own work critically.
We do need to remember that we're catering for all skills and experience levels though, and for the newcomer, getting used to contructive criticism can be difficult, with a harsh or misunderstood critique doing untold damage to that person's confidence and inclination to post again, which is where the smlley faces can help a lot.
At the moment, in fact since we started, I think we have a genuine friendliness on this site, coupled with a willingness to share knowledge and experience which I really don't think is matched by any other site. Remaining serious about our photography at the same time is the balancing act we have to maintain as we get bigger.
kissfoto
30-09-2006, 19:02
I relay like the forum, have be a member of DGRIN for a while but its American which is OK but this is better being based in UK with members that have more in common. The site is great. Keep up the good work. Ian :thumbs:
Liberalis
30-09-2006, 19:08
I think I am one of those members who disappears off the face of the earth for a while, mainly this is due to work commitments, but as soon as I have something to share, this is the first place I come. I am a member of a few forums, and on each one I have found something that bugs me, but not this one.
Keep up the good work guys!
your one of our original members too Kris, #22!
Dark Star
01-10-2006, 10:33
This is the only Photographic forum I have participated in and, for me at my current level, it does the job wonderfully!
I can fully appreciate Sean's post though and also appreciate its a tough job making this site cater for all levels and styles - but for me so far, so good!
photostar_1
01-10-2006, 11:02
........and sending e-mails is not necessarily the answer: my spam filter is so tight, I didn't even get the e-mail saying my comp entry had been safely received!! I have to trawl my spam box for "real" messages each day :gag: (...and for those computer clever people reading this, yes I know someone could tweak the settings....but that someone is away at Uni and I have to wait till that someone is back).
This site is really good. I have stopped visiting others, cos they're just not as friendly as this one. Keep up the good work!:D
your one of our original members too Kris, #22!
Sounds like a line from 'the Prisoner' :)
So where are these number then?
it used to be that you hover on user name and it showed, but it doesnt do that anymore, i have to go into control panel to see it
Click on the posters name, then on the popup, the first option is View whoeveritis profile
Just hover over that and the status bar at the bottom of your browser will show you a link to their profile.
The number after uid= is the User ID :)
The user ID is assigned when people register and is purely incremental by one.
ohhh you clever webmonkeh..but...just hover over the name and it comes up at the bottom in status bar
Not in a grown up browser like Firefox :p
But you can also hover over the avatar too, or even over the 'Gallery' link to get the User ID :) (I love little tips like this)
hoi...i will have you know my IE7 now has tabbed browsing...
Well, they were always going to copy the sensible browsers like Firefox & Opera eventually, weren't they! ;)
I can see Sean's point about being more serious about things, but it should be remembered I think that we're not all "serious" photographers - the risk that would be run is that some members would simply feel "out of their depth" and drift away.
photostar_1
01-10-2006, 19:12
So now we all know who number 6 is then.....but who is number 1?????
(queue theme to The Prisoner).
#1 is the account created by VB when you set up, so that would be Admin on here i think, thats the account you will get a ban from..or important forum announcements(when we remember)
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