Amin
Hall of Famer
Since yesterday's somewhat contentious thread, I received a couple well-written and well-intentioned PMs from members expressing concern about SeriousCompacts. The concerns basically boil down to two points:
While many expressed privately and in public that they disagree with these expressed concerns, it's worth noting that more than one person shares them.
Here are my thoughts on each of the above points:
The forums discussions lack substance. Whereas previously the discussions were useful, they have become largely frivolous.
For those who feel this way, there are basically three paths to take: 1) Leave the site; 2) Try to convince people to stop posting frivolous things; 3) Contribute discussions of substance to the forums. I hope and suggest that you try option #3.
If you like and care enough about this site to voice your concerns that it is headed in the wrong direction, then use the same energy to make the site better. Start interesting topics and respond to interesting topics started by others. We're not going to ban any topics or genres for lacking substance. One person's fluff is another person's art. You can change the balance by contributing in ways that you consider to be valuable.
The forums have become too cliquish. A small group of people reply to each other's posts while others are largely ignored.
Having participated on forums for many years, I know what it's like to feel this way. I've felt that way on GetDPI, for example, but I think it was more my own perception there than a reality. Part of it was that many of the "regulars" were excited about their Leica M digital and digital medium format, and I was feeling left out, but again, that was a self-generated "issue". I still participate there and think it's a great site, btw.
One thing all photography forums have in common are that there are more people who want to receive comments than there are people who want to leave comments. If you feel like your posts are being ignored or that you are somehow excluded from a "clique" here at SeriousCompacts, please ask yourself, "Am I regularly commenting on other members' posts/photos?" Most likely the honest answer will be "No". If the answer is "Yes", then consider that it make take a bit of time for others to realize that you are contributing.
Naturally there are those who have been here longer that have gotten to know each other and form friendships. That can take time. However, each month I see new members who come, get involved, give of themselves, and get back in return. I believe that our members are on the whole a very open bunch and that no one who takes the time to comment on others' posts/photos will be ignored or excluded in any way.
Bottom line: These forums are what we all make of them. There are things to improve, and each of us can bring about those improvements.
- The forums discussions lack substance. Whereas previously the discussions were useful, they have become largely frivolous.
- The forums have become too cliquish. A small group of people reply to each other's posts while others are largely ignored.
While many expressed privately and in public that they disagree with these expressed concerns, it's worth noting that more than one person shares them.
Here are my thoughts on each of the above points:
The forums discussions lack substance. Whereas previously the discussions were useful, they have become largely frivolous.
For those who feel this way, there are basically three paths to take: 1) Leave the site; 2) Try to convince people to stop posting frivolous things; 3) Contribute discussions of substance to the forums. I hope and suggest that you try option #3.
If you like and care enough about this site to voice your concerns that it is headed in the wrong direction, then use the same energy to make the site better. Start interesting topics and respond to interesting topics started by others. We're not going to ban any topics or genres for lacking substance. One person's fluff is another person's art. You can change the balance by contributing in ways that you consider to be valuable.
The forums have become too cliquish. A small group of people reply to each other's posts while others are largely ignored.
Having participated on forums for many years, I know what it's like to feel this way. I've felt that way on GetDPI, for example, but I think it was more my own perception there than a reality. Part of it was that many of the "regulars" were excited about their Leica M digital and digital medium format, and I was feeling left out, but again, that was a self-generated "issue". I still participate there and think it's a great site, btw.
One thing all photography forums have in common are that there are more people who want to receive comments than there are people who want to leave comments. If you feel like your posts are being ignored or that you are somehow excluded from a "clique" here at SeriousCompacts, please ask yourself, "Am I regularly commenting on other members' posts/photos?" Most likely the honest answer will be "No". If the answer is "Yes", then consider that it make take a bit of time for others to realize that you are contributing.
Naturally there are those who have been here longer that have gotten to know each other and form friendships. That can take time. However, each month I see new members who come, get involved, give of themselves, and get back in return. I believe that our members are on the whole a very open bunch and that no one who takes the time to comment on others' posts/photos will be ignored or excluded in any way.
Bottom line: These forums are what we all make of them. There are things to improve, and each of us can bring about those improvements.