Put your thinking caps on. We need your thoughts and ideas for a redesigned forum site and information for an updated membership list.
Before the new format for our updated NENP forum is written in stone and the old deleted, Jim Deasy has asked that I post a thread requesting the photographers of NPN who reside in New England and surrounding states or Eastern Canada tell us who you are, in what state or province you live. This request is to all, EVEN CURRENT MEMBERS, because a completely new list will be generated and previous data deleted. Also, what features would you like to see on the site, i.e. monthly photo competitions, activities in your area, announcements, places to visit in your area, links to websites, etc.
Please reply by March 15th, on this thread (so Jim and I can send updates to you through NPN) and I will compile the list of members. In addition, your input will be extremely helpful in shaping a design for the NENP forum site that meets its members' needs.
We look forward to receiving your ideas!
Posted by Lisa Cuchara on February 1, 2008 at 12:12 PM
This is great Pat!!
Lisa & Tom Cuchara, Hamden CT (near LI sound)
Features I would like to see (random order):
(1) monthly contest (photo competition)
(2) what is happening where (flowers in bloom, birds, animals, events, etc.)
I think this would be a real asset. When should we visit Damariscotta Falls this year, what animals are where, when are the Meriden daffodils in peak, when are the Sugar Hill lupines peaking, when are the orchids in bloom at Eshua Bog, when are the lady slippers peak at GITW, etc.
(3) Events/field trip/ get togethers
day and overnight
(4) places to visit/favorite places by state
where to go, what time of day is best, what time of year is best
This would be an invaluable resource (and possibly even publishable as a photographers guide to NE) and it would prevent some redundancy of the same questions asked over and over.
(5) Local happenings -- conferences, speakers, workshops, etc.
(6) links to local places and events
(7) members area -- who are we, perhaps a photo or two and link to our website
I like all of Lisa's ideas. Looks like she covered everything that might be interesting.
I would also like to see a more dramatic title page. We don't list the states that comprise our membership base either. I noticed that other regional NPN links do that.
Don
Posted by Mike McNeill on February 2, 2008 at 8:34 AM
I'm all for group meet-ups/field trips... etc. Meeting other photographers, and learning new technigue and places to shoot, along with "what's happening where", are all great ideas that will help ALL photographers.
Posted by Larry Reitz on February 2, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Pat, It is nice to see someone taking the lead on this. I have always wondered why the NENP group has been so inactive compared to a couple of other groups.
Let me introduce myself.
Larry Reitz
Salem, CT 06420
www.lreitzphoto.com
Being recently retired and not encumbered by a full time job, I intend to return to the outdoor art show festival circuit this year. I joined NPM this year and have posted a few times on the site. However, it is not clear to me just how one becomes a "member" of NENP, so let me know if there are any additional requirements. My portfolio on NPM has images in most of the catagories and I would be happy to be added to the list you are creating.
As far as ideas go I think Lisa Cuchara's list is pretty comprehensive.
this sounds very interesting. I live Upstate NY and am cosidering to become a member, just don't know how it works yet.
I would be interested in photo contests. And places to shoot. Also sharing experiences with photo marketing, galleries, art centers etc.
Elisabeth
Posted by Jim Erhardt on February 5, 2008 at 6:54 AM
Jim Erhardt
Currently residing in Derry, NH part time until we sell our home on Long Island. Once that happens, we will settle somewhere in southern NH.
My life is a bit nuts right now, working a demanding full time job as a product manager for a major manufacturer in MA and running NPN in what little time is left. I commute back to LI each weekend (600 miles round trip) to get the house ready to sell and take care of other obligations.
Donna and I are looking forward to moving the NH permanently and getting more involved with NENP. Life will become a bit more managable not living in two places at once!
Hi Pat!! Yeah!!! Glad this is happening. I think Lisa has come up with a great list and I can't add anything to it at this time.
Chris Adams
Errol, NH 03579
(Northeastern NH)
Hi Jim!! For some reason, I thought I remember you biting the bullet and was working solely at NPN. I'm sorry that didn't work out for you if that's the case. I think you guys do an outstanding job. I'm amazed at how many new members there have been in the last six months.
Posted by Pat Watts on February 6, 2008 at 6:45 PM
Hi Pat,
I let my membership lapse as I've been too swamped to submit photos, but I intend to get back soon! I like the NPN format with a place to show photos in one place for the northeast. Other than that, I think the other suggestions are great. Who is working on this? I do like the headings on the top of the page (Home/Members/Outings/Forum/Links) - it's easy to see.
Also, when photos are posted, I would like to know which state they are from.
It has been quiet for a while and it's nice to see all the input!
Posted by Mark Wilson on February 7, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Mark Wilson
Westford, MA
I pretty much agree with the ideas posted so far...
Posted by Rajesh Mohan on February 8, 2008 at 4:08 PM
Rajesh Mohanasundaram
Boston, MA (currently enjoying tropical sun)
I hope to see more outings and opportunities to meet with NENP members.
Thanks,
Rajesh
Posted by Jim Salge on February 8, 2008 at 10:31 PM
Great suggestions, I think that the best advice I often get in any variety of situations is KISS. Keep it as simple, and effective as possible.
Looking forward to any upgrades...
As for my contact:
Jim Salge
Newmarket, NH
jimsalge.com
This is a great sight. The ideas posted above will enhance it even further.
John
Posted by Wayne Jones on February 11, 2008 at 9:41 PM
Hi Folks, I occasionally stop in here, and I have seen the instructions to E-mail Jim D. to find out how to join, but have never followed through because I already feel a little guilty that I can't contribute to more to NPN in general. But what the heck, if you can put up with an occasional visitor, here's the info you requested:
Wayne Jones
New York State (Just North and East of Saratoga Springs)
What would I like to see? Lisa seems to have it covered! All good ideas that I may be able to contribute to and use in a few months if my retirement plans work out. I think items (2) and (4) would be great, as a site list and a nature events calendar. Could be organized by state, and by month, etc., and/or perhaps as a searchable database with the right software and expertise.
THANKS for everything that you "regulars" do for NPN and NENP!
Posted by Stephen Fogle on February 19, 2008 at 9:00 AM
Good morning all, Stephen Fogle here. Like Wayne, I have a lot of irons in the fire at any given time but really enjoy sharing and learning within the NPN community. We have a small, informal group here in Schenectady/Saratoga County in upstate NY that gets together for outings on a pretty regular basis. The group (affectionately known as Group f8 - after the square root of Adams' Group f64 - we are hoping that if we multiply ourselves by ourselves we can be him) consists of anywhere from 2 to 8 people on any given Saturday or Sunday morning throughout the year. This is always a great social and educational time for us all. I would love to see activities of this type coming out of the NENP group. We all have things to share and there are always things to be learned.
Stephen Fogle
Schenectady, NY
PS - If anyone is ever planning to be in our area on a weekend and would like to venture out with us you can contact either John Benway or Myself through the NPN pages.
Posted by Michael Madej on February 22, 2008 at 4:50 AM
Count me in:
Mike Madej
Just North and west of Saratoga Springs
Posted by Arnab Banerjee on February 25, 2008 at 7:04 PM
Arnab Banerjee
Hudson Valley area in NY state
I will love to see field trips, meetings/seminar + A collection of favorite locations (which we can build as everyone contributes)
I cannot think of anything else to add, however there are some great ideas here I'll look forward to the changes and meeting some folks!!
Posted by Frank Winters on March 22, 2008 at 5:41 PM
Sorry i missed the 3/15 deadline. But I'll sign in any way.
I live in Westford Massachusetts and have been photographing the conservation land in town. i publish a calendar that features my work and the work of other photographers as well -- its for the Westford Conservation Trust. Last year i became a Conservation Commissioner and am learning about wetland conservation and related stuff.
I like to sell prints at shows and in galleries -- I have a chance to join a cooperative gallery next month -- something I've been wanting to do.
I'm not big on group photography -- I like to take pictures in solitude, whether its nature or my other passion street photography. But oddly enough I do like to make friends so I'll be looking for the new forum site and promise to be a more active member.
Frank
P.S. The ideas expressed above sound like good ones for a new NE forum.
Discussion
23 repliesBefore the new format for our updated NENP forum is written in stone and the old deleted, Jim Deasy has asked that I post a thread requesting the photographers of NPN who reside in New England and surrounding states or Eastern Canada tell us who you are, in what state or province you live. This request is to all, EVEN CURRENT MEMBERS, because a completely new list will be generated and previous data deleted. Also, what features would you like to see on the site, i.e. monthly photo competitions, activities in your area, announcements, places to visit in your area, links to websites, etc.
Please reply by March 15th, on this thread (so Jim and I can send updates to you through NPN) and I will compile the list of members. In addition, your input will be extremely helpful in shaping a design for the NENP forum site that meets its members' needs.
We look forward to receiving your ideas!
Lisa & Tom Cuchara, Hamden CT (near LI sound)
Features I would like to see (random order):
(1) monthly contest (photo competition)
(2) what is happening where (flowers in bloom, birds, animals, events, etc.)
I think this would be a real asset. When should we visit Damariscotta Falls this year, what animals are where, when are the Meriden daffodils in peak, when are the Sugar Hill lupines peaking, when are the orchids in bloom at Eshua Bog, when are the lady slippers peak at GITW, etc.
(3) Events/field trip/ get togethers
day and overnight
(4) places to visit/favorite places by state
where to go, what time of day is best, what time of year is best
This would be an invaluable resource (and possibly even publishable as a photographers guide to NE) and it would prevent some redundancy of the same questions asked over and over.
(5) Local happenings -- conferences, speakers, workshops, etc.
(6) links to local places and events
(7) members area -- who are we, perhaps a photo or two and link to our website
(8) general photo/discussion area
I cannot wait to see this roll out -- Lisa
www.naturewildphotography.com
I like all of Lisa's ideas. Looks like she covered everything that might be interesting.
I would also like to see a more dramatic title page. We don't list the states that comprise our membership base either. I noticed that other regional NPN links do that.
Don
Let me introduce myself.
Larry Reitz
Salem, CT 06420
www.lreitzphoto.com
Being recently retired and not encumbered by a full time job, I intend to return to the outdoor art show festival circuit this year. I joined NPM this year and have posted a few times on the site. However, it is not clear to me just how one becomes a "member" of NENP, so let me know if there are any additional requirements. My portfolio on NPM has images in most of the catagories and I would be happy to be added to the list you are creating.
As far as ideas go I think Lisa Cuchara's list is pretty comprehensive.
Monkton, VT 05469
Lots of good suggestions above. Hopefully the NENP site will become more active.
I would be interested in photo contests. And places to shoot. Also sharing experiences with photo marketing, galleries, art centers etc.
Elisabeth
Currently residing in Derry, NH part time until we sell our home on Long Island. Once that happens, we will settle somewhere in southern NH.
My life is a bit nuts right now, working a demanding full time job as a product manager for a major manufacturer in MA and running NPN in what little time is left. I commute back to LI each weekend (600 miles round trip) to get the house ready to sell and take care of other obligations.
Donna and I are looking forward to moving the NH permanently and getting more involved with NENP. Life will become a bit more managable not living in two places at once!
Out thanks to all for your participation in NENP!
Chris Adams
Errol, NH 03579
(Northeastern NH)
Hi Jim!! For some reason, I thought I remember you biting the bullet and was working solely at NPN. I'm sorry that didn't work out for you if that's the case. I think you guys do an outstanding job. I'm amazed at how many new members there have been in the last six months.
I let my membership lapse as I've been too swamped to submit photos, but I intend to get back soon! I like the NPN format with a place to show photos in one place for the northeast. Other than that, I think the other suggestions are great. Who is working on this? I do like the headings on the top of the page (Home/Members/Outings/Forum/Links) - it's easy to see.
Also, when photos are posted, I would like to know which state they are from.
It has been quiet for a while and it's nice to see all the input!
Westford, MA
I pretty much agree with the ideas posted so far...
Boston, MA (currently enjoying tropical sun)
I hope to see more outings and opportunities to meet with NENP members.
Thanks,
Rajesh
Looking forward to any upgrades...
As for my contact:
Jim Salge
Newmarket, NH
jimsalge.com
Ashutosh Rajekar
http://rajekar.ca
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
John
Wayne Jones
New York State (Just North and East of Saratoga Springs)
What would I like to see? Lisa seems to have it covered! All good ideas that I may be able to contribute to and use in a few months if my retirement plans work out. I think items (2) and (4) would be great, as a site list and a nature events calendar. Could be organized by state, and by month, etc., and/or perhaps as a searchable database with the right software and expertise.
THANKS for everything that you "regulars" do for NPN and NENP!
Stephen Fogle
Schenectady, NY
PS - If anyone is ever planning to be in our area on a weekend and would like to venture out with us you can contact either John Benway or Myself through the NPN pages.
Mike Madej
Just North and west of Saratoga Springs
Hudson Valley area in NY state
I will love to see field trips, meetings/seminar + A collection of favorite locations (which we can build as everyone contributes)
Orange, CT 06477
I agree with Lisa and Tom's suggestions.
Bristol, RI
I cannot think of anything else to add, however there are some great ideas here
I live in Westford Massachusetts and have been photographing the conservation land in town. i publish a calendar that features my work and the work of other photographers as well -- its for the Westford Conservation Trust. Last year i became a Conservation Commissioner and am learning about wetland conservation and related stuff.
I like to sell prints at shows and in galleries -- I have a chance to join a cooperative gallery next month -- something I've been wanting to do.
I'm not big on group photography -- I like to take pictures in solitude, whether its nature or my other passion street photography. But oddly enough I do like to make friends so I'll be looking for the new forum site and promise to be a more active member.
Frank
P.S. The ideas expressed above sound like good ones for a new NE forum.