Posted by Peter Cairns on August 19, 2009 at 7:35 AM
It seems that the age of blogging is now truly upon us and that the nature photography community has not escaped the scourge. So are blogs - good, bad and otherwise - worthwhile?
Despite my cynicism of an over-dependency on technology, I really like blogs. So much so that I've committed to one myself. The reason? OK I cannot deny the self-publicity opportunity but more importantly, I can rant and muse on issues that I feel are important to us all. Self-indulgent? Perhaps, but nature photographers are facing challenging times and I for one, find following the thought processes of others, often enlightening. Whether anyone is interested enough in mine - and therefore whether it is worthwhile - remains to be seen! I'll try my best.
Its the way forward, I must admit to using both twitter and facebook and with good effect looking at the visitor number referels on my web site,its a good place to get points across to non nature lovers!!!
Revised web site looks good by the way!!
Craig
www.craigchurchill.co.uk
Posted by Anthony House on August 19, 2009 at 9:04 AM
I think all websites should have one, I do a recent work update on mine explanning what I've been upto and how I've gone about getting my images and they're always looked at. More so than the galleries infact. I for one would go back to visit a website if it had regular blog.... So for me, yes, well worth the effort...
I have a blog and its been updated daily for over 250 days, I do it in conjunction with a buddy in the UK so we cover both sides of the water and both Nikon and Canon, We have had hits from over 20 countries so far and have been mentioned in the RPS mag so must be doing something right i guess, Its not too time consuming and keeps the brain active and also lets people see what we are up to
I am not into twitter and facebook seems to be just mafia wars-whatever that is
Dave
Posted by Major Gilbert on August 19, 2009 at 11:20 AM
I hate to say it but what as this all got to do with photo critique.
This forum seems to full of things other than what it should be.
Surely this sort of stuff should be brought up else where or am I wrong.
Picking up on Major's point, Pete, he is right, your post probably doesn't belong here (if we're adhering strictly to the guidelines). Funnily enough though, as he points out, this forum "seems to full of things other than what it should be" - perhaps this indicates that there is an appetite for discussion about related topics being a feature of this forum?
Personally, I prefer not to have such a blinkered approach and instead like to see the forum being a conduit for discussion about new ideas, conservation photography, the general state of the wildlife photography genre, etc - but that's just me. I learn very little from the ‘critique’ because most people post almost ‘faultless’ images instead of taking a chance with something experimental, different or an image they require advice about.
From my view PoV, Major, yes you are 'wrong' - not by the letter of the law laid down in the guidelines, but in your outlook. That said, it is your prerogative to object and I support your right to do so. Of course, if you don't like the look of a thread's title you don't have to open it. Others might want to read it as long as it isn’t too far off topic!
I disagree; the vast majority of the posts on this forum follow the guidlines hence it is full of things that should be.
My basis for disagreement is simple, a sample of the first page will show that of the 50 posts the only one that is potentially errant and it is this one - should we close it, or show some form of moderation? Our decision, and yes there was a decision, was to let it run.
UKNP has a clearly set and defined purpose; namely a regional critique forum attached to NPN, and it has excelled in such. NPN has the much wider remit that some may require. UKNP is now the premier Nature Photography Forum in the UK and in the future it is our intention to extend it's remit, but we must be careful in chosing when and how so as not to destroy what has acheived.
I think you meant to disagree with Major didn't you? It was he who stated "seems to full of things other than what it should be". It is obvious (to those that look at the stats) that the number of 'off topic' posts is very small - it wasn't my assumption that this is not the case.
Apologies if you interpreted my reply as being undermining of the achievements of UKNP - that was not the intension, as I'm sure you are aware? However, I stick by what I said - there is an appetite for posts that discuss issues related to wildlife photography. If the moderators allow such a post to stand on the forum, then the topic is open for debate until such a time it is closed. If an individual member of the forum doesn't like the topic they have an opportunity express their view, as do members in favour of the post. That is what participating in a democratic process is about, isn’t it?
Apologies, the above thread wasn't meant to be aimed at you (or Major)
I did start answering some of you points when originally penning it, but then decided to make/let it become more generic and state my point of view... the problem is that I forgot, in my haste, to remove your name from the top of the post but have done so now.
Posted by Major Gilbert on August 20, 2009 at 5:56 PM
Chris take your point about not opening it but that doesnt stop other people.
There is always a place for good discussion but the frustration for me and this is personal is that when you post an image I am looking for comments on it.
Discussions mid way through a group of images posted does them no favours and in my opinion takes people passing comments away from where they should be.
When it takes sixty or seventy views with no comments then to me the forum is not what it is supposed to be and dare I say it is on a road to decline if it continues.
There is definately a decline in this area for what ever reason and I dont think it helps to be moving away from critique. Believe you and me blinkered I am not . I can see what is happeneing and I was making my feelings known. I am to say frustrated by it.
Discussion
12 repliesDespite my cynicism of an over-dependency on technology, I really like blogs. So much so that I've committed to one myself. The reason? OK I cannot deny the self-publicity opportunity but more importantly, I can rant and muse on issues that I feel are important to us all. Self-indulgent? Perhaps, but nature photographers are facing challenging times and I for one, find following the thought processes of others, often enlightening. Whether anyone is interested enough in mine - and therefore whether it is worthwhile - remains to be seen! I'll try my best.
Peter Cairns
www.northshots.com
Blogs are so.... last year.
Get your facebook fan page up or better still, start Tweeting
But then again a blog gives you a chance to say a bit more
Revised web site looks good by the way!!
Craig
www.craigchurchill.co.uk
Nice website
Tony
I am not into twitter and facebook seems to be just mafia wars-whatever that is
Dave
This forum seems to full of things other than what it should be.
Surely this sort of stuff should be brought up else where or am I wrong.
Major.
Personally, I prefer not to have such a blinkered approach and instead like to see the forum being a conduit for discussion about new ideas, conservation photography, the general state of the wildlife photography genre, etc - but that's just me. I learn very little from the ‘critique’ because most people post almost ‘faultless’ images instead of taking a chance with something experimental, different or an image they require advice about.
From my view PoV, Major, yes you are 'wrong' - not by the letter of the law laid down in the guidelines, but in your outlook. That said, it is your prerogative to object and I support your right to do so. Of course, if you don't like the look of a thread's title you don't have to open it. Others might want to read it as long as it isn’t too far off topic!
Cheers,
Chris
My basis for disagreement is simple, a sample of the first page will show that of the 50 posts the only one that is potentially errant and it is this one - should we close it, or show some form of moderation? Our decision, and yes there was a decision, was to let it run.
UKNP has a clearly set and defined purpose; namely a regional critique forum attached to NPN, and it has excelled in such. NPN has the much wider remit that some may require. UKNP is now the premier Nature Photography Forum in the UK and in the future it is our intention to extend it's remit, but we must be careful in chosing when and how so as not to destroy what has acheived.
I think you meant to disagree with Major didn't you? It was he who stated "seems to full of things other than what it should be". It is obvious (to those that look at the stats) that the number of 'off topic' posts is very small - it wasn't my assumption that this is not the case.
Apologies if you interpreted my reply as being undermining of the achievements of UKNP - that was not the intension, as I'm sure you are aware? However, I stick by what I said - there is an appetite for posts that discuss issues related to wildlife photography. If the moderators allow such a post to stand on the forum, then the topic is open for debate until such a time it is closed. If an individual member of the forum doesn't like the topic they have an opportunity express their view, as do members in favour of the post. That is what participating in a democratic process is about, isn’t it?
Cheers,
Chris
Apologies, the above thread wasn't meant to be aimed at you (or Major)
I did start answering some of you points when originally penning it, but then decided to make/let it become more generic and state my point of view... the problem is that I forgot, in my haste, to remove your name from the top of the post but have done so now.
T
No worries.
Cheers,
Chris
There is always a place for good discussion but the frustration for me and this is personal is that when you post an image I am looking for comments on it.
Discussions mid way through a group of images posted does them no favours and in my opinion takes people passing comments away from where they should be.
When it takes sixty or seventy views with no comments then to me the forum is not what it is supposed to be and dare I say it is on a road to decline if it continues.
There is definately a decline in this area for what ever reason and I dont think it helps to be moving away from critique. Believe you and me blinkered I am not . I can see what is happeneing and I was making my feelings known. I am to say frustrated by it.
Major.