Posted by David Bostock on November 19, 2010 at 9:29 AM
Erik and I have noticed that the PNWNP forum has nearly become a ghost town. Very little posting and participation.
We're wondering if it has anything to do with the new NPN members only rule?
Or, do you not like the new image critique gallery?
Activity has been slowly going down for some time, but it seems to have dropped off to nothing recently.
So, how do we revitalize our site? What do you all want to see, do, etc? What's needed to bring you all back? All suggestions welcomed.
Curiously yours,
David & Erik
Posted by Craig Myers on November 19, 2010 at 1:02 PM
Hi, I'm a CANP member, who enjoys dropping in on this and other regional forums. The CANP forum has slowed quite a bit as well since the introduction of the IC Gallery. In the CANP the change just took place without membership input; I don't know how it was introduced in this region. However, in other regions, member input was solicited and in the RMNP the decision was overwhelmingly to keep things the way they were, which is pretty much how I feel. I would refer you to the RMNP forum to view the discussions they had and the reasons the membership gave for nixing the IC Forum. Those discussions may offer insights into the posting doldrums here.
Posted by Steve Kennedy on November 19, 2010 at 1:44 PM
I personally don't see the IC gallery as negative. Of course I rarely participate or post - as much as I love it I just can't seem to find the time for my camera. When I do get on line for more than work or email, NPN is the first place I go and this forum is my favorite place to lurk.
I would like to see in person meetings from time to time. If I can I'll be there - Portland or Seattle areas. The only one I was aware of since I joined almost 2 years ago I was not able to attend, but I think these in-person events and getting to know each other could spur participation.
Posted by wade pettitt on November 19, 2010 at 11:45 PM
David, i agree with steve and think that even a couple hour long coffee get togethers to talk shop and gear etc, etc would be great. I know everybodys schedules are busy but I think it would be great.
Posted by Greg Vaughn on November 20, 2010 at 10:13 AM
My guess is that it's a combination of the new members only rule and the IC gallery. WIth the economy the way it is, especially here in the PNW, the annual membership fee probably seems like an ill-afforded luxury for some.
Personally, I very much enjoy viewing the posted photos but seldom do so for the purpose of offering critiques. If seems that the only advantage of the IC gallery is that larger photo sizes are allowed. Plus, with the regular forum, I have it set up to get an email notice when there are new posts, but I don't see how to do that with the IC Gallery.
Posted by Jack Graham on November 20, 2010 at 4:16 PM
David,
I am back after about 4 out of 6 weeks gone and only one more workshop this year, so I'll be around and probably post some stuff. I'd be up for a get together as well.
Maybe we all need to get out in the coming snow!
JG
Posted by David Bostock on November 20, 2010 at 11:05 PM
Yes, I got a couple of emails stating that the members only rule is hurting us overall.
As for the IC Gallery, I prefer it, but really we can post images in either the IC or this forum...
As for getting together, how many would be up for another Saturday or Sunday gathering at, say, the Kennedy School?
Posted by Steve Kennedy on November 21, 2010 at 11:43 AM
Its hard to schedule things during the Holidays but I'm planning to be in Portland on the weekend of December 4th. Kennedy School would work for me either Saturday or Sunday that weekend.
Posted by Rick Dunn on November 21, 2010 at 6:53 PM
A couple of suggestions that worked well when I was moderating the RMNP site...
- allow multiple pics to be posted in a thread. It allows people to post a story, which invites discussion. I think people are more interested in sharing their experiences than a single image. Maybe a 1/4 to a 1/3 of the image posts on RMNP are trip reports. Readers/viewers get a sense of a place and that translates into more value for all participants. It's not uncommon for one trip report to inspire multiple others to make a similar trip. Here, on several occasions, the mods have politely requested that people refrain from posting multiple pics. I was one of the offenders. No good reason to limit it to one.
- monthly topic with best image in the thread getting some recognition (ie, picture posted on the PNWNP home page). Keeps people checking back in, and the nature of the "contest" makes it interesting. Have people submit ideas for topics. It also broadens the diversity of images. With no disrespect to anyone here, the images here have become very limited in scope, which is one fo the main reasons that rarely check in.
- one of the more popular "attractions" at RMNP is the annual fall color contest. Although participation is limited to RMNP members (more or less), the quality of the imagery draws in many more viewers who end up, over time, participating. It's $5/image to participate, with the funds being awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners.
I'd be surprised if the IC gallery has anything to do with the dropoff. Personally, I'd rather have all images in one forum and have it be understood that images are open to critique. And, if you're specifically wanting a critique - as opposed to atta boys or "nice image", just say so to further encourage critique. But participation was dwindling prior to the IC change.
The members only thing is probably having an impact here, but only because, imho, there wasn't all that much going on before the changes. Again, personally, the annual fee is an absolute steal for the value that NPN and the regional forums offer. But, I think it's fair to say that for most, the value comes from what goes on in the regional forums, and things have been very slow around here for quite a while. PNWNP used to be one of the - if not THE - most active regional forum. Not sure what happened, but the diversity and quality of imagery isn't at the same level as it used to. Quality is a hard one to drive, but certainly diversity can be driven with the above suggestions, and hopefully other suggestions coming from folks here. It'd be great to see PNWNP get back to where it was.
Posted by Amy Lindsey on November 21, 2010 at 9:20 PM
I'm with Rick on some of the suggestions. I live in Indianapolis, IN, but am way more active on the RMNP forum than the MWNP forum. The RMNP forum has so many great things offered such as monthly themes (winner gets his/her image posted on the forum homepage). The fall color contest is always fun, as well, and gets everyone pumped up.
Being from 2000 miles away, I really enjoy seeing the images from places I'd like to visit. One of my favorite things about the forums are the trip reports (with maps!). The RMNP forum also has an annual shindig, usually in January. It's a great chance for everyone to meet and talk shop. They also have an image swap during the shindig which allows people to show off their hard work.
It would be fun to be able to attend a weekend getaway led by a member of the PNWNP. Not a workshop, but just an outing, maybe with camping or sharing a large cabin.
You all have a great forum. Thanks for letting an outsider participate!
Posted by Steve Kennedy on November 21, 2010 at 10:25 PM
Hmmm. A spring or summer weekend outing would be fun. I like Rick's suggestions too.
Posted by David Bostock on November 22, 2010 at 9:40 AM
Great suggestions everyone. Rick, thank you for the great info on RMNP. I will definitely check it out.
Keep 'em coming we want to turn things around here.
Posted by Jeff Ross on November 26, 2010 at 2:32 PM
I agree very much with the RMNP and Rick that every thing should be kept in one forum. Spreading things out will result, I think, in fewer posts and activity overall. It seems like we are being encouraged to only post photos in this forum if they have no nature photography merit at all? For example, here is a picture of me changing a flat tire on my way up such and such road where I took a beautiful picture of Mount Stunning. If you would like to see Mt. Stunning, go to the IC gallery, even though I don't really want your critique of my photo of Mt. Stunning....................
Hi David, I'd be up for another Kennedy school gathering after the holidays have past, perhaps sometime in January. I thought that was an enjoyable time. Maybe we can round up another guest speaker, but at the very least just getting together, sharing some prints and experiences is worth it to me.
As far as the activity goes, I haven't been contributing because I've been consumed by our veterinary practice, so I haven't been active photographically speaking.
An outing again someday might be nice, maybe spring....
Posted by Scott Smorra on November 30, 2010 at 9:34 PM
I really liked Rick's suggestion about the monthly topic. This seems like it my stir up some participation in the IC gallery and forum. Everyone always loves a good contest, especially when it comes to photography.
To me, the forum and IC gallery seem to work fine as a pair. I really like being able to post a larger version of my photos since the 720px limitation sometimes feels a bit small.
The Kennedy School get together we had this spring was really cool and I would certainly be interested in more events like that one. Even if we don't have a guest speaker, we could do a print review and maybe pick a topic to discuss (ie; post processing, printing, composition, field techniques, etc)
Posted by David Schoen on December 1, 2010 at 10:26 PM
"To me, the forum and IC gallery seem to work fine as a pair. I really like being able to post a larger version of my photos since the 720px limitation sometimes feels a bit small." To quote Scott. I am sure this is a bandwidth issue but to be honest, the 1200px images blow away the 720px images and do make a lot of difference.
With respect to getting together, I am fortunate to have a place in Portland and Olympia so it doesn't make a difference to me where. Time is more of a factor than place. That is probably more of an issue for everyone than everything else combined. Lives are complicated. Time is an issue. This TIME of year is tough for most of us. Which may be why the PWNW has slowed down a bit...BTW, have you noticed the weather?
My power was out for 30 hours several weeks ago.
Hi Everyone,
I read David's query about participation dropping off and, indeed, I was one of those folks who felt I couldn't justify the membership. I finally joined and made a 3 year commitment, so now y'all are stuck with me.
Regarding the idea of a meet-up, I'm eager for one too. I was at last year's Kennedy School event and enjoyed meeting everyone even though I had no prints to share. The holidays will be tricky for me too, and I often like to keep the 3 day weekends free for travel if the urge strikes (i.e. MLK, Pres Day, etc.). We could get a speaker or we could have a discussion topic and show and tell of some sort. I always like a speaker, but I also like hearing from in-house pros equally.
Discussion
17 repliesWe're wondering if it has anything to do with the new NPN members only rule?
Or, do you not like the new image critique gallery?
Activity has been slowly going down for some time, but it seems to have dropped off to nothing recently.
So, how do we revitalize our site? What do you all want to see, do, etc? What's needed to bring you all back? All suggestions welcomed.
Curiously yours,
David & Erik
I would like to see in person meetings from time to time. If I can I'll be there - Portland or Seattle areas. The only one I was aware of since I joined almost 2 years ago I was not able to attend, but I think these in-person events and getting to know each other could spur participation.
Personally, I very much enjoy viewing the posted photos but seldom do so for the purpose of offering critiques. If seems that the only advantage of the IC gallery is that larger photo sizes are allowed. Plus, with the regular forum, I have it set up to get an email notice when there are new posts, but I don't see how to do that with the IC Gallery.
I am back after about 4 out of 6 weeks gone and only one more workshop this year, so I'll be around and probably post some stuff. I'd be up for a get together as well.
Maybe we all need to get out in the coming snow!
JG
As for the IC Gallery, I prefer it, but really we can post images in either the IC or this forum...
As for getting together, how many would be up for another Saturday or Sunday gathering at, say, the Kennedy School?
- allow multiple pics to be posted in a thread. It allows people to post a story, which invites discussion. I think people are more interested in sharing their experiences than a single image. Maybe a 1/4 to a 1/3 of the image posts on RMNP are trip reports. Readers/viewers get a sense of a place and that translates into more value for all participants. It's not uncommon for one trip report to inspire multiple others to make a similar trip. Here, on several occasions, the mods have politely requested that people refrain from posting multiple pics. I was one of the offenders.
- monthly topic with best image in the thread getting some recognition (ie, picture posted on the PNWNP home page). Keeps people checking back in, and the nature of the "contest" makes it interesting. Have people submit ideas for topics. It also broadens the diversity of images. With no disrespect to anyone here, the images here have become very limited in scope, which is one fo the main reasons that rarely check in.
- one of the more popular "attractions" at RMNP is the annual fall color contest. Although participation is limited to RMNP members (more or less), the quality of the imagery draws in many more viewers who end up, over time, participating. It's $5/image to participate, with the funds being awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners.
I'd be surprised if the IC gallery has anything to do with the dropoff. Personally, I'd rather have all images in one forum and have it be understood that images are open to critique. And, if you're specifically wanting a critique - as opposed to atta boys or "nice image", just say so to further encourage critique. But participation was dwindling prior to the IC change.
The members only thing is probably having an impact here, but only because, imho, there wasn't all that much going on before the changes. Again, personally, the annual fee is an absolute steal for the value that NPN and the regional forums offer. But, I think it's fair to say that for most, the value comes from what goes on in the regional forums, and things have been very slow around here for quite a while. PNWNP used to be one of the - if not THE - most active regional forum. Not sure what happened, but the diversity and quality of imagery isn't at the same level as it used to. Quality is a hard one to drive, but certainly diversity can be driven with the above suggestions, and hopefully other suggestions coming from folks here. It'd be great to see PNWNP get back to where it was.
Being from 2000 miles away, I really enjoy seeing the images from places I'd like to visit. One of my favorite things about the forums are the trip reports (with maps!). The RMNP forum also has an annual shindig, usually in January. It's a great chance for everyone to meet and talk shop. They also have an image swap during the shindig which allows people to show off their hard work.
It would be fun to be able to attend a weekend getaway led by a member of the PNWNP. Not a workshop, but just an outing, maybe with camping or sharing a large cabin.
You all have a great forum. Thanks for letting an outsider participate!
Keep 'em coming we want to turn things around here.
As far as the activity goes, I haven't been contributing because I've been consumed by our veterinary practice, so I haven't been active photographically speaking.
An outing again someday might be nice, maybe spring....
To me, the forum and IC gallery seem to work fine as a pair. I really like being able to post a larger version of my photos since the 720px limitation sometimes feels a bit small.
The Kennedy School get together we had this spring was really cool and I would certainly be interested in more events like that one. Even if we don't have a guest speaker, we could do a print review and maybe pick a topic to discuss (ie; post processing, printing, composition, field techniques, etc)
With respect to getting together, I am fortunate to have a place in Portland and Olympia so it doesn't make a difference to me where. Time is more of a factor than place. That is probably more of an issue for everyone than everything else combined. Lives are complicated. Time is an issue. This TIME of year is tough for most of us. Which may be why the PWNW has slowed down a bit...BTW, have you noticed the weather?
My power was out for 30 hours several weeks ago.
I read David's query about participation dropping off and, indeed, I was one of those folks who felt I couldn't justify the membership. I finally joined and made a 3 year commitment, so now y'all are stuck with me.
Regarding the idea of a meet-up, I'm eager for one too. I was at last year's Kennedy School event and enjoyed meeting everyone even though I had no prints to share. The holidays will be tricky for me too, and I often like to keep the 3 day weekends free for travel if the urge strikes (i.e. MLK, Pres Day, etc.). We could get a speaker or we could have a discussion topic and show and tell of some sort. I always like a speaker, but I also like hearing from in-house pros equally.