So Many Snotty Photographers

I poke around in different photography related forums (usually when I'm supposed to be working) and I find that in almost all of them there are some really nasty, snot-nosed comments thrown about in a large number of threads. I think this is the only forum where I don't see that kind of commentary, and it has me wondering what is different about naturephotographers.net. Everyone here seems compelled to take the high road (which I greatly appreciate). Maybe Jim knows what is different about this group...

I think Jim is certainly the one to thank - from the very beginning (at least for me) he set a positive tone for the forums and made sure to foster this kind of culture.

Guy

People put others down to buoy themselves up - this is a from their own insecurity. Lots of what you see on other forums are folks trying to show how 'clever' they are by spouting off on things esoteric or banal. Those types get rewarded on other forums but they don't get that here. 'Like attracts like' .... this community attracts talented, helpful and genuine people, not caustic ones. Darwin

Kelly, I agree with your observations. I participate on a few non-photography forums and the kind of behavior you describe is there too. When it is directed at me, I take "the high road" by saying something to the effect "I apologize for not being clear on this" and then explain in different words the point I was trying to make. This usually quiets down those who are looking for an argument. No doubt about it, successfully participating "flame free" on Internet discussion forums is an art unto itself.

In regards to NPN, I can set the tone but ultimately it's those who regularly participate who make it what it is. IMO, it's our members (and their willingness to share, remain open-minded and refrain from always having to have the last word) who make this site useful and enjoyable to participate on. So, my thanks to all of you for doing so!

Kelly, I too have been turned off by many of the other photography forums out there not related to NPN or its regional groups. I find that when i hop from one group to another looking for info, I get it with a gracious invite to return again from every member of that group.

I think that it goes to show that the NPN forum and its regional partners are far and above full of the best kind of people I know. Even in my group when there have been a few heated discussions, the turn out and around was handled very well and instead of loosing members we gained them.

I don't know... but I think that for most people here, it's really about photography. How to make images. Great images, in many cases. They don't visit this site because they're bored, or are looking for an arguement/discussion, whatever, they come here to share and learn (and teach). While in other fora, it's often about equipment, about "my lens has better bokeh than yours" and "a D50 is for those scared of a real DSLR" and this kind of stuff... this is the breeding ground where unfriendly treatment of others can grow. Or am I wrong on this?

Basil

I sometimes think the many on NPN are refugees from years of flame wars and just grew tired of that.


Kent in SD

Jim has made NPN what it is..

Cindy, thank you! I am really honored to be associated with the group of people who participate on NPN. I've said it before and I'll say it again - the success of NPN is truly a group effort.

I sometimes think the many on NPN are refugees from years of flame wars and just grew tired of that.

I think that is true! Of course, there are still many who enjoy a public debacle - luckily for us, they hang out on other sites.

What I like about NPN is that there seems to be more exposures then talk (well it seems that way to me). The people are nice, the quality and expertise compounded with that great attitude is what makes this such a welcome place for me.

Another plus is that you dont get those "Look at my pretty cat" snaps that at so present on other forums lol

I think the kudos go to Jim and to the moderators of the various forums. I've drifted away from forums on other sites because of the flamers and the self-appointed experts too. This site has been consistently excellent.

The only other photo site I've found that has been as good and flame-free is Rob Galbraith's site for pro photographers but it's a much more technical and equipment oriented site. The forum there has been sold and I don't know how the new owners are making out.

NPN is the site I keep coming back to and vote for with my wallet!!

I haven't been here long, but I've dropped off the map on a couple other forums for the reasons mentioned here. And I keep coming back to NPN. It's a good place.

I've worked around daily newspaper photographers for years, and the dozen or so I knew pretty well were the snottiest, least complimentary of others' work and proudest and most jealous group of professional shooters I've come in contact with. Nobody needs that attitude, so when I'm on a site where the nits start to take over the land, I'm gone.

Indeed. This is the best and only forum where am paid member. Amazing to see this standard set and kept there by the members.

I just recently started my portfolio and have just begun posting in the forums. I am very impressed with the "atmoshpere" of helpful photographers. I appreciate the time taken by everyone to critique my work , I have already learned from the critques and also all the other articles I have found and just by viewing everyone else's work. I hope to learn much more.

Could it be that nature photographers in general are more caring and understanding. I think those who appreciate and nuture the natural world are a more giving human being. We just sincerely care. My 2 cents! Ron

Basil touched on what I think is the case. Those posting here as a whole take their photography seriously and are interested in making great photographs first and foremost. While there are certainly debates at times as to what a great photograph is, and what a great photograph actually consists of, the end goal seems to be shared by all. The success of many members seems to be testiment to this attitude. This simply isn't a site where people come to defend their camera purchases and to only focus on the tools of our craft - letting everyone why their tools are "better" than their neighbors! That's a very good thing in my book!

There's a similar thread over on the sister site TPN. The great attitude of the members here is one of the main reasons that NPN and TPN are the only forums I actually PAY to be a part of! Thanks for all the hard work, Jim! And thanks to all the members for making these forums are great place to hang out!

Martin

Well, I have been viewing this site for a couple of years and only just became a member earlier this year. I have checked out other sites and whenever the "flamers" got into it, I became uncomfortable and exited. I don't care for those attitudes. I definitely was interested, encouraged and intrigued with this site and am happy for joining. Thanks to all who have made it so.

I've been on a lot of photo sites as well and I've not found one that doesn't have it's problems at times. This group is no different. There have been some fairly serious blow-ups go on in the Northwest group over the period of time I use to particapate in there (and a lot of inuenda and between the lines talk about what had happen in the past). A number of people left over some of the personal attacks and snide remarks made in there. I no longer particapate in that regional group because of some of the comments made by a few of the people a few months ago... including those by a moderator. So even NPN is not immune to the problems you see on many other photo sites. It doesn't appear to be as prevelent on here, or it may not be as apparent because of the seperation of the different regional forums, but it happens at least in one regional area.

Mike

Interesting discussion. I've been away from here (and all forums) for something around a couple years for a variety of reasons and recently just started checking things out again. The manner in which discussions are carried out here are the same as they have been since shortly after I joined here. The manner in which discussions are carried out on other discussion boards is the same as it was 2 years ago. Here being quite positive. Others being less so. The only other board where I find discussions are generally more positive is the Ilford forums and that's only since one particular member either left or was kicked off (no, it wasn't me ).

When I first joined here though, I thought I'd made a big mistake. I forget how I found NPN but when I started checking it out there was a pretty fierce, and sometimes quite personal, battle going on between two different factions. One of those broke away and has set up their own site. Jim and the others who stayed here continually tried to keep the internal political issues off the forums and the focus (excuse the pun) on photography. Fortunately they succeeded and NPN has continued to prosper.

The good atmosphere at NPN is partly because you have to pay to join, so it only attracts people who want to be here.

Also, most everybody here is using their real name, and without the veil of anonymity of most forums people will be less likely to make negative comments.