Will be glad to answer any questions you may have here.
P.S Sad that Paul was banned here. He might like the image. .
I understand Fred.. and I understand Paul.. We all need to stay calm even when discussed thing we hate or love :-)
Alex
p.1 #2 · From idea to implementation: Einstein 640 creative shot walk-through.
I'm not sure what went on exactly, nor do I really care, but I also wish Paul Buff was able to be active in these forums again.
I'm sure Fred has his reasons and some valid points, but as "eccentric" as Paul might be, to have the designer of one of the most popular lighting products around here was a big plus and for many of us his presence around these forums will be missed.
p.1 #3 · From idea to implementation: Einstein 640 creative shot walk-through.
At the risk of getting the thread locked, I'll respond.
Fred can do anything he wants. It's his site. Compared to other web forums where I participate (mostly other interests), he is lenient and allows participants to self regulate.
Fred did everything in his power to keep from having to ban Paul. I think Fred was very aware of the value of having the designer of popular products participate. He would warn Paul, who would try to comply, but it just wasn't in Paul's nature and he'd backslide. It became apparent something had to be done, since Fred indicated he was getting numerous complaints. He finally had enough.
Paul used to have his own forum but effectively banned himself by shutting it down. At least part of the reason he closed his own forum was because of the same problems he had with others here.
p.1 #4 · From idea to implementation: Einstein 640 creative shot walk-through.
Before the historical revisionism begins let us acknowledge there a few bad apples here who took advantage of Paul Buff defensiveness and like to goad him until he reacted. Like all bullies they then cloaked themselves in victimhood. Paul did that too but unlike his antagonists he actually has done something useful for photographers and not just spent their time whining.
p.1 #9 · From idea to implementation: Einstein 640 creative shot walk-through.
E-Vener wrote:
Before the historical revisionism begins let us acknowledge there a few bad apples here who took advantage of Paul Buff defensiveness and like to goad him until he reacted. Like all bullies they then cloaked themselves in victimhood.
Duly acknowledged. Too bad it was that way. Compare this situation to how Henry Posner responds on forums.
p.1 #10 · From idea to implementation: Einstein 640 creative shot walk-through.
Paul is badass whether he posts here or not.
Nice one Alex, though I don't fancy the floating appearance, would look better on a stand imo. Could be wrong, but it looks like it needs to go a half degree counter clockwise.
p.1 #11 · From idea to implementation: Einstein 640 creative shot walk-through.
dmacmillan wrote:
Duly acknowledged. Too bad it was that way. Compare this situation to how Henry Posner responds on forums.
Henry is a specialist though....an "ombudsman" is generally the description of what he does (fix bad customer incidents posted on various forums). It's their job to be diplomatic and resolve any issues...
There was sadly way too much troll bait and people just couldn't bring themselves to use the hide button, but chose to be confrontational instead :-P
p.1 #12 · From idea to implementation: Einstein 640 creative shot walk-through.
kenyee wrote:
It's their job to be diplomatic and resolve any issues...
I once worked for a software development company that was privately owned before Wells Fargo acquired it. The CEO and owner felt one of his primary job responsibilities was just what you said above. He saw dealing with difficult customers as a challenge. More than once I've seen him talk someone who wanted to ditch our product end up buying more after having a conversation with the owner.
Maybe a better example would be another CEO/Owner. I have Ascend Acoustics speakers in my home theater. They are well regarded and I love mine. The owner and chief designer, David Fabrikant, is a regular contributor to various audio forums. People can get just as passionate and opinionated about speakers as they can about flashes. Dave always takes the high road and is liked by the audio community, including his competitors.
p.1 #14 · From idea to implementation: Einstein 640 creative shot walk-through.
dmacmillan wrote:
More than once I've seen him talk someone who wanted to ditch our product end up buying more after having a conversation with the owner.
I've worked at a software company w/ a CEO who did this as well (I do software for my day job) and also the same at one or two hardware companies. These are generally high dollar project/product sales, so you get the usual schmoozing, taking customers out for drinks, strip joints, etc. Their owners have always had to be good marketers to sell the company to investors, employees, customers.
FYI, I didn't say a CEO/owner couldn't do it...just that the Harry Posner example is of an ombudsman. The AB techforums also has a guy who posts a Technical Support that does a good job being a moderator/ombudsman too.
p.1 #18 · From idea to implementation: Einstein 640 creative shot walk-through.
E-Vener wrote:
Before the historical revisionism begins let us acknowledge there a few bad apples here who took advantage of Paul Buff defensiveness and like to goad him until he reacted. Like all bullies they then cloaked themselves in victimhood. Paul did that too but unlike his antagonists he actually has done something useful for photographers and not just spent their time whining.
+1
To a certain degree and for quite a while, I figured it was an inevitability that Paul's intensity & passion would get exploited / goaded by "fellow members" to the point that Fred had little choice ... even after prior re-instatement.
But, taking the 1/2 full perspective, it was good to have been exposed to Paul for as long as I had opportunity do so.
Alex ... enjoy your stuff both artistically and the explanations you afford fellow members.
p.1 #19 · From idea to implementation: Einstein 640 creative shot walk-through.
E-Vener wrote:
Before the historical revisionism begins let us acknowledge there a few bad apples here who took advantage of Paul Buff defensiveness and like to goad him until he reacted. Like all bullies they then cloaked themselves in victimhood. Paul did that too but unlike his antagonists he actually has done something useful for photographers and not just spent their time whining.
+1 - I think at the very least Paul should have had company...
p.1 #20 · From idea to implementation: Einstein 640 creative shot walk-through.
dmacmillan wrote:
People can get just as passionate and opinionated about speakers as they can about flashes.
You're wrong there - MORE so than flash equipment. Audiophiles can be the most opinionated and vocal people on the planet.
Yeah - point taken with Dave - Paul could/should have taken it as an opportunity to improve his people skills. Then again considering his gadflys...
