I am only going to comment on all weirdness that has been going on around here once.
We need to focus and get this forum back to even keel. Joking etc. is great but the pointless stupidity that has been going on lately is going to eventually cause regulars with valuable info to share to close the FM door completely.
We have lost plenty of members in the past to just this type of thing.
If you value FM as a place to share, learn, and network TRY to help make it a better place. If we continue down this path one of our most valuable photography assests will be reduced to regular internet fodder.
I realize the "off season" can bring some "differnt" types of posts, but seriously people. I am sure I will take a fair bit of flack for this post but the teacher in me sees great potential in this community and I do not want to see that fizzle out.
Robin Usagani wrote:
I think it is fine the way it is. A little drama here and there is interesting .
Robin, I totally agree, however sometimes it is like "what just happened...?"
One of the single most important things FM gives us is a HUGE network of awesome photographers both past and present. Even though some of the regular posters from years ago do not regularly participate does not mean they are not in the loop and watching. Act a fool and doors will start closing...even ones you did not know were open for you.
The whole point of this forum is to not be full of drama and frivolity. A little internet meme here and a joke/uncle bob thread there is ok. I come here to learn from professionals and talk shop, not to be distracted by posers sham posting 40 threads in one night.
I get what your saying but like my inlaws, wack jobs and the drama that comes with them can be unavoidable, and they tend to bring out the worst in people.
Promise us that by the end of your second term we'll have bases on the moon and hot babes in Star Trek skintight suits and I'll vote for you for president, Doug!
One very important issue that has not been mentioned is Fred depends on advertisers to keep this site percolating. Advertisers don’t like aberrant behavior on the web sites they sponsor. If inappropriate behavior continues, advertisers will pack their bags and move on. Fred has given us a place to discuss and share. All we need to do is, be responsible in doing so. Otherwise, FM may well, unfortunately, disappear.
On the flip side, I remember a post several weeks ago where it eventually became clear that the OP was suffering through a bout of depression. It took a while to pick up on it, but once it was the posts of support, encouragement and help was overwhelming. Sometimes it takes a while to know when one is serious versus just kidding. Last night it became clear pretty quick and should have been left to it's own.
hopefully everyone can take note of this because if not it is true that it is a turn off, we don't need drama and immaturity or whatever it is you call it, I have left other online forums because of the members and how they treat people
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