p.1 #1 · What happened to Digital Wedding Forum (DWF)?
I knew quite a few top pros saying the only forum they were active was DWF, but after being a trial member there, I found it was more or less a "ghost town" at present instead of what is claimed to be a private, pro-gathering camp. So I wonder if anyone here knows what happened to DWF? Why lots of the pros are gone
p.1 #3 · What happened to Digital Wedding Forum (DWF)?
Several things brought about a slow death. Not in any specific order.
1. Huge influx of newbies with newbie questions drove lots of vets away
2. Over moderation of posts by admins who basically were newbs too
3. The expansion of the site from digital wedding photography to include other genres drove some away who were only interested in wedding stuff
4. Too much advertising, it was everywhere
5. Sale of the site from the original owner to those who were not interested in photography but only in running the site to make money.
6. When the site was sold, all posts became public for a sort period of time (a few days) and was searchable by Google. This was a huge blunder and really irked the vet members. There were many sensitive posts that members did not want to be viewed by the public especially by past or future clients. Even though the site was once again locked down and made private many of the pages had already been indexed by Google and were viewable by the public. Privacy was always a huge selling point with the original owner. When this happened many members felt betrayed and left angry.
7. Facebook took it's toll too.
p.1 #4 · What happened to Digital Wedding Forum (DWF)?
MR hit the nail on the head. I was a member a couple of years ago. The reasons MR listed are the reasons I left. The marketing and spam grew out of control. It took, what seemed, months to get it all to stop after I left. DWF left that DJ feeling in me anytime I heard it mentioned. Still does.
p.1 #5 · What happened to Digital Wedding Forum (DWF)?
Thank you, Tony, MR and amonline for sharing your thoughts. That explains well for what I saw there, and I was so surprised to find how DWF claimed to have rich resources for wedding photographers yet see almost not many people or new posts there at first glance. And they still charged quite some subscription fees.
p.1 #6 · What happened to Digital Wedding Forum (DWF)?
In the beginning back in 2000 it was the place to be for digital wedding photographers. It was a huge resource for those who were transitioning from film to digital and needing help to learn about everything digital. It probably peaked around 2009-10. It really was an awesome place at one time. I would no longer recommend it except to maybe for newbies.
p.1 #7 · What happened to Digital Wedding Forum (DWF)?
I was on it for a year or two until last year. It had occasional informative posts, but for the most part, I found that there just wasn't enough diversity to engage in meaningful conversations. There were a few posters that seemed to spend all day on the forum and dominated the responses, and it was either their way or the highway. It seemed like there was always only one way to handle any given situation. It seemed silly to actually pay for that.
p.1 #8 · What happened to Digital Wedding Forum (DWF)?
There seemed to be a math problem when the new secret ownership took over.
As membership and the amount of posts was already on the decline before the sale, the new ownership decided to piss off the
people who made the DWF what it was and replace them with newbies that added nothing to the site.
Simple math, that wasn't understood. You can't kick out, and piss of the content providers and replace them with new members that do add value.
I still haven't figured out what the business plan was.
The ownership still has PhotoDough which I think is profitable for them. But all logic and reason says the DWF will close it's doors, or completely change it's business model in the not too distant future.
The DWF's demise seemed inevitable with the advent of free Facebook groups, but it's down fall was surely hastened by the current incompetent management.
p.1 #10 · What happened to Digital Wedding Forum (DWF)?
wow...I wasn't aware of the problems being that extensive! I left bc of the influx of newbs and the lack of any valuable information on the site, especially when I could get the same or better on this forum for free.
it started to feel like a poorly run magazine with their email blasts that tried to hype up bs posts that had no substance or value.
my experience there was a constant disappointment. overhyped, insubstantial.
p.1 #11 · What happened to Digital Wedding Forum (DWF)?
Facebook groups aren't much better, however. I joined a few in my area, and they're mostly dominated by newbs and part timers asking the same old questions that could be answered with a quick google search.
p.1 #18 · What happened to Digital Wedding Forum (DWF)?
I made the mistake of renewing a couple of months ago, (at a 25% discount). Hadn't been for that, I definately wouldn't have done it....wish I hadn't.
I rarely find posts of interest or worth contributing to.
Kirk Voclain's Pro4um is still a vibrant place to visit, and I know he works hard to keep his membership active. Problem is, there's not much in the way of wedding posting; it's mostly seniors and portraits. Still, it's worth it to me.
p.1 #20 · What happened to Digital Wedding Forum (DWF)?
Yeah FM has been my only home and I love it.
Not currently involved with any FB groups, though would be interested in any local Philly ones. Could be fun for stuff like discussing pro's/con's of venues/places without worrying about getting Googled.
