shatterkiss wrote:
I recently saw an entire page of posts (some of them mine) on a topic I'd started disappear recently, effectively setting back that thread a day or two. Personally, I attributed it to bugs in the forum code, not a vendetta against me.
+1. I've had it happen to posts of mine in a thread as well. PM'd the admin, but got no response. (Another bug, maybe )
Happened to me as well, never received a response. I actually prefer that things like this be out in the open. People disappear from the board and no one knows why.
EA6B wrote:
Happened to me as well, never received a response. I actually prefer that things like this be out in the open. People disappear from the board and no one knows why.
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Well that is a pretty good counter-point, I can see this too.
This is slightly off-topic, but I can't help but wonder why Paul wouldn't just prefer to have a forum on his own website dedicated entirely to lighting and studio technique as well as be a source for discussing his products exclusively where he wouldn't have to be concerned with "mysteriously disappearing posts".
Paul has a vested interest in his product being perceived well by the readers of this forum, or any other forum. I have been on many forums where someone like Paul would not be allowed to participate as he could be considered a "walking billboard" for his product line, no matter how subtle the advice is. I think it's give and take, Paul should be glad he is allowed to participate in this forum (which I am sure he is), and in return understand though he may be a big deal in this industry to some, at the end of the day he's just another forum member at the FM Forums. All the more reason to consider having his own forum hosted on his website he can run they way he wants to. Needless to say it would likely be a valuable marketing tool.
We do have our own forum and I don't promote it here for ethical reasons. I don't expect to be treated any differently on FM than any other poster. Most members appreciate the input of a knowledgeable designer and manufacturer, particularly when incorrect or confusing info is posted. Moderating a forum is a demanding task and I applaud Fred for generally doing a great job in this regard. We all live in the same world and should be here to pass information and help each other.
My apologies, but I couldn't (and still can't) find it anywhere on your AB site. I am sure I am overlooking it somehow, or possibly the link isn't as obvious as I expected it would be.
Paul Buff wrote:
Most members appreciate the input of a knowledgeable designer and manufacturer, particularly when incorrect or confusing info is posted.
I completely agree. I hope you didn't misunderstand my post, as insinuating you should go elsewhere and start your own forum. Obviously you are understandably mostly concerned with acknowledging when "incorrect info" is posted regarding lighting equipment, especially your own, but I don't disagree at all you add value to this forum for some. Again, please don't think my tone suggested you go back your site and start a forum and leave the FM Forum. As I have a marketing background I was genuinely curious and surprised that you haven't chosen to start your own lighting specific forum to be used to converse with possible future customers as well as satisfied customers who already own your equipment.
You know what, off topic. I've tried out quite a few systems from starting out with a couple white lightning mono lights to a full asymetrical power pack with three head output 3300 watt seconds of power with 3 second recycle times, to a hensel porty system, to a used novatron system because my fancy electronic pack burnt out, and now I'm back where I started, and looking back i wish I would have just stuck with the white lightning mono lights.
The Vagabond II and the mono lights are an absolute pleasure to use out on location. With my 4 backup 12amp batteries on hand I never have to worry about running out of power.
I love Paul's products and anxiously await the new line of lights! I am super stoked to have Paul's expertise on this board, i've learned so much and attribute my success with photography to this forum.
Marcel VanEerd wrote:
+1. I've had it happen to posts of mine in a thread as well. PM'd the admin, but got no response. (Another bug, maybe )
Fair enough but Paul's disclosed that on several occasions Fred or other moderators have asked him to change what he posts or he'll be asked to leave.
If my threads disappeared, I'd probably assume it was an error/mistake. If I was told that I was being watched and might be asked to leave, I'd probably take a different view.
I appreciate Fred and team keeping out the SPAM. I also appreciate that Paul has chosen to follow Fred's rules and continues to participate.
sleibrand wrote:
Fair enough but Paul's disclosed that on several occasions Fred or other moderators have asked him to change what he posts or he'll be asked to leave.
If my threads disappeared, I'd probably assume it was an error/mistake. If I was told that I was being watched and might be asked to leave, I'd probably take a different view.
I appreciate Fred and team keeping out the SPAM. I also appreciate that Paul has chosen to follow Fred's rules and continues to participate.
This is not true. Fred has never suggested asking me to leave. On one occasion one of my posts was deleted because I linked to some info on my website. Though it wasn't promotional I understood the action as this was a violation of forum rules.
On several occasions I have been demeaned and defamed without provocation by two or three members (AB haters) and have defended myself and my reputation among my customers. This is pretty normal human behavior but always leads to distasteful threads. It is AB haters that occasional ask me to leave. I always take the position that if a substantial portion of the membership would prefer my absence I would comply. But I won't bow to a small minority of small minds to the detriment of the majority who seek information. Should I?
First you want to "put this to bed", now you want to keep it going. That's a big problem on all forums,
Honestly, Paul, get a sense of humor. It's ironic that your company, which is generally know for its terrific customer service, and which has been my personal experience with your company - is run by such an irascible curmudgeon. In spite of your attempts, you can't control people, only your reaction to them. Take a page from your own company's playbook and lighten up. How about a little "joy of life," there, Buffster?
My apologies, but I couldn't (and still can't) find it anywhere on your AB site. I am sure I am overlooking it somehow, or possibly the link isn't as obvious as I expected it would be.
On the home page, right in the middle in red type:
Online FORUM - Check out the Paul C. Buff Forum! Join the discussion today!
"Online FORUM" and "Join the discussion" are links to the forum.
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