Is it time to end the project forum?

[Frog]

The popularity of the project forum has been diminishing.
Some of it is my fault.
When I agreed to moderate this forum, I did so because there would be TWO moderators and I would be able to exchange ideas on topics and choosing a featured photo. The other person had health issues but when he came back, he has chosen not to participate in moderating.

The same few people participate regularly but no one wants to help with moderating and I'm late putting up subjects sometimes. I can be pretty creative when I don't have to be but when its time to do so under the gun, my mind ends up going blank.
The featurerd photo becomes a problem when our dear 'captain' doesn't get around to posting it. He told me to keep 'nagging' but I don't think I should have to nag to get it posted.
In case you are unaware, the featured photo does have some rules.
One is that no moderators can have the featured photo, and the other rule is that one cannot have more than one featured photo per year.
The moderator rule is no problem but when only a few people participate, it becomes difficult to find a worthy photo to feature that has not been done by someone who hasn't already had featured photo during the year.
If this forum is to keep going it needs much more participation and a moderator that can keep up. I will keep deleting spam but I have too many other things to worry about to give this the attention it needs.
If you have ideas to keep it going, lets hear them, but right now I do not see enough to keep it going.

It has been fun in the past but right now its just a source of frustration for me. Thank you to all who have given ideas and posted their work.

frog

[wfooshee]

Personally I have enjoyed the project forum.

The last 2 or 3 have been slim, though, but I've found traffic on the whole board seems to have been slim during that period, as well. Basically, where'd everbuddy go??? I don't think the low participation is any fault of yours, frog, I just think there's not as many folks around, for some reason.

[agaduc996]

Frog, I know I am a recent member here at PR.com, and have yet to participate in the photo project forum, but I do think it is a great thing to have. I am the webmaster on one forum and a Mod on another and I have noticed that these other two forums have had low activity historically from november to march. I think with the holidays and the fact that a good portion of the member base is in the winter season this slows down activity. In one of the other forums I participate, we have a project forum and it has it s highs and lows.

The forum where I serve as webmaster, we have a "tag" forum. In this forum we start with a subject like a shot of a bridge, the next to post has to post a shot of another bridge or bridge theme and then submit a new tag, maybe a silhouette of a flower. The next to post will take a flower picture or a silhouette or a silhouette of a flower to claim that tag and then post the next tag. This continues on and on. The thing that I like about this is that it does not put the owness of keeping things fresh on the Mods shoulders as with every post there is a fresh tag to claim. This also serves the same purpose as a project in the fact that it's aim is to get people out there shooting and a reason/subject to shoot.

I am not necessarily suggesting that you change the project forum, only throwing out options. Also, as you seem to be a moderator short, it may help ease your strain if members could suggest project subjects. Since we are this close to the start of the year, if 5 people gave 2 subjects that would take us to the end of the year. Put them in a list Feb-Dec and there we have it 2013 projects. Of course people would want to keep the subject matter simple to allow everyone to participate. For example, don't choose snow men when half our country does not get snow. This would at least help you in not having to keep coming up with a new subject each month. As for the getting featured photos posted, I do not have any thoughts as this seems like an issue of someone having a busy schedule and large workload.

Here are a few suggestions for projects. I would suggest that people look at these in the broad sense or abstract. We are photographers be creative.


Architecture- buildings, bridges, houses, spider web. be creative
Leadership - coach, mayor, teacher, boss, a mother duck leading her chicks
New life. - New born, spring flowers, car coming off an assembly line, recycling plant
Things that Fly- I hope people don't need help with this.
Winning- sports, spelling bee, vegas, lotto ticket, state fair/carnival games.

Hope this is of some help to you Frog, and by the way thanks for all you have done to help make this a wonderful site. I look forward to contributing more.

[Jimmy B]

I certainly don't want to see the project forum go away. It does help folks get out of their comfort zone and create photos they normally wouldn't. I can see why some of the newer members may be intimidated when they see the same posters every month. New members bring in fresh ideas that we regulars haven't thought of, new members please feel free to add to this project.
Lets all throw out some ideas for projects and keep it going!
Seattle winter= B&W:-)
agaduc996 has some good ideas
Thanks Jimmy B

[Tyson L. Sparks]

I really like this forum also, I wish it where up towards the to. I would like to help you moderate the P Forum. How do I apply?

[Jimmy B]

If there is a way to throw my hat into the ring with Tyson to help Moderate, let me know.
Jimmy B

[Frog]

I will put your names up for suggestion in the moderators forum.
I think you both would have something to offer.

[JETA]

I have really enjoyed this forum and would be sad to see it go.

My frustration with it is we participate and nobody ever gets picked. Kinda wrecks the purpose.

[JETA]

Also another ENORMOUS frustration is how hard it is to post photos. This is a photography forum after all.

[JETA]

If there is a way to throw my hat into the ring with Tyson to help Moderate, let me know.
Jimmy B

He gets a vote from me!

[Liz]

He gets a vote from me!

All those who offered get my vote!

Anyone else have any thoughts, input, suggests, Whatever...........?

Liz

[Greg McCary]

I really think the project forum needs to be bumped up the totem pole as way down here fewer see it and participate. I am guilty of it as we'll.
I also would like to keep it going. I will start popping in more and playing along. Also I think it's time to revamp the featured photo rules as well.
Jimmy and Tyson would be great Mods by the way.

[Tyson L. Sparks]

I would be interested in Co moderating with another member. As well as moving this forum up around viewfinder to get more activity. I think the project forum is a blast. I would be willing to promote it and keep it fresh. I think it real gives some members a reason to shoot.

[Greg McCary]

Well Tyson I am good with you and Jimmy picking the subjects for March, y'all get together and pick. I will try and participate more. My issue is if I get side tracked with and idea it's all I can think about. Right now it's this time lapse project I got going.

[Jimmy B]

Hey all I have sent a message to Mr. Tyson Sparks about Ideas for March. We will come up with a project and see what comes of it!
Jimmy B

[Liz]

Hey all I have sent a message to Mr. Tyson Sparks about Ideas for March. We will come up with a project and see what comes of it!
Jimmy B

AWESOME! I'm looking forward to it! Thanks!

Liz

[JETA]

Hey all I have sent a message to Mr. Tyson Sparks about Ideas for March. We will come up with a project and see what comes of it!
Jimmy B

Thank you Tyson and Jimmy!!

[Alison]

I still come back from time to time to see what the theme is because I LOVE the PPForum. If I have something suitable, I participate.
However, I do understand your frustrations Frog. I was left alone to moderate, so, I left too I would love to help again but don't think PJ would let me back in lol

[mushaisa]

Don't stop it!