If you could change one thing...

[another view]

Todd's recent thread about how things have gotten a little quiet here lately has a lot of good replies. I started thinking about it, and thought that maybe some good suggestions for additions or changes to the site could come from this.

So let us know: If you could change one thing here, what would it be? Something new, something different, what's on your mind?

I'll make Photo John aware of this thread, and hopefully there is a way that we can implement some of these changes.

[Liz]

I just wanted to say that this is an excellent idea and I look forward to seeing what everyone has to share.

Personally, I have to give this more thought before I express any views, give suggestions, whatever. There is always room for improvement.

Thanks for posting this thread.

Liz

Todd's recent thread about how things have gotten a little quiet here lately has a lot of good replies. I started thinking about it, and thought that maybe some good suggestions for additions or changes to the site could come from this.

So let us know: If you could change one thing here, what would it be? Something new, something different, what's on your mind?

I'll make Photo John aware of this thread, and hopefully there is a way that we can implement some of these changes.

[jar_e]

Faster loading times on IE or more consitent loading times. It can be a real pain at times, and I know you can't cater to all groups, but it's quite annoying.

[Trevor Ash]

I think it's easy to confuse the goals of "the site" with a persons individual goals of "the forums".

I've been annoyed lately with people trying to steer the direction of "the site" in one direction or another based on what I think they want from the discussions in the forums.

There are so many uses of this site (photographyreview.com) and some of us have been on these forums so long that we start to develop our own ideas about what the site is all about, when that may not be what the site is actually all about.

I think PJ is always trying to keep a good balance so there's not much I could suggest as an improvement. This is just an area that perturbs me a bit.

Take this post for whatever it's worth

[another view]

Interesting thoughts, Trevor. One example (I'm sure not what you were describing) was when a few posts showed up about wedding photography. Suddenly, it seemed like a lot of people were trying it. Obviously there's more to it than just "trying it" and it's encouraging to see that - if I can make that connection.

On another site, there's a discussion about a particular problem with a particular camera. On yet another site, this problem came up and then all of the sudden it was a big panic. No mention anywhere else though. Then a mention on still another site followed by another panic. I guess my point is that sometimes people take things way too seriously. I'm glad to tell people what works and what doesn't for me, but more important is that they try it for themselves and see what's best for them. Don't take anybody's word for it other than your own. And (probably closer to Trevor's thoughts) you don't have to take anybody else's opinion as your own.

On-Line forums grow and change with the individual members, and I think this is a pretty good group. OK, end rant.

[Trevor Ash]

On-Line forums grow and change with the individual members

The quote above is pretty much the point I was trying to communicate!

[2kids2shoot]

I love this site and I've seen numerous other comments to that effect. Besides echoing jar_e's comment of slow loading (sometimes I can't even get on) I love the different forums and the people here rock. Not to mention PJ's fantastic job as site moderator. A slowdown of traffic once the weather gets nice and people can get out and shoot without getting the cameras wet doesn't seem all too surprising to me. Maybe someone can do my work for me so I can get some pics....

[mtbbrian]

and I think this is a pretty good group. OK, end rant.

I am in total agreeance with that!
We have a lot of great people here.
I know what I like to do photographically and am staying the course.
I get what I need from here and more.
Ultimately, you get out of here, what you put into it.
Brian

[Lara]

Technically Jared and Susan, there isn't a lot we can do about the load times. If the other Consumer Review sites are overloaded, *ahem, for instance Mountain Biking, there is no way to remedy the slowdown. I wish I had a better response for that, but we have to deal with it.

I guess I'm not very clear with your post Trevor. ....People trying to steer the direction of the site. Is this in most forums, or one in particular? Honestly, I would like to know a little more what bothers you. It is important to us.

Do most people feel that Viewfinder should be the open forum to all types of photos and conversations? Should critique contain succinct answers or more detailed? Should people who post photos for critique give more information as to the process of their photo taking? What is your opinion?

(All are welcomed and encouraged to respond to these questions and comments.)

Keep the comments and suggestions coming. This is your site, and it's up to you to mold it in the fashion that you want it to be.

Once the majority make things clear, then the moderators should be able to guide the direction in each of their forums accordingly.

[jar_e]

Lara,

I understand the slow loading times, I've read the numerous complaints in the Site Feedback area I'm guessing there on the same server than?

[Lara]

Lara,

I understand the slow loading times, I've read the numerous complaints in the Site Feedback area I'm guessing there on the same server than?

I am not positive if all sites are, but I believe MTBR and Photography are on the same server. MTBR has a HUGE membership.

[berrywise]

Okay so it is not so much as something to change but I would love to see another run of the photographyreview t-shirts. It is one of my favorite tees (great design, good feel to it) but it is about dead. If it were possible to have anyone interested pay up front via Paypal and when enough people had ordered a run could be made I think that would be awesome.

[Arctirus]

Do most people feel that Viewfinder should be the open forum to all types of photos and conversations? Should critique contain succinct answers or more detailed? Should people who post photos for critique give more information as to the process of their photo taking? What is your opinion?

Great idea!

[another view]

Do most people feel that Viewfinder should be the open forum to all types of photos and conversations? Should critique contain succinct answers or more detailed? Should people who post photos for critique give more information as to the process of their photo taking? What is your opinion?

I think that threads in VF usually should tie in to photography somehow, but vague is certainly acceptable. ;) Not that they all need to because getting to know each other on a more personal level can help understand who a person is and why they might be asking a question or what their background is. Sharing a photograph of something that caught your eye, whether just out walking around, a vacation, new family member or anything all counts. And we've now got the OT forum for the others...! Like I said in Todd's thread, I think that it benefits both critiquer and critiquee to know as much as possible about what the person posting the shot is looking for with feedback.

PS - I always knew it was those mountain bikers!

Brian said it best "Ultimately, you get out of here, what you put into it."

[Lara]

[QUOTE=another view]I think that threads in VF usually should tie in to photography somehow, but vague is certainly acceptable. ;) Not that they all need to because getting to know each other on a more personal level can help understand who a person is and why they might be asking a question or what their background is. Sharing a photograph of something that caught your eye, whether just out walking around, a vacation, new family member or anything all counts. And we've now got the OT forum for the others...! Like I said in Todd's thread, I think that it benefits both critiquer and critiquee to know as much as possible about what the person posting the shot is looking for with feedback.

Agreed on all counts Steve. There are a few posts that really should be in OT rather than Viewfinder. If the topic has no photo or no question/remark about photography, we need to be using OT for that. A few of us, me included, have not been too sure where to post sometimes. I posted photos of my new grandson in Viewfinder. Besides wanting to share the joy with our community, I was kind of happy with a couple of the shots and did want to post them to see if others felt I was heading in the right direction. Should I have posted them in critique?, maybe, but it was a tough call on my part. I wasn't sure. Basically I was thrilled I got some photos of the event in focus.

PS - I always knew it was those mountain bikers!
Mountain Bikers, gotta love'em.

Brian said it best "Ultimately, you get out of here, what you put into it.
Yep, he's right!

[mtbbrian]

I am sure you know this Lara, but if it weren't for MTBR there would probably be no PR.com.
So don't be putting down those of us who mountain bike!
OK?
OK!
;)
Brian
Ride On!

[ken1953]

Hi all..good discussion. As one of the newest members, both to PR and photography in general, I have a few comments about the PR site in general. First of all, when I started last month, I wasn't sure what the site was or even how to use it. However, the descriptions of each forum was very clear and hence I posted a few pics on VF. Since I've posted on only one other site and that was "Sports"...I don't know if you'd call what I do photography or picture taking, but the one thing I can say is that since first posting on VF, I have learned a ton about "photography". I'm probably still more of a picture taker, but now I really think about what I'm doing and why. As for new forums...I think PR and all of the moderators have done a great job with this site. I said before, It's well thought out and the descriptions are excellent. As for the VF site...I like the fact that it is the "living room". I think we really need a place where it makes no difference what we post but the comeraderie that is built. Let the other forums be for more critiquing. I think that by not being afraid to post is the most important factor to a successful "general (VF)" forum.
To close this thought, if everyone wants to limit posting on the VF forum, then I think a new site could be...."What Ever You Want To Post" forum. hehe...
Thank you for allowing my 2 cents.
Ken

[2kids2shoot]

When I hit the long lead times (usually when I'm supposed to be working ;-0 ) I just come back later so while I wish it weren't so, I deal. Hopefully, this doesn't turn off new folks too much.

What I like about VF is that it's not so strickly photo related. Most of the topics are related to photography - even if sharing snaps or some fun location. The other are usually discussions between the members that have been here a while. I think it gives a warm homey feeling to the site.

Photo critique seems to go in waves: sometimes people post picture specs, sometimes there is more critique. We recently seem to be in no specs (although if someone wants to know they can ask) and not as much suggestions for improvement mode. While I certainly like to get comments that people like my photos, I can't believe there isn't room for improvement. How can I learn if I don't know what people see as a weakness and a strength? I think the way photos are critiqued depends on the people posting at the time. Maybe a reminder or if the moderator,etc post some more critiqueing (sp?) posts as an examble that could help.

I don't agree with a previous poster (sorry, don't remember who) who wanted to have critique for 'polished' shots. I think it's a place for people to improve - I think the galleries are more for the 'polished' shots.

I also think that the "quote message in reply" should NOT be the default - similar to quick reply to keep replies shorter.

Thanks for listening!

[another view]

I also think that the "quote message in reply" should NOT be the default - similar to quick reply to keep replies shorter.

I usually use the Reply button at the bottom of the last post - this will do what you ask for. Of course here I clicked on Reply to this Post at the bottom of your post, and that quoted everything in your post. It's helpful if you're responding to one part of that post - like I am here.

Thanks for the input, everyone. Any other ideas out there - keep 'em comin!

[opus]

Please do not get rid of "Reply to this Post". While I use QUick Reply for the majority of my posts, there are times when I want all the HTML features that Reply to this Post offers. I've gotten to know some of them by (bracket-lowercase-"i"-bracket) heart (bracket-backslash-lowercase-"i"-bracket), there are others that I still like help with.

Plus, if I only want to quote a piece of someone's post, I can do it there. I can't touch it here in Quick Reply.


Steve, I know I was joking in my previous post, but did you read the bottom part? I was serious about that.


Otherwise, I agree 100% with Almo. It ain't broke. It's just a bad time of year. Leave things alone during the ebb and let the flow come when it's time.

I also agree with Adina. Be the change you want to see. If you want to get more critiques, then post more critiques. If you want to participate in a lively discussion, start one.


Luv ya, Steve. Come up to West Bend and see me in "Fiddler on the Roof" this weekend!

This applies to anyone!

[mdmc]

Kelly,
I did not mean to do away with any of the features on the site. Simply to make it a choice to quote messages. I see now that when i check the box in quick reply there is no way to edit the quote as it does not appear in the reply box.
I do find it irratating at times when there are 20-30 replies, and 3- 4 people have reposted the same pic. Can this be done unintetionally?
Also, I have no idea what you mean HTML features! HELP!
This site is great, it aint broke and dont need to be fixed!
My thoughts were to make things less aoutomatic and more deliberate as far as what to post besides your reply.
I hope i've made sense,
Mark.

[another view]

Also, I have no idea what you mean HTML features! HELP!

Mark, I wonder if she was talking about the Enhanced Interface. I use it, and it's really easy but you do have to set it up in your account. To use it, click "My Account" on the blue bar near the top of the page. Then click "Edit Options" on the left side of the screen. Scroll down to the bottom under Miscellaneous Options and pick Enhanced Interface. If you don't like it, you can switch back to what you had the same way.

I agree about pictures being re-posted - I think it's probably unintentional, and happens by hitting "Reply to this Post" rather than "Post Reply" at the bottom of the page. I use the first one in a case like this where I want to respond to your question, so you know what I'm talking about! And it is pretty handy for that. Never tried Quick Reply, to tell you the truth.

[opus]

I'm pretty sure you cannot implement this change, but I would really love it if there was a way: ;)


I would love it if this site could be on some sort of speakerphone/microphone attached to my head, so that I could be hearing posts and replying to them while still getting other things done.

Maybe I could clip a little monitor to my hip in order to view pictures when needed, but otherwise I wish it was voice responsive, like a party line telephone conversation.

...see, I've just gotten so darn busy this summer that I don't have time to come here ... there are other, more urgent things to be doing.



But in all seriousness, would there be a way to post a tiny thumbnail of the pictures posted on the boards (kinda like the way you get a preview of the message when you pass your mouse over the thread title and hold a moment), so that maybe my curiosity about the picture might be piqued more than the title of the thread can accomplish?

[adina]

How about this...if you are feeling the boards are slow, or the photos are uninspiring, start a discussion or post a good photo.

[another view]

Lara, I don't see any problem with posting photos of your grandson in VF. If you wanted a critique on the lighting, composition, etc then it should be in critique but this wasn't the case. Share away!

Kelly, good to "see" you back - hope all is going well. I was afraid to start this post because there could be some great ideas that we couldn't do, and that would be a real bummer. But let's give this a shot and see what does come up - maybe there is something we can do. At least get a little more understanding of what people want.

Adina, that's just so true!

drg, the thing about the heated discussion over nudes and few images coming from it is similar to what I was thinking about here. I wanted to try to keep that from happening - lots of discussion but little action. Good point about the uploads and files being way too large. 400x600 or 450x600 loads quickly and can be uploaded to this site. Personally, I think that image size works just fine in almost all cases.