Any interest in a Film Forum at PR?

[Sebastian]

Maybe we could do a way with one too, like the Web Forum, there hasn't been a lot of activity there lately and I don't know the last time I saw Peter, the forum's moderator, online.

Brian

That's a perfect example. We have several forums that I would consider "dead" or at least of questionable value, the web one being one of them. Though If I remember correctly, I was one of the people that rooted for it originally, live and learn.

We have a core community that's largely based around friendly sharing of stories and basic advice. I think it is in the best to use that as a draw for new users rather than create splinter forums that draw users and ultimately drive them away due to inactivity. ViewFinder and several other sections of this site thrive, we should be guiding people to those areas and making them a part of what we collectively are.

[mtbbrian]

That's a perfect example. We have several forums that I would consider "dead" or at least of questionable value, the web one being one of them. Though If I remember correctly, I was one of the people that rooted for it originally, live and learn.

Yeah I think you were the one that lobbied for it( Just like Aaron is now), I beleive you were the first to moderate it too, if I remember correctly.
So what's the harm in trying it again with another forum.
I see lots of value in it, not just because I am film shooter.

I feel that it is what photogrpahers should learn first, so that they can appreciate and understnad the differences bewteen shooting one over the other.
I feel that it would show that PR.com is not anti-film or anything like that.
I know we aren't, but I feel that the perception out there is that PR.com is anti-film.
Brian

[Xia_Ke]

...I feel that it would show that PR.com is not anti-digital or anything like that.
I know we aren't, but I feel that the perception out there is that PR.com is anti-digital.
Brian

Do you mean anti-film?

[mtbbrian]

Do you mean anti-film?

Freudian slip!

Yes, that is just what I meant!
I need to go home now.

Brian

I'll just keep quite now.
:aureola:

[Xia_Ke]

Oooo, a cat food forum. Now we're talking What about the dog food people though? Actually, I suppose if anyone had dog food questions, they could just post it in the cat food forum. It's all pet food after all...LOL

Okay, now it's a REALLY exaggerated point It's been a long day at work. Sorry, I couldn't resist

Brian for Film Forum Co-Mod

[Xia_Ke]

I think after this discussion is done we should have official PR.com debate team t-shirts made

[Xia_Ke]

I never set a close date for the poll, so I guess it will go til a mod closes the thread.

[another view]

I never set a close date for the poll, so I guess it will go til a mod closes the thread.

Bwahhahahaha... :devil:

Have you ever tried to spell an evil laugh? I haven't. But that's what it's supposed to be. BTW, we really don't close threads around here unless something gets out of control (maybe happened once or twice in several years, literally - y'all are good folks). I do think we've taken this just about as far as it can go so I'd be interested in hearing John's perspective.

[Photo-John]

Aaron brought this idea to me before he posted and I encouraged him to explore it. I think there's actually an increased interest in film right now. My biggest concern is whether we can support a dedicated film forum. I certainly like the idea. In my mind, it's not about sharing photos so much as sharing techniques. Film, especially black-and-white, involves some very special techniques that don't necessarily get explored or shared here. Specifically, I'm thinking of black-and-white film processing and printing techniques. I'd love to see this stuff get discussed in detail here. As for whether there's enough interest - I think if we create a forum and those of you who are passionate about film support it, we're likely to bring in new users because of that forum.

So I think we should do it. As long as Aaron is willing to take on the moderator responsibility and the rest of you agree to use the new forum, support him, and spread the word outside this site so we can bring in more expertise and passion.

So what do you say?

[another view]

So what do you say?

Woo Hoo!

John's right - passion is more important than experience as a moderator. We're always here to help. You'll do a great job!

[Xia_Ke]

I'll do what I can John to try and help it along. I don't mind being a mod, though would feel a little more comfortable if someone with a little more film experience would be a co-mod with me. Maybe Megan or Brian or? That is if they're interested. Just let me know what I can do to help out and I'll help out in any way I can

[mtbbrian]

Maybe Megan or Brian or? That is if they're interested. Just let me know what I can do to help out and I'll help out in any way I can

I did say I would, as did Megan, but you'll have to ask her personally.
When and how do we begin this then?
Brian
:thumbsup:

[Photo-John]

I don't mind being a mod, though would feel a little more comfortable if someone with a little more film experience would be a co-mod with me. Maybe Megan or Brian or? That is if they're interested. Just let me know what I can do to help out and I'll help out in any way I can

Experience isn't nearly as important as passion. I don't know everything. But I can always find someone else who knows something. But I'm fine with a co-moderator.

[mtbbrian]

Experience isn't nearly as important as passion. I don't know everything. But I can always find someone else who knows something. But I'm fine with a co-moderator.

Well said!
And Aaron certainly has that.
If Megan is up for it, I know we'd have a great team!
I have her email Aaron, email me and we'll get something going. If that's OK with you John?
Brian

[Greg McCary]

Congrats to everyone.I hope it adds much to an already awesome site, the best IMO.

[Xia_Ke]

The passion I definitely have! I have about a million thread topics swirling already in my head of things I want to learn. I don't necessarily need a co-mod. Just want to make sure there will be someone else around to help answer questions to the things I don't know. That's my only concern about the new forum.

Like Brian said, let us know what you need from us to get the ball rolling

[photophorous]

Congratulations, Aaron! Thank you and John. I think this is going to be great. :thumbsup: I'll do my part to keep the forum active.

Paul

[Xia_Ke]

For those of you that were against this forum as you were worried about the impact it will have, please rest assured I want this to be a positive thing. I want it to be a positive for the whole board, not just for film users. I will do my best to keep the forum on the topic of analog photography and not just a place to post film pictures. If anyone has any questions/comments/concerns at any point, please do not hesitate to pm me.

Aaron

[Loupey]

Well it looks like a decision has been made. Leave it to me to chime in late but here were my thoughts:

1. Until we get a lot of new film members fast, or convert digital ones to film ones, or change lurkers into posters, the main cheerleaders here (Aaron, Brian, and Megan) will have your hands full keeping the topics fresh and adding new threads to keep viewers coming back. I hope you're up to it
2. I think the people who would contribute to a film forum would be those who currently have and are using a darkroom. And the number of people committed enough to have a darkroom (even a makeshift one) in this "day and age" is becoming increasingly rare IMHO.

Being a total digital convert after doing the entire darkroom developing/printing thing, I can't imagine being active at all there. Not because I wouldn't want to, but because I simply forget the technical aspects like a bad memory. As for the artistic aspects of film developing/printing, I suppose I could chime in on that - but I wouldn't be able to contribute with actual examples and tests. I think images are what keep the forums going - not just a lot of talk - at least in a photography-related forum. So, again, you need a lot of working (in the sense of "producing" rather than income) film shooters.

But no one knows for sure so why not try. Good luck!

[Xia_Ke]

Well it looks like a decision has been made. Leave it to me to chime in late but here were my thoughts:

1. Until we get a lot of new film members fast, or convert digital ones to film ones, or change lurkers into posters, the main cheerleaders here (Aaron, Brian, and Megan) will have your hands full keeping the topics fresh and adding new threads to keep viewers coming back. I hope you're up to it
2. I think the people who would contribute to a film forum would be those who currently have and are using a darkroom. And the number of people committed enough to have a darkroom (even a makeshift one) in this "day and age" is becoming increasingly rare IMHO.

Being a total digital convert after doing the entire darkroom developing/printing thing, I can't imagine being active at all there. Not because I wouldn't want to, but because I simply forget the technical aspects like a bad memory. As for the artistic aspects of film developing/printing, I suppose I could chime in on that - but I wouldn't be able to contribute with actual examples and tests. I think images are what keep the forums going - not just a lot of talk - at least in a photography-related forum. So, again, you need a lot of working (in the sense of "producing" rather than income) film shooters.

But no one knows for sure so why not try. Good luck!

Loupey, thank you for chiming in, even if it is late. Better late than never right? You do raise some very valid points. You're right, our numbers are small here right now. A good part of our long term success for this forum is going to rely on getting new members. I will openly admit that I've barely scratched the surface of analog photography. There are a few of us here venturing into the film world now and a few that still shoot primarily or only film. I've seen talk from some members of starting to or planning on setting up darkrooms. There are a few of us very dedicated to learning and discussing different techniques. I can tell you from my quest in learning and checking out other boards that there are plenty of people deciding to try film for the first time or picking film back up now that the thrill of digital is wearing off for them. While we may not have a huge a depth of knowledge at the moment, with so much to learn from the few of us that do care about film photography, there can't help but be a fair bit of discussion for a while. Who knows, maybe we'll inspire some of the other members here to dust off their film cameras. This whole "quest" for a film forum is not at all about knocking digital photography. A good photograph is a good photograph no matter how it is captured. That being said, film is still a very relevant part of photography and personally I think the current set-up of PR has a large void where analog photography topics are concern. My hope is that this will inspire more discussion on the subject and be a benefit to the site as a whole.

Aaron