Keep Doing What You're Doing!

**Mad Aussie** · 10-11-2009, 07:02 PM

Just having a quick rant which will show why this is a great forum!

I'm a member of a photography forum that is local to me here in Brisbane. It's similar in most ways to this one and the mods etc seem to try to do their job as best they can.

After this morning I may not be a member there much longer ... we'll see.

One of the members posted up a few photos he took of a young lady saying she was an 'up and coming model' and asked for critique which he got from a couple of people, including myself.

Then a member who runs photography workshops came in and, in my opinion, launched an attack. He demanded to know why the member thought she was up and coming and went on about her never being suitable for an agency to hire due to boobs being too big (they look normal to me through the clothing), her hair being too bleached and other things amongst which was her suitability on being for mens magazines!.

To cut a long story short ... after seeing some banter between the two stakeholders ... I put in a post stating that I ... well ... here it is ...

I know Russell is a respected photographer around here and I respectably acknowledge that.

However, I also respectably think his comments here are uncalled for.

A member has put up some photos for critique of a lovely young woman and a simple comment (the photographers own opinion which I'm fairly sure he's allowed to have) only to have a person that sells himself as a teacher launch a targeted attack against both him and the model?

What's wrong with this picture?

For that I got a warning from a mod who promptly told me I obviously didn't know what it took to run such a website

You can imagine my answer as I 'explained' to him that I run two website forums both much larger than his own and understand as well as anybody what it takes to run a large forum.

Anyhow ... the point is ... HERE at Photography.ca we are blessed with an admin (marko) who is far more level headed, far more thorough, and takes members rights seriously and applies them evenly across the board.

I might go back to the other forum and post up a heap of portraits all with the title 'Up and Coming Model'

**Iguanasan** · 10-11-2009, 07:56 PM

Well first off, I have to heartily agree. Marko is a fine moderator on the board (take a bow

) I've been to a few other boards and there's a reason why I come back to this one all the time. The people here are friendly and the board is run well.

As for the other board, it's a shame that people can't park some of their egos at the door and show a little decency. I'd talk with my feet and just leave. It's just not worth fighting for.

**Mad Aussie** · 10-11-2009, 08:05 PM

They are discussing the whole thing apparently and want to put the guys extra thread back in ... without my post attached I'm certain. Apparently they have told him they agree with me on his delivery and choice of words.

Russell pm'ed me to state his case and my answer was less than accepting I'm afraid ... tough. I wasn't rude ... just stood on my view. He owes someone (not me) an apology as far as I'm concerned.

I've had some pm's from the mod after I gave them them my 'qualifications' and the attitude is far more accepting. I think they realise that they couldn't stop me going there no matter what they did if I chose to keep going back. Overall the forum is quite good and I find it interesting to see what other local photgraphers are finding to shoot in my area.

Anyhow ... some sense seems to be prevailing.

In the end though ... I've been/am members of a few photography forums at times and this one by far outstrips the rest for the community feeling here and I easily credit ph.ca with most of my online learning.

**zenon5940** · 10-11-2009, 10:21 PM

I cannot but agree with you that this forum here is well kept by Marko and that the people using it are well behaved and courteous to others.
I'm a relatively new member but I've had the chance to learn quite a lot here, thanks to other members that offered advice and critique always in the most civilized manner.

Thank you ph.ca for being as you are.

**Imho** · 10-11-2009, 11:19 PM

I read the thread you are referring to and have to agree that the delivery, and arguably some of the content, left a lot to be desired.

On the positive side, "critique" like that does more to damage the reputation of the critic than the subject or presenter. Just from reading one post Russell's opinion means less to me.

**Mad Aussie** · 10-11-2009, 11:51 PM

Welcome to the forums here ph.ca Imho. I agree.

They seem to have come to a compromise on the other forum ... not what I'd have done personally, but it's not mine to decide. I'm sure they are doing their best.

Tassy huh? Tassy is next on my holiday list!

**kat** · 10-12-2009, 12:10 AM

I agree IMHO. Never looks good one them!

**Marko** · 10-12-2009, 02:15 PM

Well thanks for the thanks on this Canadian Thanksgiving

At the end of the day, I love photography, I love learning, I love helping people learn, I love tact, humility and people that are courteous... If that helps create a harmonious board, yahoo because it's the only kind of board I know how to run.

Some people that post on BB's are just douchebags. They are the same people that have a rusty filter between their mouths and their brains when they communicate face to face. When they get onto the Net, the filter disappears altogether. These people won't last long on our board.

It thrills me to no end that this board continues to grow slowly with members that appreciate the pulse that I've tried to set. But really though, it's members that make up a community....

So thanks dear members for creating a fun and safe place where we can hang out and learn.