A word about the forums growth and members

[MP Guy]

Any proud parent loves to see their children grow and do well. To me, as the founder of RFF I consider this forum my child and I love it very much. I have put a lot of effort with Joe’s help into making it a forum which stands out from all others and try to set an example of what a photo discussion forum should be like. There is nothing worse than posting a sincere question or sharing an experience then have someone ridicule you for doing so. That is not the way I would bring up my child and is certainly not the way the forum will be run. RFF is now recognized world wide as the place to be for those interested in rangefinder cameras and then some. With growth comes some inherent problems. We are seeing a great number of members joining and using the forum. We welcome this. But, at the same time there are some who practice a form of hostility which will not be tolerated here.

For the most part Joe is the sole moderator on RFF and has done a great job of keeping it in check. Unfortunately, with the way things are going, we will be enlisting a few more moderators to help Joe and I keep RFF what it started as. Joe and the new moderators will eliminate any posts which start heading in the wrong direction. After the post is removed, if the original poster insists on rekindling it, the user account will be locked or deleted.

Keep in mind that RFF is brought to you 100% free of charge. You do not pay to be a member and you do not pay to use the gallery. We even give away new cameras now and then with our contests There are many forums on the net were these features are either not available or would not be free. There are not many places you can go and win a new Bessa or Zeiss. All that is asked in return of your free participation on the forum is that you respect others, keep this a site other forums would want to be like and remind yourself that is a free site and we are doing what we can for you with our budget.

 

[laptoprob]

Hear hear, there is noting more to add in this thread.

Nothing more except 'Keep up the Good Work!"

Rob.

 

[RayPA]

I agree. Well put, Jorge.




🙂

 

[rover]

Our strength is our diversity, our responsibility is to respect each other. Generally, this means we should keep to the topic of our niche in the world of photography, but specifically when we discuss all topics it should be done with the utmost respect and consideration for all on the forum.

 

[Kim Coxon]

Thank you Jorge for a providing wonderful place and to Joe for "tending" it.

Kim

 

[darkkavenger]

I find this to be clear and neat. Thank you for everything. I can't count how much time I'm "haunting" here during the week!

 

[childers-jk]

Again, cudos to Jorge and Joe, and good luck to the new moderators!! This is a fine place to be associated with, and I hope it continues to be a source of information, stimulation, and motivation.

 

[Jocko]

Absolutely right. Thank you Jorge and Joe.

 

[oftheherd]

Well put Jorge. Thank you for this forum. Truely this forum is unique.

Thanks to Joe for his involvement and commitment to making RFF what it is.

Thanks to those members who agree with you Jorge, and try to keep this forum what it is best at.

There is diversity here that is really wonderful. There is room for difference of opinion. Most here seem willing to allow for others personalitiess. It sure would be dull without it. Thankfully, most keep within certain bounds when expressing differences of opinion. When any don't, usually a gentle (or not so gentle) reminder seems all that is needed.

If it requires more, I don't think many here are going to object. I certainly don't.

Thanks again for this great forum!

 

[JohnL]

I heartily second all the above. Best wishes.

 

[back alley]

i could not have said it better.

we are looking for at least one new moderator for when i sleep😉
it has been pointed out that we are international and that being the case when north america is sleeping there are parts of the world waking or in the middle of their day. this is the pressing need for a new mod. in time i think we will need a few others.
if you are interested i would like to hear from you.
jorge and i have discussed setting up a moderator's section in the forum for quick access and communication. it would be imperitive to be n the same track in order to ensure the best form of moderation and not alot of 'cross talk'.

i feel much the same as jorge, very protective of this site and it is very frustrating to deal several times with the same people/issues etc.

on the other hand this is still a great site and has some of the 'best' members, respectful of others and caring.

joe

 

[Socke]

I don't mind a friendly flamewar over a photography related topic as long as nobody is hurt.
The problem is where to draw the line between friends making fun of each other and name calling. Especialy when those friends haven't met personaly.

So I try to take nothing personal but sometimes write in the way I understood anothers writing.

I'm pretty thick skinned and often forget that others are more sensible so better don't take me serious. After all, I'm the guy who didn't know that beeing called a "Kraut" is offensive because I like eating Sauerkraut 🙂

 

[pshinkaw]

Jorge and Joe:

Thank you!

-Paul

 

[reagan]

Yes, thanks again Jorge and joe for a great site and for keeping us abreast of where things are heading. You're serving well this niche of photography and have succeeded in bringing together a great bunch of people on a very attractive site... there's no place like RFF.

 

[Marc-A.]

I am joining the others in saying: THANK YOU for this incredible site!

 

[harmsr]

Thank you both for the forum, its' friendly attitude, and the moderation.

I moderate on several custom firearms boards and now how it is to keep that atmosphere pure through influence vs. heavy handed control.

This board and the Leica Forum are the only two photography forums which I frequent.

Best,

Ray

 

[dadsm3]

I'm glad you guys nipped this in the bud.....the civility of this forum is what makes it so special.
That being said, I thing Socke has a good point.....swinging too far the other way would make for a less lively forum. The extreme members are few, and they can be easily spotted and dealt with without over-censoring the majority. There has to be some sparks......
Mike

 

[Fedzilla_Bob]

Thanks guys (Jorge & Joe). I promise I won't step on any more cities.

 

[jan normandale]

Jorge, Joe... thanks. You both do the best of jobs. No one notices you! That is a sign of masterwork.

 

[taffer]

It's normal for a place that grows so much and so fast to become more difficult to admin and moderate but so far you both have done a great job.

My honest and humble THANK YOU from here !

Oscar