Has the heat been turned up?

[noimmunity]

I love this place. All things considered, it is remarkably congenial.

However, is it just my imagination, or has the heat been turned up around here?

It's gotten to the point where the announcement or release of a new camera unleashes amazing amounts of resentment and vitriolic response, even--especially, perhaps?--when the camera in question somehow responds to what people have been asking for.

Paired with this, I notice two trends that seem, to me at least, to be new:

a) there seems to be an increasing number of "why I love XXX" threads that do nothing more than celebrate the possession of a certain piece of gear.

b) there seems to be a decreasing amount of tolerance for different value systems as reflected in aesthetic and equipment choice.

Taken together, they suggest an emerging pattern behind the perceived increased in forum heat.

EDIT: my apologies to Austerby and XXX who responded to a similar double posting (originally I had thought to make this a poll). Sorry about the confusion!

 

[f6andBthere]

I see nothing I haven't been noticing for the last six years to be honest.

Same game ... different players! 😀

 

[pvdhaar]

I agree that RFF has gravitated away over the years from being a repairs centric place. Maybe we've exhausted this discussion material, as the archives provide a wealth of information on RF adjustments, lens shimming and whatnot.. And yes, there is a share of people who disagree with whatever is said.

But it wasn't all hallelujah in the old days.. Heads butted over whether Leica would, could or should ever build a digital M. There were threads like 'wrist strap or neck strap' that dragged on and on and on. Heck, some members got kicked out for inappropriate behavior; that's something I haven't seen in a while.

All in all, it's not really worse than it's been and RFF remains an interesting place..

 

[Roger Hicks]

Yes, it does get a bit hysterical sometimes, but I think it's just a question of where the hysteria happens to settle at a particular time. Some people seem to be suckers for 'pre-release' stories, too.

Also, election campaigns in the United States often bring out the worst in people. Instead of admitting that they are choosing between various fairly similar characters, people prefer to swear that the opposition is the devil incarnate, while their preferred candidate is God's messenger on earth. This rabid polarization spills over...

Cheers,

R.

 

[Sparrow]

... it's tolerance that gets on my nerves

 

[Livesteamer]

Remember also that this is a bit like a love affair so logic does not always apply.

My first true love was the Nikon F. That may be why I have nine of them. Well, they might wear out you know.

Call me crazy, Joe

 

[ibcrewin]

oh grow a pair..... totally just kidding 😉

 

[FrankS]

Be the change you wish to see. Don't participate in the messes.

 

[noimmunity]

... it's tolerance that gets on my nerves

well, most of us on RFF like our tolerances tight 😎

 

[gb hill]

I haven't noticed this trend. In the few years I've been here I've seen this place grow from RF ONLY to now anything & everything is acceptable...not complaining about it, but it is what makes us a niche group you might say.

What I seem to notice most is when a new camera is released how people can't wait to be first in line to try it out. Then when problems arise like with the M8 & X100 start b!#$h threads on having to send it back. I love reading those.

BTW I notice this is in the Philosophy of Photography section. Shouldn't we rename it The Philosophy of Rff'ers.😀

 

[Bingley]

I agree that RFF has gravitated away over the years from being a repairs centric place. Maybe we've exhausted this discussion material, as the archives provide a wealth of information on RF adjustments, lens shimming and whatnot.. And yes, there is a share of people who disagree with whatever is said.

But it wasn't all hallelujah in the old days.. Heads butted over whether Leica would, could or should ever build a digital M. There were threads like 'wrist strap or neck strap' that dragged on and on and on. Heck, some members got kicked out for inappropriate behavior; that's something I haven't seen in a while.

All in all, it's not really worse than it's been and RFF remains an interesting place..

I have a similar reaction. There hasn't been a major meltdown, w/ members stomping off to start new sites or getting banned, in quite some time. RFF has gotten a lot larger, and that has changed the atmosphere somewhat. But Frank's advice is well taken - if you don't like the tone or substance of a thread, don't participate.

 

[Gumby]

BTW I notice this is in the Philosophy of Photography section. Shouldn't we rename it The Philosophy of Rff'ers.😀

This is the change I've noticed more over the years... the growth in the number of forums and "specialization". As an organizational tool I undertand, but it seems that the forum went from easy to navigate to much mroe difficult. This is not a criticizm, just an observation.

But now that Greg mentions it... maybe RFF could use a few more, like:

- The Philosophy of Rff'ers
- "In praise of ..."
- "Let's make fun of ebay sellers"
- "What ever happened to..."
- "Has XYZ forum gon down?"
- "When will XYZ forum be back up?"

😀

 

[robklurfield]

Like the weather where I live, the climate here is subject to change without notice. The temp rises and falls with some randomness. How about a poll on this?😱😀