Members only?????

[back alley]

or is it that you guys think we have too many for sale ads here?

i'm just trying to figure out the tons of what i would call negative responses.

 

[ch1]

or is it that you guys think we have too many for sale ads here?

i'm just trying to figure out the tons of what i would call negative responses.

Joe,

It's Tuesday.

Weather is January.

Folks are feisty.

No real issue as far as I can tell - just a "gripe" session.

But, hey, why did this whole poll/thread get started anyway?

Someone must've got burned bad.

George

 

[bmattock]

I have to disagree with Bill on this one.. altho I can understand where he's coming from.. but if a one-year moratorium were imposed before I was able to buy/sell, I think I'll be eligible for that in a couple weeks.. I'm quite sure I would have left this site long before that due to the exclusionary nature.. I know I'd be insulted by that sort of restriction.. I don't expect anyone to trust me without establishing myself.. but I wouldn't stay at a site that openly distrusts me merely for being new

I guess that's the part I don't 'get', sorry. I don't see how it is exclusionary or how it would make someone "leave the site." I mean, do you come here to buy and sell and oh, incidentally, to post and read messages? No, it's the other way around, right?

Exclusionary? If it were to exist - it would just be a rule - like so many photos per day uploads. No one stopped from posting, from reading, from partaking. Just one little thing.

I don't understand. Are you insulted because you can't upload porn? No, of course not. It's just a rule. So what's insulting about having to wait a year to post a FS or WTB listing?

As I said, it says nothing about honesty or integrity or trustworthiness. Just about sticking around. Getting to know and to be known - not for honesty's sake, just to be part of the community.

I once realized that most four-year college degrees are never used in the fields that they are intended for. But employers like to see 'em anyway. Why? Because it means you can do something from start to finish that takes four years. That's all.

Hey, I sent a couple of lenses to a member here. Didn't even think twice about it, just loaned them out. His bona fides were his time served here at RFF. He has become a friend. He could still hoodwink me, but I am willing to take that risk. Think I'd do that with a one-day wonder? No way. Sorry if that's insulting, but that's the way it is.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[danielnorton]

Getting started

Getting started

I think the classifieds can be a good way to bring new members. Sure, some will come and buy/sell then go, but some (like me) stick around to buy more 😀

My first trip to this great forum was a few months ago when a friend of mine showed me a link here to a FS of a Konica Hexar AF after I had told him I'd always wanted one.

Well, I might not be the most prolific poster, but I love this community and I'm happy I found it, even if through the classified section. :angel:

I also agree with the idea that I'd rather buy/sell whatever gear from people here as I think this is a great community, and posting OT for non rangefinder sales stuff works fine.

 

[ch1]

....

As I said, it says nothing about honesty or integrity or trustworthiness. Just about sticking around. Getting to know and to be known - not for honesty's sake, just to be part of the community....

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

Sounds like Bill misses "Cheers" ! 😀

"Hey, Sam, your seen Norm around lately?

Maybe we should ask Diane if Cliff has seen him?

Waddya' say, Cliff?

Nope, did ya' ask Carla where he is?"

WHERE EVERYBODY KNOWS YOUR NAME!

😀 Cheers! 😀

 

[bmattock]

Bill,

With all due respect, I think your suggestion is very unfair to us "under 1 year" clowns!

After all, given your main theme, how could I possibly offer a WTB to help you get rid of your "dead" film gear if I had to wait another six and a half months? 😀

According to you, at the rate things are going, there won't be anymore film left by the time your "rule" would let me post a WTB for your gear! 😕

Unfair - call the ump [Hey, Joe (oops, that sounds likde a '60's song!)] - Bill's playing unfair! 😛 😀 😀 :bang:

Hey, I met up with a bunch of prior military service guys in a bar once. We started talking war stories, having fun, laughing and joking, etc. One guy came up, wanted to join in. He always wanted to have joined up, but never got around to it. His brother was a serviceman, etc. He didn't understand why he wasn't just accepted as part of the group. He said we were being unfair and he got mad and left.

Hey. You either pack the gear or you don't. You paid the price or you didn't. I'm sorry life is unfair.

RFF is a place full of people, many of whom I consider friends - I hope they think of me that way too. I'm sorry it takes time to become 'part of the crowd' here. I don't think hanging around for awhile and getting to know ever buddy is too much to ask before posting FS and WTB ads (even for my soon-to-be obsolete film kit LOL).

A year too much? OK, I'm open to suggestions. But I suggested that because no one is going to hang around a year JUST to post FS and WTB ads. Either they get bored and go away, or they become part of the community.

It's not a numbers game here, I hope. Not how many posts you have, or how long you've been around, or whatever. Anyone can join - no charge. Anyone can post - no charge. Not everyone can partake of this thing of our, if you get my drift.

Unfair? OK. I can live with that. I'm not a PC guy, remember?

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[back alley]

i get the 'paying your dues' thing, i really do.
and i think that works for some things but it just doesn't feel right to me here.
and my gut usually rules before my head does.

btw, this is jorge's baby, this thread. i have no idea if someone got burned or complained.
my guess is jorge was bored again...i think he's trolling...😉

joe

 

[ch1]

Hey, I met up with a bunch of prior military service guys in a bar once. We started talking war stories, having fun, laughing and joking, etc. One guy came up, wanted to join in. He always wanted to have joined up, but never got around to it. His brother was a serviceman, etc. He didn't understand why he wasn't just accepted as part of the group. He said we were being unfair and he got mad and left.

Hey. You either pack the gear or you don't. You paid the price or you didn't. I'm sorry life is unfair.

RFF is a place full of people, many of whom I consider friends - I hope they think of me that way too. I'm sorry it takes time to become 'part of the crowd' here. I don't think hanging around for awhile and getting to know ever buddy is too much to ask before posting FS and WTB ads (even for my soon-to-be obsolete film kit LOL).

A year too much? OK, I'm open to suggestions. But I suggested that because no one is going to hang around a year JUST to post FS and WTB ads. Either they get bored and go away, or they become part of the community.

It's not a numbers game here, I hope. Not how many posts you have, or how long you've been around, or whatever. Anyone can join - no charge. Anyone can post - no charge. Not everyone can partake of this thing of our, if you get my drift.

Unfair? OK. I can live with that. I'm not a PC guy, remember?

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

Aw C;mon Bill - keep it light (lite?)

This isn't the military - it primarily a bunch of fat old farts looking for some companionship!

I'll grant you that some of the folks here lately seem to be iinterested in just dumping sold old film gear on some geezers - but so what?

Unlike the Army - we don't HAVE to come here.

We choose to do so.

And, unlike some exclusive country club - we don't pay big dues to be here.

We choose to do so.

I'll grant you that I do not think most of us wants this to turn into a "Buy Lines" - but putting in "residency requirements" seems more than a "tad over the topper" as some of our GB/UK colleagues would put it!

 

[Simon Larbalestier]

I'd agree with Fred and Doubs43 but regarding the daily limit of posts that would be difficult for people like myself and i'm sure others, who have perhaps spare time between shoot projects and access to the internet but not everyday.


Simon

 

[bmattock]

Aw C;mon Bill - keep it light (lite?)

This isn't the military - it primarily a bunch of fat old farts looking for some companionship!

Sounds like my war story friends. Including me.

I'll grant you that some of the folks here lately seem to be iinterested in just dumping sold old film gear on some geezers - but so what?

Well, I can say so what is nothing, that's what. Frankly, I'm not much interested. Sometimes I've noticed something that caught my eye. I bought a suitcase here. Sold a Electro CC. But I sold another camera, and the guy went away and never posted here again, and never responded to my emails asking what the heck I'd done. I find it not worth it in general. But that's just me.

Then I see the posts - hey d00d, if you force me to post in order to buy or sell, then why should I stick around, d00d? I say, good riddance - beat it. Who needs ya.

Unlike the Army - we don't HAVE to come here.

Watch that Army talk. I'm a jarhead.

We choose to do so.

Hasn't been a draft for a long time now. I choose too.

And, unlike some exclusive country club - we don't pay big dues to be here.

Not true. Your dues are your heart, soul, and mind. If you can't pay that, why are you here? Being a friend is a high investment. Money is nothing, being genuine is something. I think the kids call it 'keeping it real'.

We choose to do so.

I'll grant you that I do not think most of us wants this to turn into a "Buy Lines" - but putting in "residency requirements" seems more than a "tad over the topper" as some of our GB/UK colleagues would put it!

Hey, I'm not trying to win any converts. Just my 2 cents. I have no problem with people who find me unfair. Life sucks, youngsters - get a helmet. 😀

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[JoeFriday]

if a probationary period (and that's exactly what we're describing) is implemented, here's what will happen to many new members.. they'll come here to learn about RF's.. great idea, we all agree

then they'll decide that whatever they currently own isn't doing it for them (gee, that never happens here, does it?) so they become enamored with a Leica AK47 or Canonelle QL71.. and the old timers here are selling them back and forth to each other just to have something to do during the day.. but the newguy can't buy one because he's the equivalent of a high school freshman

I know my enthusiasm for RFF would die the moment I discovered I wasn't a real member

the only way I see this as working is if the time-limit was fairly short.. perhaps 2 weeks.. maybe combined with a 10 post minimum.. that would stop the instant sellers.. but not be enough to turn off potential contributors

 

[bmattock]

if a probationary period (and that's exactly what we're describing) is implemented, here's what will happen to many new members.. they'll come here to learn about RF's.. great idea, we all agree

then they'll decide that whatever they currently own isn't doing it for them (gee, that never happens here, does it?) so they become enamored with a Leica AK47 or Canonelle QL71.. and the old timers here are selling them back and forth to each other just to have something to do during the day.. but the newguy can't buy one because he's the equivalent of a high school freshman

I know my enthusiasm for RFF would die the moment I discovered I wasn't a real member

the only way I see this as working is if the time-limit was fairly short.. perhaps 2 weeks.. maybe combined with a 10 post minimum.. that would stop the instant sellers.. but not be enough to turn off potential contributors

Well, I can't say you don't make a good point there, because you do. All I can say is 'sorry about that' and I'd still go with a longer probationary period than two weeks, and if people decided to take offense at not being 'real members' and go away, then so be it.

I agree, it's a probationary period - sorry I didn't think to use the term, you're right.

All I see is a bunch of 'wah, unfair, I don't get to partake without paying my dues, wah'.

I read Jorge posting a contest. Simple, right? RF camera, 50mm lens. I understood it.

Suddenly, he's unfair. Oh, what about a 45mm? What about a 35mm? What about a 28mm? Why not digital? Some of us don't have rangefinders, why can't we shoot an SLR? What you got against Autofocus? And so on. Buncha whiners and crybabies, ya want my opinion. Anybody here ever learn to just suck it up and git 'er done?

There are lots of things in life that require an investment of time. College. Military service. Marriage (ha - I'm dreaming on that one). Everybody wants the benefit, but they don't want to put in the time. Everybody wants to be kung fu master, nobody wants to learn how to chop wood and carry water for the sempai. And if everybody doesn't get the same benefits as that old fart over there in the corner who mouths off all the time (me), then Jorge is being unfair. Oh, the hurt. Oh, the discrimination. Oh, the agony. Oh, the pathos. Gag me.

Well, whatever. I think Joe's right, I think Jorge was just poking the bear with a stick. And anyway - nobody is about to take my advice, so I'm just talking to hear my head ring here.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[bmattock]

I know my enthusiasm for RFF would die the moment I discovered I wasn't a real member

I want to reply to this specifically, but I have no idea how to spell the sound of a really long rasberry sound. With tongue sticking out and hands waggling in ears. Well, you can visualize, I guess.

😀

Bill

 

[JoeFriday]

pfffffffffffffffft

 

[JoeFriday]

and here would be my reply to that

( | )

 

[bmattock]

pfffffffffffffffft

No, not enough spit in it. I mean a real lip vibrating rasberry, with vibrato and pizzicato and all like that. Like I was playing clarinet at you minus the woodwind. I want to put p's and d's and t's in there with some s's. Hmmm. Some things are just better in person, I guess.

Smooches,

Bill

 

[bmattock]

and here would be my reply to that

( | )

The sound of one mind closing? Just a guess, I suck at pictionary.

 

[Todd.Hanz]

Actually, I would love to set up an slr site but there are so many that I dont think it would work. RFF is unique and awesome.

I do have some domains set aside for such a grand scheme. 🙂

camerasaloon.com

thecamerasaloon.com

photographersaloon.com

distinguishedphotos.com

myfieldofview.com

I guess I could start up such a site and automatically give everyone here membership.

How about a SLR/TLR site, I like "myfieldofview.com"

Todd

 

[JoeFriday]

nope.. just think of the song Moon River, then take away the River

 

[Little Prince]

Initially I was thinking 'yes, for members only'. But now, after reading the thoughts of some (Ray, Brett, Fred, Joe, flashover etc..) I feel their arguments are impressive. So I'm going to vote NO.