OK Folks, what is Missing? How can we improve RFF ?

[CameraQuest]

OK Folks,

What can I do as an administrator to improve RFF ?
I am open to suggestions.

I am not so much looking for tiny improvements,
as I am for BIG improvements and/or Added Features.

And PLEASE, no comments about the moderation. It is a given that Moderation is a constant battle which can by definition NEVER satisfy Everyone.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Stephen

 

[oftheherd]

Thanks for the question, Stephen. But personally, I am satisfied as it is.

Or maybe just unimaginative? But again, thanks so much for hosting RFF.

 

[Jamie Pillers]

I'll second the previous poster. The site works well for me; its a joy to hang our here. But thanks for asking. 🙂

 

[redisburning]

I'd like to see a considerably improved classifieds search and more control of my profile in easy to reach places.

currently it takes a lot of effort to see my own posts. far too much, IMO. also, it's too difficult to navigate between my forum profile and my classifieds profile. I would like to see them play nicer with each other.

 

[aizan]

rangefinder forum commemorative leica mp (or fuji x100s).

 

[Noll]

I happen to really like the dedicated lens review section found at pentaxforums.com or direct link here: http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/

There is so much collective experience with so many types of equipment here that it would be great to feature this knowledge in a structured way. As it stands, even with google and the internal search feature, much gets buried in the archives.

Thanks for posing the question.

 

[Scrambler]

I happen to really like the dedicated lens review section found at pentaxforums.com or direct link here: http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/

There is so much collective experience with so many types of equipment here that it would be great to feature this knowledge in a structured way. As it stands, even with google and the internal search feature, much gets buried in the archives.

Thanks for posing the question.

I would second this concept. There is such an encycopaedic knowledge of rangefinders in particular but things photographic in general that I often wonder if there isn't a way to get it all down "once and for all."

I suspect, though, that a paywall or similar would be required to keep theft to a minimum.

Stephen, I find the balance here very good. Enough divergence of opinion to make it worth discussing things, enough genuine knowledge and experience to make asking a question worth while.

The only thing I would like is more opportunity for critique of beginner's photos - the gallery is a bit daunting for aspiring rather than actual photographers. I know the mechanisms are there (with the critique forum) but again, it seems a bit daunting to start a new critique thread: I don't believe there's been one in my time.

Still - that's not something for you to do: it's there, i just need to use it.

 

[uhoh7]

RFF is such a fantastic resource and mix of many different views on photography. To me, it's the most interesting photo forum, because I'm constantly surprised by the varied discussions. And learning from them.

For me the aspect which could be improved most is the gallery. There is great content, but it's difficult to quickly browse hi rez images. One of the great improvements in computers and tablets in the past few years has been the higher resolutions and image quality.

The gallery is not "bad". You can click on a single image and enlarge it. But imagine a feature which would fill your screen at natural resolution and run a random slide show, for example. Would turn my living room into a photo gallery and expose me to shooters I might not normally see.

Today I think image display options abound for such a task. Of course that's easy for me to say, as I don't need to do the work, LOL

But making actual photography more accessible at RFF could have a big impact.

Beyond the gallery, wouldn't it be fantastic to have some display options; slideshow like; for our incredible words/no words threads. I understand these images are coming from mutliple sources. That would be cutting edge, but could have quite an impact.

Thanks for all your hard work, 🙂

PS I'm fond of the rest of the layout, including ads.

 

[CVickery]

I generally like the site as it is, but the feedback section of the B&S is difficult to use and could use an update.

 

[kxl]

OK Folks,

I am not so much looking for tiny improvements,
as I am for BIG improvements and/or Added Features.

Just some brainstorming ideas - love 'em or hate 'em...

1) Start hosting blogs where RFF'ers can link their gallery photos or tutorials or reviews or posts, etc... and allow other other RFF'ers to follow them. This allows us to go to one place to view contributions by specific RFF'ers.

2) Detailed gear reviews from reviewers who can get loaner equipment from manufacturers

3) Knowledge Management database that allows an RFF'er look up "how to" do specific tasks, e.g., develop b&w film, convert color into B&W in PS, etc...

4) A video forum?

 

[Contarama]

I have been here only a few years but the "look" of the site has always been the same. And it is ok by me too. But maybe you could change the look up a bit? Just something fresh. Membership and basic forum mechanics is outstanding imo.

Maybe talk Tom into making some more of the rff soft releases for M's and Nikon F's... 🙂

 

[Sid836]

I love it as it is. I may be short of imagination right now, but I find RFF nice and cozy. It is easy to find what I am looking for and all that makes up a perfect forum is here.
Any new, but not obtrusive features will be welcome. 🙂

 

[Rodchenko]

Um, I'm happy. No need to change anything major.

 

[dct]

Regarding the look of the site, I support the group "I like it like it is". I don't like "modern" flickering gimmickly web features for the sake of itself.

[...]There is so much collective experience with so many types of equipment here that it would be great to feature this knowledge in a structured way. As it stands, even with google and the internal search feature, much gets buried in the archives.

And I support this. At DPreview the articles are not always best and most user comments are crap, but what I really like is the gear search/structure of their site. With 2-3 clicks you got what you were looking for.
What is missing there (and buried here at RFF) are the quality repair and upgrade experiences, as well as the personal reviews from hundreds of engaged useres. It calls for a knowledge base, as already mentioned here.

 

[johannielscom]

Posting feedback to sales is quirky, to say the least. And, I'd like to have an option to select locations in the sales / wtb section. Too often I've read a whole ad with excitement, only to see 'US only' at the bottom.

I say RFF can generate some extra revenue on the sales ads when they are more versatile. Helps fund hosting, right?

Oh, and the Calendar (in the main menu bar) hasn't been updated since 2008 or so? Might wanna ditch it.

And, a searchable Reviews section might help to make info on cameras and gear accessible over a longer time. I've written a review on the Leica M3 there some time ago but I don't think it's possible to post reviews there anymore? Maybe have a simple draft of a review up that people can use as a template when creating their own review, posted on RFF after moderation?

Cheers from Holland,

Johan

 

[slidesandthecity]

+1 for the knowledge database with reviews, repair guides and everything else a person interested in photography and photo gear might want to know.

As for the look of the site: I like it as it is.

 

[Lss]

As far as I know, the original poster is still able to delete an entire thread thus wiping out everyone else's (often useful) contributions. That should never happen.

 

[Ansel]

OK Folks,

What can I do as an administrator to improve RFF ?
I am open to suggestions.

I am not so much looking for tiny improvements,
as I am for BIG improvements and/or Added Features.

And PLEASE, no comments about the moderation. It is a given that Moderation is a constant battle which can by definition NEVER satisfy Everyone.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Stephen

For me the biggest improvement would be to change the text/background colour. White text on a black background is really hard to read sometimes. If you could reverse that to black on white it would make the site much more easier to read.

 

[back alley]

For me the biggest improvement would be to change the text/background colour. White text on a black background is really hard to read sometimes. If you could reverse that to black on white it would make the site much more easier to read.

go to the bottom left of your screen to change skins...

 

[lynnb]

First, thanks for running simply the best photography site on the web. RFF is more than the sum of its parts.

+1 on the knowledge database. It has to have a very intuitive search function. The great strength of RFF is the immense breadth and depth of knowledge amongst its members. That collective knowledge has the potential to be THE go-to source of photography information on the web. If you build it, my guess is the people (and revenue, if page views can be monetized) will come.

I want to be able to look up a problem and get detailed, informed answers - including all the give-and-takes (compromises) that each solution involves. For example, I've gone back to shooting a lot of film and have been experimenting with quite a few different bw and colour emulsions. For the bw films (which I develop myself) I wanted a simple table that cross-tabulated film, film size, developer, and development method with end results by acuity, grain, contrast and perhaps subjective comments about the sort of subjects each of these combinations were best suited to.

Let's say I wanted to shoot portraits and I'm interested in producing moody, gritty low light portraits that are high on emotion rather than tonal perfection and maximum resolution. The search function should suggest a number of film/developer/dev method combinations with comments about the results that can be expected and with sample images if possible. Including film format is essential - the results from HP5+ in Rodinal with normal agitation are very different for 120 compared to 35mm.

I haven't seen the Pentax database mentioned above but I like the idea of a list of lenses for each format with comments about resolution, contrast, susceptibility to flare, performance wide open, but also including a summary of subjective comments from experienced users about what sort of rendition can be expected and what subjects each lens is typically used for.

So the big picture is, it would be good to leverage the accumulated knowledge and wisdom here in ways that make it more easily accessible in a structured way. I've just been thinking aloud here, so I hope this makes sense.

Thanks again, Stephen, for your great job in administering this site.