Purpose of RFF?

[Bertram2]

My "peeve" tonight is that the Gallery is screwed up. I went out in the dead of winter and took some pics that I would like to share with folks and cannot do that!
I am pissed about it. !

George,

I can understand your situational frustration escalating last night in a way that you felt the urge to fire a such a nice broadside into the gear addicted poll phalanx.
And I cannot find that this kinda situational explosion earns such hostile reactions as you partly received, especially not the suggestion to go elsewhere and to be "king" there.

I wouldn't either critizise that you posted this kind explosion, this is what a forum must be able to "absorb" .

But let me add a critical remark too, this is what I would keep as an adaequate answer to your rant, which I perceived as a rant too tho it's roots may have been concern :

This forum is what it is, from what reason ever. It's for free, members have no rights, excepted to come here and stay here as long as the forum owner allows them to stay. You cannot expect anything. It's a take-it-or-leave-it offer.

The conclusion must be that not only it does not make sense to COMPLAIN about anything ( you were "pissed of" by the broken gallery) but that this is even counterproductive for a balanced communication.

It was the element of complaint mixed into your concern which brought you under fire. Complaining is different from saying an opinion or critzising anything. Complaining is insisting in a right, and we don't have any here.

So my recommendation would be don't "complain", but keep on critizising and say what your opinion is, and don't care if your opinion will be appreciated by he majority or those who think they represent the majority. Actually this forum has almost 5000 registered members, who knows what sort of majority we really have here ? 😉

Regards,
Bertram

 

[dcsang]

I can't believe this metaphysical conversation is still going on and... oh.. wait.. it's not metaphysics???

Nevermind 😉

Dave

 

[Honu-Hugger]

In all of this discussion the obvious has been overlooked: the real purpose of the RFF is the "Camera and Coffee" thread, the rest is just ancillary 🙂)).

 

[BJ Bignell]

This site has a forum called "Provide Your Feedback." Allow me to provide a link: Provide Your Feedback. It is my understanding that, if you have concerns with the way site is being run, or if you have problems with the behaviour of the software that runs the site, then this is the appropriate place to post. If things do not improve or get repaired to your satisfaction, then perhaps a private email to the person responsible for this site would be the next logical step.

If the site and/or the site management are unable to meet your needs for a rangefinder camera-based photography site, there are likely other websites out there which will satisfy your needs. A search on Google.ca for "rangefinder discussion forum" turned up about 67400 results. Here's a link to facilitate your search: Google search results.

I'm sorry that you're not happy with the direction that the forum takes sometimes. To be honest, I'm not interested in everything that is discussed here, either. However, if I don't want to participate in a poll about which rangefinder camera is the most attractive, I won't open the poll. If I don't like the noise that some members generate with their every post, I ignore posts by them, or if necessary, add them to my Ignore List. If something really bothersome ever happens, I'll likely just close the browser window for a while.

I take offence that you chose to blindside everyone here by posting a thread - titled in such a way as to offer the promise of some interesting discussion - for the sole purpose of bitching about what other free people choose to do with their free time on a free website. Let me clarify what I'm saying by responding to one of your questions:

Why are we doing this to ourselves?
We do "this" to ourselves because we WANT to. We do "this" because we CAN and MAY do so. If you don't want to "this", you do not HAVE to do so. Don't get involved in something that seems ridiculous or inappropriate to you.

If you are unsatisfied with this site, and with the direction the discussions are taking, make constructive and useful posts that suggest a new direction, either through positive direct statements, or indirectly through the content of the post. If you remain unsatisfied after a diligent effort to positively influence the 'atmosphere' here, and there's still too much of "this" getting in the way of your enjoyment of this site, then don't remain here.

 

[Nick R.]

If you want better posts, post them. It's that simple.

 

[rover]

In all of this discussion the obvious has been overlooked: the real purpose of the RFF is the "Camera and Coffee" thread, the rest is just ancillary 🙂)).

Amen brother.

 

[wtl]

Purpose of RFF?

I always thought it is a place for some people to either show off or get attention when they can't get from their families and friend circles. 😉 It does after a while this becomes a pattern.

George has a point, however. I registered but did not use it much until recently I got some questions to ask and things to sell. Then I slackered off a bit in the past few days. A lot of the threads are either "show off" or simple rant about this and that - eb*y fraud, "read the fine lines" with eb*y sales, film is dead, film vs. digital, and look, I am such a good photographer...

But I come to accept that's what it is. If I find no reason to come here, then I don't.

Overall, I appreciate a place like RFF so we can come hang out, sort of like coffeeshop, ya no?

Cheer up, it's Friday!

p.s. Joe, you don't have to snap. It's more about you than him, as I come to see it. George is not the only one who rants, if you count him as ranting.

 

[FrankS]

The PURPOSE of RFF is to provide a forum for its members who share an interest in some aspect of RF photography. Members are free to participate in the parts where enjoyment can be found, and simply ignore those parts that aren't of interest.

 

[BJ Bignell]

Geez...

It took me god-knows-how-long to write my post, and choose all the right words, and Nick goes and says the same thing in 10 words! 🙄

 

[George S.]

Frank did it agian! I was just about to post something similar, and he has done it for me, and probably more succinctly than I would have posted... well, here goes anyway....

There are a lot of different areas of RFF, there's something for everyone. Use what you like and ignore what you think are stupid or not of any interest to you. Don't use the forum to preach that what you think someone uses or posts is stupid, if it works for them, that's fine, just don't participate and move on to an area that you do like Personally, I'm tired of polls and "how long will film last?" and "Is the Bessa a viable alternative to a Leica?" so i generally don't read them or participate.

I also don't feel I've taken enough "worthy" RF photos to share, I don't have a scanner, and I'm an idiot with Photoshop and uploading, etc, so I haven't tried the gallery posting thing yet. Does that make me not worthy to be a user of RFF? I think not.

I also feel I, or anyone else should not have to explain to someone else why we use or not use a section of the site.

 

[jaapv]

Joe please close this thread.

 

[back alley]

and i think it's time we put an end to this ongoing comparison/debate/argument/ b.s. about shooting vs gear, photography vs cameras art vs commerce...most of us here are amateurs.
we do this for the love of it, because we enjoy taking/making/creating photographs.
i don't know about you, but right now there is enough snow outside my door to bury a small man. and it will be snowing a bit more later on today.
i am a not nearly healthy enough 55 year old fart who just had a heart attack.
well, sorry, but i will wait for a nicer day to head out and shoot. or until i can find a cool indoor place that won't throw me out when i show my camera. i will wait till summer and warm days and dry roads to head out a bit further from home. till then, i have you guys and this place, i have ebay and i have my gear to polish/play with/fondle/ sell/ buy whatever.
sue me !! if you think i should be a friggin' artist and suffer for my art. i don't do this for money or glory i do this for fun.
and my gallery has lots of pics in there. for all you art critics...how many of you have stopped by and left an encouraging remark or sincere quote for me and my work.

the problem with pointing a finger is there are 3 or 4 more pointing back at you!!

live & let live, be inclusive and stop trying to make others feel badly because they are different in how they do what they do.

i hate rants that criticize this forum and the members here and i will vent my true feelings whenever i see one.
if anyone chooses to see that as a threat then good, cause no one is gonna get away with that crap here, no one.

that does not remove discussion/debate/opinion etc. but it presupposes that you will act in a respectful manner and not put down others because they are different.

good morning all.
in case you missed the other thread, i ordered a zm 25/2.8 with hood last night and a new small domke bag. i doubt i will take any photos today as i am home sick with a migraine and my back still hurts like hell.
joe

 

[Kim Coxon]

Frank,
You have put it much more concisely and eloquently than I ever could.

I just sometimes wish that people would accept that we all have different ideas or views and accepted them rather than try to turn the forum into their "ideal". 🙁

On the other hand, when I feel my blood pressure rise, I think of the outpouring of support and good wishes that come when someone has a problem like Gene recently. I know then that this is one of the best and most genuine sites ever with some of the best people on it despite the odd gripe and groan. 🙂 🙂

The PURPOSE of RFF is to provide a forum for its members who share an interest in some aspect of RF photography. Members are free to participate in the parts where enjoyment can be found, and simply ignore those parts that aren't of interest.

 

[Honu-Hugger]

(snip)...good morning all.
in case you missed the other thread, i ordered a zm 25/2.8 with hood last night and a new small domke bag. i doubt i will take any photos today as i am home sick with a migraine and my back still hurts like hell.
joe

Camera and Coffee, Joe...Camera and Coffee. It is our guiding light, our spiritual center 🙂) I hope your day gets better!)

 

[BrianShaw]

The PURPOSE of RFF is to provide a forum for its members who share an interest in some aspect of RF photography. Members are free to participate in the parts where enjoyment can be found, and simply ignore those parts that aren't of interest.

I finally figured out how to 'tailor' RFF to my personal needs and desires: my filter options now eliminate polls, rants, surveys, and challenges.

Try it guys, it's COOooool!

 

[PetarDima]

Cheer up, it's Friday!

:bang:
Joe, what's going on? I'm very sad to read that somebody here( on RFF site ) is angry... For about one hour I am going to work in factory(that's how I callI call my job), for liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitle
pay - about 200 dollars for month. In a month or two, I won't be able to buy a rol of film, but finally I found RFF !!! I found(again) people from which I can learn, yes,
LEARN a lot about major Theme - The Art of Live(Street,HCBresson,beautifull)
Photography.
Don't let me down, and help me to hold my Kiev 4 in strong hands waiting for decisive moment... with your comments good, or bad.
Salut!
If you close this RF caffe where else can I go? I will be confused like Dima on this photo...

 

[ch1]

Whew!

What I actually said was:

"I thought the main purpose of RFF was to provide a site where we could display our picture taking efforts.

The other purposes that I think are important are providing a means to exchange info regarding the care and use of our gear, ideas and advice on processing film (or PS images) etc., selling/buying w/in the "community" and so forth."

Obviously, that's is just my opinion as to the "purposes" of RFF. It's pretty clear that not as many folks value the Gallery as do I. [For me, having the Gallery is an important "motivator" for going out and shooting pics.]

But I certainly cannot see how one would read what I wrote as being "exclusive". Seems rather "inclusive" of multiple purposes.

Oh well, Jorge says the Gallery should be back up by tonight so maybe then I can upload my pics.

 

[bmattock]

Whew!

What I actually said was:

"I thought the main purpose of RFF was to provide a site where we could display our picture taking efforts."

Yeah. Several times, in multiple threads. And then you said:

"I am pissed about it. I think the Gallery is a hell of a lot more important to this site than another damned poll!"

Which is funny, but in a sad way.

 

[George S.]

George, Just some friendly advice.... I think this thread has taken a turn for a place you didn't really intend it to go, but the fact is, we're there anyway....Who said: "If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging" ... Just a thought... Take a deep breath, turn off the computer and either physically or mentally go to a place that you've always gone for peace, get a good night's sleep, and don't post for 24 hours. This thing needs to die down.

 

[JoeFriday]

I can only speak for me and Dave, but we just come here for the chicks