I know he has, Joe.
Which has much added to my frustration when reading the many very active political threads in the recent past, in which (mostly the same, and sometimes prominent) members add their obviously controversial opinion. Things like American healthcare, gay marriage laws, a member's democratic vs. republican standing, or standing up against oppression in Tibet have nothing to do on RFF, IMO (unless you do it via photos ...). Some members have openly stated that they use RFF to express and promote their political opinions with no interference from site owner or moderators.
The other thing that bothers me is frequent emphasis of money, gear prices, assumptions about what other members can afford or not, etc., often implying that "if you can buy camera XYZ", you have the right to look down on everybody else.
I used to come here to get away from propaganda. And to find a healthy mix of gear description, photographic process and photography. I learned a lot. However, we continue to loose good photographers, who used to share photos and describe how they were done.
Gear and good photography may not be directly related. Whatever. I'm fully convinced however, that one's political opinion or budget have nothing to do with one's photographic output.
You have a tough job, Joe. But I do recommend to systematically close political threads as they show up; and act firmly against rude post(er)s.
And for the teachers: wisdom and modesty often grow together. My deepest respect to Bill P. and Tom A. We can all learn from them.
Roland.
