Why I love this place

erikhaugsby

erikhaugsby

killer of threads
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Mar 14, 2006
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So I've been here for slightly over a year, and I've come to some conclusions:


The internet is not the limit.
Anybody count up all the RFF meetings that have been held? I haven't recently, but the fact that any of us would make efforts to have even one real, face-to-face connecting with a handful of people only known through internet chat is astounding. And to do it multiple times is incredible.

This is a living, breathing community of living, breathing people.
Thank god I haven't had any serious work/personal disturbances impacting my life, but I know others have. Seeing the camaraderie that is stirred up in you guys is remarkable considering the afflicted might well life half a world away. There is nothing online to compare to that.

There is nothing like solid personal communication.
Especially between strangers. The wealth of knowledge on this board is ridiculous compared to others, and it rarely seems as if a stupid question is posted. Even if one is, sense prevails in the answers and everybody goes home happy.

This forum is alive.
Threads don't linger in half-answered limbo for days on end, for there are enough active members to talk any topic to death within a few hours. On the other hand, significant threads have had the mysterious ability to survive for literally years without ceasing.

You don't yell at each other.
Sure, there might well be certain outspoken individuals amongst us, but everybody here has an ability to coexist to the point where cohabitation is almost flawless.

And even if someone does, there is always another to bring all back to their senses.
Disputes have happened, but without fault there is always one cool-headed individual who comes along, sooner than later, and restores sense into everybody. Nothing comes of the ruffle, and the day continues.

Gear? What gear?
True, GAS is fluent and terribly infectious amongst the faithful, but this forum tends not to concern itself with US Navy test charts and MTF curves. Unheard of actions in other forums, but here it is taken as is. Amazing, isn't it, that a W/NW thread can actually go past a few posts to turn into a fully fledged photo thread?



and finally,

Nobody calls us "feisty."
and even if they did, I doubt more than a few neophytes would listen.



So, thank you all.
I have no intention of departing any time soon, and if you need any reasons to stay I hope you're able to add them to my list.
 
I used to spend hours on PN but I feel closer to people on this website. PN still offers great amount of useful information and it has great people there too, but things are more manageable here with the common link; RF.

Raid
 
RFF is very special. The people here are terrific. They were helpful and very welcoming to me about a year ago when I decided to get a Bessa-T and 35 Ultron. Only problem is that this place induces GAS like there is no tomorrow. I envisioned myself with just one body and three lenses at this point but I'm now way past that point. MTF Charts? I don't even know how to read one. All I have to see is a few really nice photos and I'm pretty much sold on the gear. The GAS wouldn't be here if there wasn't great photographers sharing their photographs and RFF really has a great number of outstanding photographers... and the vast majority of them aren't snobs.

I've been pleasantly surprised how well this forum is run given the amount of members it has and the amount of activity that occurs on a daily basis. I've moderated on two car-related forums. One was very big, perhaps the size of RFF and it was completely unmanageable. Now I just moderate on a smaller forum, which is much better. Being a moderator is not all what it is cracked up to be and the moderators do a real stand-up job here. RFF is certainly one of the best forum of any type on the Internet as far as I'm concerned.
 
I like it here, even though I do not own a rangefinder. I have learned alot about film and more film and techniques. It is a continuous learning curve that never ends! I want too have great photos when I am very old to hang on my walls, and remember back when, the good times, and feel proud of all the places I have seen and people who i have met.

Mark
Quito, EC
 
I'll add...

Equipment doesn't really matter. Holga cameras are just as welcome as Xpans and pre-war Leicas.

There's a mass of information to gain. The regulars experience is incredibly extensive, ranging from "What developer/film", to "Dismantling a Kiev".

I'm glad I found this forum. :)
 
I like the fact that I've met people here. They used to be "names" or weird virtual entities I never cared much about, but for some reason the comradery online transfers on, and if I ever traveled I met or conversed with some of the RFF members in person.

That was very nice.

Hence, I too like this place a big lot! :)
 
I can find people here who are anti-digital to the extreme. It balances out the digital crazies on dpreview
 
It motivates you to go out and take pictures. Took 5 today myself. Also, it introduced me to cameras I never thought of using. Those obscures rangefinders that I passed up as too amateurish. Now I shoot with them and their quality is out rageous.
 
I work as a photographer and have to deal with some massive egos, a great many of which really aren't deserved. There's often a huge amount of snobbery within the profession regarding everything from kit, talent and styles all the way to amateur photographers and their place within the photographic world.

When I use this site this is never something I have to put up with. As has been posted above, the level of willingness to share experiences, expertise, encouragement and observations is second to none.

...and as a pro photographer I'd like to put on record that I've learnt more from amatuers than I ever have from fellow professionals. Its the sheer joy of their photography and the amount of their own time that goes into experimenting with new and untried methods that astounds me and teaches me new things everyday.

I can also wholeheartedly agree with Francisco when he says that many of the people who use this site quickly become more than just a bizarre web entity as you get to know the style of their images within the gallery, their humour in their posts and their willingness to communicate their ideas and feelings both in PM's and threads.

A great place to learn and a great place to meet like-minded people....maybe RFF could go for University status?!!!
 
I agree with what was said. the reason RFF stands out to me is that the members arent constantly bickering, they just share a common interest and ejoy that together.
 
>>...and as a pro photographer I'd like to put on record that I've learnt more from amatuers than I ever have from fellow professionals. <<

Among the worst photographers I've ever met were professionals, especially because they should have known better. On the other hand, I've also met professional photographers, and amateur photographers, whose work just stuns. And certainly some of the best work I've seen and best ideas I've heard have been here.
 
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