Open Letter to Langdon - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

03/06/2013 07:31:53 PM · #576

Originally posted by GeneralE:

Originally posted by DrAchoo:
In three years we have lost 50% of the members.

During which period the economy has been in the tank, and perhaps there are some who might be able to afford the $25, but not the time to justfy it as they scramble to get by.

And a Digital Camera in almost every household - hell, in every cellphone - a lot more of my friends than ever have DSLRs these days. Sorry, the "people are struggling" argument holds no water when photography is becoming more and more popular by the day - its just the new hobbyist photographers look around and find sites like 500px which update their features a lot more and just `feel` modern and up to date - DPChallenge looks and feels antiquated by comparison these days - that's why it is losing users..
If/when the paying userbase drops below 700 - then I doubt the site will no longer be self-sustaining and Langdon will close up shop or just sell it off to the highest bidder - and unless that bidder not only wants to put some time into the site, but also a lot of effort and money - then I can't see DPC continuing much longer. If he (Langdon) had sold this site say, 3 years ago, I reckon it could of been salvaged - but not now - a lot of people come here out of habit but even those are drip drip dripping away now. A lot of money would need to be invested in advertising to pull the punters back in - and even then you need to be offering them something worth paying for.

Baa!

Simms

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

03/06/2013 07:32:48 PM · #577

Originally posted by Cory:

Originally posted by Simms:
LOL - I can't believe this thread is still going over the same old shit. Actually still surprised this site is still here!

Enjoy your stay little sheep, enjoy your stay.

How condescending and rude... Forgive me, but f%&* you Simms, find somewhere else to troll.

You're forgiven.

Message edited by frisca - language.

smardaz

03/06/2013 07:49:37 PM · #578

Originally posted by Simms:

then I doubt the site will no longer be self-sustaining

So, if i am reading this double-negative correctly, you're saying it will still be self-sustaining?

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

03/06/2013 10:09:17 PM · #579

Originally posted by NikonJeb:

Originally posted by Spork99:
Yet here you are, time after time, condemning those who want change and see fit to post those ideas here. Why do you keep coming back to this thread? Do you get off on putting other people and their suggestions down because they think DPC could be better?

No, sorry......you're projecting again. You assume that others are snarky and bitter like you, and behave in the same manner.

I've not condemned, nor put anyone down for their suggestions or posting.

But as long as people exercise their right to condemn and put down the site and its administration, I will certainly offer up an opposing point of view.

While we're at it, do you get off on being snarky and bitter rather than actually doing anything related to photography on the site?

One might wonder if you're here just to be a mean SOB. It seems you only show up to pick fights.

No Jeb, you have and you continue to do so.

Even now with calling me "snarky and bitter" and "a mean SOB". How does that fit with your "nice guy" image. Again why are you so concerned with what other people do here in this thread and focused on shouting down any ideas for ways the site could be improved? Maybe DPC is perfect for you...clearly other people don't think so and care enough to say what they think could be made better and how. Many even volunteer to do work gratis.

The problem is that the people suggesting improvements aren't putting down the site, the members or even the people running it, they just want to see it thrive and improve instead of stagnate and decline. You take every suggestion as an attack on DPC and march into this thread to protest any change, more boorish than anyone making the suggestions.

On the other hand, people like Simms aren't making suggestions for improvements, clearly don't care about DPC and ARE putting down the site, the members and the admins, where's all of your righteous fury for them?

Message edited by author 2013-03-06 22:10:56.

Cory

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

03/06/2013 11:55:56 PM · #580

Originally posted by Simms:

Originally posted by Cory:

Originally posted by Simms:
LOL - I can't believe this thread is still going over the same old shit. Actually still surprised this site is still here!

Enjoy your stay little sheep, enjoy your stay.

How condescending and rude... Forgive me, but f%&* you Simms, find somewhere else to troll.

You're forgiven.

At least you've got a good sense of humor. I do like that.

Message edited by frisca - language.

Cory

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

03/06/2013 11:57:16 PM · #581

Originally posted by Spork99:

On the other hand, people like Simms aren't making suggestions for improvements, clearly don't care about DPC and ARE putting down the site, the members and the admins, where's all of your righteous fury for them?

Oh, I think I had that well enough in hand. ;) lol

03/07/2013 02:07:40 AM · #582

Originally posted by Cory:

Originally posted by Spork99:

On the other hand, people like Simms aren't making suggestions for improvements, clearly don't care about DPC and ARE putting down the site, the members and the admins, where's all of your righteous fury for them?

Oh, I think I had that well enough in hand. ;) lol

Yeah, but you didn't write an entire essay about it.

03/07/2013 11:25:03 AM · #583

Originally posted by Spork99:

The problem is that the people suggesting improvements aren't putting down the site, the members or even the people running it, they just want to see it thrive and improve instead of stagnate and decline.

I'd really have to say if that's been your perception of what's been happening relative to what has all the appearances of folks calling out Langdon then I don't know what to tell you.

Again and again I've stated that I have *NOT* been "shouting down" suggestions, nor am I advocating that nothing be done. You're either being deliberately obtuse, or you're simply not reading and understanding anything I've said. I merely suggest that instead of going on and on about what "needs" to change, speculating on Langdon's motives and wanting to know his intentions, and in general picking at various features, or the lack thereof, that perhaps it would be less stressful just to take advantage of what's available. Somehow I highly doubt that anyone's really put forth much of anything that hasn't occurred to Langdon anyway.

So just go ahead and see how you can twist this around.......I don't really much care. I'm done wasting my time with you. As I said, you only seem to show up to pick fights, and taking what I've said completely out of context to try and twist it into something nasty is truly your specialty.

Have a nice day.

03/07/2013 11:47:38 AM · #584

Originally posted by NikonJeb:

Originally posted by Spork99:
The problem is that the people suggesting improvements aren't putting down the site, the members or even the people running it, they just want to see it thrive and improve instead of stagnate and decline.

I'd really have to say if that's been your perception of what's been happening relative to what has all the appearances of folks calling out Langdon then I don't know what to tell you.

Again and again I've stated that I have *NOT* been "shouting down" suggestions, nor am I advocating that nothing be done. You're either being deliberately obtuse, or you're simply not reading and understanding anything I've said. I merely suggest that instead of going on and on about what "needs" to change, speculating on Langdon's motives and wanting to know his intentions, and in general picking at various features, or the lack thereof, that perhaps it would be less stressful just to take advantage of what's available. Somehow I highly doubt that anyone's really put forth much of anything that hasn't occurred to Langdon anyway.

So just go ahead and see how you can twist this around.......I don't really much care. I'm done wasting my time with you. As I said, you only seem to show up to pick fights, and taking what I've said completely out of context to try and twist it into something nasty is truly your specialty.

Have a nice day.

You always say that you're not shouting people down, name calling or overreacting in response to what ever thing that's caused you to take offense to just after you shout people down, name call or otherwise overreact.

Typical

03/07/2013 12:10:35 PM · #585

Originally posted by Spork99:

Yeah.....whatever.

I didn't take offense to anything anyone said. That's the problem.....you seem to think so.

Honestly, I couldn't care less what you think. In the six and a half years I've been here, I don't believe I've ever seen you have one nice thing to say to anyone about anything. I don't get that.

This latest reply indicates that, in fact, you didn't really pay attention to anything I've said, and you do take it out of context.

So be it.

Yandrosxx

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

03/07/2013 12:18:35 PM · #586

Originally posted by Spork99:

Originally posted by NikonJeb:
[quote=Spork99] The problem is that the people suggesting improvements aren't putting down the site, the members or even the people running it, they just want to see it thrive and improve instead of stagnate and decline.

I'd really have to say if that's been your perception of what's been happening relative to what has all the appearances of folks calling out Langdon then I don't know what to tell you.

Again and again I've stated that I have *NOT* been "shouting down" suggestions, nor am I advocating that nothing be done. You're either being deliberately obtuse, or you're simply not reading and understanding anything I've said. I merely suggest that instead of going on and on about what "needs" to change, speculating on Langdon's motives and wanting to know his intentions, and in general picking at various features, or the lack thereof, that perhaps it would be less stressful just to take advantage of what's available. Somehow I highly doubt that anyone's really put forth much of anything that hasn't occurred to Langdon anyway.

So just go ahead and see how you can twist this around.......I don't really much care. I'm done wasting my time with you. As I said, you only seem to show up to pick fights, and taking what I've said completely out of context to try and twist it into something nasty is truly your specialty.

Have a nice day.

Frankly, I believe your initial post was in response to my post asking for information on prior offers and whether efforts had been made to build an alternative site. I did find your post to be overly critical as well as to have implied a negativity I didn't express at all. I find Spork's comment to be spot on:

"The problem is that the people suggesting improvements aren't putting down the site, the members or even the people running it, they just want to see it thrive and improve instead of stagnate and decline. You take every suggestion as an attack on DPC and march into this thread to protest any change, more boorish than anyone making the suggestions. "

Its neither here nor there to me as I had no intention of starting an argument, nor did I involve myself in this discussion to take pot shots at DPC, Langdon or anyone else for that matter. Misunderstanding are misunderstandings.

I very much enjoy the site, think the format is generally fine and quite frankly I like most everyone who's a member. What I am concerned about is an apparent decline in membership and participation in challenges because that signals to me at least that what I like so much may be frittering away. That won't change unless there's a push toward marketing and investment of time in the site. And if Langdon is as many suggest-uninterested-then we MIGHT be riding on a sinking ship without a Captain while some continue to dine in the Ballroom appealing for calm.

03/07/2013 12:23:57 PM · #587

Originally posted by Yandrosxx:

I very much enjoy the site, think the format is generally fine and quite frankly I like most everyone who's a member. What I am concerned about is an apparent decline in membership and participation in challenges because that signals to me at least that what I like so much may be frittering away. That won't change unless there's a push toward marketing and investment of time in the site. And if Langdon is as many suggest-uninterested-then we MIGHT be riding on a sinking ship without a Captain while some continue to dine in the Ballroom appealing for calm.

Okay....I get that.

But wouldn't you think by this point he would have spoken up and offered the site for sale, stated his intent, or otherwise made the general populace aware of what he was doing if he wanted us to know?

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

03/07/2013 12:28:41 PM · #588

SC and Langdon dining in the ballroom again? - To the lifeboats!

Yandrosxx

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

03/07/2013 12:44:28 PM · #589

Originally posted by NikonJeb:

[quote=Yandrosxx] But wouldn't you think by this point he would have spoken up and offered the site for sale, stated his intent, or otherwise made the general populace aware of what he was doing if he wanted us to know?

No. If I had a dime for every conversation I start with "Why didn't you, or one would think," I'd be a wealthy man. I spend every day solving other people's problems. And more often than not, the simple explanation is people just don't manage their affairs very well. They forget to do things, don't communicate with others at all, procrastinate beyond the point of fixing something and so on. Many times, they're well aware a problems coming and still do nothing to head it off. I've watched fortunes fritter away for reasons no more complicated than that. The planned and strategic error is kinda rare actually. Most (not all) people who are thinking well enough to plan the road ahead usually aren't having problems like declining memberships accompanied by minimal communication and involvement.

He simply may not care.

I'm just curious as to what's been tried, what could be tried to increase interest in the site because I'd like for it to stay around a while longer. I'm an on again off again participant. So, I'll admit I may not be as in touch as others. It just doesn't seem the same as when I first arrived and others have echoed the same sentiment.

I'm concerned. Maybe I'm wrong. But, I'd rather wear out the conversation than get fat in the ballroom.

Simms

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

03/08/2013 05:39:21 AM · #590

Originally posted by smardaz:

Originally posted by Simms:
then I doubt the site will no longer be self-sustaining

So, if i am reading this double-negative correctly, you're saying it will still be self-sustaining?

You know exactly what I meant - read it in context with the rest of the post and its pretty evident. Still, nicely glossing over my other points. Stick your head back in the sand mate with all your other ostrich friends.

xx

smardaz

03/08/2013 05:55:54 AM · #591

Originally posted by Simms:

Originally posted by smardaz:

Originally posted by Simms:
then I doubt the site will no longer be self-sustaining

So, if i am reading this double-negative correctly, you're saying it will still be self-sustaining?

You know exactly what I meant - read it in context with the rest of the post and its pretty evident. Still, nicely glossing over my other points. Stick your head back in the sand mate with all your other ostrich friends.

xx

Wow, learn to take a joke there sunshine

03/08/2013 06:41:14 AM · #592

Originally posted by Yandrosxx:

I'd rather wear out the conversation than get fat in the ballroom.

Okay........Show me to the buffet!

I can swim! LOL!!!

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

03/08/2013 07:04:32 AM · #593

Originally posted by Simms:

Stick your head back in the sand mate with all your other ostrich friends.

Make your mind up. Are we little sheep, or ostriches?

Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R IOS

03/08/2013 09:02:32 AM · #594

Originally posted by JH:

Originally posted by Simms:
Stick your head back in the sand mate with all your other ostrich friends.

Make your mind up. Are we little sheep, or ostriches?

I know, I'm having an identity crisis.

markwiley

Fujifilm X-Pro2

03/08/2013 11:32:45 AM · #595

Originally posted by Simms:

Enjoy your stay little sheep, enjoy your stay.

I am enjoying my stay quite a bit. Is that baaaaaaaaaaaad of me?

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

03/08/2013 01:45:55 PM · #596

Originally posted by Simms:

Stick your head back in the sand mate with all your other ostrich friends.

xx

Ostiches do not "stick their head in the sand" to hide from enemies or anything else. Of course someone with a more offendable disposition than myself might tell you to stick your head somewhere else.

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

03/08/2013 01:52:47 PM · #597

Like this.

Please note, I do not intend to say this is actually a photo of

Simms. It's just a representation, a suggestion and perhaps a bit of wishful thinking.

Originally posted by GeneralE:

Originally posted by Simms:
Stick your head back in the sand mate with all your other ostrich friends.

xx

Ostiches do not "stick their head in the sand" to hide from enemies or anything else. Of course someone with a more offendable disposition than myself might tell you to stick your head somewhere else.

Message edited by author 2013-03-08 13:58:28.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

03/08/2013 01:55:49 PM · #598

You may interpret it any way you think appropriate ... :-)

RayEthier

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

03/08/2013 06:48:31 PM · #599

Originally posted by JH:

Originally posted by Simms:
Stick your head back in the sand mate with all your other ostrich friends.

Make your mind up. Are we little sheep, or ostriches?

Truth be told...I seriously doubt that there exists any documented evidence that these critters actually do stick their heads in the sand.

I will wait for documented proof.

Ray

RayEthier