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11/20/2012 04:30:29 PM · #51 |
Originally posted by TrollMan:
Originally posted by Simms:
So many people have made so many good suggestions throughout the years - some would take a bit of work, others not so much..
However I have found a new way to enjoy DPC with my daughter and it has nothing to do with Photography,
We call it "How many today Cory??"
The way this works is as follows - I open a Chrome window - and before going to DPC my daughter and I make a guess on how many posts Cory has his name against on the front page under "Recent Forum Activity" - then we goto DPC and count them, I think the record was 9 at any one time. Abigail currently leads me, but regardless we have great fun AND we don't have to pay memebership.
PS, I guessed 3 this time, Abigail 2, neither of us were right on this occasion. Old Cory likes to throw us a curveball from time to time! It was a rare zero this go around. Its works best in the morning due to time differences.
True story. |
I'm thinking and hoping (mostly for your own sake) that your last statement in this post is a lie. In any case; this post says a lot more about you than Cory. |
Take from that what you like - to be honest it started just as a bit of fun - now thought its serious business between us (Abigail & I) - its not meant to be derogatory. Cory mentioned earlier he doesn't know if he should be insulted or complemented - its neither really - just a bit of fun, I could of picked any name, its just you have more chance of a bite or two with Cory.
Oh, by the way, I don't really give a toss what you think of me - who are you anyway? |
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11/20/2012 05:21:35 PM · #52 |
Originally posted by Venser:
Originally posted by Ann:
My point, and I do have a point...is that my laptop, while it isn't the whippy spiffiest thing out there, is only a year old, and 1366x768 is still pretty common even with current model laptops. |
No, my Dell Inspiron 8600, which is nine years old, has 1920 x 1200 resolution.
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I'm sure your laptop is way cooler than mine, and I'm pretty sure your shopping experience didn't consist of grabbing whatever was available on the shelf at Costco on the way out of town on a business trip. The fact remains, however, that in 2012, the most common monitor resolution 1366x768. When I bought it (at Costco), 1366x768 was the only resolution available for 15" Windows laptops.
This is a year and a half old, but fully 50% of monitors at that time (not just laptops) are 800px vertically or less.
This shows similar results for 2012. Again, over 50% of monitors in this survey are 800px or less vertically. |
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11/20/2012 05:54:47 PM · #53 |
Originally posted by bohemka:
Originally posted by sjhuls:
The question we need to ask ourselves is what can we do to improve this site ourselves? |
Answer: Stop being so damn negative. We're all astute enough to realize DPC isn't going to change. Truth is it doesn't need to, but the attitude around here sure does.
Edit: I hope it's obvious that wasn't directed at you, Jennifer. |
This! I can't stand all the rudeness and negative crap in the forums. Imagine visiting the site for the first time and checking out the forums first...not good. Almost everyone I know who has left DPC, and I've been here a long time, has left because they couldn't stand the rudeness/negativity anymore. It's when things become less about photography that we get in trouble.
And something else Jennifer mentioned that I thought was interesting was the bit about being helpful/mentoring. When I first came here 7 years ago, it was all the helpful-ness I saw going on in the forums and through comments that made me want to stay...it was really great and I learned a lot as I was new to digital photography.
Message edited by author 2012-11-20 17:55:40. |
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11/20/2012 06:04:34 PM · #54 |
Originally posted by RKT:
This! I can't stand all the rudeness and negative crap in the forums. Imagine visiting the site for the first time and checking out the forums first...not good. Almost everyone I know who has left DPC, and I've been here a long time, has left because they couldn't stand the rudeness/negativity anymore. It's when things become less about photography that we get in trouble.
And something else Jennifer mentioned that I thought was interesting was the bit about being helpful/mentoring. When I first came here 7 years ago, it was all the helpful-ness I saw going on in the forums and through comments that made me want to stay...it was really great and I learned a lot as I was new to digital photography. |
I've been around about the same amount and while sometimes it seems like there is an unusual amount of bickering and negativity, I can't remember any length of time when there was none. I think it goes in cycles. I also think that when you are first learning and busy soaking up knowledge and working on your skills, you tend to not pay much attention to it, but as you settle in, you just notice it more. There is always the IGNORE option, which I have learned to use often. That's my view on it anyway. That said, the helpful/mentoring activity seems to go in cycles as well and it's always a good thing when we get back to it. |
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11/20/2012 07:03:40 PM · #55 |
Originally posted by sjhuls:
I think everyone is going about this the wrong way. We all know that this thread is going to end with us arguing amongst ourselves and Langdon doing nothing. (looks like we already have a good start with the arguing) The question we need to ask ourselves is what can we do to improve this site ourselves? If we all committed to do a couple things to improve this site I bet it wouldn't be long until it was thriving again. I have to admit I am guilty of not giving back to a site that has given me so much. I don't vote very often, I don't comment very often, and I haven't entered a challenge at all this month. I think if we all commit to voting in at least one challenge a week, and commenting on at least 5 images in each challenge we vote on then we would see things pick up considerably. I'm sure some of you are already doing that and maybe even voting and commenting in every challenge (I know I used to). So think of what else you can do, could you complain less in scores threads? Or better yet ignore the score threads entirely. Could you turn of your voter tracking stats? I still look at my score but I don't track each score and it makes a huge difference. Another thing that could really help is by mentoring or finding someone to mentor you. Personally I love it when I get a unexpected request for help by someone in my PM box. I know it's been done before but why not put together a list of people who want help and those willing to give help. (in fact I think I will do that right now give me a minute and I will set it up). I know this is the way I have gotten to know many people on this site. WPL is great but in the mean time lets get together and help each other out. |
I'm quoting Jen because I think she is on to something. The only way to improve this site is to take personal responsibility for it's content and participation. This site will thrive because of it's members not because of a fancy feature. (Although some features would be nice to have) This site has been a friend to me in so many ways. But the greatest joy I've had is sharing ideas and learning new things. Last January I proposed a Side Challenge but it didn't get very far. I'm willing to do the same again in December or January. There needs to be at least 10 participants to make it worthwhile. If you are interested. PM me and I will add you to the list. Don't post in here, I'm afraid this thread will be locked soon. :)
I am also opened to suggestions to make the side challenge more appealing. Thanks
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11/20/2012 07:24:35 PM · #56 |
Me, I'm going to fix the problems the way we all should. Vote with your wallet, meaning don't re-up your membership until the owner(s) can actually show to us the paying members that they give a fluck! I'm sure at this point it's just a small income boost to him, he certainly shows little to no interest in actually making things work/better for those paying his bills. I think I've been here 6 years as a member, and next month will be my last.
So how did I fix the site, by making it's owner broke. Thereby he has to Fix the site to become unbroken himself. Easy solution. |
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11/20/2012 07:45:02 PM · #57 |
Originally posted by sempermarine:
Originally posted by sjhuls:
I think everyone is going about this the wrong way. We all know that this thread is going to end with us arguing amongst ourselves and Langdon doing nothing. (looks like we already have a good start with the arguing) The question we need to ask ourselves is what can we do to improve this site ourselves? If we all committed to do a couple things to improve this site I bet it wouldn't be long until it was thriving again. I have to admit I am guilty of not giving back to a site that has given me so much. I don't vote very often, I don't comment very often, and I haven't entered a challenge at all this month. I think if we all commit to voting in at least one challenge a week, and commenting on at least 5 images in each challenge we vote on then we would see things pick up considerably. I'm sure some of you are already doing that and maybe even voting and commenting in every challenge (I know I used to). So think of what else you can do, could you complain less in scores threads? Or better yet ignore the score threads entirely. Could you turn of your voter tracking stats? I still look at my score but I don't track each score and it makes a huge difference. Another thing that could really help is by mentoring or finding someone to mentor you. Personally I love it when I get a unexpected request for help by someone in my PM box. I know it's been done before but why not put together a list of people who want help and those willing to give help. (in fact I think I will do that right now give me a minute and I will set it up). I know this is the way I have gotten to know many people on this site. WPL is great but in the mean time lets get together and help each other out. |
I'm quoting Jen because I think she is on to something. The only way to improve this site is to take personal responsibility for it's content and participation. This site will thrive because of it's members not because of a fancy feature. (Although some features would be nice to have) This site has been a friend to me in so many ways. But the greatest joy I've had is sharing ideas and learning new things. Last January I proposed a Side Challenge but it didn't get very far. I'm willing to do the same again in December or January. There needs to be at least 10 participants to make it worthwhile. If you are interested. PM me and I will add you to the list. Don't post in here, I'm afraid this thread will be locked soon. :)
I am also opened to suggestions to make the side challenge more appealing. Thanks |
DPC needs the two sides of the coin to make things work. Admittingly, Langdon needs to give the site more support.
Then there is our side of the coin - the one that we *DO* have the power to make things better.
What are WE doing to make this site better? Jenn's idea is a start.
Have you made this site a home?
Have you learned a lot since being here?
Has the site inspired you?
Have you enjoyed the discussions and met some of the helpful people here?
Well, then, what are you waiting for? What can you do to help make DPC a little better?
It can be a tutorial on a new technique you used.
It can be a side challenge.
It can be that you be a mentor.
It could be you create a discussion group on one photography technique a month.
Etc. etc. etc.
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11/20/2012 07:45:13 PM · #58 |
I would like to see the site recognize those of us who pay, as customers. Currently we are called members. Members of what? We have no vote, no say, but we pay the bills.
When council says they are over worked, honest solutions are offered. Nothing happens. Remember the Bear for council movement.
We do not even seem to get the courtesy of being told NO. Issues are ignored and/or locked until people give up. We've asked for how many YEARS for another DPL? Again, ignored to death...
The front page says it all. In a few weeks you can change the 2011 to 2012, and it will be current again.
As for the other announcement, perhaps that one is true in a way we did not imagine.... If you want change and satisfaction, go someplace else....
I've met Matt, he is a good guy, and I know of others considering not renewing... I really have no argument to keep them here. |
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11/20/2012 07:48:29 PM · #59 |
Good for ambaker
I went someplace else... |
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11/20/2012 08:19:46 PM · #60 |
Originally posted by patio127:
Good for ambaker
I went someplace else... |
Where? The power of DPC is the update button and trying to be on the front page (it is after all contest site with motivational incentives, even if virtual). I tried DPReview, it was good for a while but then there was very little feedback and I didn't know the score till the end of voting. It has good forums and a lot of good information. 500px is good too but the feedback is very standardized and sketchy. Getting to the front page of 500px can be manipulated and is very short lived. 1x is very selective and does not have any scoring system.
So where did you go to? And if you did, how come you are reading this forum? ;) |
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11/20/2012 08:49:56 PM · #61 |
| where has langdon been? does he ever post or return messages? is he active? what about drew? is he gone? |
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11/20/2012 08:56:38 PM · #62 |
//media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m4ea54T3Rk1qfe50i.gif
Message edited by Manic - please keep all images posted under 300kb and 500px, or post links or thumbnails instead. |
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11/20/2012 09:04:29 PM · #63 |
I've actually given up complaining about this site, I conducted a little boycott and realized how much i missed it here so i came back.
We don't need Langdon, he doesn't even participate so I don't even consider him part of the community.
Langdon is the bar owner no body cares about and you never see, you just keep showing up and buying his beer because its wet, cold and you are thirsty. We keep coming back because its just fun hanging out with the locals.
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11/20/2012 09:07:15 PM · #64 |
| I haven't been around much the past year... but ALL I want for Christmas is the DPL... Now... Someone get the stick-figure kicking the dead horse gif... |
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11/20/2012 09:20:58 PM · #65 |
Meanwhile, back at the ranch,
Happy thanksgiving!
In the current kerfuffle, perhaps  Langdon and his family are enjoying US Thanksgiving week 'off'.
maybe that's why "Silence" was stuck up there again. Or maybe not!
After saying that, I appreciate  VAWendy's remarks. Perhaps we can, as part of DPC, energize the group through our own activity. We've done it before.
Folks who are bored or can't work with that concept can & do wander off. Eventually newbies come on board. It all works out.
It will be nice when the negativity is balanced out with a positive "let's get & keep this show on the road" attitude. I think that's what Wendy's trying to do.
Kudos to her. |
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11/20/2012 09:23:59 PM · #66 |
| its actually been pretty positive lately... |
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11/21/2012 06:41:09 AM · #67 |
well I, for one, REALLY REALLY REALLY love this place. I don't plan on leaving anytime soon, unless the site is shut down.
I was iffy abouting joining in the first place... wasn't sure if it was for me, if it was worth the money. so I was gifted the membership. and I am thankful of that every day.
now... when I find a newbie who truly expresses interest to learn, to grow, and who wants to participate... I will "pay it forward".
I think this little gesture has done the most for me. (BTW, not sure if the member wants me to say their name on here... so I will hold off... but he knows who he is... and THANK YOU!)
anyway, back to the subject at hand...
there are things that can be changed... but there are EVERYWHERE.
what if we left EVERY PLACE we went to because of bickering, because we didn't get our way, because we didn't like this or that?
we'd be hermits...
does that mean we shouldn't speak up and voice our opinions? NO.
but... do we have to say what a bad site owner Langdon has become? NO.
there's no better way to ensure things DONT get done.
I for one, don't believe insulting him or anyone else is what will change this place.
MAYBE, he's flooded with emails about how this needs to be changed and how that needs to be done... that he mass deletes the messages. perhaps he's busy in his REAL life, and it has taken time away from his virtual one.
I don't know, I haven't been here long enough to know Langdon. or what the site wad like 2, 3, 4+ years ago.
but if you think going somewhere else is for you, then good luck. really.
if you think not renewing your membership is the way to go... then by all means, that's your decision. but... would you leave, or just remain a registered participant? and if you'd stay, as a non member, what's the purpose?
to continue to see things "decline" and "deteriorate" as you think they are doing?
yes... things need to change.
will it happen overnight? no.
does this post even matter? maybe... maybe not.
but guess what one of the perks is of this place... being able to voice your opinion.
like I said, I love it here. I've made some wonderful friends. I am looking forward to future gtg's. I have received so much support, both for photography AND for when my son was injured. THAT was a difficult time, and MANY of the people here made a difference in his life... sending pictures, cards, items... and the challenge that was in his honor. the smile on his face when he looked through the challenge entries... THAT WAS PRICELESS. I truly believe that helped his recovery, and its something he will remember for years, if not the rest of his life.
so... make of this place what you will.
remember... there are some wonderful people here and some great things here. but weigh the pros with the cons... and figure out if its the place for you.
if not, move on with your life... and achieve greatness. I wish you all the success and happiness!
if you plan to stay... I look forward to getting to know you all the better! to learn and grow and achieve greatness!
:) |
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11/21/2012 07:49:17 AM · #68 |
Eyefetch followed DPC; DPC should go study the reasons for their demise and not follow Eyefetch.
I have been a paid member since 2004, I think even before Bearmusic joined. Two of those years the fees were paid for by friends on DPC. I have just renewed simply because I believe something can be done. That is why I paid. This place changed, but its potential to be there in the future and to maintain its credibility is a given. The changes and lack of changes is saddening. I use to get so much out of DPC.
When was our last speed challenge?
My thoughts are that the visible lack of the council involvement and commitment to DPC is much to blame. Goodness, Bearmusic is still not on the council? Neither Vawendy? There are so many people deserving the positions, people who can drive the change in attitude and do the job like the guys of old.
DPC must be brought back from the vast darkness breathing in its neck, threatening to swallow it and spit it out in the nothingness of the cyber sewerage. |
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11/21/2012 07:52:46 AM · #69 |
Originally posted by RKT:
Originally posted by bohemka:
[quote=sjhuls]The question we need to ask ourselves is what can we do to improve this site ourselves? |
And something else Jennifer mentioned that I thought was interesting was the bit about being helpful/mentoring. When I first came here 7 years ago, it was all the helpful-ness I saw going on in the forums and through comments that made me want to stay...it was really great and I learned a lot as I was new to digital photography. |
i have been on the site a little while but not entering in the challenge side until recently... i love seeing the creativity here i have witnessed some amazing works... and i love mentoring others who have less skills or even understanding and giving positive feedback to other creative people so im in agreement. i think its the challenge of just entering and knowing the same people will win time and again that is frustrating call it skill with the camera or skill with processing..... maybe after so many ribbons there is an upper league to enter... or if those who are constantly winning dont mentor or assist others then they should be taken out of challenges perhaps for a while? and if someone has misunderstood the challenge or has oodles of time to edit and others rely on the pure photography then maybe there should be more of basic challenges and force people to choose and or do what they do best or comply and challenge their own skills?
ive seen a real breakdown in voting system here since ive been watching and participating, where there is negativity because of it...maybe that needs reviewing?
maybe members also need to reflect creativity and change in the mass appeal and look at how they rate pictures themself as well, everyone needs to review their way of doing things, rulebooks are there for composition and technical aspects but great photos need not be about those things? throw the rule book out and your notions of what constitutes a good photo, re-evaluation is key to moving forward? i do see a lot of very similar phots and threads running through the site and it is a bit depressing at times to see the same thing over and over among the photos and the threads... shake it up...people not just the site but your own values likes and dislikes and what is a photo and what is art and what is true to the challenge and true to yourself we are not sheep, and the world is very boring and mass produced blandness and DPC is reflecting that on some level... but above all that i see some real glimpses of the future here but im naming no names... just shake it, give positive feedback, dont judge others photos as you would everything else... i hope im being understood lolal... im trying to give a different perspective and maybe scores should be hidden... anyway
its all just thoughts for the dinner table... ;O) |
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11/21/2012 08:37:49 AM · #70 |
| This is kind of like Eastwood talking to the empty chair. :-) |
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11/21/2012 08:59:52 AM · #71 |
I do have two simple suggestions for Langdon that I think would change the DPC world forever:
1. Advertise. I truly believe this is one of the best learning sites on the web and it̢۪s a shame nobody knows about it.
2. Bundle a free membership with a digital editing software company. Adobe may be too big to care and too hard to do, but Portrait Professional or something along that line may not be. Sure you may lose money on memberships, but the site visitors and membership would increase dramatically. Which in turn would allow you to charge more for advertising. (I would suggest camera companies or photography retailers, but they may take some real effort)
Also, I think removing the scoring during challenges would be the death of this site. When I enter a challenge I come to the site almost hourly to check my score. |
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11/21/2012 09:21:32 AM · #72 |
Originally posted by toddhead:
Also, I think removing the scoring during challenges would be the death of this site. When I enter a challenge I come to the site almost hourly to check my score. |
ditto. I think removing the scores during voting will do more harm than good. I like seeing it fluctuate. and honestly, the score doesn't bother me.
if *I* like the image, and my family likes it... that's all that REALLY matters to me. its nice when other people enjoy the image, tho. :) |
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11/21/2012 09:33:11 AM · #73 |
Originally posted by Denielle:
I like seeing it fluctuate. and honestly, the score doesn't bother me.
if *I* like the image, and my family likes it... that's all that REALLY matters to me. its nice when other people enjoy the image, tho. :) |
When I made the suggestion it was for the members who constantly eat the same thing that gives them bellyaches. |
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11/21/2012 09:38:01 AM · #74 |
Originally posted by GAP2012:
[quote=RKT] [quote=bohemka] [quote=sjhuls] i think its the challenge of just entering and knowing the same people will win time and again that is frustrating call it skill with the camera or skill with processing..... maybe after so many ribbons there is an upper league to enter... or if those who are constantly winning dont mentor or assist others then they should be taken out of challenges perhaps for a while?
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OK, sorry, that hit a sore point with me :-).
IMO, you do that you definitely kill the site. This site is about Challenges. Challenges are about "competition". Competition is about trying to be "The Best". You improve by being able to measure yourself against "The Best" and hopefully, maybe, one day, become "The Best".
Removing the top photographers means those who are not really "The Best" yet, get the illusion for a while that in fact they *are* the best ... to what end exactly? So they can have a little blue ribbon on their front page? And what would that mean when in fact they didn't have to beat anybody of "significance" to get it? And then what ... they now win a few times, they are now "The Best" (even though we know they aren't, because "The Real Best" have been stopped from competing) and now its their turn to get removed from Challenges, so those who are not even as good as them can get their little blue ribbon?
Sorry, it just doesn't work that way. You want a pat on the head for your image, show it to an aquaintance ... they will be too polite to say anything rude (*don't* show it to your family, they will tell you honestly what they think ;-)).
Personally I think it is a priviledge to compete against or "with" these top photographers. My brother once asked what I had to do to be *allowed* to enter these challenges! (A bit like having a Sunday afternoon football team and being allowed to play a match against the National Team :-)).
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11/21/2012 09:40:40 AM · #75 |
Originally posted by toddhead:
2. Bundle a free membership with a digital editing software company. Adobe may be too big to care and too hard to do, but Portrait Professional or something along that line may not be. Sure you may lose money on memberships, but the site visitors and membership would increase dramatically. Which in turn would allow you to charge more for advertising. (I would suggest camera companies or photography retailers, but they may take some real effort) |
This sounds brilliant to me. |
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