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10/06/2014 09:32:28 AM · #176 |
| There are definitely two schools of thought in photography--those who want to "get it right in the camera" with little or no processing, and those who believe processing has been around forever, done by the "masters" in film, and is as important as what the camera captures. Personally, I like processing, although I do think getting a good image in camera makes processing much easier. I would not be interested in every challenge being minimal or basic, just as many of you would not be interested in every challenge being advanced or expert. Maybe at least one challenge per week could be separated into two: Minimal or Basic and Advanced or Expert. |
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10/06/2014 10:54:35 AM · #177 |
Originally posted by Elaine:
Maybe at least one challenge per week could be separated into two: Minimal or Basic and Advanced or Expert. |
I would like that as well. |
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10/07/2014 08:18:28 PM · #178 |
Originally posted by Leo:
Originally posted by DrAchoo:
I've kept my eye on membership numbers as the site slowly dies and each time this conversation comes up. DPC has bled another 150 members and is at 850. It seems to be slowing, but the decline is certain. In December, 2009 it was 1953. On March 6th, 2013 it stood at 1006. Today it is 850. |
Originally posted by Art Roflmao:
 These discussions are nothing if not entertaining. |
Just stirring the pot... Membership is at 698 today... |
It may be worse than that because of the 100 oldest memberships there aren't more than a dozen or so people that have participated in the last few years. I wonder how many "perpetual" memberships have been granted over the years. I can't imagine these people are coughing up $25/year and haven't come here for three years... |
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10/08/2014 11:04:06 AM · #179 |
Hi, I'm Kat and I'm a lurker....lol.
I've been gone for awhile, but periodically stop by. Life and things caused my lapse of participation. It happens.
I originally came here to learn, not for flowery comments, and for the people. Some of those people moved on as their skills progressed and happily, I am seeing many return to DPC and participate again. It was the lack of willing helpfulness and constructive criticism that drove me off, yet nothing like the drama in the forums and the bitching!! It hit a fevered pitch a couple of years ago when certain members appeared (and I'm not mentioning names, so don't ask) and it was enough! Because some of those members are still here, I'm leery of running back, but my hope is that some of the great ones are returning and their culture will return. I'm not living in the past, but the culture of DPC earlier was a more appealing culture. We make it what it is, folks!! (I had this same conversation with other previous DPC members and without prompting, we all had that very same opinion regarding the drama!!!!) Many are not currently participating here for that very reason.
Of late, I've noticed that some of the more Senior (not age, get off me lol) are appearing in challenges again. Fantastic! These were the talented people that did wonderful work and shared knowledge! They gave constructive criticism in comments, not the 'Flickresque' type comments, lol, but that was one of the reasons I left. I don't like the tender skinned peeps bitching because someone left constructive criticism. That was the nature of this sight. If you wanted to learn, you came here and it was available. That started to go away. This is by no means a blanket statement that applies to everyone here, but the percentage of members that fit the category changed!
I think there was a time when the Flickr crowd tried jumping in and were expecting a similar experience. When it didn't happen, they either whined or left. So be it. There is something about this site that has rekindled the interest of some of our "masters" to return and participate. At the risk of getting blasted, I like that DPC hasn't changed much. As has been mentioned, there are tons of places on the internet now for digital photography. The fact that DPC hasn't changed much will soon, imho, be what makes it once again stand out from the crowd.
I will renew again once my hubby gets paid, as I am again without work, but time to again explore my passion, but I will need help and would like to think I can find it here and once again learn. Luckily, I have some great friends from DPC past that are still a huge resource should this not pan out.
Anyway...I am starting to have hope again for DPC. |
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10/08/2014 01:01:15 PM · #180 |
Originally posted by bergiekat:
Hi, I'm Kat and I'm a lurker....lol.
I've been gone for awhile, but periodically stop by. Life and things caused my lapse of participation. It happens. |
Welcome back! A couple of things I've found helpful in surviving the "drama" you describe....
ΓΆ€ΒΆ If someone responds negatively to your constructive criticism, remember that THEY are the one who is choosing to not benefit, not that YOU did anything wrong. If they violate the site TOS (language, threats, etc.), just copy the comunications in a ticket to the SC and move on -- it's not your problem.
ΓΆ€ΒΆ If you don't like forum drama, you can choose to hide the Rant section from your Preferences page, which should reduce your exposure considerably.
ΓΆ€ΒΆ If you have questions, there are still plenty of people willing to try and help -- really! Depending on the type of question you can start a forum thread, submit a ticket to the SC, or PM individuals.
ΓΆ€ΒΆ Whenever possible, lead by example. I have erased many many paragraphs before hitting the "Post" button ... :-) |
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10/08/2014 01:26:36 PM · #181 |
Originally posted by bergiekat:
Hi, I'm Kat and I'm a lurker....lol.
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Looking forward to seeing you enter some challenges again Kat - and your banter in the forums! |
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10/08/2014 07:19:18 PM · #182 |
Originally posted by bergiekat:
Hi, I'm Kat and I'm a lurker....lol.
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Glad you're still lurking, Kat. I'm another that enjoys your forum posts and your images.
You're pretty good at those "Best of ...." challenges.
This one is especially nice:
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10/08/2014 09:05:23 PM · #183 |
Does a thread ever come out of "rant"? If not, could this one be a first?
The only reason I saw this was because I was checking another thread, as I turn "Rant" off.
Dang it: This one belongs on the front page. |
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10/08/2014 09:15:12 PM · #184 |
Try submitting a ticket and see if  Bear_Music |
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10/08/2014 09:59:28 PM · #185 |
Originally posted by GeneralE:
Try submitting a ticket and see if Bear_Music some gullible SC member is willing to hide all the rant-worthy posts ... |
Are you, then, Paul, telling me that you are a hardened SCer who would never change a label?
;) |
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10/08/2014 10:14:30 PM · #186 |
No, just that I'm too busy tired biased lazy to go through and make any (possibly) necessary changes, especially without some other SC opinions.
You can put this thread on Watch and continue to hide the rest of the Rants for easy access for now ... |
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10/09/2014 12:23:52 AM · #187 |
Originally posted by GeneralE:
Try submitting a ticket and see if Bear_Music some gullible SC member is willing to hide all the rant-worthy posts ... |
Alright, it's clean enough now. Pulling her out of rant with a provisional pardon. Play nice, folks, or back she goes :-) |
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10/09/2014 12:33:48 AM · #188 |
| full disclosure; I haven't read the whole thread. My reason for letting my membership lapse and not participate hardly at all is a combination of Langdons (imo) lack of caring enough to do anything with the site and how much more I enjoy 500px. Do I get the constructive criticism there? No, but I get almost instantaneous views, likes and comments when I upload. Not to mention, SOOOOOOOOO much easier to upload and just click "enable in store" at the same time. Nice to know people are looking and make some sales at the same time. |
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10/09/2014 01:06:05 AM · #189 |
Thanks, Bear. Always good to have a healthy discussion on this subject on the front page for all to see! And, yes, I hope everyone keeps it civil.
:) |
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10/09/2014 01:49:39 AM · #190 |
Originally posted by MAK:
...what is really needed is a total facelift |
Lest you've forgotten, the recent minor change to the site on the front page caused all sorts of consternation and protestation...
No matter what is or isn't done, or how it's done, there will always be a vocal contingency loudly expressing their displeasure.
I think the tone of the forums did far more to erode membership than anything else. And I'm here to officially say that THAT won't happen again on my watch ;) |
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10/09/2014 05:07:34 AM · #191 |
Im not really bothered about the bitching and moaning, it has always been here in some shape or form. As you say, people will always find reason to moan.
I just sincerely hope that we can stay afloat. I welcome the upgrade we have with 5 on the front page, means i get to be on the front page more often as i usually finish outside the ribbons ;) ... A better upgrade would be to increase the file size & pixel LxW to maybe 1000 (1200 better), there are ways to make it difficult for pic thieves to steal our pics but we will never stop the determined regardless so I have ceased to worry about them too. :) ..
Maybe as Simms suggested years ago, fewer challenges, maybe include photography/photoshop options for challenges... who knows? I have some great friends from this site and the old place was paramount in my development in Photography so I guess im a bit protective over it and want the best for the site and its members.
With Tanguera policing the forums it will be a lot more fun ;) |
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10/09/2014 05:45:12 AM · #192 |
I was absent for three years due to tumultuous stuff in RL (triple bypass will do that sort of thing) and came back when I happened to meet a member a bit over a year ago and we got to talking about dpc. I rejoined, found I had learned a few things during my absence, and just finished (and renewed) my first year back.
On the whole, I like the site and appreciate the comments even when I disagree. I also find that I am still learning new things. (About a week ago in a thread on b&w Bear made an observation about tones that had somehow eluded me in the past. I took it to heart, and already I can see improvements in my b&w). I vote in nearly every challenge whether or not I have a horse in the race and will add comments if I have time.
On the whole, dpc may have fewer members, but I don't find the tenor of the place to have changed much over the past four years.
I also post photos, frequently the same ones, on other sites and they generally elicit the customary "nice capture" type of response. I do it mostly to participate and look at other peoples' work. I find I get better comments here and from time to time pick up an idea or two.
I don't expect anything more, I like the site the way it is, enjoy some of the people with whom I've had some occasion to talk, so I guess I don't rant very often. DPC has a niche and it seems to fill it fine, IMHO. Just saying....
Message edited by author 2014-10-09 05:46:32. |
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10/09/2014 06:38:43 AM · #193 |
nevermind
Message edited by author 2014-10-09 06:54:52. |
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10/09/2014 07:05:17 AM · #194 |
what broke about dpc is us.
i haven't renewed my membership because i have no interest here. i don't know why that is but i cant blame anything but myself. |
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10/09/2014 07:22:14 AM · #195 |
Originally posted by pamb:
But the point is we need new members, or bring back old ones, or preferably both. |
I'm new, signed up last night, but after reading the rules for Red, I think I'll pass.
I'm confused. What's the point of minimal?
I can't think of a context where I wouldn't do any editing in the real world.
I only use prime lenses. Can't crop? What am I supposed to do? Stand in a lake? Walk into traffic? Uri Geller myself up in the sky? I don't see the point of not allowing someone to crop. I'll argue the lack of other editing as well. I didn't realize it was this primitive before signing up. I think I'll pass.
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10/09/2014 07:29:46 AM · #196 |
Originally posted by RandyRedford:
Originally posted by pamb:
But the point is we need new members, or bring back old ones, or preferably both. |
I'm new, signed up last night, but after reading the rules for Red, I think I'll pass.
I'm confused. What's the point of minimal?
I can't think of a context where I wouldn't do any editing in the real world.
I only use prime lenses. Can't crop? What am I supposed to do? Stand in a lake? Walk into traffic? Uri Geller myself up in the sky? I don't see the point of not allowing someone to crop. I'll argue the lack of other editing as well. I didn't realize it was this primitive before signing up. I think I'll pass. |
Why not even try. This site is about challenges and although minimal might not be the most interesting stuff, it is a challenge. Other than that, most challenges are Advanced Editing and you can use most Photoshop features. So don't pass, give it a try and have fun.
Message edited by author 2014-10-09 07:30:26. |
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10/09/2014 07:54:47 AM · #197 |
Originally posted by RandyRedford:
Originally posted by pamb:
But the point is we need new members, or bring back old ones, or preferably both. |
I'm new, signed up last night, but after reading the rules for Red, I think I'll pass.
I'm confused. What's the point of minimal?
I can't think of a context where I wouldn't do any editing in the real world.
I only use prime lenses. Can't crop? What am I supposed to do? Stand in a lake? Walk into traffic? Uri Geller myself up in the sky? I don't see the point of not allowing someone to crop. I'll argue the lack of other editing as well. I didn't realize it was this primitive before signing up. I think I'll pass. |
Randy, you don't HAVE to enter a Minimal challenge, now or ever, and btw Minimal challenges happen along very rarely these days, Advanced is the overwhelming name of the game.
There are no rules saying any member has to enter any challenge, ever. There are three other challenges you can shoot for, including Free Study for which you have all month to shoot for - and they're Advanced editing.
As for having prime lenses...well, most of my glass is prime too, and I'm shooting for Red with a prime lens. Knowing all too well about the no-cropping rule, which also pisses me off, I'm simply going to ensure that I fill the frame so I wouldn't have to crop anyway. And adjust your camera settings so you can get the most out of a capture.
It's all about flexibility and learning how to adapt your style to shoot in different circumstances!!! |
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10/09/2014 07:55:42 AM · #198 |
Originally posted by RandyRedford:
Originally posted by pamb:
But the point is we need new members, or bring back old ones, or preferably both. |
I'm new, signed up last night, but after reading the rules for Red, I think I'll pass.
I'm confused. What's the point of minimal?
I can't think of a context where I wouldn't do any editing in the real world.
I only use prime lenses. Can't crop? What am I supposed to do? Stand in a lake? Walk into traffic? Uri Geller myself up in the sky? I don't see the point of not allowing someone to crop. I'll argue the lack of other editing as well. I didn't realize it was this primitive before signing up. I think I'll pass. |
Minimal editing challenges are pretty rare to be honest. |
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10/09/2014 08:09:18 AM · #199 |
| The Fuji XT-1 (along with many other cameras) has a built in crop mode so just shoot 1x1 6x4 or whatever floats your boat. |
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10/09/2014 08:54:02 AM · #200 |
Originally posted by Paul:
Originally posted by RandyRedford:
Originally posted by pamb:
But the point is we need new members, or bring back old ones, or preferably both. |
I'm new, signed up last night, but after reading the rules for Red, I think I'll pass.
I'm confused. What's the point of minimal?
I can't think of a context where I wouldn't do any editing in the real world.
I only use prime lenses. Can't crop? What am I supposed to do? Stand in a lake? Walk into traffic? Uri Geller myself up in the sky? I don't see the point of not allowing someone to crop. I'll argue the lack of other editing as well. I didn't realize it was this primitive before signing up. I think I'll pass. |
Minimal editing challenges are pretty rare to be honest. |
This is what I've learned from Minimal Editing Challenges...Knowledge of my camera functions, Composition, HOW TO CLEAN MY CAMERA &/ LENS properly!!!! I'm the odd duck here...I like minimal editing...NOT every week. But they make me really think and plan out my execution (and keep my gear clean). |
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These discussions are nothing if not entertaining. 
