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DPChallenge Forums >> Administrator Announcements >> Future of DPC (Note regarding DPL 2)
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Showing posts 26 - 50 of 116, (reverse)
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03/13/2008 10:49:38 PM · #26
Another in agreement with Louis. I have no interest in DPL but for the ones that do it seems important to them. I joined DPC about six months ago to get honest feedback on my photography and to give honest feedback to others. I've picked up a lot in a short time and enjoy DPC very much. I have noticed however in the last few months feedback is getting less and less. Out of 450+ entries in Feb. free study I had 1 comment on my entry. I posted a message asking for feedback on a forum and I think I recieved 3 or 4 people (and I thank very much). I hope we can encouarge more responses from people....I see that as a big problem here and I don't understand why.
Anyway, to the ones who run this site....your doing a great job....thank you.
03/13/2008 11:07:34 PM · #27
Gawd I hope you finally add drink holders to this site.

Ever since the key board voting upgrade, it is really hard not to spill.

Just a thought.

change away.
03/14/2008 12:57:04 AM · #28
Why is it that whenever the DPL is mentioned someone has to always mention the fact that a few were caught cheating while playing in the league. So what? People cheat all the time. They cheated before the league started and they'll cheat afterwards. I'm sure several are cheating right now as I type this. If you're concern about the cheating that's good but lets stop pretending that the DPL caused it or caused more of it because that simply isn't true. If you're not interested in the DPL then simply state that and move on. No need to insinuate things you can't back up.

Now that said, I'm all for change. It would be nice though if some hints were dropped as to what they might be. Personally, I'd love it if we cancelled the accounts of everyone who calls themselves a landscape photographer. These are evil people who have won way too many ribbons and need to go. Langdon, I hope you are listening.
03/14/2008 01:23:41 AM · #29
Bummer deal.. I too renewed my membership with the hopes that the DPL would be starting back up again soon.. It's certainly not the only reason I renewed, but it was the largest reason.. I'm also totally confused about the "problems" associated with the inital season of DPL.. I thought it was perfect.. lol.. I feel like I missed the family meeting where everyone discussed the huge family scandal.. I know there's always talk of cheating, but that can happen with every single challenge.. Right?? And, I thought it was fixed by not allowing us to vote on our own team members images.. Whatever !! I loved it. I miss the communication with my ole team members and not that it's the DPL's fault, but I miss the fire it lit under my bootie.. So, I'm with the crowd that says.... GET IT ON !!!
03/14/2008 01:39:35 AM · #30
Yes, I think the main issue is that most people don't see that there was a problem with DPL, so we can't see any reason not to 'flip the switch'. A flawed DPL is better than no DPL, right? The fact that people have been asking for the DPL ever since the previous one finished means that people want it to start.

If the flaws are so bad that the DPL cannot be run, why haven't we been officially told what the flaws are? Was anyone pestering the SC for the DPL to be fixed? Not that I've heard. I don't know, maybe the SC workload is too great for the current DPL structure? That's a valid reason, but not one that has been explained. Cheating has been hinted at - is this the problem behind it all? Was the cheating so bad that the whole DPL was doing more bad than good?

Anyway, with a lack of any explanation as to what the problem is, I'm with BHuseman - any DPL is better than no DPL. With talk of the WPL restarting, is that a better option than the current DPL?

There's my 2c. :)

Message edited by author 2008-03-14 02:36:10.
03/14/2008 02:23:30 AM · #31
I joined DPC six years ago this month, and during that time I have recieved lots of support from Dpc members and hope that my photography has grown with the site. I appreciate the work that Langdon, Drew and The SC have put into the running of this site. And Whilst I aree that there will always be cheats, I don't think cheating should be condoned! Thank- You Langdon, Drew and Site council, for a site that has given me great pleasure, and boosted my moral during some bad patches in my life!
Sandy
03/14/2008 02:38:51 AM · #32
I do agree with Louis. Let there be an overhaul of DPC if the P-T-B believe that would be the best route to go. I love this site.

As for the DPL... I acknowledge the fact that a great many people want it back. And I am sure that Langdon and crew would love to have it back as well, if only to help BHuseman bring his blood pressure down to normal levels. But if there were problems with DPL, known by us members or not, and the SC decides that in order for the problems to be taken care of to a point where they will not pop up again...and if to do so an overhaul is needed... haul away! I can only imagine the grief the SC would get if they were to let DPL proceed as is and then all of those problems were to crop up and be known by those participating. Guess who would get the blame as well as all of the grief? I can pretty much guarantee it wouldn't be those that are ranting on about the lack of DPL at this time. And I don't mean those who would like DPL back... just the more vocal ones.

Whoops! I probably got on someone's s**tlist for this post.

NOTE TO LANGDON: Maybe you should post all of the problems that DPL-1 encountered. And maybe why you would rather wait until the overhaul for "2". Maybe with some inside info people might understand better. Just a thought!
03/14/2008 02:53:58 AM · #33
I'm looking forward to the next DPL in my opinion better sooner then later, but if it does happen later because of improvements to the site I would like to see improvements to DPL, though no ideas come to mind on how it could be improved. otherwise if it is possible run it sooner.
03/14/2008 03:39:22 AM · #34
On a side note, somebody brought up once the idea of hiring a programmer to help langdon with the coding for the site. Surely there's budget for that with everyone's $25 in the pot. It'd help everything as the changes langdon plans would be implemented more quickly. Or am I missing something?
03/14/2008 05:24:07 AM · #35
Originally posted by langdon:

We decided to refocus our efforts on overhauling DPChallenge.

You're voting me off the island, aren't you?? I knew it!! There's no room for clowns in the new, Utopian DPC.

Before my torch is extinguished, I'll just say this about DPL - I can take it or leave it. It sounded like something I would enjoy participating in if I had the time. I saw much downside though - never liked the idea of collaboration. I think I would be all for it if it ran it's own challenges separate from the normal ones. Bottom line for me: Do whatever will cause the least amount of grumbling and complaining. Good luck with that. :)
03/14/2008 05:30:16 AM · #36
My 2pence:

I feel there is a lot of focus on the DPL and I would love to take part, but this area of the site is only open to paid members.

As much as I browse this site every day, I do not have as much free time (or cash!) as I would like to take part in lots of challenges, so the $25 annual cost is something I don't want to pay right now.

If the focus on DPL became any greater I think you would be on the point of alienating many of the Registered users, as there would be so much of the site they cannot take part in (Menu option dedicated to league and many forum topics that pop up are locked to registered users etc.).
I am not saying the DPL being for mambers only is wrong, as there should deffinately be more opportunity for the paid up element of the user base, though I think Langdons opening post is right, in that focus on DPChallenge and its original aim is needed to keep the site going. After all, the DPL is highly dependant on the core site, IE having challenges.

Whatever happens, I look forward to the updates and will get round to "paying up" and hopefully taking part in the league at some point in the future.

AL.

03/14/2008 05:45:35 AM · #37
I felt the the DPL turned it from a Challenge to a Competition, and peoples attitude changed as a result. DPC got me into photography of which I am extremely thankful and I will continue to support it, if there is a DPL2 I hope it isn't detrimental to all the things I love about the site. DPCPrints is definately something I want to focus my attention on...to feed my glass habit that DPC started!
03/14/2008 06:09:52 AM · #38
Originally posted by yanko:

Why is it that whenever the DPL is mentioned someone has to always mention the fact that a few were caught cheating while playing in the league. So what? People cheat all the time. They cheated before the league started and they'll cheat afterwards. I'm sure several are cheating right now as I type this. If you're concern about the cheating that's good but lets stop pretending that the DPL caused it or caused more of it because that simply isn't true. If you're not interested in the DPL then simply state that and move on. No need to insinuate things you can't back up.

Now that said, I'm all for change. It would be nice though if some hints were dropped as to what they might be. Personally, I'd love it if we cancelled the accounts of everyone who calls themselves a landscape photographer. These are evil people who have won way too many ribbons and need to go. Langdon, I hope you are listening.


Surely the word you're looking for here is portrait photographer?

Quite right, too.
03/14/2008 07:53:08 AM · #39
Accuse his site of sucking, and then threaten to leave if he doesn't do what you say ... good one

that should work

:/

Originally posted by BHuseman:

I think this absolutely sucks big time! The code is already written for the DPL to run. What more does it take for this site to say ok lets do it. Instead we are forced to sit back and wait for a whole new set of code to be written to make changes to the site. Go ahead and make your changes, but in the mean time flip the switch and run the season two at the same time. I know we aren't forced, we can always leave the site and trust me, when the membership runs out that is probably a distinct possibility. The only and I mean only reason why I renewed my membership last time was for the DPL. If it wasn't for the teammates I had I would have left the site all together. But I stayed because I liked the camaraderie and interaction with them and it made the site more fun.

Bottom line, just run the DPL while you do whatever else it is you want to do. That or, someone please figure out a way to do it on the side. It is a shame that the site decided to take over a feature that they had no intention/capability (or whatever it was) of running or supporting.
03/14/2008 08:16:49 AM · #40
I joined DPChallenge before DPL. It is a GREAT site in of otself. My photos have immproved(even if my scores havent). I'm staying one way or another. With that being said, I really enjoyed being in the DPL, It was a wonderful experience. But its not the end all be all. Do what you need Langdon, I look forward to seeing the changes.
03/14/2008 08:20:03 AM · #41
Originally posted by Art Roflmao:

... Bottom line for me: Do whatever will cause the least amount of grumbling and complaining. Good luck with that. :)

Good luck, yep - no kidding! :-) BTW, what kind of fuel does your torch require? I miss it's presence and would be happy to pick up some extra petro for it. :-D
03/14/2008 08:27:28 AM · #42
Originally posted by cheekymunky:

I felt the the DPL turned it from a Challenge to a Competition, and peoples attitude changed as a result. ...

I can't put a finger on any specifics of this myself, but agree with your sentiment overall...the attitude/environment did shift while DPL was running and it seemed a bit more tense.

I do have to say I had a good time participating in DPL. Still, something does change here when it's running.
03/14/2008 08:33:05 AM · #43
I love this site... the way it is(I personally have no need for changes). Wondering what an "overhaul" means.... *biting nails*
I am not interested in the DPL... only because I dont want to commit myself to having to shoot for X amount of time.
My 2 cents.... DPC is here whether or not DPL is.... do whatever you believe is necessary to DPC first..... you will have grumbling either way :P

03/14/2008 08:41:31 AM · #44
Originally posted by Sunniee:

Wondering what an "overhaul" means....

Well, the site has looked pretty much the same for over 5 years now, so I suspect that part of the overhaul may be related to the look of the site. The main change (from my understanding) will be to extend the current DPC functionality to enable much more integration for side challenges & tournaments etc, hence Langdon's desire to hold off on DPL2 until all the code for it is complete.

DISCLAIMER: this is merely my interpretation of this thread, and I don't really know anything more about it than you all do, so don't count this post as definitive :)
03/14/2008 08:49:55 AM · #45
Originally posted by tjbel05:

I joined DPChallenge before DPL. It is a GREAT site in of otself. My photos have immproved(even if my scores havent). I'm staying one way or another. With that being said, I really enjoyed being in the DPL, It was a wonderful experience. But its not the end all be all. Do what you need Langdon, I look forward to seeing the changes.


I like the idea of the DPL, and would have loved to taken part in DPL1 but for the lack of a camera at the time. I look forward to DPL2, but, for me, it won't be the be-all and end-all of DPC. This site is so much more for so many people... sure the DPL seems like it'll be fun, and a bit of HEALTHY competition is a good thing... as long as it's not all consuming.

Personally, I'm here for:

a) Improve my photography skills (and it would appear that DPC does help improve peoples photography)
b) Improve my photoshop skills
c) Enjoy the great community this site houses
d) Engage in some interesting discussions with said community
e) Have some fun

If the DPL, or WPL or DPCOlympics can assist in getting one or more of these things... I'm up for it... but it's not a priority.
03/14/2008 09:03:38 AM · #46
Unfortunately there will always be debate and dissent when humans are involved, and DPC is no different. The powers that be need to do what they think is best and then enjoy or suffer the consequences.

My own membership is up in about a month and I have not made my decision yet, but it has nothing to do with the DPL and more to do with the general tone of the site changing in a bad way that has me hesitating. (and I do not mean changing from the operating side, I mean from the participants end of things, although more clearly defined challenges with solid encouragement to vote lower on DNMC entries would be nice)

That being said, DPC has gotten me off my buttocks to go out and shoot more, which is what I need.
03/14/2008 09:06:17 AM · #47
Originally posted by keegbow:

Do what you have to do Langdon we can wait. Maybe while we wait we could have a bit more of an open forum on what the problems were and how to fix them, similiar to the input thread on the rule changes.

I'm sure we members might have some good ideas but if not I still have full trust in you and the SC to get things right without our input.

I think one of the major problems with dpc is the classification of subject. I do not like that aspect of dpc at all.
*How can you vote a portrait against a landscape in the same challenge?

*And how about more regarding the art of photography, such as photoshopping images to create surreal or "perfect" images. What I mean by that is, if you take a pic of a fence, which is really pretty, but it is up against a factory, or a factory in the background and you have a picture of a lovely mountain, replace the factory with the mountain.

*I think that challenge wise, there could be greater flexibility. Perhaps in the basic challenges, have one within the time frame and one that can be created anytime.

*I love the idea of categories within the challenges, so you can rate a portrait against a portrait and a landscape against a landscape.

I think that dp began as a marvelous tool, and still is when seeking help and technique, but there is much room for improvement.

Why I have been very spotty is because of other sites that meet my schedule and time constraints better. I also like categories by subject, because not everybody has access to great landscapes, but they have marvelous tools for studio photography. However, the studio shots don't always lend themselves to a challenge. Anyway, I can't wait to see what things Langdon has in store, but I have my suspicions of what they might be, and I am very excited if I am right.
03/14/2008 09:09:30 AM · #48
An active coder (Langdon) who loves his site and his people, and a long period of time not much changes... It tells me one thing; he was and is working on something that will make us go "WOW"...

Langdon is a programmer that he only releases his codes after many tests, unlike most coders I know which end up with very slow and buggy programs (or websites), so I do understand he is taking his time to make things correct from the beginning.

Of course that's only what I think with my experiences. It might not be all that.

One thing is sure though, he listens us. Not only the "tickets" but annoying members like me who keep bringing stuff back over and over again... yes, I take some credits of whatever changes might be here, just like I give credits to the others who raised their voices when something's bothered them.

FP

(From previous posts, I had to add this fine print: I apologize about lack of my language. Grammars and spellings might not be perfect. If you have any questions about above statement, please ask. Thank you)

Message edited by author 2008-03-14 09:16:18.
03/14/2008 09:16:22 AM · #49
My 2p, since you're asking:

I've joined since any DPL, am not a member of any team and have never experienced the DPL...so I have no idea.

Here's what I do know:

- there is a big gap between DPL team members and free agents/non players, including opinion friends for discussion of ideas and submissions. This doesn't seem very fair to new members although there's not much that can be done to address it afaics.

- whether it is just high standard, DPC 'style' or anything else, the DPC ribbon winners tend to be of a particular style of eye candy. It would be nice if there was a mechanism in DPC to reward experimentation and more edgy images, more than posthumous's (or any other users) ribbons....to recognise and encourage out of the box thinking, new techniques, artistic license.

- trialling of challenges with more specific subject matter rules, so as to reduce DNMC votes and reduce the interpretation element and try to enhance artistic and technical elements.

- whilst on the subject of DNMC, how about a checkbox? The checkbox could be used as a trial for users to indicate lack of meeting the challenge requirements RATHER THAN A LOW SCORE. The results from the DNMC checkbox could have a threshold (e.g. percentage of total votes) at the end, but initially just for info (like comments or faves). The thinking is that if this device is present then people would have to vote 1,2,3 for poor execution or unappealing subject (and not interpretation).

DP is a great place and for me it's a love/hate relationship (much more love than hate!!) as I struggle to achieve the photographer I want to be, but torn between wanting to be a ribbon winner (i.e. artistic vision versus eye candy). It was never a problem until DPC...and it's not a bad thing...but I'd love the option some days to express myself rather than expressing what I think hundreds of predominantly american voters will like - and DPC at the moment doesn't really handle it (hence my frustration some days).

Thanks for everything so far. I have faith that whatever you do will be good - just do it on concensus of the SC with some consultation of the users...but don't let the tail wag the dog :)

Best

N


03/14/2008 09:20:24 AM · #50
Two thoughts:

1) Can we remove the DPL "Recent Forum Activity" section on the main page for those that participated? At this point, it's just clutter.

2) I personally don't miss DPL. It was fun for a while, but it I found it detracted from shooting to learn and for the enjoyment of it. If DPL does return, I think I will pass this time. DPC is a better site without it, IMHO.
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