Photographer policing?

[Jeff_Green]

Just curious why it is that there is such a desire to police those in our community to the point of driving them away?

We are all a part of a special community that has been around for YEARS. Some of us have been a part of the forum in some way or another for a LONG time. It seems that we have some (and it varies based on the topic) who not only want to tell people why they shouldn't do something, but then continue to tell them and then others will jump in to tell them the same thing.

Many times, the issue has nothing to do with the photograph, the photographer, or photography, but the policer's soap box. Recent instance was the landscape thread (now closed) on lighting steel wool in a state park. It wasn't enough to say "Be careful, they can fine you for that". It had to get turned into an insult to the Original Poster's intelligence. Whether it is that, railroad tracks, private property, whatever, I can't understand it.

If you feel the need to correct someones absolutely horrible actions of standing too close to railroad tracks or whatever, make your remarks in a kind, friendly manner and DROP IT. I don't care to see links about a burn ban from 2008 followed by numerous links concerning one instance. Don't drive our fellow photographers from a forum that has proven to be a valuable asset to many because you can't step off your soap box.
{stepping off my soap box}

[ka5txl]

[Jake]

Seriously?

[snydersnapshots]

Originally Posted by Jeff_Green

Just curious why it is that there is such a desire to police those in our community to the point of driving them away?

We are all a part of a special community that has been around for YEARS. Some of us have been a part of the forum in some way or another for a LONG time. It seems that we have some (and it varies based on the topic) who not only want to tell people why they shouldn't do something, but then continue to tell them and then others will jump in to tell them the same thing.

Many times, the issue has nothing to do with the photograph, the photographer, or photography, but the policer's soap box. Recent instance was the landscape thread (now closed) on lighting steel wool in a state park. It wasn't enough to say "Be careful, they can fine you for that". It had to get turned into an insult to the Original Poster's intelligence. Whether it is that, railroad tracks, private property, whatever, I can't understand it.

If you feel the need to correct someones absolutely horrible actions of standing too close to railroad tracks or whatever, make your remarks in a kind, friendly manner and DROP IT. I don't care to see links about a burn ban from 2008 followed by numerous links concerning one instance. Don't drive our fellow photographers from a forum that has proven to be a valuable asset to many because you can't step off your soap box.
{stepping off my soap box}

Amen...

[Jeff_Green]

Originally Posted by Jake

Seriously?

Leave it to Jake to let me know when I have been slacking! And to Brad to pick up for me when I've been slacking. Just rest assured that the only incendiary device used in the posting of this is my keyboard!

[brewercm]

I've enjoyed so many of your posts in the time I've been a member here I was wondering if you had called it quits on here.

[Tom]

Who made you the photographer police police?

[Jeff_Green]

Originally Posted by Tom

Who made you the photographer police police?

I was deputized by Cpt. Tom!

[picman]

Deputy Jeff ---too funny

[mdparthum]

As with any grouping of people, clicks develop and form into pro and con camps. People have opinions and they find it easier to express from behind a keyboard than face to face. Visible emotions and tactfulness are lost in the internet age and many times people type things they either don't mean to hurt or find it difficult to express in a way that is constructive. And the same for us reading them. I am sure we would all be friends if we were in a social setting away from the internet.

[Nikonfan]

Originally Posted by Jeff_Green

Just curious why it is that there is such a desire to police those in our community to the point of driving them away?

We are all a part of a special community that has been around for YEARS. Some of us have been a part of the forum in some way or another for a LONG time. It seems that we have some (and it varies based on the topic) who not only want to tell people why they shouldn't do something, but then continue to tell them and then others will jump in to tell them the same thing.

Many times, the issue has nothing to do with the photograph, the photographer, or photography, but the policer's soap box. Recent instance was the landscape thread (now closed) on lighting steel wool in a state park. It wasn't enough to say "Be careful, they can fine you for that". It had to get turned into an insult to the Original Poster's intelligence. Whether it is that, railroad tracks, private property, whatever, I can't understand it.

If you feel the need to correct someones absolutely horrible actions of standing too close to railroad tracks or whatever, make your remarks in a kind, friendly manner and DROP IT. I don't care to see links about a burn ban from 2008 followed by numerous links concerning one instance. Don't drive our fellow photographers from a forum that has proven to be a valuable asset to many because you can't step off your soap box.
{stepping off my soap box}

It's because the "police" have no happiness or control over anything else in their life. Maybe their spouse wears the pants in the relationship and walks all over them or maybe they lost their job and feel worthless. Whatever the reason, it becomes obvious when they attempt to exert control over others in a public forum by policing them. The same reason that school yard bullies are usually the ones getting pushed around at home. Human nature won't change, but from what I have seen this forum has been doing a good job of getting rid of any bullies.

[Sonny]

[mdparthum]

[Jeff_Green]

Originally Posted by Sonny

I had to look closely to make sure that was the right finger in that second emoticon!!

[Sonny]

One a serious note...if this thread gets out of hand then you all will have forced us to use this
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.





So please, keep it civil.

Thanks,
-The Mod Team