Notice To All: Rules Reminder

[Abel]

With TPF surpassing the 20,000 member park and closing in on the 1,000,000 post mark I think it is very important that I refresh members about our rules here on TPF.

I've recently gotten some complaints that people are finding TPF to be a very brash place to visit and not very friendly to beginner photographers. These statements do not set well with me... when in fact I have been on the wrong side of that sort of treatment as a beginning photographer and since day one of TPF some 5 years ago I have made it a point to not let TPF get to that point.

This is the reason I feel it is important to remind all members, new and old of our rules here on TPF.

Our Rules Here:
http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum/view.php?pg=rules

2. Personal attacks on fellow members will NOT be tolerated.

3. Be considerate & professional at all times to other members on the forum.

5. Courteous Criticisms
When critiquing posted photographs, please do it in an adult, considerate and professional manner. Do not insult the photographer or simply state "it sucks" etc. Give a reason as to what you may feel he/she could have done a little differently in order to get better results. Also, feel free to offer some positives about the image itself that you did like, this will inform the photographer what worked well in your opinion. We can all learn a lot from each other here so let's be professional about it.

7. All levels welcomed
Everyone from a very beginner to a seasoned professional photographer is welcomed here on the forum. With that being said all members are asked to be considerate to a newbie when they ask questions that you may feel are "stupid". We were all beginners once in this hobby of ours so lets keep that in mind and help people are wanting to learn about photography. Negative comments can be a complete turnoff for a newbie and he/she may decide to never return.


The rules listed above and ones found on the Rules Page will be enforced. If any member can not abide by the rules I have set forth then TPF is not the place for you. I am sure there are other photography forums out there that will suite your needs.


Thank you for your time...

[Sonny]

Damn straight! Thanks for the reminder, Abel.

[Redmouse]

There are a lot of complaints about MWAC, "Mom With a Camera", in the photography world. Especially when you cross into the realm where you make money in photography as a primary income. Remember, MWAC are beginners. Weren't you a beginner once? Weren't we all?

[vibhav]

Absolutely agree!

[CaptainTom]

Stop all yer griping and get back to work !

[hooligan]

This place has a wealth of wisdom to be harvested to help beginners. I have hated to have to tell people to be careful how they phrase their questions because of the terse and condecending replies I have seen from other (small percentage) members.

Thanks for the reminder.

[Sonny]

Originally Posted by hooligan

I have hated to have to tell people to be careful how they phrase their questions because of the terse and condescending replies I have seen from other (small percentage) members.

That should never have to happen! It definitely wasn't like that two to three years ago. And I believe it still should be that way.

I for one, owe everything to this forum, Abel, and many forum members who helped me become a better photographer and start my business.

[CaptainTom]

Originally Posted by Sonny

That should never have to happen! It definitely wasn't like that two to three years ago. And I believe it still should be that way.

I for one, owe everything to this forum, Abel, and many forum members who helped me become a better photographer and start my business.

PM me and I'll get you an address to send that check to....

[parrotmomma]

I am very late to this thread, which I happened to find today. I felt compelled to respond because several months ago, when I first joined this forum, I posted a few photos, which I thought were pretty good for a beginner (to digital). I was treated very rudely by another member (whom I believe is no longer here) I pulled all my posts and vowed never to return. After giving it some thought I did return because I want to learn, and there seem to be far more considerate, helpful members than there are rude jerks. I really don't understand the superiority? I don't need applause, but if I wanted to be told I'm stupid and my photos are ugly, I could have stayed married to my first husband. Surely the pros don't feel threatened by someone like me (the dreaded Mom with a camera) I'm not out to steal their business, I just need a reason to get out of bed every day. Lately, photography has been that reason.

[Hanky]

Suzanne, Thank you for returning to TPF!
I think people of all behaviours can be found in all places however
here you will find more good than bad.

[carrbowl]

Originally Posted by parrotmomma

I am very late to this thread, which I happened to find today. I felt compelled to respond because several months ago, when I first joined this forum, I posted a few photos, which I thought were pretty good for a beginner (to digital). I was treated very rudely by another member (whom I believe is no longer here) I pulled all my posts and vowed never to return. After giving it some thought I did return because I want to learn, and there seem to be far more considerate, helpful members than there are rude jerks. I really don't understand the superiority? I don't need applause, but if I wanted to be told I'm stupid and my photos are ugly, I could have stayed married to my first husband. Surely the pros don't feel threatened by someone like me (the dreaded Mom with a camera) I'm not out to steal their business, I just need a reason to get out of bed every day. Lately, photography has been that reason.

Sorry to hear this, but it seems to happen on alot of forums. People need to read first and comprehend what the person is asking or not asking for, and then give a response based on that person's level. I am not the best out there and don't expect my photos to be critiqued as if I have a studio and am making $200,000 a year. On the same basis, I am not a beginner. If you are critiquing and you know what you are doing, you should be able to figure out where people are and what areas they need to work on. I would hope people on the forum are trying to get better....but then again, there are those that are just looking to look smart Glad you gave TPF another chance!!

[brad]

I'm glad to see you return. I did a search of your previous posts and did not find anything overly rude... a couple of harsh comments, possibly, but not overly so... its possible they were deleted also......

Regardless, if you feel you're treated unfairly by a reply in a thread, use the little red X to report the post to the moderators. Most people here, even the ones who deliver harsh criticism, are actually trying to help.

[L Stegall]

Originally Posted by parrotmomma

I don't need applause, but if I wanted to be told I'm stupid and my photos are ugly, I could have stayed married to my first husband.

Okay, now that was funny. Glad you gave it another try. I'm a big believer in the only way to learn is to put it out there to get honest critique, but I also always believe in offering it in a professional way rather than just being rude to someone. Anyway, I've found that the helpful people far outweigh those who aren't....so keep at it.

[Concisus Cognatus]

Good thing, not giving up. If my memory serves me well in this instance, I seem to remember your response to critique was considerably defensive. If growth through others offering critique on your work is to be realized you will need to develop a more accommodating outlook on those critiques. Anyways, keep shooting and good luck on your growth.

[parrotmomma]

Well, not to be defensive here (haha) but I looked and all the text to everything I've ever posted (except the one that called me an idiot and I reported) It's all still there, and I honestly don't see one instance of my being defensive to anything. I think you must have me confused with some other mom with a camera. When I was offered constructive criticism, I appreciated it and thanked the person who offered it. In a few instances, I just didn't reply. Most of the time that was because I was busy and didn't get on the forum until days later. The post that I can not find was entitled "a day at the market" or something like that. I had gone to Central Market and posted several shots I had made of fish in the meat case and of bread at the bakery. I liked them, and if no one else did, that was ok. But I really don't need to be called an "idiot" for taking photos at HEB, and thinking they looked cool. I reported that, and apparently the entire post was removed. And for that matter, I never even replied to it, I just deleted my photos, and reported the post.