My Congratulations to this Group

[Hogleg 44]

I would just like to express my appreciation to Abel, and all of the members of this forum, for the upbeat atmosphere that exists here all of the time!
Everyone here manages to be appreciative and respectful of everybody else, and that is very unique as compared to other forums that I belong to.

I find that since joining this group, I visit the other forums less and less. Yesterday, I went to one of the other guys, and saw a 2 page long subject that looked interesting. I opened the first page to see what the subject was exactly. The question asked was a very common question. The poster was new to that forum, and his question was just about his first post. Almost immediately he was being bashed by others for asking a common question without first doing a search of the subject. The rest of the two pages amounted to verbal exchanges of people bashing people!!!!!

That really made me more appreciative of this forum. That sort of thing just isn't happening here. This means one of two things is happening here. Either every one here is able to accept that everyone is different and entitled to their own opinions, and they respect that right. Or, the moderators are doing a terrific job....And I suspect that the moderators here don't have much to do except play with their cameras!!!

I want everyone to know how nice it is to be able to enjoy the companionship that exists here!

[bburton]

As they used to say in Deee-troit, the Motor City: I second that emotion.

[Abel]

thanks a lot paul. that really does mean a lot to me and the other members on the board. in fact i just got thru readins a private email from a memeber that echoed your exact same comments!!

in the beginning i hoped that the forum would reflect our texas hospitality and be more of a community rather than a forum. so far everyone has surpassed my expectations in that regard, for that i am very appreciative.

i was once a newbie and was subject to those same bashings on another forum and for the record that one bashing was enough for me and i never returned since. im a stubborn person so if something rubs me wrong, it sticks with me and its hard to forget...

i would say 99.9999% of what u see here on the forum is completely unedited by moderators or myself so that gives you an idea of how true things really are here.

thanks for taking the time to post your thoughts on the subject! it means a lot to me and im sure to the rest of the active members on the forum

[Noe]

I feel the same way. This is the only photography forum that I visit since I joined. The people here are great. Thanks Abel.

Noe

[brad]

It does seem rare.. I've been on some other photo forums (built around critique), and most of the time, those other forums tend to have little "cliques" and its really hard to break into them. (I find WebPhotoForum.com to be an exception, but there have been those sorts of accusations there, too.)

Here, its just relaxing. It's been a great place so far to come and just admire each others' work.. and give each other advice. Critiques have been friendly and helpful without ever being mean....

I think the "Texas Hospitality" aspect is working quite well here... I'm not a Native Texan, but, as they say, I got here as quick as I could! :)

[LoungeLizard]

Ditto on all counts here also.

[Clint_Smith]

Originally Posted by brad

I think the "Texas Hospitality" aspect is working quite well here... I'm not a Native Texan, but, as they say, I got here as quick as I could! :)

couple of things. I agree about the hospitality, but I also know that even as big as our state is and as modern as it has become in the past couple of years, I don't think any of us would not come to the aid of a fellow photog if he was bashed in anyway for asking a legitimate question. besides "we'll but a boot in your ass, it is the Texas way!"

and I am pretty sure that most of us know a couple ole boys that would wade thru hell to fight a circle saw LOL :D

[HighPlainsDox]

Originally Posted by brad

It does seem rare.. I've been on some other photo forums (built around critique), and most of the time, those other forums tend to have little "cliques" and its really hard to break into them.

I have recently joined another one, that feels clique-ish and snooty. I much prefer the atmosphere here.

Critiques have been friendly and helpful without ever being mean....

....and that's very important in learning.

I think the "Texas Hospitality" aspect is working quite well here... I'm not a Native Texan, but, as they say, I got here as quick as I could! :)

I agree! I'm not a native Texan, but I got here as soon as I could, too. It's now my home. Been here since June last year.....and I'm here to stay! :D

[bohonk445]

As my main man Ali-G would say:

RESPECT. NO DIGGITY.

Good job guys. Hogleg44 hit the nail on the head. I know exactly which forum he's talking about.

[MonkeyToes]

I too am a newbie to SLR photography, and I am WAY intimidated by the other boards I have visited. I really like the fact that I feel like I can ask a question here and get an honest answer, not something condescending and downright mean. Nobody started out as an expert - and I'm sure those "pros" on the other boards had questions when they started out that were answered by others more knowledgeable than they were. I think it's great to pass along tips, critiques, and suggestions to folks who want to improve. I hope to eventually become more of a contributor as I learn. Thanks to all for the help and advice! :D

[Bill Huber]

Paul, I do go over to my past life on another forum, but as you found I have found the same thing.

Someone ask a very straight little question and there is a war started over what camera is better and the like.

This is a very refreshing place to be and I do really enjoy it.

[brad]

Exactly, Wendy. I know Abel has said that's what he had in mind when he started this board.. but I think its amazing we've brought together such a wide variety of skill levels and talents, yet everyone is willing to help everyone else... all in the name of photography.

I find myself gravitating here several times a day.. sometimes instead of doing the work I should be doing... now, for instance.. browsing the forums while I edit pictures from my soccer shoot last Saturday. :oops: