New section for posting images

[gstark]

I received a PM this evening from Ozimax, suggesting a new section for the forum.

This is going to be a section for older images that we may have. Oz suggested the section be named "Poignant Memories", and that it represent "Images from yesteryear that mean something today"

I'm not sure that I can add much more to that, except to say that I think it's a great idea, and thus it's been done. Oz has the pleasure of posting the first image into that section, and it's there now, awaiting your discussion.

Discussion of Oz's idea belongs here of course, and behalf of everyone here, I thank him for this.

[Matt. K]

A cracker of an idea! And the first pictures certainly set the mood. Now...where's my scanner?

[the foto fanatic]

Terrific idea!

[gstark]

My initial thoughts ... I'm still happy with this being in the Members' section, but I'm wondering about the restriction on the number of images per post/thread. I'm wondering if this can or should be relaxed in this area?

Although it's very early days, judging by the quality of what we're already seeing, I'm not sure that such a restriction is a good idea.

[Greg B]

Great idea Oz, and very happy to see it implemented.

Gary, I am in favour of a larger image number posting limit for the new section. There is still the issue of those
members who battle with a slower connection, but I suspect they are relatively few and reducing. Personally,
I think 10 or 12 would be reasonable and ample.

[sirhc55]

Great idea - now all I have to do is find that old time machine of mine, go back in time, take some digital shots and post them. Saves buying a scanner Matt

[ozimax]

Great idea - now all I have to do is find that old time machine of mine, go back in time, take some digital shots and post them. Saves buying a scanner Matt

Chris, I'm sure you can find a time machine on ebay...

[moz]

Slowly, slowly the forum drifts further and further away from "help me improve" and into "look! my ego! It's big!".

[Glen]

Moz, I think most would find it hard to take credit for images taken before they were born! I take your point about other sections diluting the core interests, but I believe the forum is large enough with varied interests to have new sections without losing support for the core activities.

[gstark]

Moz,

Apart from Glen's points, perhaps you may have also overlooked the point of "how can i make my images replicate this sort of ... "

Maybe people also want to learn how to to some processing of scanned images? Oz has already asked about how to treat negs that have been affected by mould.

And with respect, do you not believe that we could learn something from the masters, such as HCB, Robert Capa, et al? perhaps there are some lesser known "masters" that practised a little closer to home, and from whom we may be able to learn. I believe that this will open up a whole new world for some of our members, and may give them a different insight into this craft of photography. You are free to disagree, of course, but I'd suggest that you stand to the side just to be sure that you're not trampled in the rush.

As an aside, I think that the forum's core activity is photography. While there is a strong focus on helping others improve their skills, and a primary emphasis on digital photography, I believe that this is very strongly related to our core activity.

I note that you've not complained about our upcoming film day; surely if you see this new section as this site drifting 'further and further away from "help me improve" ' which, given the site's name places our activities well within the digital context, then the film day should be equally abhorrent.

[moz]

Apart from Glen's points, perhaps you may have also overlooked the point of "how can I make my images replicate this sort of ... "

Sorry, I did not realise that people were not allowed to post photos they have taken themselves to this area. My impression was that it was simply for old photos people had lying around that they didn't feel comfortable posting to the critique area. Perhaps that should be clarified. So yes, as long as there are no copyright problems I could support that. I'm not sure why people can't post questions like Oz's "treating canned images" to the existing areas, but I take your word for it.

And with respect, do you not believe that we could learn something from the masters, such as HCB, Robert Capa, et al? perhaps there are some lesser known "masters" that practised a little closer to home, and from whom we may be able to learn.

I'm not sure that the intersection of non-copyright, masterful and not already on the net is all that big, but it's an impressive project and I wish you well. Presumably if you do find many such images you'll start a new site to display them outside this narrow forum?

I note that you've not complained about our upcoming film day

Perhaps unlike some others I believe that if you learn to take better photos using film at least some of those skills will transfer over to proper photography

[moz]

Moz, I think most would find it hard to take credit for images taken before they were born!

You're putting words in my mouth. Or Gary's. The area is for old photos that you happen to have that you think might mean something to someone. That seems to me to include photos people have taken themselves as well as photos that are outright awful but mean something. I have some scans of frankly appalling photos that mean a lot because they're the only images we have of some of my ancestors. I hope to get a scan of the first photo I ever took, and that is a basic snapshot of my parents. It means something to me, but aside from that it's just yet another blah holiday snap from the 70's. Not to mention my amazing set of "farm machinery that fascinates me" from when I was about 8 and some fool gave me an instamatic camera. All those meet the criteria for the new forum.

I take your point about other sections diluting the core interests, but I believe the forum is large enough with varied interests to have new sections without losing support for the core activities.

But there are already a lot of forums for people to post photos on. This one is special because (to me, anyway) it's primarily focussed on helping people take better photos. That's one reason why I post so few images - I treat it as a way to get help with photos, rather than a place to post particularly nice photos in the hope of getting the POTW prize. Although since I've been slapped for criticising photos posted to the critique section obviously not everyone agrees. I also thought that people would post stuff like this to the gallery section? Isn't that what that section is for?

[Glen]

Moz, not putting words in your mouth, but reflecting on what has already been posted. An example is an image of a members father when he was a child, I didn't think any better or worse of the posters photography (which I happen to like) because of the image they posted, which they clearly couldn't have taken. I wouldn't worry if you think an image is appalling, post it if you think it is of interest. An image doesn't need to be technically perfect to create emotion in the viewer. Of course, if you really do find this section abhorrent, instead of just playing the devils advocate, don't open it.

I don't think the core values of this aussie forum will be diluted by this photographic sideroad. The members here are still a very helpful, warm and inviting bunch, only to keen to lend a hand and compared to many forums warm and welcoming to newcomers. Meeting in the flesh helps this as well as offering other opportunities not possible online

[Greg B]

Good grief, we have a member with a decent and I would have thought non-controversial idea, implemented, and still there is a snide remark.

And by snide remark, I mean this

"Slowly, slowly the forum drifts further and further away from "help me improve" and into "look! my ego! It's big!""

I can only suggest you avoid this area completely moz and stay with those sections of the forum you find acceptable, and
for which you have not apparently missed the point completely.

[jethro]

Old photos create a history to which ever way they are portrayed. Ozi has introduced another portal to the past. Like it or leave it
jethro

[sirhc55]

Every photograph posted to this new area is a portal to the past considering that there is no real differential between 20 years ago and 2 minutes ago - they are both in the past

[phillipb]

there is no real differential between 20 years ago and 2 minutes ago

Dementia setting in already Chris?

[Onyx]

Why is it in the "member's only" section and not the "Images" section?

[norbs]

Great idea.

[gstark]

Why is it in the "member's only" section and not the "Images" section?

For the same reason that the bargains section is in there. I'm open to discussion on this point.

[the foto fanatic]

Why is it in the "member's only" section and not the "Images" section?

My preference would be to leave it as it is - Members only.

I think people need to get the feel of the place, and we of them, before we turn them loose in here. The posting rules seem to be slightly more relaxed, and I think it would be better to make sure that people understood the site first.

[Marvin]

Well, I just love looking at all the old photos and reading the stories behind them. I think it gives us a bit of an insight into the people on the forum and a look at the way things were. I also enjoyed looking at Chris' old scanned photos/slides from a while ago when he posted them. I think it's a great new addition.