Grumpiness

George Lazarette · 2009-07-21T23:57:17+0100

I have in recent months been accused of being grumpy. Longer serving members of the forum will (I hope) attest that in days gone by such a charge (whilst possibly not lacking all foundation) would not have stuck for long. So why the change? I asked myself that question, and here are the answers: First, as a general observation, it is a matter of fact that over the past year or so there has been a large increase in the number of people claiming membership of the forum, and at the same time (in my opinion) there has been a decline in the quality of contributions TO the forum. Specifically, I would mention three things that illustrate the decline I refer to: 1. The first Director-General of the BBC, Lord Reith, defined the duties of the institution as being: 'To inform, To educate, and To entertain'. It seems to me that these serve equally well as the acceptable reasons for posting to an Internet forum. If a post is neither informative (nor seeking information), nor educational, nor amusing, then what earthly use is it? Occasionally, it is (in my view) permissable to praise unconditionally. When an unusually splendid picture is posted, then a simple 'Wow', or words to that effect, is acceptable. In the main, however, few pictures deserve uncritical adoration, and it does no service to the photographer to pretend otherwise. Currently, there are a great number of posts on this forum which don't meet any of these criteria, and, indeed, some are so mind-numbingly banal as to sap the very spirit of the reader. Gushing responses to quite mediocre pictures have almost become the norm. Seriously, chaps, if you have nothing worthwhile to say, don't say it. 2. Approximately two hundred years ago, the Archduke Rudolph issued a decree that Beethoven be excused observance of the usual rules of court etiquette. I am unaware of any prior or subsequent such indulgence granted to any artist (or, indeed, to anybody). Nonetheless, in the past year or so, a number of lesser talents have claimed a similar privilege on this forum; at least, in so far as criticism of their work is concerned. During the recent hyaena-fest I was accused (falsely) of critising somebody's pictures, as though that were in itself a crime, rather than one of the main points of the forum. Whatever is posted here, text or image, is fair game for constructive criticism (which is much more useful than false praise). 3. Now, I admit that I am something of a pedant, but bad English distresses me. It is not that I expect everybody to write like Shakespeare, but I do take exception to the slovenly and discourteous manner in which some people express themselves. I know that there are those have trouble with writing properly, but I am equally aware that some who have difficulty (often great difficulty) take pains to do it as well as they can, whilst others think that any old slapdash rubbish will do. I don't for a moment consider that people who find it difficult to write well are stupid, but I do think that those who don't take care are pretty deficient in the old grey matter. Language is what separates Homo Sapiens from the beasts of the field, and those who don't realise that, and can't be bothered to communicate their thoughts as well as they can, (or don't see the point in doing so) are little better than Dolly the Sheep. That's it, folks. In closing, I would just mention that some erstwhile regulars have abandoned this forum, while some former regulars seem to be drifting away. Let's stop the rot, and get back to a situation where people contribute helpful, thoughtful, posts that reflect credit on themselves and which are both useful and a pleasure to read. G

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Malo1961 Malo1961

2397 posts
18 years
The Netherlands

Posted 23/07/2009 - 11:37 Link

Snootchies wrote:
.....................and I appologise Martin if I went too far with my comments.

Bob, there is absolutely no reason to apologize. So lets move on.
As has been said before, WE are the forum, but no one should ever forget we are merely guests in somebody else's home.And therefore should behave accordingly.The vast majority of members knows this, but there will always be some.......

On a personal note I would like to express my admiration and respect to John. Who..... as we all have witnessed, didn't have the most pleasurable job as moderator on this forum. Specially the last weeks.....
It must be a difficult decision to take measures like you had to, and I can only imagine it takes away a lot of joy in what , (and lets not forget this) A Voluntary Task should be.

So....thanks John, for bringing back this ship, in safe waters.

Martin.

Best regards,

Martin.

Curious about my photography?? Just Follow the Light.

Father Ted Father Ted

2562 posts
18 years
Wirral

Posted 23/07/2009 - 11:47 Link

Malo1961 wrote:

On a personal note I would like to express my admiration and respect to John. Who..... as we all have witnessed, didn't have the most pleasurable job as moderator on this forum. Specially the last weeks.....
It must be a difficult decision to take measures like you had to, and I can only imagine it takes away a lot of joy in what , (and lets not forget this) A Voluntary Task should be.

So....thanks John, for bringing back this ship, in safe waters.

Martin.

I agree

Getting there! Thanks to you guys

Pentax K3ii, Pentax K10d, Kit lens ( 18-55mm ), 50mm f1.7 lens, Tamron 70-300mm lens, Prinzflex 70-162 manual lens, Various old flashes.

Moderator

johnriley johnriley

24419 posts
24 years
Tyldesley,
Manchester

Posted 23/07/2009 - 11:51 Link

Thanks, it is appreciated.

I enjoy this forum a lot, which is why I'm here! It's a great community and a pleasure to be part of!

Best regards, John

Darkmunk Darkmunk

1753 posts
18 years
Plymouth,
UK

Posted 23/07/2009 - 12:53 Link

Quote:
I would like to express my admiration and respect to John

Me three.
Don't know how you do it.

Facebook Page
Plymouth Photographer

Hyram Hyram

2812 posts
19 years
Deepest Hampshire,
England

Posted 23/07/2009 - 13:39 Link

Darkmunk wrote:

Quote:
I would like to express my admiration and respect to John

Me three.
Don't know how you do it.

Agreed.

Hyram

Bodies: K20D (2), K10D, Super A, ME Super, Auto 110 SLR, X70, Optio P70
Pentax Glass: DA* 300, DA* 60-250, DA* 50-135, DA* 16-50, DA 70 Ltd, FA 31 Ltd, DA 35 Ltd, DA 18-55 (2), DA 12-24, DA 10-17, M 200, A 35-70, M 40, M 28, Converter-A 2X-S, 1.4X-S, AF 1.7, Pentax-110 50, Pentax-110 24
Other Glass: Sigma 105 macro, Sigma-A APO 75-300
Flash: Metz 58 AF-1 P, Pentax AF160FC ringflash, Pentax AF280T

Tobio Tobio

107 posts
17 years
Finland

Posted 23/07/2009 - 15:28 Link

Me four. Though I rarely post I read the topics in this forum frequently and I feel that John has done his job more than well! Even answered my bit simple questions about lens protectors.

Tobio

Best regards,
Tobio

K20d with Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP macro , smc da 18-55 mm, smc da 50-200 mm and smc da 55-300 mm + Metz 58 af-1. Editing with Pentax Photolab, Gimp and Paint.net.

parker06 parker06

73 posts
17 years
london

Posted 23/07/2009 - 17:00 Link

As a relative newcomer,i hae used comments such as "stunning image" a few times. As oldies,cronies and various other titles used(humourous) ,i would hope you will excuse my lack of knowledge. I use words to express how the images make feel,mainly jealous. I aspire to become a better photographer,use Pentax gear out of choice,and maybe unfairly,look to all of you for help.
I will endevour to learn from other places,as well as here,so as not to offend or irritate other members. But i will be staying.
Who knows George,in 50 years maybe i can replace you as the forum misery,said VERY tounge in cheek !

George Lazare... George Lazarette

8192 posts
22 years
London

Posted 23/07/2009 - 18:12 Link

parker06 wrote:
But i will be staying.
Who knows George,in 50 years maybe i can replace you as the forum misery,said VERY tounge in cheek !

You'll have to be VERY miserable.

G

Keywords: Charming, polite, and generally agreeable.

George Lazare... George Lazarette

8192 posts
22 years
London

Posted 23/07/2009 - 18:17 Link

I endorse the sentiments about our moderators. A large part of the success of this forum is down to the civilised and light-handed approach of John and Matt.

G

Keywords: Charming, polite, and generally agreeable.

Plus Member Pwynnej Pwynnej

1688 posts
19 years
Richmond / Denbigh

Posted 23/07/2009 - 18:25 Link

George Lazarette wrote:

parker06 wrote:
But i will be staying.
Who knows George,in 50 years maybe i can replace you as the forum misery,said VERY tounge in cheek !

You'll have to be VERY miserable.

G

George is a ray of sunshine compared to me... I just haven't revealed my true dark side yet

Wait in line!

Z-1p, K-1, P50
F50 1.7. SMC-FAs 24, 35, 50 1.4, 85, 135. HD-FA15-30, DFA24-70, D-FA*70-200. The SMC-FA Limited Trinity.
Metz 45 CL-4, AF500FTZ. AF540FGZ.
Some Mamiya and some Nikon, and a Canon T70.

Gwyn Gwyn

10344 posts
19 years
The Netherlands

Posted 23/07/2009 - 18:32 Link

Pwynnej wrote:

George is a ray of sunshine compared to me... I just haven't revealed my true dark side yet

Wait in line!

Not saving that for a certain new forum on the block then?

Plus Member Pwynnej Pwynnej

1688 posts
19 years
Richmond / Denbigh

Posted 23/07/2009 - 21:46 Link

Gwyn wrote:

Pwynnej wrote:

George is a ray of sunshine compared to me... I just haven't revealed my true dark side yet

Wait in line!

Not saving that for a certain new forum on the block then?

Shhhh!

PS. Glad you've stuck around Gwyn

Z-1p, K-1, P50
F50 1.7. SMC-FAs 24, 35, 50 1.4, 85, 135. HD-FA15-30, DFA24-70, D-FA*70-200. The SMC-FA Limited Trinity.
Metz 45 CL-4, AF500FTZ. AF540FGZ.
Some Mamiya and some Nikon, and a Canon T70.