As regards the will to sanction then, that's really a different issue and already exists.

If you're unaware of it, then that's good, isn't it?

You mean to impose sanctions on those who go beyond the boundaries?

Unfortunately we have to live with the world as it is, not how we would wish it to be. I'm trying to find out here what the basic issues are so that I can suggest a solution that most people can accept is reasonable. I don't know what that solution is yet, so keep on posting those thoughts.

It's easy to say punish the guilty, but spotting the sort of things I have in mind is tricky. I do happen to have a very good memory but once something is changed, could you guarantee that you would notice? If any perceived problems can be addressed then simply putting a time limit in is by far the easiest thing to do because it cuts it out completely.

As regards Mods having the tools and the will to edit a link for you that's not a problem and there's no reason why it should be.

Keep the opinions coming. How often do we need to replace a link? In my case never as it happens - they are all still intact via Photobucket but if they aren't I haven't noticed so they must be very old posts!

There are two ways round this. One is to make a new post with an updated link and then get a Mod to remove the original if you wish. Or just get a Mod to post a new link in for you. Not a problem. If it's a rare ocurrence maybe that would be a good solution?

Is the linking issue more important than the editing one?

I'd like to open up the discussion to us all regarding the issue of putting a time limit on the ability to edit posts. It was removed as several of us wanted and it's been a short while indeed but some problems are arising.

I really don't want to mention names and please don't guess because you will probably be quite wrong but there have now been instances where there have been alterations made that either subtely change the meaning of what is being said or indeed do so in a more substantial way. Sorry to be imprecise but I really don't want to point the finger at anyone.

Making corrections for spelling and grammar is one thing but I'm talking betyond that. These things are quite difficult to spot and I don't think I would have if I didn't read everything!

Up for discussion is my proposition that we could accept say a 30 minute limit. Enough time to spot an error but still stopping the less scrupulous from distorting what we are saying in a thread.

This is genuinely up for discussion and open for opinions please. If and when we have a consensus I will approach Admin and see if they are happy with the solution we suggest. Over to you!

None.

You do sound quite upset and unfortunately it's not ususual for shop assistants to be relatively unaware of the accessories for the cameras they sell.

You did have the advantage of already having researched the matter and I suppose that sales for this item are pretty few and far between so it's not all that surprising in one way that they didn't have the knowledge.

Camera Dealers have all sorts of people working there. Some are very knowledgable enthusiasts and skilled photographers. Some are just there to fill the time between pay days. It's the latter that let dealers down and hopefully they move on quite quickly.

An example using Portaflash:
[IMG]http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff250/johnriley1uk/032-Emma-1.jpg[/IMG]

The Portaflash kit is basic, not incredibly well made, but serviceable. We use one at the camera club because it's realistic that members might buy such a kit. The results will be just as good as with anything else if used well and it does contain everything you need to start with. The price is very affordable.

The shutter speed I set maually to 1/180 second and the aperture will be around f8 in all probablility. You can check your exposure with your camera screen and the histogram, so a flash meter you can survive without.

To make life easier purchase of an Infra Red trigger will be much better than using synch cables and this I would get straight away. No cable to trip over!

The kit lens at 50mm - 55mm is around the equivalent of 75-80mm on a film SLR, which is very close to the classic 85mm portrait lens. You will also be able to focus closer than with the 70-300mm which is really far too long for a small studio setting.

And finally, with flash you will not need a tripod as the flash exposures will be very short and camera shake will not be a problem. So for most shots ditch the tripod and be creative and free without it.

Don't forget to experiment and practice before the first real live shoot.

By the way, the problem with the finish time of the competition has been corrected, so this one should finish on schedule at Midnight on Sunday.