OPF is changing

[Rachel Foster]

And change is always difficult. Even the most wonderful changes are fraught with stress and tension.

I have little investment in how the board changes, to be honest. I like OPF a lot, I enjoy the people a great deal, but I'm limited in my participation by my beginner status. I post as much as I feel I can, but do rein myself in a lot. Now, don't misunderstand: I think OPF is wonderful but I'm far less invested than many members. All of this is prelude to a suggestion I want to make. Hopefully it's clear that I'm fine with however OPF wants to evolve, that I DO want it to continue to thrive.

So....it occurs to me that it might facilitate this period of growth/change/evolution if people made explicit what they treasure about OPF, what they want to see happen with OPF, and begin the dialog honestly and with compromise in mind. Of course, Asher's vision for OPF has the greatest priority, but knowing Asher, I realize he wants to accommodate as many members as possible.

 

[Asher Kelman]

Thanks Rachel,

We have just started. The new photographers will add a great deal to OPF and we will make them at home. There will be bumps until everyone gets to know each other and the new place.

I'm happy we will do a good job!

Asher

 

[Rachel Foster]

Great.

I'm going to jump in with what I want to see at OPF.

I want to see participation that continues to be respectful but honest. I don't want an "Oh wow, aren't you great" board. I want a board where I can learn.

I also would like to see one forum or even just a thread where there are no rules (other than respect and kindness) where people can get to know one another, tease, and just connect. I'd like one thread where people can just have fun, in whatever form they would like that to be. That kind of connection can enhance a community a great deal.

That's what I'd like to see. However, I support Asher in whatever direction he wants to take the board. I feel confident I can support him without reservation because I know he cares about the other admins/mods, and will want people like Cem and Ray and...and...and... to continue to have input and know how valuable/valued they are.

Thats me. Next?

 

[Kathy Rappaport]

Board Etiquette and Conversation

I am really excited by the new members being here. Yes, critique is nice and here a different flavor than other boards because of the leadership and etiquette environment;

We needed some new stimulation and the newer topics are terrific. The input coming in is most welcome to me. I have been pretty enthusiastic about my photography for some time and many have watched my growth right here;

Change while usually scary is a good thing...now if we can say that about our upcoming elections here in the US...(no - let's NOT talk politics)

 

[Asher Kelman]

Thanks everyone for the enthusiasm and support! When a glitch occurs, as they will for sure, just PM me and I'll take case of it.

Asher

 

[Shane Carter]

I am really excited by the new members being here. Yes, critique is nice and here a different flavor than other boards because of the leadership and etiquette environment;

We needed some new stimulation and the newer topics are terrific. The input coming in is most welcome to me. I have been pretty enthusiastic about my photography for some time and many have watched my growth right here;

Change while usually scary is a good thing...now if we can say that about our upcoming elections here in the US...(no - let's NOT talk politics)

Agree with all of this...and the politics observation...I know it is going to come up because of whatever that forum is where people say whatever they want existing for just this kind of thing...but every opinion is just going to annoy 50% of the members (assuming OPF reflects the general distribution nationwide, which it may well not) so it would be good keep that end of individuals' thinking out of the mix. The problem with that is that I really don't want to know someone's politics and don't come to a photography board for my information on the subject.

And if I do hear them, for better or worse, it flavors my thinking about the poster regardless of photographic talent or interests. Some boards I frequent allow it and some see the problem and don't allow it. You can guess where many go more frequently.

But regardless, we will see about OPF. Generally the discsussion is civil and moderated, intelligent, so OPF has a lot going for it.

 

[Asher Kelman]

We really don't mind people discussing politics, the question of whether or not "green" is just a way of making more guzzling gas dollars at the expense of food prices for the poor and whatever else upsets you today. However all this, which might spurt forth at your wish, goes Uptown in the Controversial discussion forum and go to it!

We believe that "photography is a lantern to us and our world". So people who are artistic and creative might really help put other people get on the right track, whatever one that is!

Asher

 

[Shane Carter]

We really don't mind people discussing politics, the question of whether or not "green" is just a way of making more guzzling gas dollars at the expense of food prices for the poor and whatever else upsets you today. However all this, which might spurt forth at your wish, goes Uptown in the Controversial discussion forum and go to it!

We believe that "photography is a lantern to us and our world". So people who are artistic and creative might really help put other people get on the right track, whatever one that is!

Asher

Asher, I have no idea what this means...?

However, I'm more than happy to contribute my political thoughts, as long as it is NOT on the photography forums, but in that one forum where there was all that pope bashing not long ago, whatever that was.

 

[Ray West]

Hi Shane,

You'll turn out OK, my boy ;-)

But, it's not 'nationwide', it's 'worldwide', maybe even other worlds for all we know. It is far worse than you think ......

Best wishes,

Ray

 

[Rachel Foster]

Now THAT is quintessential Ray!

 

[Tim Armes]

OPF is changing? How?