I've decided to give up this project. I signed on thinking this would improve my photography......it's not ! Now I feel like I HAVE TO go out and get a shot everyday. I'm going out there shooting a pic, not to better my abilities, but to fill a slot in a calendar ! Not a good reason to hold a camera ! I also see others on here doing the same thing.....apologizing for a bad shot, apologizing for being late uploading, apologizing for not commenting more.....not many people have time for this !!! And the flack with the popular page and the top 20 !!
Not for me !! Thanks for the comments and encouragement !!!!!
You've gotta do what works for you. You shouldn't feel pressured to post every day if you just don't want to. I do hope you reconsider but if not, I wish you well :)
@nyweb same advice I have given the other who are 'quiting' why not just step back for a bit and start posting again as you have time... or only post what you can... either way... good luck with life...
This has always been about posting a daily picture. When we start the project we are fully aware of that. How people handle it varies from person to person. I personally don't get the apologies either. Really, who cares if someone is posting an old picture or a new picture? Who cares when it was uploaded? It's nice to see what people are doing and I am learning a lot from lots of people. That is my goal. So, no apologies, from me. I post what I post.
Now on the subject of the top 20. It's really frustrating to be told "you are too good" for the popular page or the top 20. It's wrong. It feels like competition on any level is discouraged yet the popular page and the top 20 posts are just that. I have yet to hear an answer as to how someone's picture ends up on those pages. In simple direct terms would be nice, if only to stop the discussion on which we (I) know nothing about. That doesn't seem like too much to ask, does it? Sorry, that's not directed to you.
Your project is what you make of it. If it isn't working for you, then take a break or quit or find a way that works for you. Those are your options. I hope you continue but I understand your position. Best of luck to you as you continue your photographic journey. :-)
@dmortega Dorrena, the exact 'criteria' for the Popular Page has changed over the months, it seems, as when I had started my project, it took about two or three favs for a shot to get on there. Of course there's no way for me to be certain but that's what I was seeing and everything on there was lovely and inspirational. As for homepage, seven-ish favs and up pretty much guaranteed a spot. Then a while back, there was an uproar because images without any favs and sometimes even without comments were being featured on the PP. Competition to better oneself is one thing, but to come right out and say "this photo sucks and mine should've been there instead" is just nasty and completely counterproductive, especially considering this "community" we have going, in which we always thank one another for the support and so forth. People are saying that their shots have dozens of favs and comments but they're *still* not happy just because they don't have a permanent spot on the popular page or a slot in the Top 20... when does it all get to be too much?
I'm not directing this at anyone in particular and please understand my tone here is not accusatory or bitter; just needed to get that out because as Barb pointed out awhile back, it doesn't feel very good being put down over something that essentially, other people decided.
@nyweb Pete, sorry to hear you are leaving, maybe you can dip in and out if you feel less pressure at a later stage? Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for your kind comments on my photos, it was always lovely to see an encouraging message. I wish you well for whatever you are doing in the future :)
Pete...I'm lost for words, you sound angry/bitter and upset (am I mis-interpreting you) I am so sorry your joy for photography has been taken from you by being a part of 365..that is not the intention of the project. I would like to say that I am sorry I have only just gotten to know you and love your photographs and the things I have learnt through you. You have blessed me with your kind words of encouragement regarding my health circumstances and your other comments too. For that I wish to give you a huge THANK YOU.... On the other hand I do understand these are your feelings, they belong to you..no-one has the right to challenge you on them - it just saddens me that the commentary of others (myself included) in our uploads etc have caused this... I do hope your joy for photography comes back soon. Bless You and Take Care with whatever life holds for you next....(you can still choose to un-quit if you like :) if you have been encouraged by any of these comments..no pressure)
SJ
I learn a lot from seeing other's pictures, getting their support and feedback, giving feedback (makes you really think about what makes a good picture) AND seeing the best (not always!) pictures in the showcases. I responded to that thread because this latter is important, not in the competitive but learning sense and in generating feedback. In an ideal world I think the showcasing mechanisms of 365 could be a bit more equitable. However, in Ross's attempt to achieve this, Bill, who has contributed so much, didn't come off well, and I wanted to support him while also supporting Ross in improving equitable showcasing.
I really didn't like it when people got personal on that 'top 20' thread either, but they were totally in a minority. Most of it was very constructive. I think Ross has created something special and the way you were participating seemed part of that. You have been one of those who has been generous with your feedback, for which thanks. I wish you luck in finding what works for you in developing your photography.
I haven't been here that long, but I can tell you that if it wasn't for this site I would not be taking a picture everyday, and I would still be stuck in the emotional rut I was stuck in. I ignore the popular page and top 20 hoopla, though I do miss Bill D, and just go about my photography business. I don't know you, I've seen you around the discussion boards. I will be sad to see you go. I hope you refind your passion and come back, because I will miss your comments on the discussion boards. Whatever you decide, may good things happen wherever you travel. (And may there be lots of awesome photographic opportunities :)
@nyweb I'm sorry to see you go Pete! Thank you for all your kind words and support of my photos. Good luck in your future endevours, and I hope that that includes photography. Take the time to find that "thing" that inspired you to pick up a camera to begin with. I'm sorry you are upset with some of the things that have happened here. Until I started this project I never realized how passionate people get over photography, and sometimes that passion spills over in ways that might be counter productive (like you leaving- or feeling pressured to take a shot).
@indiannie_jones --- I understand and agree the competition should always be with ourselves and not others here. I don't believe it's right at all to tell anyone their photos are not worthy because they are all personal. That's just wrong on all accounts. The criteria for getting onto those pages and what the pages represent are ambiguous which creates confusion and frustration. So, as long as there is a popular page and a top 20 page people will want to know how does one get their picture on them.
@nyweb I know the feeling. I went along and was always trying to that that "one" picture that would be the most fantastic photo that the world has ever seen. Well, I hit my fog picture and my mind said that was great, you can't do any better. Not to mention that it was on the popular page for a couple days, like, how can your ego handle two pictures on the PP at one time? But now it's time to take care of the rest of my life, when I take something I want to share, I will. You might think of that. Have something to share, please do. Have a good life.
I ignore the drama and enjoy the pictures. At this stage, this site has really helped me get out and take pictures and, good pictures or not so good pictures, it helps my progress toward being the best I can be - just as looking at others' pictures helps.
Good luck to you, Pete.
Bummer, Pete! I'll miss seeing your NY shots but I'm sure I'll catch them on flickr!
I personally think that making myself take photos every day is indeed improving my skills. I look back at my first shots here and I see definite improvement.
Lol.....some of you have it wrong ! This site nor any other site will ever dampen my passion for photography !! No one can do that ! I'm getting farther ahead posting on National Geographic and a few other sites ! No competition there....if they like your work, it gets published in a magazine !! If it doesn't get published, you try and figure out what you need to do to improve ! I'm still a photographer and always will be !!!!!
Oh no Pete. we have just met and now your leaving this site. so sorry. I agree with most of what you say...try to stay away from the popular page and a few other pages...so far I enjoy taking pictures every day and don't find it too stressful. at times I enjoy the themes and other times I rather post what ever I like.enough of me so I like to wish you success in your future endeavours..hope to see some of your pictures wherever I might run across them.
I struggle to find things to shoot at times, but even when there not brilliant, I still enjoy the whole process and I have experimented a lot on this project, and on the whole I find very productive and has improved my skills to no end.
Good luck for the future Pete
@nyweb Aw, I'll miss you Pete! But if you reconsider, you should know that this project is only what you want it to be. If you only want to shoot and post occasionally, all you're gonna get is the occasional reminder email. That's not so bad!
@benner15@clarissajohal I have just seen a 10th november comment from Bill, so it is great that he is still around - looks like he is taking a break from uploading for now.
I think your input into discussions, all that you have contributed to this community, will be greatly missed. You have insights without which this community will be poorer. But you need to make the decision that is right for you, and you need to look after yourself. If this place is more nagative than positive for you lately, then I totally understand your need to step away. I do hope that you don't take steps to make it permanent though, in case at some point you do decide to come back.
I get what you say Pete, but I really use this project as more of a get and shoot, for an excuse to take more pictures, not to be burdened by getting the 'best' shot possible. With that said, I am sure that this project or its principles are not for everyone. Since I have started this project I really try to take a good picture everyday, some days are much harder than others, but I have to tell you, for me personally, some of the most interesting photos, at least for me again, are the ones posted of everyday life. I enjoy seeing snipits of peoples lives, what they like to do, how they live, how they celebrate life in general. You should not look at this project as pressure, but more of coaxing and getting you out and in the habit of taking pictures. I know I do. Whatever you decide, take it easy and best of luck.
@nyweb you've pointed me in NG direction and a few others since I've been around the discussion board ... I like your thinking and am pursuing it too ... THANKS!!!!!
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You've gotta do what works for you. You shouldn't feel pressured to post every day if you just don't want to. I do hope you reconsider but if not, I wish you well :)
Now on the subject of the top 20. It's really frustrating to be told "you are too good" for the popular page or the top 20. It's wrong. It feels like competition on any level is discouraged yet the popular page and the top 20 posts are just that. I have yet to hear an answer as to how someone's picture ends up on those pages. In simple direct terms would be nice, if only to stop the discussion on which we (I) know nothing about. That doesn't seem like too much to ask, does it? Sorry, that's not directed to you.
Your project is what you make of it. If it isn't working for you, then take a break or quit or find a way that works for you. Those are your options. I hope you continue but I understand your position. Best of luck to you as you continue your photographic journey. :-)
I'm not directing this at anyone in particular and please understand my tone here is not accusatory or bitter; just needed to get that out because as Barb pointed out awhile back, it doesn't feel very good being put down over something that essentially, other people decided.
SJ
I really didn't like it when people got personal on that 'top 20' thread either, but they were totally in a minority. Most of it was very constructive. I think Ross has created something special and the way you were participating seemed part of that. You have been one of those who has been generous with your feedback, for which thanks. I wish you luck in finding what works for you in developing your photography.
Good luck to you, Pete.
I personally think that making myself take photos every day is indeed improving my skills. I look back at my first shots here and I see definite improvement.
Damn straight XD
Good luck for the future Pete
I wish you well.