October 17, 2012 - 23:48
As I write this, there are only four people and no guests logged on.
How unlike the days when there were a whole list of folks logged on most of the time but now sometimes I log on and find that I'm here on my own.
So where has everyone gone. I assume they are on different forums somewhere.
Cheer 
Fergie
There's only one eF in Ferguson
I now seem to spend a lot of time arguing with inanimate objects
October 18, 2012 - 07:23
#1
Re: Where is everyone
The rebuild after the Great Crash earlier in the year was done with the best of intentions, but the wrong software was chosen. The look of this forum is wrong and it is slow to respond. I've not found this stark, wasteful-of-space software in use elsewhere and it is obvious why - because it drives people away.
Previously, the most-used sections were all in view on the screen at the same time. After the rebuild they were jumbled up and many are out of sight and out of mind.
As one of the people who tried to get the software changed before it was too late, I incurred the wrath of those running things. A decline has followed a bad decision. Now it is difficult to avoid saying "I told you so".
Ray
October 18, 2012 - 08:03
#2
Re: Where is everyone
I belong to a few forums, not all video related. They all look better and easier to navigate than this one.
We have lost a good few members, and there are fewer posts. Having said that, one of these forums had a new look a while back, and suffered the same thing. It probably proves that people just don`t like change.
October 18, 2012 - 08:18
#3
Re: Where is everyone
People are very happy with change - if it's the right change. Think how fast DVDs took over from VHS.
The way that the world is now interconnected means that the results of change can be judged more quickly. It's harsh, and those that make the wrong decisions will feel hurt, but hurt feelings are just something you have to get over.
I'd like this forum to succeed. Is it really too late to make a change for the better?
Ray
October 18, 2012 - 08:20
#4
Re: Where is everyone
Basically, those who took the decision to change the forum after the crash screwed up! There`s no other way of putting it! We have lost a fantastic resource that took many years to create and we are all the losers for their decision.
October 18, 2012 - 09:29
#5
Re: Where is everyone
I'm sorry to say, I agree with the above and the look of this forum has definitely changed for the worse.
Yes, I'm glad to see that its still up and going and still glad to receive needed advice from members regardless of how the forum responds and looks but lots of room for improvement, if it isn't too late.
October 18, 2012 - 10:02
#6
Re: Where is everyone
I agree, so few of us left here now. But the few that remain never fail to five me wonderful advice when l need it.
October 18, 2012 - 10:17
#7
Re: Where is everyone
really?
I find it emmensly annoying that people post threads like this, it serves absolutly no purpose what so ever.
RayL there are actually many many sites which use Drupal. http://www.nasa.gov/ http://www.whitehouse.gov/ http://www.itv.com/itvplayer/ http://amnesty.org/ are some which you might of heard of.
If people want to post critisium of this site can they at least be constructive with it? Rather than having a go a Drupal and saying "we want vBulletin 3.6" (which frankly none of you understand the implications of) Perhaps people could post posative suggestions about the things that they specifically like / don't like about the new site.
Bear in mind that ALL forums on the web have suffered decline recently. Blame Facebook, which has taken over social communication on the internet for so many people. Don't have a go at the VOLLENTEERS who have given up weeks of their time to make this site, pay for its hosting, and keep it online.
October 18, 2012 - 10:46
#8
Re: Where is everyone
The reason that I abandoned posting on this site is the endless negative ranting that used to fill up the threads, and occasionally still does.
October 18, 2012 - 11:15
#9
Re: Where is everyone
sleepytom wrote:
Don't have a go at the VOLLENTEERS who have given up weeks of their time to make this site, pay for its hosting, and keep it online.
Tom,
Look again at the messages above yours. They are not getting at you.
The problem was created before you took a hand. The problem is that the wrong software was chosen and it runs with too much delay.
It is not a question of tinkering with what we have at present, the decline will just continue. It is the wrong software.
Ray
October 18, 2012 - 11:17
#10
Re: Where is everyone
The forum software is fine and does a good job but I feel like Alan that some of the rants and negative attitude means I tend not to be here as much! Besides most people seem to want to re-invent the wheels a lot of the time but then wonder why it all doesnt work, they then get awkward when advice is given so a lot of us pros tend not to bother and let them get on with it!
October 18, 2012 - 11:35
#11
Re: Where is everyone
RayL wrote:
Tom, Look again at the messages above yours. They are not getting at you.
No they are getting at Bob, Martin, and the team of moderators who collectivly run this site. (i'm not taking this personally! But uninformed technical critisium of vollenteers upsets me, even if not aimed directly at myself)
RayL wrote:
The problem is that the wrong software was chosen and it runs with too much delay. It is not a question of tinkering with what we have at present, the decline will just continue. It is the wrong software. Ray
I presume your an expert in php/mysql and web CMS systems then? Clearly the "wrong software" is to blame.
If Drupal is running slowly on this server then there is a good chance than vBulletin would also run slowly. The problems may stem from poor server configuration, mysql problems `or simply a lack of server resources to serve up pages quickly.
Drupal would not of been my choice of software for a pure forum, but pure forums are all in decline (see facebook's take over of social web use). Drupal is a lot more powerful in the long run and could be the core of a much better website where forums and other more editorial content come together. (see www.atemuser.com - my own website about live production which has not only forums but also callendar, blog / reviews, equipment comparisons and other features) DVForums could gain these kind of functions without too much ado.
October 18, 2012 - 11:36
#12
Re: Where is everyone
I suspect a lot of it is also down to the recession, lack of work = lack of finance = lack of interest. It may vary from sector to sector but I don't see the number of wedding and event postings any more. A little thing like the change in the look of a forum might just be the straw on the camels back.
robo
October 18, 2012 - 14:44
#13
Re: Where is everyone
I really don't care what software it runs on, it doesn't matter. The reason why I'm here a lot less than hitherto is nothing to do with the volunteer status of all of us, and lots more to do with the fact that I'm a lot busier than I used to be. Work for the EBU and SMPTE, solving problems for the whole industry, keeps my occupied. That, plus the fact that, as Gary has said, recent discussions are tending to end up in arguments and slanging matches. Life's too short to get involved anymore.
October 19, 2012 - 14:46
#14
Re: Where is everyone
Fergie wrote:
So where has everyone gone. I assume they are on different forums somewhere.Cheer
My appologies, I didn't realise that asking a simple question would result in some daggers being drawn.
I just wondered where lots of 'friends' had gone so I could perhaps go and join them.
Fergie
There's only one eF in Ferguson
I now seem to spend a lot of time arguing with inanimate objects
October 19, 2012 - 17:06
#15
Re: Where is everyone
I think the changing nature of forums is probably the main reason for any decline, rather than any change of software.
It does seem as if it can take a long time to create a certain 'ambience' in a forum, and not very long at all to lose it, if the forum goes offline, for even a short time.
I was an active member of Colin Barrett's 'Simply DV' forum a few years back. For reason's I forget now, Colin took it offline for a short while. It never recovered from that gap -- even when it reappeared, using the same forum software!
I've seen some of the regular commentators on that forum on other video forums - even some on here! -- but I have no idea what happend to the majority if the 'regulars' from that forum.....
As a hobby, video has changed out of all recognition in the past 5 years or so, and the nature of the video 'hobbiest' with it. So video forums tend to be either fully 'pro' or at best 'prosumer' based. A lot less folk than when they were hobby based, I imagine?
And as others have said, other social media have replaced the 'chit chat' aspect of forums, to some extent.
I have always regarded 'DV Doctor' --sorry 'DV forums'--! -- as a place you came to read about (or even ask about?) 'proper' technical video issues, rather than the 'where do I plug my camera into You Tube' type questions.
And it's always fascinating to read the 'proper' answers we get, from some clearly expert folk on here.
That still exists of course. What seemed to disappear, after the 'crash', was the social 'ambience' of the old forum. Like Simply DV, that had taken years to develop, and a very short period of time to unravel.
Now whether the change of software or Facebook 'el al' played any part in the change..... who knows?
I don't think it's likely to return though..... which is a shame....
October 20, 2012 - 05:59
#16
Re: Where is everyone
Fergie wrote:
.........So where has everyone gone. I assume they are on different forums somewhere.Cheer
I've been around here since 1999, I'd visit several times a day (usually when rendering or disc burning), now it's once or twice a week, I have to admit I've moved on to "The Other Place", even if a majority of stuff is USA orientated there are a lot of familiar names over there. It's certainly a better forum software than this one (never quite got to like this revamp), it's quite focus based and there are very few (if any) of the negative rants or put downs that had started to appear here. The other place has a strict real names only policy which I feel, helps to add legitamacy to posters either as professionals or otherwise and helps to stop the negativity from posters that had started to creep in here. I'll still drop in occasionally, just not as often as before.
October 20, 2012 - 08:44
#17
Re: Where is everyone
People have mentioned facebook so why don't we set up a group there that compliments this site but gives us a more social and immediate platform?
October 20, 2012 - 11:19
#18
Re: Where is everyone
I’m still visiting a few times a day but I’m not much use to anyone and read all recent post only for my own benefit. Definitely preferred the old site and it was a lot faster. What I can’t do any more is read the ‘Tennis elbow’ thread that has over 200 posts now. It just times out in Avant browser and IE9 saying ‘This program cannot display the webpage’. I have to use Chrome to load it and it takes at least 2 minutes to load. Same on my phone’s browser. I’m sure there are many like me who like to read all your posts and may not have anything worth while to post.
October 20, 2012 - 17:47
#19
Re: Where is everyone
I always check in to see what's new, but often the new material is limited, and attempts to start anything unfactual or for mainly chat reasons fail because there aren't really enough of us. The people who run forums don't do it expecting praise - usually it's just something they want to do. Please don't take this as a nag, but when the problem happened and things changed, I think that many long term members didn't get any answers, or sometimes poorly thought out answers and often answers worthy of a politician - and I suspect that it was the breakdown in communication that caused many to go elsewhere. Moderators and owners of forums need to develop a thick skin, and not treat negative comment as an annoyance - some very odd responses to questions at that time really put some members backs up. Forums have a synergy that keeps them going, and sadly this one lost a great deal of it. It's very common for minor changes on a forum to be resisted by the membership, major changes as we had mean that for every one who likes it, there will be 10 who miss their favourite feature that the mods don't even know members use. If you look back - we had a major change of name, and although the forum is private and not a democracy, I don't remember anyone thinking it was a good idea or explaining what happened.
I've not seen the mods, admin or owners actively driving up members ship by posting 'planted' discussions, designed to stimulate conversation. This is a pretty common way of getting a forum to generate new traffic. We've also lost the ability to see the members - there are no profile details, or locations or other searchable fields. We can see people's posts, and that's about it. The forum still has a kind of 'under construction' feel.
Not to worry, we'll just carry on.
Paul
October 20, 2012 - 18:37
#20
Re: Where is everyone
I still pop in now and then, but I to have had issues with the site, being slow to respond, but seems to be better now.
I used to enjoy the hubble bubble of the furum and joining in the debates, as at the time of joining I was also reading the magazine, which lead me here. It was a cottage industry , things were moving fast it was all very exciting.
My work has changed from full time video to other things, but I like to pop in at least once a week to say hello and see how everyone is.
October 20, 2012 - 19:16
#21
Re: Where is everyone
paulears wrote:
Moderators and owners of forums need to develop a thick skin, and not treat negative comment as an annoyance - some very odd responses to questions at that time really put some members backs up. Forums have a synergy that keeps them going, and sadly this one lost a great deal of it. It's very common for minor changes on a forum to be resisted by the membership, major changes as we had mean that for every one who likes it, there will be 10 who miss their favourite feature that the mods don't even know members use.
This is the cause of my frustration, the critisisum of the forum is so unhelpful that it doesn't allow me or anyone else to actually do anything about the problems. Here are some gems just from this thread.
"The look of this forum is wrong and it is slow to respond. I've not found this stark, wasteful-of-space software in use elsewhere and it is obvious why - because it drives people away."
"They (other sites) all look better and easier to navigate than this one."
"those who took the decision to change the forum after the crash screwed up"
"this forum has definitely changed for the worse."
"Previously, the most-used sections were all in view on the screen at the same time. After the rebuild they were jumbled up and many are out of sight and out of mind."
So maybe we can move forward? Maybe people who have complaints can post them in the correct place ( http://www.dvforums.com/forums/forum/1000043 ) Maybe people can attempt to be polite? Maybe people can suggest how they would like features to be improved or changed? By this i mean be really specific, not saying things like "the software is a waste of space" rather saying "the sidebar is a bit wide for my liking"
At the end of the day nobody is forced to come here, read or post to the forum. If you don't like it then you can choose to go elsewhere. If you want everything to be like it was in 1999 then good luck with that, if you find a way to get back to that point then i'll have a pint for £1 and i'll smoke while i drink it.
really i find this all quite distressing, this forum has been a real challenge for me, I still care and would like to help sort out the issues, but threads like this one simply make me want to walk away.
October 21, 2012 - 07:45
#22
Re: Where is everyone
Tom,
In my view, if it were not for your sterling efforts this forum would no longer exist. Until you stepped in any recovery was clearly going nowhere. As far as I am aware, you have never been publicly thanked for your efforts, which is a great pity. May I do so now on behalf of the silent majority
It is interesting to me that several of the dozen or so people whose negative activity on the forum led to me stopping posting have contributed to this thread! fortunately those who I see as the real villains are long gone, either of their own volition, or even banned.
October 20, 2012 - 22:35
#23
Re: Where is everyone
Hi Everyone
We had a similar post to this a while back
OK there's some discontent here. however some have worked damn hard to keep the DV Doctor forum going behnd the scenes, namely Martin, Bob, Gary, Tom and now we have a forum that looks remarkably like the old one with a full archive of previous posts, that's one very big achievement. Thank you to everyone including my fellow Mods.
Video editing has moved on considerably since my amateur analog editing on VHS, I have been there when Firewire was the in thing and I'm now looking at memory cards as storage devices. I don't have many of the answers to questions nowadays.
If anyone else wants Mod status, by all means ask Bob and put a proposal too him to help the forum ignite again, bearing in mind all the other social networking competition out there.
Tis true that once a forum disappears for a while it can give members the chance to do other things and move away forever, all I can do personally is try and keep the forum clean of spam and let members have their say, it's up to them whether they post or don't post in the future, hankering after the past won't help in my view.
Re : the Tennis Elbow Game, we need to start a new round, in the old days it used to break up into individual pages so the whole thread didn't load each time, nowadays the whole thread has to load before you can reply, hopefully Tony or even me will start a new game soon and limit it to 100 posts.
Good Night All
October 21, 2012 - 19:03
#24
Re: Where is everyone
The new site works for me, , I think of it as the difference between a mark 1 and mark 2 mondeo, dose the job but switches are in a different place. Big thanks as always to those who who give their time FOC to sort out issues, where would GB be without this type of help.
The problem as alluded to earlier is we have grown older, the problems of old are gone or Google is the answer.
Amateurs of old are professionals of today. Professionals are also living in a changing environment. If you use video as a source of revenue life is tough.
How long did we live with 4:3 and VHS, but how many formats has the 16:9 format gone through and in what timescale, how much investment to keep up?
Bit of a ramble but we need tolerance and understanding that this site is used by first time amateur, if we don't scare them off as well as seasoned professionals. All need to be open minded and patient (like I am 
).
).
October 22, 2012 - 02:09
#25
Re: Where is everyone
I agree that Tom's input was crucial to keeping the forum running. We all agree with that, so thanks Tom!
We also appreciate all the effort from the moderators, so thank you to everyone that has or still does help out.
Back in January the site was hacked and that is what started it all. If you want to point the finger at anyone, then point it at the people that malliciously brought the site down and not the people putting in the time to try to keep it up. Bob and I work long hours and didn't have the capacity to give the forum the attention it needed. We acknowledge that and apologise.
The reality it that the sites usage has been in decline for several years. The problems getting the site running smoothly had a effect, but not as much as people are attributing. As Tom has mentioned, most people interact online on social media sites. Many of the sites visitors come from Google to read a specific thread, then leave with the information they need. They only come back if we surface in another Google search.
The question is where do we go from here? We are happy to make changes, whether they be big or small to keep the community alive. Are there specific changes you would like to see to the current site? Do you want us to try different forum software? Do you want us to try something completely different?
October 22, 2012 - 08:01
#26
Re: Where is everyone
Martin,
Thanks for your comments.
In my first response on this thread I said "The look of this forum is wrong and it is slow to respond." and I stand by that.
I'm not a website designer. I'm a user of websites and that is the point. A website is there to be used and user's thoughts represent a healthy feedback - both positive and negative. User reviews of products and services are the norm now - eBay, tripadvisor, etc.
So let me ask these two questions.
Would other software improve the speed of updating these pages?
If there is other suitable software, what are the options?
Ray
October 22, 2012 - 10:48
#27
Re: Where is everyone
what does "The look of this forum is wrong" mean? wrong in what way?
i'm completely happy to hear peoples input, but it needs to be specific and put forward in a way which is actually meaningful. "wrong" doesn't tell us anything about what your finding to be a problem.
installing another software woudn't make everything magically better, it would be a huge amount of work (I'd estimate 2 weeks minimum to get the forum even vaguely working in another sotware. Then a whole round of annoying niggles and complaints from users for a couple of months)
I simply don't see the slow page loading that your complaining about. Pages load in under a second for me, except the old tenis elbow thread, this loads slowly as it is very long and full of externally hosted pictures. Such a thread would load slowly under vbulletin too.
October 22, 2012 - 10:55
#28
Re: Where is everyone
I too don't seem to have a problem with slow running and it is the same as any other forum on my mac systems.
For me the layout is fine too and I don't have problems when going from this forum to another two which are set up totally differently.
October 22, 2012 - 15:25
#29
Re: Where is everyone
Thanks for the input.
Since we moved the search indexer over to Sphinx (http://www.dvforums.com/forums/faster-search-faster-site), the general site speed has improved greatly. I'll look deeper in to the long threads loading slowly.
Tom is right about the time investment. Two weeks of full-time work for a first cut, then several more week of optimisations. Looking at the time commitments we have to put in, trying to get Drupal running more smoothly is a more realistic option for now. If we still don't get the results we want, then we can start a plan to try alternative software.
With regard to layout issues, I am going to test out some "dashboard" modules that will allow users to customise their homepage. This will allow you to put the things you find important front and centre on your own page. If there are particular annoyances on the site right now, post about them here: http://www.dvforums.com/forums/forum/1000043
October 22, 2012 - 15:59
#30
Re: Where is everyone
I'm on mac at work and home and this forum is quite a bit slower than others
October 23, 2012 - 01:09
#31
Re: Where is everyone
Evolution ! that`s where people have gone. The learning process has stopped or progressing very slowly for most of those who still frequent the boards . We are very much stuck in our ways. We film , edit and produce very much the way we did 5 years ago I believe and in some cases 10 + years ago. Technology has moved on so rapidly that it is hard I think to keep up with progress. Understandably most , I would imagine have invested quite a lot in our gear and have reached the point where Super HD 3D is a holy grail for the post grads being churned out of Uni. and not considered to be as important as content or production standards. Software has moved on too , where everything is done for you , you don`t have to think , just use the drop down menu. Very much like instant gratification. learning the ropes means ticking a box. Those that are left on this board are, I would imagine, those who love the art of working at a problem and have the satisfaction of solving it. Rather like the TV repairmen who used an Avo meter. today it`s replace a plug in module. The lad who had his motorbike in bits in the living room has gone , because the skill of taking things to bits and putting it back together again has been taken away by the constant push towards being a better consumer ( a object beginning with "i "will illustrate ) . This board will steadily decline of members as we retire and put our feet up and the standard bearers behind have the flags carried for them .
October 23, 2012 - 10:55
#32
Re: Where is everyone
JOHN . A.V. wrote:
The lad who had his motorbike in bits in the living room has gone
I'm still here, and it's in the conservatrory actually, and in the shed, the garage, and a bit in the dining room......
October 23, 2012 - 14:06
#33
Re: Where is everyone
DAVE M wrote:
JOHN . A.V. wrote:
The lad who had his motorbike in bits in the living room has goneI'm still here, and it's in the conservatrory actually, and in the shed, the garage, and a bit in the dining room......
Aha Trophies ! :)
October 23, 2012 - 17:33
#34
Re: Where is everyone
Fergie wrote:
Fergie wrote:
So where has everyone gone. I assume they are on different forums somewhere.CheerMy appologies, I didn't realise that asking a simple question would result in some daggers being drawn.I just wondered where lots of 'friends' had gone so I could perhaps go and join them.
Robert
We have been on holiday up North with the caravan and two cameras, videoing. You could have joined us if you had known. 
Harry
October 23, 2012 - 19:50
#35
Re: Where is everyone
To windy for a caravan.
(and the weathers a bit on the blowie side too)
Fergie
There's only one eF in Ferguson
I now seem to spend a lot of time arguing with inanimate objects
October 23, 2012 - 20:08
#36
Re: Where is everyone
Fergie wrote:
To windy for a caravan.(and the weathers a bit on the blowie side too)
Certainly not where we were over the past two weeks. Only two days of rain, the rest mostly sunshine with some beautiful scenery and Autumn colours. We wuz lucky.
Harry
October 25, 2012 - 11:22
#37
Re: Where is everyone
I still pop-in from time to time, admittedy not as frequently as before, but I continue to get great advice from the experts here, either by actively seeking it or by passively reading other threads. It sometimes takes a while for replies to be forthcoming, which I put down to the fact the forum is not as actively followed by everyone as it was.
I try to offer good advice too, where I can, (but I'm no where near as qualified as other regulars here, so am not confident that my answers would be accurate or valid).
I notice that too often threads that start off as useful and informative often degrate into two-way slanging matches after the first page or so, so I frequently don't read all the way down.
Plus, I have moved-on to using Avid Media Composer, which appears to be not as popular here, so I split my time between here and the excellent Avid Forums.
October 25, 2012 - 14:52
#38
Re: Where is everyone
DAVE M wrote:
JOHN . A.V. wrote:
The lad who had his motorbike in bits in the living room has goneI'm still here, and it's in the conservatrory actually, and in the shed, the garage, and a bit in the dining room......
And if my memory serves me correctly it was a Tiger Cub 200cc?
Harry
October 25, 2012 - 23:30
#39
Re: Where is everyone
Hello Fergie
Look what you've started now!!!! ;)
I'm not here that offen for the following reasons:
1. I am here but tend not to log in or post but do still read and take interest.
2. Many threads do end up as rants and moans.....life's too short especially when they're off topic. Facebook and YouTube are full of negative people. I don't visit those site much anymore either.
3. I'm comfortable with my knowledge and set up at the moment and sometimes feel I have little to offer as my knowledge of DSLRs etc is limited.
4. Never enough hours in the day!!!!!
I do still visit and read though and I too have noticed that sometimes I too am the only one here. I think that when the forum had a magazine drawing users in that helped boost the user numbers. Apart from a Google search how else will people find out that we're here.
Maybe an injection of fresh users is needed. Hey there's a video expo coming up next year. We could have a stall.
October 26, 2012 - 00:30
#40
Re: Where is everyone
tilski wrote:
Hello FergieLook what you've started now!!!! ;)
I only arsked.
Fergie
There's only one eF in Ferguson
I now seem to spend a lot of time arguing with inanimate objects
October 27, 2012 - 06:43
#41
Re: Where is everyone
Mine was a BSA B40 ( Goldstar wannabe ) Lovingly restored in Red & shiny chrome. I went through a lot of pain with my mum for that. Dad was ok. Then one day after about 6 weeks on the road someone in a car turned right ( my left ) and I went ahead of my bike leading it by about 30 feet, and the bike became the pack behind. B@**%"*D !
October 27, 2012 - 14:01
#42
Re: Where is everyone
Another one for the Tiger Cub - went like whatsit of a shovel 'til it blew up :)
robo
October 27, 2012 - 16:47
#43
Re: Where is everyone
I was at Kempton Park today buying odds and sods for bike restorations. Blinking cold!
I've got a Bonnie on the Road (T140) and my owned since I was 16 Tiger Cub is about a month off being back on the road. being a 56 means no tax/MOT
I've also got the 1960 one that's spread all over the house but since being bought in a fit of enthusiasm, going's been a bit slow
Sometimes I can spend hours in the garage, othertimes I just feel I can't be bothered. The 60 seems to have been off the road since 77 so there's no rush.
Cub's feel quicker than they are due to the expectation of a blow up at any minute.
October 27, 2012 - 17:55
#44
Re: Where is everyone
I still drop in occasionally, but time's too short to spend long here.
October 30, 2012 - 14:45
#45
Re: Where is everyone
Not too sure if my two pen'orth is of any note, but as someone who started in the Video business back in the 80's there have been to state the obvious enourmous changes in the way the moving image is portrayed, perceived, and propogated that for the industry around it to remain static would have been impossible.
As a bit of background when I first picked up a video camera, the kit was expensive, fairly basic and the industry as then was consisted of the Glamour boys of Television, the established corporate producers, and the rest of us trying to find a niche, distribution other than on tape was pretty well closed to us, and pre Youtube there was not the outlet for creativity that we now see used/and or abused.
I have done nearly everything over the years from the common or garden wedding video, other social events, role play for training, to a few small budget promotional pieces for several local and one international concern, and even one or two funerals , (tastefully and discretely filmed from a distance please note).
In 2001 I made the decision to leave video as an income source and get a "proper job" as I had been urged to by loved ones, I still miss it, but I have to remember all the times when it was hell, and there were many, from technical problems to road accidents, and just plain bad luck...
I look in on the video world again with a new eye, and the changes brought about by convergence, general access to a mass audience, and kit so exotic for what are relativley low prices that they enable anyone who is technically competent and creative to take on the big boys at their own game, but I still read of people trying to get something for nothing, poor rates for finshed work, devaluation of professional camerapersons/directors based on the assumption that anyone can do it now, I think we will always be a divided house regardless of the efforts everybody makes to be taken seriously and paid properly, this is the main reason I packed it in.
The other big change is with the break-up of ITV and the increasing diversification of resources of the BBC even the Television guys are not in clover any more.
I love Photography and especially the moving image, and I believe I always shall, but it is a lot less stressfull as a rewarding hobby than as a working job, that is not to say I would not take it up again if an interesting opportunity presented itself to me.
Well that's me done for now, hope no one thought I was trying to barge in, or sound learned and wise, fwiw I am on facebook, but I think specialist forums like ours should continue, there is still a place for them in our always on twenty four hour culture, I hope that you agree
Jon
November 2, 2012 - 10:40
#46
Re: Where is everyone
I think the main problem is that the forum was down for so long that people thaought it had vanished for good and just deleted it from their "Favourites".
I almost did this myself. I kept looking in but the forum was down every time - at one point the domain name had expired and was not renewed for ages.
I left the forum in my "favourites" and ooked in now and again - and it was always down.
At one point I just had one last look before deleting it and found that it had come back again a day or two earlier.
So - I think the main reason was that most people were not as patient as I was and just deleted the forum because it was down far too long.
If I remeber correctly, there was no message apologising and saying that the forum was being rebuilt (with the odd progress update) which would have kept people waiting.
Yes, the software is a bit clunky compared to other sites and is not so good - but I can live with it.
John
November 2, 2012 - 11:57
#47
Re: Where is everyone
While I agree with your assessment of the Forum's situation re its members this does not account for the members who have left or no longer post since the Forum problems have been solved. Gary Mackenzie, D R Smith, D Smith, to name a few. I would agree with Alan's words "recent discussions are tending to end up in arguments and slanging matches. Life's too short to get involved anymore" is probably nearer the truth. We are even in danger of losing his services. Sad days indeed.
Harry
November 2, 2012 - 12:19
#48
Re: Where is everyone
Regarding John Willett' s post above: that was pretty much my experience. I'll bet there are a lot of pre-hack users who have assumed that DVDoctor forums have vanished for good. Is there not a database of e-mail addresses that could be used to send a one-off mail shot to everyone who was registered to say "we're still here, come visit, come and join in"?
I think that every group - whether a forum like this, or FB group, or even my kickabout football team - has to have a critical mass to keep going. I fear we're in danger of losing that critical mass and should be trying to boost member numbers. How can we do that?
Adobe Certified Professional Premiere Pro CS6, Premiere Pro CC
November 2, 2012 - 13:21
#49
Re: Where is everyone
We can probably send everyone an email.
However I really don't think that is the problem. Sure when the site went down people had to look elsewhere for forums. If you have a look round the web for video related forums then there is quite a selection to choose from. Ones which seem to be quite active / busy seem to be the ones which have embraced digital cinematography, people using DSLRs, RED and the like all seem to have plenty to discuss and generally seem to live in an exciting time of invention and inovation where many people are putting together their own solutions and helping others do so too. (like this place was around the turn of the millenium).
People interested in these kind of discussions are not attracted to DVDoctor/forums because when people post about these kind of topics here the "answers" more often than not are along the lines of "stop messing about with stills cameras, only a proper sholdermount ENG camera is any good" (often not put as politely as that!). Thus people who are interested in the creative, exciting world of low/no budget film making (for fun) are put off from joining in here as they are told that the whole approach is flawed.
Imagine how many of use would of bothered to join in the first place if, in the late 90's when we first came here we were told that our silly little hi8 handycams were no good for anything and that unless we were shooting at least betaSP and editing fullframe media100 then there was no point in trying. !
This place realy feels stuck in the past, actually it often feels actively hostile to new techniques and to people who are not 30 years+ experianced broadcast boys.
November 2, 2012 - 17:38
#50
Re: Where is everyone
Tom
Out of interest, do you speak to your firm's clients in the same way that you express yourself on this forum?
Ray
November 2, 2012 - 18:42
#51
Re: Where is everyone
Sorry Ray,
What about my posts here is offensive? Other than holding an opinion which doesn't fall in line with the standard opinion set of the "forum leaders" and perhaps telling some home truths which people don't want to hear, then i don't understand why you imply that my posts offend you.
I'm not posting in this thread to start a bun fight. I'm mearly suggesting some reasons why this forum has seen a decline. Maybe I'm wrong, but its how it looks to me from where i sit.
It is of course far easier to blame the "crash", "the forum software", "bad management", "the dog ate it" than it is to admit that the way certain topics and discussions are handled is activly offputting to new (and old) users.
November 2, 2012 - 18:56
#52
Re: Where is everyone
RIP ENG camera's"
November 2, 2012 - 19:04
#53
Re: Where is everyone
The item on the right is presumably a Gatling Gun?.....
November 2, 2012 - 19:07
#54
Re: Where is everyone
Nah it's a zoooooom microphone!
November 2, 2012 - 19:08
#55
Re: Where is everyone
I'm not blaming anyone here for anything 
However the continuing self analyis is getting everyone nowhere in my opinion 
Some members have moved on or onto other forums or social media because that's where they get the feedback they require.
When I joined the forum Firewire was the buzzword and I was reasonably competent in supplying fixes.
The forum nowadays is a million miles away from those issues, there was a Firewire post this morning, it was a spam post though, that's my role nowadays, deleting spam
as I've said, I am happy to stand aside as life is too short to keep hearing these debates about various factions that may or may not exist, who cares?.
as I've said, I am happy to stand aside as life is too short to keep hearing these debates about various factions that may or may not exist, who cares?.
Just get on with it is my advice or ask Bob to be a Mod.
bte I suggested emailing past members behind the scenes a while back, I don't think it will make a big difference imho.
Over to you with a pinch of salt
November 2, 2012 - 20:52
#56
Re: Where is everyone
sleepytom wrote:
At the end of the day nobody is forced to come here, read or post to the forum. If you don't like it then you can choose to go elsewhere.
Could attitude be a contributing factor ??
Fergie
There's only one eF in Ferguson
I now seem to spend a lot of time arguing with inanimate objects
November 2, 2012 - 23:57
#57
Re: Where is everyone
sleepytom wrote:
........ actually it often feels actively hostile to new techniques and to people who are not 30 years+ experianced broadcast boys.
My own feeling is that if not hostility, there is at least indifference to other sectors of the market as well - not just low budget/DSLR topics. Sony recently announced their new "F" range - two new cameras, a host of accessories, together with a new family of codecs, a commitment to 4k, and more besides. Whether you are personally interested or not (and personally, it looks too expensive for me) it seems to have set many other film and video forums ablaze with comment and debate. Threads were started within minutes of the news breaking - in fact a lot of speculation well in advance.
And that not just from people 30+ years experienced in the industry, but from a wide cross section of ages and experiences. Even many who are currently building experience on such as DSLR video can see the significance that it may have for them on the future.
Yet here? I was amazed to find no mention at all hours later. And only three people have even responded to the thread now, with little in the way of debate about what it means, not compared to elsewhere in the internet.
I posted my own thoughts, and you may disagree with them. Well - say something. Debate it. That's fine, as long any discussion is kept civil. If you're going to disagree, give a reason and ideally evidence for why you disagree. That's how that people learn.
November 3, 2012 - 09:44
#58
Re: Where is everyone
November 3, 2012 - 10:42
#59
Re: Where is everyone
We've done this debate before. I consider myself, realisticly , in the enthusiastic amateur, or maybe better, experienced amateur section. I have have also supported and been a member here since 98/99.
The member profile and the issues that affect us have both changed. I err on the side of Tom in his analysis of where we are.
Herer is an example :
"I recently took some video of a family gathering. It is not correct to post it here as it it is a family event. It is charming and vibrant but due to the constraints of the situation was taken with auto everything. The camera coped with all the challenges except one, the white balance. The film was in a woodland area one minute the sun casting rays through the autumnal leaves. The next everything covered in a blue tinge as the sun disappeared."
My software is CS5. I am pretty sure, that with the exception of one ot two people I will be told that in Vegas you do xy or x, that I shouldn't have used auto, why am I using an sd900, really I ought to leave this sort of thing to the pro's. Regognise any of this? As I say there are a couple of exceptions, you guys know who you are. Therefore on balance I will use google for the answer. It will take longer and I should be happy to get an answer here.
As I say there are a couple of exceptions, you guys know who you are. Therefore on balance I will use google for the answer. It will take longer and I should be happy to get an answer here.
Don't get me wrong, I have learnt a lot from the pro/ex pro team here but the world is not locked in 1978!
A final thought for everyone - what is the most sought after video on TV/Y-Tube ? It is archive amateur footage from the 1930s or earlier onwards - often taken by keen amateurs, because it shows real life and is a historical document - e rarely see TV programmes (that exist) from the same period. In 30 years my rural diary will maybe be part of that - the One show /Latest police soap won't.
Wach out for the thread on how to grade my family film, coming to a thread near you!
Let us move on.
November 3, 2012 - 12:51
#60
Re: Where is everyone
MAGLINK wrote:
Nah it's a zoooooom microphone!
Looks more like a standard gun mic. in a Rycote Universal camera Kit to me 
November 3, 2012 - 12:51
#61
Re: Where is everyone
Many other forums exist, and there is probably something in the idea that niche forums (i.e ones that focus on a specific aspect such as DSLRs) might work better in this current age. Many of those forums now allow the embedding of video, which I am not sure is possible here or not? I have noticed that there are many sub forums here that are rarely active and could probably do with pruning. Perhaps make the forums more focussed. For example there is still a seperate forum for High Definition cameras from normal (I presumer SD) equipment in the A/V forums. There is no need for this now since all new cameras are HD.
So yes, I think many of the forum categories could be pruned, with many of them being merged into single categories. This would focus things more and make the forums much easier to navigate and post in. For a newcomer visiting here there are currently too many and it is difficult to see sometimes what should be posted where.
November 3, 2012 - 17:45
#62
Re: Where is everyone
Awe - c'mon Freeflow ! You've 'just' arrived . . . Give it all a good time of thinking and digesting - and that'll take you quite a bit.
I could point you to criticisms of my inputs in the past because I was giving reasons for my choice of equipment or simply just giving an opinion from my own experiences.
Some people can't help framing their words in such a way that they can appear to be offensive; but that shows how two minds are working, that's all.
As for lessening the number of subjects (I presume that's what you would prefer) once again that's your mind working differently from others and as I first mentioned, give it all a chance. Read and enjoy - (You can even have a laugh at some of the the bad spelling.) Find out about some of the stuff you have no or little connection with. I enjoy it all - and I've been filming/editing since 1960 but there's always something!
November 3, 2012 - 23:16
#63
Re: Where is everyone
Post #61 is askew on IE8 and Chrome or is it just my puter
November 4, 2012 - 00:32
#64
Re: Where is everyone
Sorry I broke some things on the site whilst i was fixing the spelling checker. I think i have now fixed the ordering issue which was causing some signatures to break. On my mac it all looks good, is it looking ok for you too now John?
November 4, 2012 - 00:33
#65
Re: Where is everyone
Tis OK now and I wasn't drinking (Hic!)
Thank you
November 4, 2012 - 00:36
#66
Re: Where is everyone
FreeFlow wrote:
Many of those forums now allow the embedding of video, which I am not sure is possible here or not?
Yes video embedding should work, click the little filmstrip icon at the top of the editor and paste in the embed code.
November 5, 2012 - 00:10
#67
Re: Where is everyone
When I came on this forum or rather joined as a complete novice i had the freedom to ask novice questions. Many members helped and today they still do. But over the years technology has changed and the trend is towards upper market questions. In other words you got to know the higher spectrum of your problem.
After the new format of this forum i found to get online here was a problem. But i still visited and tried to learn from the software which i'm using FCP-X.
I think many novices think it is a waste of time to come and post. (That is only my opinion)
I still maintain a section could be helpful for the lower class knowledge of people. Like iMovie 11 on the Mac section. It is all FCP material and other Mac software.
As always one cant please all and some fall by the wayside.
Too me this forum still has a good punch and many members still contribute for the small people.
November 5, 2012 - 01:33
#68
Re: Where is everyone
FreeFlow wrote:
I have noticed that there are many sub forums here that are rarely active and could probably do with pruning. Perhaps make the forums more focussed. For example there is still a seperate forum for High Definition cameras from normal ...........
I think that's a very good point, both about HD cameras specifically, and that it's time to rethink the forum headings generally. Maybe the single most constructive thought so far in this thread. It's not the first time it would have happened, though not for a long time. It got me looking, and (for example) there is an entire section devoted to "FAST" with three subforums - and the last post in any of them is well over 5 years ago!
Nobody should feel put off from posting, nobody should feel it's a waste of time, and certainly not by feeling "I'm only a novice". But I disagree that beginners are only interested in beginners matters, and that if all anybody can afford is at the low end, they must have no interest in higher end equipment or techniques.
That's like saying a car enthusiast - who can only afford a basic saloon for themselves - is not at all interested in high performance or classic cars. I remember in my (much) younger days, when my only active involvement was with a Std8 cine camera taking a lot of interest in articles about higher end film making. And a comparable situation happens in other forums now as far as I can see.
Taking Freeflows thoughts further, maybe specific forums such as specifically for video DSLR use may be an encouragement to newer members? And may be such may help to break down some of the polarisations that exist towards such cameras. (For the record, I have a 550D myself and am pretty positive towards it overall - but am well aware of it's limits.)
November 5, 2012 - 02:20
#69
Re: Where is everyone
This is a great idea. But I need you guys to help to work out what the organisation of the forums would be. Let's generate a bunch of ideas and I'll try to collate them in to something coherent. I'll start with some random ideas, but bear in mind I'm a DV novice:
Editing Software (FCP, Premier, etc.)
Cameras (HD, Broadcast, Web, DSLR, etc.)
On Set (Filming, Directing, etc.)
Computer Questions (Windows, Mac, Linux, Hackintosh, etc.)
Computer Hardware (Capture cards, Firewire, etc.)
Audio (Recording, Editing, etc.)
Memcache statistics
Operation
Bin
Key
Hit
set
cache
dvforums.com-cache-variables
0
getMulti
cache
dvforums.com-cache-.wildcard-ctools_plugin_files%3A
0
set
cache
dvforums.com-cache-ctools_plugin_files%3Actools%3Astyle_bases
0
set
cache
dvforums.com-cache-ctools_plugin_files%3Actools%3Acontent_types
0
set
cache
dvforums.com-cache-imagecache%3Apresets
0
set
cache
dvforums.com-cache-imagecache%3Apresets
0
getMulti
cache
dvforums.com-cache-.wildcard-theme_registry
0
set
cache
dvforums.com-cache-theme_registry%3Asky
0
November 5, 2012 - 02:37
#70
Re: Where is everyone
I'll think about it further, but as regards the camera section tend to think we drop "HD" as a heading - as Freeflow has put it, pretty well every camera now is HD! Maybe 4k is the new HD!?!
Maybe Broadcast, Prosumer, Consumer, Specialist and vDSLR? Trouble may be knowing where to draw lines!?! :-) I've seen other forums do it via manufacturer as prime, then their different strands, but I'd tend to go for having the class of camera as prime category. So if a visitor comes as a "consumer" or "broadcaster" he knows where he's most likely to feel at home!
The subject of how to preserve the archive could also do with thinking about if we are totally changing the forum heading structures. I recently did have occasion to look up a very old thread which had a lot of information in about old TV systems.
November 5, 2012 - 10:11
#71
Re: Where is everyone
Hi,
As a new user to this site (less than 24 hours), I found this site after typing in a video editing console model which I wanted to get rid of - I was frankly surprised the post I found was dated 2012 because from the immediate feel I got of this site was that it was here for 'historic' purposes, as it very much has the feel of the year 2000. Unfortunately, given the number of forums floating around the web, the ones that feel '2012' are the ones people generally tend to give a second viewing.
Regards
Nick
November 5, 2012 - 14:18
#72
Re: Where is everyone
I'm not so sure about the consumer, prosumer, professional approach because quite frankly, today's consumers have better products than the pros had just a few years ago. I suspect the divider nowadays is simply format - as in sensor size and physical size - so a go pro would be in a different category to an EX3. Giving DSLRs a section where the differences between them and more conventional camcorders make sense also works. I tend to agree that as everything has HD on it - then maybe we should forget about HD - after all, what does the H stand for? Higher than what? SD? One forum I'm involved with started a new "Next generation" section intended for the many school/college people, but it was very popular with newcomers of all types - somewhere they could post their 'stupid questions' without getting flamed. It worked really well, because they could post without worry - but we found the old lags would go there to help answer the questions. We hated the idea of beginner and advanced, because very often people just didn't fit these basic headings.
Really we shoot, we edit, we talk business, and we ask complex technical questions. We also have problems with putting everyone into categories. Weddings is a good example. Many posts there refer to interesting things, not just wedding issues - I don't ever do weddings, but often find wedding topics quite interesting. What does seem weak now we've lost a few people is chat - so that area of interest seems to have dropped. Another useful area is where people put their work up for comment - BUT it needs to be made a bit clearer that they should only do it if they want honest opinion. Far too often people get upset because people give their honest opinions.
November 5, 2012 - 15:27
#73
Re: Where is everyone
Not forgetting folks like myself who have shelf loads of family video on VHS, VHS-C, S-VHS, and Digital both 4x3 and widescreen that I keep promising to one day, edit and record onto DVD.
With that in mind, I'm now going to open a thread and ask a question the answer to which, to many of you computerphiles, will be very obvious but as a non computerite, I have to ask the question.
I suppose I could be likened to someone who can drive a car reasonably well but who has very little knowledge as to how the engine works.
Cheers.
Cheers.
Fergie
There's only one eF in Ferguson
I now seem to spend a lot of time arguing with inanimate objects
November 5, 2012 - 15:30
#74
Re: Where is everyone
Fergie wrote:
Not forgetting folks like myself who have shelf loads of family video on VHS, VHS-C, S-VHS, and Digital both 4x3 and widescreen that I keep promising to one day, edit and record onto DVD.Cheers.
I have got one step further in that I have got them all onto hard drives. Now if I just had about 50 years spare I might get round to editing them
I do find as a casual hobbyist that most of the forum has gone above my head but to be fair, any of my and others trivial questions about low cost equipment is still being answered. I think anyone who used to read the mag will always hang around.
November 5, 2012 - 21:56
#75
Re: Where is everyone
I seem to have a problem with this thread I'm subscribed to. The last 20 or so notification emails I had are all From Anonymous and most time I get two of the same person. Anyone have the same problem?
November 6, 2012 - 00:34
#76
Re: Where is everyone
paulears wrote:
I'm not so sure about the consumer, prosumer, professional approach because quite frankly, today's consumers have better products than the pros had just a few years ago.
That's true - but the whole bar has been raised and the overall standard has gone up. Cameras used for holidays are very different to what you'd use for Downton Abbey. Likewise the difference between consumer and pro cameras can be as much down to ergonomics, usability and versatility etc as sheer image quality.
But I'm not fully happy about the distinctions myself - I just can't think of anything better. The real problem is drawing lines. "Professional" really just means someone gets paid to do something as a main source of income. They might do that with relatively cheap equipment. Likewise "amateur" really means to do something for the love of it - and amateurs may own and use equipment far more expensive than lower end professionals.
I did wonder about doing it by camera format - AVC-HD, XDCAM etc - but I think that may also cause more problems and anomalies than it solves.
Quote:
I suspect the divider nowadays is simply format - as in sensor size and physical size - so a go pro would be in a different category to an EX3.
But a GoPro may appeal to a similar user base as an EX3, as a second camera. But not be of any interest to someone who is interested in consumer cameras for domestic use - even though they and a GoPro might have similar sized chips.
Similarly, an FS100 has the same chip size as a Canon C500 or a Sony F55 - but aimed at users with very different budgets.
November 6, 2012 - 09:52
#77
Re: Where is everyone
Tibor Noszkay wrote:
I seem to have a problem with this thread I'm subscribed to. The last 20 or so notification emails I had are all From Anonymous and most time I get two of the same person. Anyone have the same problem?
Hi Tibor
This post may give you a clue
If a user edits their post the notification email gets sent again, Tom has made a fix now but that causes delayed notification of replies to subscribed posts.
November 6, 2012 - 12:48
#78
Re: Where is everyone
Hi John, thank you for your reply and link. I can now understand the post being duplicated but still don't know why it comes in my mailbox as Anonymous. It used to arrive with the name of the person who posted. See below:
November 6, 2012 - 18:14
#79
Re: Where is everyone
Hi Tibor
I think this is related to Tom's fix, he will answer you in due course
Thanks for the feedback
November 6, 2012 - 21:18
#80
Re: Where is everyone
Tibor,
I am a person who sometimes makes multiple edits to posts and I may have contributed to this problem without realising.
I will try to avoid edits in future, rather than just treating them as a way of re-phrasing something or adding an afterthought, or two, or three, or .........
sorry, dave.
November 6, 2012 - 21:40
#81
Re: Where is everyone
Dave, please don't apologise. I wasn't too worried about multiple posts, but more about the Anonymous posts arriving. But hey, as if by magic, your post arrived in my inbox with your name.
November 6, 2012 - 21:46
#82
Re: Where is everyone
Reading all the post on this section i have come to the conclusion we cant please everybody and we all got different opinions.
In reality clicking on this forum is like going to a library. You find your section and read if interesting or you can help if there is a problem.
One can alter this forum in style but in the end of the day, its what the forum members contribute which binds us all together.
November 16, 2012 - 13:23
#83
Re: Where is everyone
Well Fergie you started something here!
For what it's worth here's my 2 pence worth. I've been a member of this forum now getting on for about 3 years. I enjoyed taking pictures using a 35mm SLR for years but moved on to video in a more serious way after being taken ill at work and a major operation which kept me house bound for a few months and needed something to occupy me and stop me getting bored. It is a hobby for me which I find both technically interesting and creative with my only real limits I suppose being budget.
When I bit the bullet and went out and bought a VX2000 I found myself needing to understand some of the new knobs, buttons and techniques not found on an SLR and one of the places I could read about this was here. With an ever increasing interest I wanted to add to the way I could create new footage (mainly wildlife) and if memory serves me correctly my first post was about a jib I was thinking about buying. I moved on to HD, built a decent NLE machine, moved from Premier Elements to Vegas Pro 10, even did a 2 camera wedding shoot and more. During this time if I had a question, of which I had many, came up with a problem or just wanted advice this is the place I came to.
There is a wealth of knowledge here from those who work in the industry and earn a living from it and from hobbyists like myself. In my experience I have had nothing less than positive interaction here and it would be a shame to loose that 'family' experience, something lacking in many other forums all be it on different subjects.
Now to answer Fergie, I haven't been here as much over the past 11 months really, not because I don't want to but because other things take over at times. Two elderly in-laws in poor health doesn't help, I've visited hospitals and doctors that many times over the past 18 months I was thinking of fitting blue's and 2's to the top of the car! 
Add to that my long suffering wife has now retired which means that we can get out, given no hospitals or doctors, and use the cameras and kit I have worked hard for.
Add to that my long suffering wife has now retired which means that we can get out, given no hospitals or doctors, and use the cameras and kit I have worked hard for.
Regarding the forum. First of all I can and do appreciate the hard work done by all of those who build, adjust, tweek and secure this forum. I've played with forum software and was going to add a forum to my own site a few years ago but it was a time consuming affair. I personally find this software okay but then I can adapt fairly quickly because that's something I used to work with and like any software the look may change but the general end product is the same (one word processing software package is much the same as the next except in layout, likewise NLE software).
As for Topics layout that Martin mentioned ...
Quote:
Editing Software (FCP, Premier, etc.)
Cameras (HD, Broadcast, Web, DSLR, etc.)
On Set (Filming, Directing, etc.)
Computer Questions (Windows, Mac, Linux, Hackintosh, etc.)
Computer Hardware (Capture cards, Firewire, etc.)
Audio (Recording, Editing, etc.)
'Cameras' topic could have sub topics for example 'Sony Cameras'
'Panasonic Cameras'
etc.
These could, if it doesn't look too long winded, be sub divided into Broadcast, Web, DSLR, etc. as Martin suggested.
I like this idea from two angles.
(1) It makes it easier to drop into the topic you want, so, if you are interested in broadcast cameras, in particular Panasonic, then you have a focus point to start from.
(2) It makes it easy to moderate a particular topic from the point of view that if it isn't being used it can be either removed or if it has been used but hasn't seen any activity in say 12 months it can be archived.
If this were adopted users could interact better maybe with software or/an equipment they were familiar with. On a personal note I would still want to see what else was available more through curiosity and to see what I can't afford
. Just because I have a Z5 with limited slo-mo feature doesn't mean I don't look at a Photron and sulk because I can't afford one
. Just because I have a Z5 with limited slo-mo feature doesn't mean I don't look at a Photron and sulk because I can't afford one
Ron
November 16, 2012 - 14:23
#84
Re: Where is everyone
rt2000 wrote:
'Cameras' topic could have sub topics for example 'Sony Cameras''Panasonic Cameras'etc.These could, if it doesn't look too long winded, be sub divided into Broadcast, Web, DSLR, etc. as Martin suggested.
Personally, I think the sub-division by manufacturer brings problems as well as benefits.
At worst, it encourages "fan-boyism", at best it can mean confusion. I'd expect people may be primarily interested in a market sector - then may wish to focus on a particular range, make or model within that. So if you are most interested in broadcast cameras, maybe own a Sony at the moment, isn't it a good idea for new posts in the main forum you're most interested in to alert you to what such as Canon and Panasonic etc are doing as well as Sony?
November 17, 2012 - 16:18
#85
Re: Where is everyone
infocus2 wrote:
Quote:
I'd expect people may be primarily interested in a market sector - then may wish to focus on a particular range, make or model within that.
That makes sense, it's just a case of making sure you cover all market sectors in the sub topics. That could be food for thought though in so much as, and I speak purely from my own point of view, when creating the market sector sub topics where would the market sector stop? It may start at broadcast cameras and finish at consumer camcorders or even DSLR cameras with built in video capability now! Given the vast amount of consumer devices out there that may be a big ask for admin and the forum software itself.
One of the reasons I like this community is that it generally focus's on professional, shall I say, to 'prosumer' (I hate that word) products. This gives the site an identity within a market sector if you like. Just my personal thoughts as I say.
Ron
November 20, 2012 - 19:14
#86
Re: Where is everyone
I'm not sure that the cameras section needs to be broken up quite so dramatically. Perhaps have a Camcorders section where all types can be discussed, with the exception of a "DSLR for video" section since those cameras bring with them unique problems and solutions. Then perhaps a POV camera section (i.e. GoPro's etc). How about a "Shooting Techniques & Solutions" to talk about the more creative side of things?
November 20, 2012 - 22:14
#87
Re: Where is everyone
Just going back to the original post for a moment, here's an interesting point. I only pop in here once a day instead of several times a day, mainly because there's so few daily posts now. A few days back I posted a classified and I've tracked well over 100 hits from my post here to a link I included with pictures and info for the item and that's just from people who don't have tracker blocking software like Ghostery or similar installed, so the actual hits could be much higher. I'd guess the forum is getting plenty of visitors but they don't seem to want to interact or post for some reason.
November 21, 2012 - 09:16
#88
Re: Where is everyone
Y'know Foxy, I'm one of those who looks in regularly and doesn't 'put pen to paper' very often but now . . . Why we have to have any dramatic changes I don't know!
This forum lasted for years as it was with most of us being satisfied and I'm not so sure that most of us aren't still satisfied. It's information, given and accepted, that drew me to this forum in the first place and that's still my sole reason for remaining. One could argue over how the info is provided by both sender and recipient but if there's little needed to satisfy everyone, why this, nowadays, seemingly constant seeking after change.
I bet there's loads of others like me who look in regularly and become satisfied with whatever matter they're interested in at the time. There's only one main theme I could go heavily into - but that's best left alone due to its stirring and disruptive content - and that's HOW some people react to input or their choice of words when writing; and that's something one can come across in any forum anyway!
If there really has to be change, I just hope it won't take anything away . . .
Maxwell wrote:
"Reading all the posts on this section i have come to the conclusion we can't please everybody and we've all got different opinions.
In reality, clicking on this forum is like going to a library. You find your section and read if interesting, or you can help if there is a problem.
One can alter this forum in style but in the end of the day, its what the forum members contribute which binds us all together."
In reality, clicking on this forum is like going to a library. You find your section and read if interesting, or you can help if there is a problem.
One can alter this forum in style but in the end of the day, its what the forum members contribute which binds us all together."
Freeflow wrote:
FreeFlow wrote:
"I have noticed that there are many sub forums here that are rarely active and could probably do with pruning. Perhaps make the forums more focussed. For example there is still a seperate forum for High Definition cameras from normal ........... "
However, who's to know what people study when they visit. I often look into much back material - and I can't be unique!