XtremeCamera

We’re still changing up things around here, so with that in mind I thought I would spent a few minutes refreshing some things, clarifying others, and maybe even make some news. Here we go.

Comments and Critiques – Part One

Comments and critiques are no longer visible to non-members. We believe (your opinion would be nice to hear) that critiques are quite personal to most people. That being the case, the non-members that venture over to browse the great photographs on the site will not be able to read any comments/critiques because its not really relevant to their browsing experience.

Now, that said, Sean is working on a cool feature for the homepage that will take the place of the bottom middle column of the latest forum posts. We’re not sure if we will continue that somewhere else, or run it somewhere on the Daily Snapshot, but in its place is going to be some random critiques from random photographs so that non-members, potential members can get a flavor of how the critiques read at XtremeCamera. For now, we’re only going to pull critiques from the Admins, but we hope in a few months to pull from all critiques.

Comments and Critiques – Part Two

We’re not the only ones to notice that critiques have been few and far between lately. I’m sure that part of the reason is the new, more direct approach to critiquing from the Admins. If you have wanted to critique but have been reluctant, I’d like to tell you that you have no reason to be reluctant about leaving your own views about someone’s photograph. Don’t concern yourself with the way the Admins are critiquing when it comes to leaving your own. And, even if you still feel that you cannot properly critique a photograph, leave a comment instead.

If you believe you are qualified to give a critique, then by all means be honest and aboveboard and post it. We believe that if you have a good handle on Aperture settings, Shutter Speed control, can tell the difference between ISO 100 and ISO 1600, then you can most assuredly offer a critique on those particulars. If you know good composition, but are not keen on aperture, etc, then critique the composition and state that you aren’t versed enough in the other areas to critique them. That’s all you need to do.

Members want feedback from other members, as well as Admins. On many websites Admins don’t say a word, but since we’re going more for the Photo Training market, as well as building a community, critiques by the Admins are vital. As is your comments and/or critiques. So, please, get in there and start leaving more feedback for your fellow members.

Comments and Critiques – Part Three

If you ever read a critique that you think is out of line, from an Admin or a member, please copy that critique, visit the feedback page (Problem?) and paste that critique into it, also provide the URL, and your reasons for thinking its out of line. If we agree we’ll tell you so, and if it is an Admin that Admin will post an apology and/or an explanation. If it is a member that member will be sent a letter and be asked to explain the reason they worded a critique the way they did.

From our standpoint we have seen many critiques by Julia that have been harsh, direct and to most of all honest, but I think you’ll agree that she has been harsh toward a particular photograph, not the photographer (in the critiques anyway).

Every member here knows by now that we intend to be honest and direct in our critiques, and so should you. But, if we cross the line, or another member, in your opinion, then let us know. This should not prevent anyone from critiquing if they can do so. But if it does, then once again I’ll say leave a comment instead.

The ShoutBox

We installed a shoutbox today (July 12, 2008) in order to provide an outlet for members to express whatever they want. It was suggested that if someone gets upset over another member’s critique, or an Admins critique, that it might be nice to have a way to express the anger. Or, if you have an opinion or a suggestion that you want to us to hear, but for whatever reason doesn’t want us to know whose saying it, then shout it out. So, without having to identify yourself, you can head to the ShoutBox and have at it.

You’ll find the link to it under the control panel. And don’t worry about what you say; this is a free expression page where there are no repercussions. I think it might be fun, and I plan on using it myself to rage about politics, or religion, or a new videogame I can’t seem to beat.

Memberships

Yes, we know, we know. Trust us, its fine. We’re taking a new direction, and there are many opportunities to explore. So, we’re not worried and you shouldn’t be either. What with classes coming up, reviews, tutorials, and much more, there is enough to keep all us busy for quite some time.

Now, that’s not to say we don’t want to grow. We do. And to do that we will need your help. Over the next few weeks if you believe that you’re becoming a better photographer, that you are learning more about photography here than anywhere else, we urge you to help spread the word. At less than $5 a month we can’t help but feel that we offer more than any other photography website out there. If you agree, then talk about us, spread the word, and recruit other photographers.

Which leads to my next topic;

Referral Points –

Before the redirection you could, as a free member, earn enough points to obtain a premium membership, and if you were a premium member you could earn additional months. That’s not really going to work anymore. Instead, over the next couple of weeks we’re going to work on providing real rewards for those referral points.

Rewards like Photography books, flash memory cards, lenses, and camera cases, even cameras. We’ll have plenty to choose from. And, if you want to use your points to extend your membership you’ll still be able to do that as well. Any and all points earned so far will stay on your membership. We won’t have the redemption page done for a couple of weeks, but you would still benefit from making referrals.

Lastly, something a little touchy.

It has been expressed by more than one member that we should consider having potential members submit a portfolio of their work in order to be accepted as a member. I understand why some members would say that, but I disagree.

Anyone can learn the basics of photography. Anyone that works hard enough can become a decent shooter. All it takes is commitment and dedication. If a potential member has those two things he or she can learn how to shoot. XtremeCamera will provide the education through chat room based classes on the basics, through advanced. We’ll provide tutorials, and most of all, honest feedback. If they are dedicated to becoming a good photographer then they can join us, even if they’ve never clicked a shutter before joining. But, I imagine that shouldn’t be thin-skinned. ;-)

So there you have it. I don’t think I missed anything. Then again, I might have. In which case I’ll post again.

John Manzione