JimH Loc: Western South Jersey, USA

I'm not the Admin, but I've been here for a while, and been involved with running my own forum(s) as well. In the interest of fair play and bringing new users up to speed, I thought I'd post a few general thoughts on posting, replying, and general use of the forum.

1) When replying to a post, use the "QUOTE REPLY" button, so readers will know which other post you're referring to. Add your comments BELOW the quoted post. Feel free to EDIT OUT unnecessary text of the original if you need to.

2) It's generally considered bad form to add your pictures to another person's post, especially if the subject matter is different. This is called "hi-jacking".

3) It's OK to add pictures when the original poster says "Lets see your pictures of {insert subject here}" - This means that we want to see your pictures in the same subject area. Generally, these "gallery" type posts are NOT for criticism and critique.

4) If you have a question, use the SEARCH feature up on the top of the main navigation bar, below the word 'Photography'. Chances are, it's been asked and answered already. If not, feel free to start a new thread and ask away.

4b) If you have a technical or usage question, it often helps to know what kind of camera you are using, and what kind of pictures you like to take. Just asking "What kind of lens should I buy?" is a little too open-ended.

5) Remember that often it's difficult to comprehend 'alternate' meanings from the written word. You might think your post is in a joking, light-hearted manner, but the reader might think you're very serious, and take offense. Even adding :) to a post doesn't always help. So think before you type.

6) Pay no attention to posts by "Sinatraman" - he's a fictitious user invented by us to maintain a load on the system.

7) That last item is a joke. See what I mean?

LittleRedFish Loc: Naw'lens (New Orleans)

Bravo!!!! Well said Jim, now keep this and post it once a week.

:D

PalePictures Loc: Traveling

And by all means exercise forgiveness. If your like me you've broken almost every rule at some time or another -- and been occasionally corrected for it.
Like not including that long list of rules in my reply. :)

blueeyes3515 Loc: WV

It is nice to see the rules occasionally. Some of the new comers do not know for instance if they post a picture on someone else's post without the invitation to do so, that it is considered hi-jacking. :)

sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant

I would compliment you jim h for your rules as i do agree, but since i don't exsist? Actually i'm known by my nom de gurre as tilde.

since i don't exsist does this mean i can skip paying taxes?


wasn't it Rene DeCarte who said "I post therfore I am". bet you didn't know sinatraman has/had/ would have if he existed quite an intellect.

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

Thank you Jim. This probably needs to be reposted every couple of weeks.

Just Tami Loc: Long Island

Well said with some humor. It needs to be repeated every once in a while. Hijacking happens quite a bit I no longer respond to those unwanted added pictures not because of poor quality just inappropriate posting. Thanks J-man

TJ Loc: Austraila, Toowoomba.

well said Jim and #6 had my sides bursting, was wondering who would one contact to make your list a auto responce to new users, just a thought is all. Well now that ball has been thrown out there lets see if it gets picked up.

LittleRedFish Loc: Naw'lens (New Orleans)

I don't think any of the new users are reading this, really, not one comment from anyone new and almost every thread I go on to I see them doing almost all of the above.

Eric did send one of the new users to MWAC site which states some of the same stuff.

JimH Loc: Western South Jersey, USA

Yeah, I think you nailed it. I just posted a quick topic with a link here on the "Introduce yourself" page, and the "Links and resources page." It may help, it may not. "Lead a horse to water" syndrome.

DB Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

Hmmmmmmm who coined the word "Hijacking" not mentioned in any of the rules....... Seems only one or two people seem concerned with this.... people seem to like photos regardless..... if you don't want people to post pictures on your thread SAY SO in the beginning... :) Please do not post your photos here.... simple as pie.....
Ya'll have fun...

liv2paddle Loc: Wall, NJ

I believe hijacking..was started by our now departed fearless leader BOB. I have been guilty myself..I jumped on on one of his threads..OMG..the rath of God came down on me..I now understand the implications of this..its like interupting a conversation..rude . It takes the focus away from the thread. I think the image retouch is something different..someone may ask for comments.a picture is worth a thousand words..so in that instance..it may be more appropriate.

(BTW attended UT for one year..and spent sometime up in Gatlinburg..beautiful, Took me years to get the Jersey accent back.even now I will say Ya'll once in awhile)..see thats hijacking the thread..I still have a little defiance left in me if you are out there BOB

:D

DB Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

But I don't mind one bit..... love hearing about others ... and personally, I'd be more offended by someone "redoing" my photo when not specifically asked....than someone posting their own photo.. but thats why its called variety..... and ummmmm no comment on the rest ;) post away anytime you feel the urge..... I don't mind at all

Fifty-Fifty Loc: Arkansas

I am probably the worst at hiJacking and if I offended anyone I'm srry but i have to agree with DB if you don't want anyone to "hijack" your thread then say so or if you don't like what I've added tell me I'll remove it pronto... but I get some really good inspirations from not only the original post but the hijackers photos as well ,,,bottom line for me is "We are here to help each other learn and grow, so all info thats never been seen before is added education." if we all started new threads every time we wanted to share a photo how many would get missed from the sheer volume of new threads.

LittleRedFish Loc: Naw'lens (New Orleans)

I have noticed that some people intentions are to show how much better a photographer they are then the OP.
It's clearly rude, and they have a swollen ego. They are the real Hi jackers.
Most people do it because their just swept up in the moment and want to do a little "show and tell". That's innocent.
Most of us are guilty of doing it in the begining, and usually get told off, or ignored. The innocent people usually get it. The ones who just want to show their superior photograpy need to hear from everyone how great they are, and that is just down right UGLY.