sgtpreston Loc: El Paso, Texas

very similar to the days of which computer should I buy ?
no good answer that fits everyone

Photocraig

And SO easy to ignore.

Just Fred Loc: Darwin's Waiting Room

I work in the technology field, and I've always said the best answer to pretty much any technology-related question is, "It depends..."

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

The point is well-taken.
There is something to be said about doing some basic research before posting simplistic questions. Any question is appropriate, but the answers become more meaningful if the newby has done their homework first.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I had an electronics instructor in college who gave that answer a lot!

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

I have been at this "photography thing" for a very long time. Firstly as a kid with a camera, then a serious amature and finally as a professional. I consider myself extremely fortunate in that I was always able to seek and find help and advice along the way. Perhaps it's an old fashioned concept that is rare nowadays where older and wiser folks would take the time and have the patience to guide and mentor newcomers to any craft. Who knows- what with so much ageism out there, if the younger folks even wanna listed to the older guys and gals?

I was also fortunate enough to have a formal education in photography in an academic or classroom setting, however, my early "coaches", mentors and elders who encouraged me and my early bosses and masters who provided tough on-the-job experience and training endowed me with education that can not be matched in any schoolroom. This is what encourages me to teach, help and share with photographers of all levels of knowledge.

I feel that mastering photography requires 1/3 artistic talent, 1/3 technical savvy, and 1/3 a propensity for PROBLEM SOLVING. I can't "teach" talent- I can only encourage folks to develop what they have. I can advice on technical issues. I try very hard to encourage and inspire folks to employ their logic, common sense and resourcefulness and avoid hyperbole, marketing hype and so much of the old wives tales and "mythology" that is misleading and distracting.

As far as the nasty people and their rude remarks are concerned; there is little remedy in attempting to psychoanalyze the folks who perpetuate and perpetuate that kind of behavior. Problem is, there is little or no moderation on the main section of the forum. Nasty, rude, vulgar or interminating stuff should simply be deleted. Clean arguments, differences of opinion and even passionate debate are all acceptable, stimulating and educational. Arrogance, bullying and boorish behavior should have no place here. Theses behaviors are not tolerated in normal households, businesses, public events and social environments- why should the go on without consequence online?

Very basic and "newbie" questions? I think that, after a while on any forum, experienced members become more intuitive and can discern between sincere questions from actual uninitiated rookies and rhetorical questions from folks who just want to reignite old fires. I also try to avoid questions that start off with a great deal of negativity- they usually lead to verbal combat and more negativity. Maybe it comes with my age, but I can "smell" it when somebody is just looking for a fight. For those who are not interested in getting into a "scrap" it's best to avoid the troublemakers and hopefully the will go elsewhere.

I don't mind the "what camera"? or "what computer"? "What whatever"? questions if they are accompanied by more details as to what the questioner is trying to accomplish- perhaps a certain field of photography, a specific requirement, a way around a physical impairment or a financial issue. Admittedly, I am not a "gear head" or an afficanado of every brand and model. As a professional, I have no time to research all the features and faults of every piece of equipment on the market. I buy well- good stuff and use it until it disintegrates or poses limitations to what I need to do for my clients. I usually advise the new folks to set a realistic budget and try to find a camera in their price range that feels ergonomically comfortable in their hands and concentrate on the artistry and aesthetics of the craft. All they need is a camera with an adjustable aperture, shutter speed and a means of focus- all the rest are just bells and whistles.

For those of us who know our onions, know how to cook and have the good old recipes that we learned from our teachers, friends, mentors and elders- why not give back? It feels good to make someone else feel good!

Just Fred Loc: Darwin's Waiting Room

Are you aware of "The Attic?" Moderators will move topics they find objectionable there. Users are also free to post there (and I believe there are some folks who post in no other area of the forum). I have chosen to NOT add The Attic to my list of "new topics" to read.

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

Ha! Who says I even know now after 8 years!!

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

The "Attic" never interested me and in fact, I think it is detrimental to the forum. It reminds me of Bedlam, the infamous lunatic asylum of 17th Century England, where the mentally ill were integrated with criminals, and other unfortunate folks who simply exhibited strange behavior and relegated and subjected to every manner of mistreatment and torture.

When I was in grade school, back in Brooklyn, there was the "ungraded class" where underachieving and misbehaving students were placed. It was pure chaos and insanity. Bad thing was, some of the "wise guy" kids thought it was a "status symbol" among the other wise guys, to end up there- the next progression was the reformatory! Thank goodness they did away with that. Just imagine- a prep school for the jailhouse!

OK, so I have a strange sense of humor but there is an underlying moral!

canon Lee

Hi Linda... Sadly you are correct.... They don't know we are referring to them... Their attitudes come from early childhood and are reinforced by family, and they think their attitudes and rudeness are normal social conduct... So sad....

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States