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BEWARE Google News Feed Articles on Photography
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Nov 6, 2018 11:02:38   #
lev29 Loc: Born and living in MA.
 
The following might sound trite to some, but I found it misleading. I'm referring to one of those "headline" articles appearing on the opening page of my Google app on my iPad this morning. Unfortunately, I cannot find the URL to copy-and-paste for all to see here. Yes, it is no coincidence that my little Google News feed contains Photography news; I'm sure no one is surprised to read that Google obviously monitored my shopping (or other,) habits and thus now includes 1-2 such articles each time I boot up the app (note that no such feed appears on my MacBook Pro laptop.)

The headline, and note this is from memory only, dated November 2nd or the 6th, read something to the effect of "Lensbaby introduces two tilt-shift lenses, the Sol 45 and the Sol 22". Then there's fluff, embedded within which are B&H links to each of these lenses. The ENTIRE reason this article caught my eye was because of the inclusion of the word shift. Why? Because historically, Lensbaby products have the tilt capability, but NEVER a shift capability! So upon reading this headline, I thought, "Wow! HOW did I miss this feature of the Sol 45?"

So I clicked on the Sol 45 link and confirmed what I already knew: NO! There is no shift capability in this lens, period.

I scrolled down to the end of the article, but couldn't find any place to comment on this fallacy. So now I ask the Hogs: is it typical for the term "Tilt-Shift", outside of search engines, to be used to mean either 'tilt or shift' capability, as opposed to 'tilt and shift' capability? OR, is this just some sloppy work by a new staffer who knows nothing about photography?

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Nov 6, 2018 11:05:35   #
John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN
 
Thanks for the tip off.

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Nov 6, 2018 11:08:04   #
Bill_de Loc: US
 
All this over what was probably a typo. Tilt-shift is such a common term in photography that whoever was typing it probably just started with "tilt" and kept going. Or maybe they read it somewhere and couldn't find it again and were working from memory.

BEWARE is a bit over dramatic for something that has no real consequences.

--

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Nov 6, 2018 11:28:08   #
Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington
 
The "news" has been around since August:
https://www.diyphotography.net/new-lensbaby-sol-45mm-f-3-5-is-a-200-tilt-shift-lens/

And an oops (correction):
https://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2018/08/07/tilt-focus-and-shoot-lensbaby-launches-a-pair-of-new-sol-lenses

I agree with Bill about the over-dramatic topic title, but considering the number of people who believe everything they read without taking any responsibility for researching with their own brain...maybe you are providing a service

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Nov 6, 2018 11:31:02   #
lev29 Loc: Born and living in MA.
 
Bill_de wrote:
All this over what was probably a typo ...
BEWARE is a bit over dramatic for something that has no real consequences.
As to your comment on 'BEWARE', "dramatic" is in the eye of the beholder, Bill_de!

The use of "tilt-shift" in that piece was a falsehood, whether it was deliberate or not. To me, the consequence was WASTING MY TIME! And I thought, logically, if MY time was wasted, it may waste other people's time. If Google accepts such garbage into their feeds and there is no ready means to give them feedback, what's not to keep them from doing this again? Or are they doing this with great frequency now?

Without any negative thoughts intended towards (or about) you whatsoever, Bill_de, maybe you've become accustomed to all this FAKE NEWS. It's just that I am not and I'm sure that I'm not the only one.

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Nov 6, 2018 11:42:30   #
lev29 Loc: Born and living in MA.
 
Linda From Maine wrote:
The "news" has been around since August: ... an oops (correction):
https://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2018/08/07/tilt-focus-and-shoot-lensbaby-launches-a-pair-of-new-sol-lenses

I agree with Bill about the over-dramatic topic title, but considering the number of people who believe everything they read without taking any responsibility for researching with their own brain...maybe you are providing a service
The "news" has been around since August:... (show quote)
Hey, Linda!
Thanks for looking up and citing those two articles. You have confirmed my point that this Google article is inaccurate and its author failed to research it well enough!

As for your coy comment that you agree with Bill_de, you are both right and wrong. I'm sure you didn't have the opportunity to read my previous response to my use of the word (and all-capitals font,) 'BEWARE'. You validated that point, too, by stating "... without taking any responsibility for researching ...". The way I see it, I should not have to take the time, even in retirement!

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Nov 6, 2018 11:58:08   #
rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin
 
Lev29 - I agree that sloppy news and advertising is becoming more prevalent generally. Google is not alone or the sole offender in such matters. I agree that unless we are willing to speak up, we will get what we deserve.

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Nov 6, 2018 12:06:03   #
Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington
 
lev29 wrote:
...The way I see it, I should not have to take the time, even in retirement!
Ah, but sadly, this is the new normal.

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Nov 6, 2018 12:11:01   #
lev29 Loc: Born and living in MA.
 
John_F wrote:
Thanks for the tip off.
You're welcome! Glad to read I am not the only one, no matter how trite this issue is to some.

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Nov 6, 2018 12:11:37   #
lev29 Loc: Born and living in MA.
 
rjaywallace wrote:
Lev29 - I agree that sloppy news and advertising is becoming more prevalent generally. Google is not alone or the sole offender in such matters. I agree that unless we are willing to speak up, we will get what we deserve.
Thank you.

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Nov 6, 2018 12:12:49   #
lev29 Loc: Born and living in MA.
 
Linda From Maine wrote:
Ah, but sadly, this is the new normal.
Yes, you’re right. I just hate it!

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Nov 6, 2018 12:18:57   #
lev29 Loc: Born and living in MA.
 
Bill_de wrote:
All this over what was probably a typo. Tilt-shift is such a common term in photography that whoever was typing it probably just started with "tilt" and kept going. Or maybe they read it somewhere and couldn't find it again and were working from memory ...
Bill_de,
I actually responded to this first part of your reply, but for some reason it didn’t get posted (maybe I forgot to hit the 'SEND' soft key?) But to keep this short, I am positive it wasn’t a typo! "Tilt-shift" was used multiple times in this Google article.

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Nov 6, 2018 12:37:40   #
Bill_de Loc: US
 
lev29 wrote:
Bill_de,
I actually responded to this first part of your reply, but for some reason it didn’t get posted (maybe I forgot to hit the 'SEND' soft key?) But to keep this short, I am positive it wasn’t a typo! "Tilt-shift" was used multiple times in this Google article.


It actually could have been auto correct. It just doesn't seem like it would make sense to misinform people in an article like this. Dishonesty is everywhere and maybe causes us to always assume the worst.

I am glad that it didn't waste so much of your time that you couldn't continue on with this discussion. Enjoy your retirement.

--

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Nov 6, 2018 12:54:00   #
AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire
 
Speaking as a former journalist, from the days when "Mainstream Media" consisted of a handful of magazines, three networks, and your local newspaper.... THERE IS NO GOOGLE ARTICLE.

Google just aggregates stories, they neither report them nor edit them. That's not their job. Stories that reflect your interests, purchase history, search history, etc. come up in their feed. If you search on "Trump is the greatest" you'll find stories that relate, not that verify or support this statement. Same if you search on "Trump is evil". Whether they come from the KKK or Socialist Workers Party, it's up to you do determine their credibility.

Doing a search on the words from either article reveals that the source of the error is the headline writer at each individual news source that carried the press release - the word "tilt" is included, and the headline writer, likely with a little bit of photographic experience, just interpreted it to mean "tilt-shift". The article shows up on a dozen or more photo websites, including the fairly well respected Canon Watch. The second article Linda linked shows that at least one website noticed the error and acknowledged it.

In both cases, it would seem that the source information would appear to be the Lensbaby press release, which can be found, verbatim on at least five sites. It doesn't refer to tilt shift anywhere, but throws around meaningless adjectives in the best Don Draper style.

Quote:
Portland, OR (August 7th) – Lensbaby—makers of award-winning creative effects lenses, optics and accessories—announces the launch of their most playful and accessible lens yet, the Sol 45.
“Sol 45 opens up a new creative experience for those who want to dip their toes in the Lensbaby pool,” said Craig Strong Lensbaby Co-Founder and CCO. “Sol inspires visual artists to find new and fun ways to see their world by creating unique images in camera – no filters needed.”

The Sol 45 responds to those curious and insightful individuals who desire intention, imagination, and passion within each experience they live. This fixed aperture lens features an ease-of-use that injects the classic Lensbaby energy into images while creating a fun photography experience that benefits from the creation of unique photos that are representative of the users’ passions.

Users simply identify a subject in frame, bend the lens toward it, rotate the focus ring to bring subject into focus and shoot, ultimately creating a tack-sharp circular area of focus surrounded by bold blur and smooth bokeh. In addition, users can bring the lens’s bokeh blades – situated on hinged arms hiding at the edge of the lens – into the lens’s field of view. These bokeh blades add subtle lines of texture in-camera to the bokeh, creating stylized texture effects that many photographers only experience post-edit.
Since 2004, Lensbaby has challenged photographers to make their creative process one that distinctly captures the voice they find behind the camera. Today, the Sol 45 opens this door to all creatives, regardless of skill level. Enthusiast DSLR and mirrorless camera shooters, especially those who are newer to Lensbaby, now have the opportunity to experiment with the brand’s iconic look for an affordable price of $199.95.

The Sol 45 is made specifically for DSLR and mirrorless cameras, and is compatible with Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A, Pentax K, Sony E, and Fuji X. The lens will also be available in a 22mm version specifically for Micro 4/3rd shooters. The Micro 4/3rd community is a passionate group who has embraced Lensbaby for years, all while longing for lenses tailored specifically for them. The Sol 22 was developed in a 22mm focal length (44mm equivalent) to serve these photographers.

For more information about the Sol Lenses please visit: https://sol.lensbaby.com/. The Sol 45 will be available for purchase on: https://lensbaby.com/product/s… and select Lensbaby-authorized retailers for $199.95 on August 7th, 2018, and the Sol 22 will be available for purchase in September at: https://lensbaby.com/product/s… .

About Lensbaby
For over a decade Portland, Oregon-based Lensbaby has inspired and challenged photographers on their journey to finding their unique, visual voice.

Lensbaby makes award-winning, one-of-a-kind lenses, optics and accessories for risk-taking photographers who believe that photography is an expression of their soul.
Lensbaby provides instructional content through their educational hub, Lensbaby University and sells its products worldwide. For more information, visit www.lensbaby.com
Portland, OR (August 7th) – Lensbaby—makers of awa... (show quote)


We readers have to judge the content we read, rather than rely on headline writers or news aggregation sites. I didn't need to read any further than "lens baby" to realize this was a toy and not a PC / Tilt-Shift lens. At 200 bucks, it's not near to the bottom end of the price range to be a barely competent knock off, but awfully expensive for a toy.

Andy

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Nov 6, 2018 19:30:44   #
lev29 Loc: Born and living in MA.
 
Bill_de wrote:
It actually could have been auto correct. It just doesn't seem like it would make sense to misinform people in an article like this.
I thought that auto correct programs were of the learning sort, such that they adapt based on what its typist(s) has/have a habit of doing. I'm no computer expert, but I doubt the term "tilt-shift" is automatically programmed in. Just now I tested on my laptop both my Apple Mail & Pages applications; neither has learned the habit of completing the character string "tilt" or "tilt-" with "shift".
Bill_de wrote:
Dishonesty is everywhere and maybe causes us to always assume the worst.
When it comes to the media, I agree with you.
Bill_de wrote:
I am glad that it didn't waste so much of your time that you couldn't continue on with this discussion. Enjoy your retirement.
Oh, gee, thanksss! I have my own idiosyncratic priorities, like everyone else!

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