abc1234 Loc: Elk Grove Village, Illinois

I think this forum has, at times, conflicting missions: educational versus exhibitionist. I prefer the former. UHH has enough other places to exhibit. When someone posts a picture that has been through a few different programs without explanation, I wonder if the poster has any idea of what he or she really wants out of a photograph. This is especially true when some one has a lot of expensive gear and yet posts something that obscures that investment.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Do you mean UHH as a whole or this section in particular has conflicting missions abc? I’m not sure I agree either way - UHH provides sections for every taste, from the simple gallery display to some pretty serious and specialised stuff and here in Post Processing, Linda puts a lot of effort into encouraging thoughtful discussion. I guess you are really referring to the users - some are not into too much technical stuff whether it’s equipment or technique, but I don’t think that matters as long as we get a cross-section. That way, we all learn some - and most folk are generous with their help and knowledge, which is a big attraction for me. At times a post will fall into the ‘lovely shot, well done, good work’ syndrome, but we have to live with that, it’s the plague of modern forums.
As an example of good response, my old UHH friend, who doesn’t get directly involved nowadays but still follows us all, sent me this version of my image to which he’s added some ‘drama’. Interestingly, her face would have looked a mess with this much contrast had it not been treated to some frequency separation!

(Download)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

There have always been postings of the exploratory kind in PP Forum (and other sections), meaning the OP stumbled upon an effect they liked while "playing" rather than having a firm vision in mind when they sat down at the computer. It's impossible to know how many viewers may be inspired by these topics and begin their own artistic journey, even if the responses were simple thumbs-up. I don't see a conflict.

In-depth conversation is up to the OP and the respondents. Now that we have about 450 new topics since I took over as moderator, if there are any folks still uncomfortable about posting, please pm me and share your concerns. For those who would like to see more educational topics, either as leader or follower, I encourage you to follow Nike's slogan: "just do it."

abc1234 Loc: Elk Grove Village, Illinois

Thank you for your thoughtful reply. I am referring to this forum only. I am fine with people experimenting with diverse styles and methods. In my case, this has helped me grow as a photographer and I appreciate that. However, after a while, some of this becomes repetitive, thoughtless and boring. Furthermore, some posters are short on explaining why and how they chose the steps they did. This reminds me of an old saw: if you do not know where you are going, any train will take you there. Your "lovely shot..." comment is more of the same.

As for your friends version, I prefer your original one because it is gentler and more subtle.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Well, I suppose most people don’t actually follow the forum every day, they just pop in when they have the time or inclination - I’m as guilty of that as anyone - so they are not aware of everything that’s been posted even recently, let alone over the years. Linda does point people in the right direction and advise of any previous articles of relevance if a question is asked or a subject raised.
I imagine all forums suffer this sort of thing?