sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant

I don't know if it is me getting grumpy like andy rooney since turning 50, the loss of bobm and fivedawgs among others, or a growing irritation at seeing one more darn bee in a flower shot, but this place doesn't seem as freindly, as small townish as it did. there are many voices of good photographers, you havent seen post in a while like usmc1963, cat, vee, etc The sheer number of posts and the repeativeness of them. the ruder tone of some people, the angry undercurrent, and sometimes lack of respect. I could be wrong, maybe all I need is a hug. just ramlin trying to avoid some potentialy bad news. In another note why do people ask for an honest opinion? why not a dishonest one? (okay sinatraman, you are smart , intelligent and all single women want to make love to you.) Thanks for that dishonest opinion. or ask for what is the best... just once i'd like to hear what is the worst camera or software? just for variety sake. anyways woke up in a philisophical bad mood, and having a metaphysical crisis.

ShakyShutter Loc: Arizona

and you can't find the shift key half the time but we love you anyway.

Your always on-target examples and genuine inspirational photo contributions help make this forum the information vortex it was designed to be. Sorry to hear your bad circumstances, it will be all better tomorrow unless it's raining when you get up and then it will be better the day after tomorrow.

Best of Luck

les_stockton Loc: Eastern Oklahoma

Rather than let it grind on you, diversify so that it can't. Continue to enjoy the forums, but change up a bit and visit other sites too. This will allow you to see posts from new people and not feel you're getting in a rut.
I recommend http://digital-photography-school.com/forum/.

I will say that the forums there are moderated and I'm sure that there have been angry tones from time to time, but typically, I've not seen it there.
I do like the smaller community feel here, but I was surprised early on (within a few hours) visiting this place, of the number of hostile posters.

rocco_7155 Loc: Connecticut/Louisiana

Yours IS one of the voices that keeps some of us (OK me anyway) reading. I share the love of being a curmudgeon and tend to click out if I see a "bee in a flower" on a day that I'd really like to see some ships under sail. I can honestly say that I have disagreed with some of your posts but as they say "I will die defending your right to say them". And, It'd be a worse place for your leaving. On a more personal note: hang in there, PMs work if you need to vent or scream or whatever, and know you are in the forefront of my prayers.
Roc

sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant

Im not saying I want to quit, iI just suspect I've got a case of bobitis. Also hearing your doctor tell you it is potentially the c word, changes one perspective on things at warp speed. there just was a spirit of camaderie that was heree that seems missing. again it could be me.

blueeyes3515 Loc: WV

I too have noticed that bobm and fivedawgs have not posted lately and was wondering if someone has done something or said something to make them leave the forum... bobm was a great help to me as well as many others when I joined this forum and miss his advice and expertise alot :(

wkramer Loc: pa,northeast

Hi to all,if i may. I am a new "kid on the block" at this forum,i may not have the right words as some of you, but i,just like everyone else on this site have a love for taking photos.Like you have said in the above,i too have read some things that has me thinking weather or not i should stay.To learn and to advise or help is wonderful,but lately there has been some harsh reading that i have done here. Should we as a so called "friendly" site be more helpful to others than to critique.I have learned a lot is such a short time that there has to be a reason why people are not posting.The problem is that someone must know why.Thank you for allowing to speak freely.Just remember we all have feelings.

JimH Loc: Western South Jersey, USA

I'm fairly certain Bob M. has left the building. Not sure why, but I think he got tired of the same questions over and over, and some of the religious and political bickering.

Fivedawgs changed her ID to User2071, but I haven't seen any posts by her for a week or so.

Just Tami Loc: Long Island

Too much fighting. Religion and politics belong in their own forum. They shouldn't even be dinner conversation.So being that we don't really know each other in life outside the forum it got to be to much. Most of us just want to learn about photography not sociology,scientology,or psycotherapy. Maybe back to lighter conversations,use family and friend support and we can make this back to a community photo forum.

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

Sinatraman, I sadened to hear of "C" possibility. I hope and pray that you get good prognosis and treatment.
I agree with you that this site has lost a lot of being a comfortable place. As you said there many good photo people in here that answer questions and you are one of them. Only respond to the posts that you want to and trust others to respond to other posts. I know that is unsolicited advice, please take as friendly encouragement.

gayellen Loc: Arkansas

Sinatraman, I hope you don't give up on any thing... your battle with possible c... and your spirit, and your faith.. afraid to bring up prayer.. but you will be added to mine... Please don't give up on us here at UHH.. we need you...
gayellen

liv2paddle Loc: Wall, NJ

Expectations killed the cat..and everyone else who left. Bob thought he would be appreciated..for all his wonderful knowledge and critiques..instead some resented his lofty roll as the "expert". Fivedawgs, the writer,used the forum to pontificate about her views on everything and I think quicky got bored with her owned rantings.For the rest of us..we look to eachother for some help..some laughs..and maybe even a friendship or two.. or not..but its cyber world Sinatraman and as much as I would like to give you a hug..you are miles away... but as one human to another..I wish you the best.

Overly Hackled Loc: Still in Siagon

Sinitraman you were the first to reach out to me and give me some advice and guidance when I first landed on the Hog. I have posed a few questions "in the clear" since then but have sought shelter from the storm of some of the more edgy comments through PMs. I got caught up in one fire fight over some sill comment I was joking about and the resulting angst it caused me to pull back and read a lot more and comment a lot less.

Through both your public posts and you PM you have show your faith in God and your faith the better side of man kind.
I search for your posts and I'm certain others do also. I know you will be in my prayers and that is not BS just the truth.Never met ya and never will ,but you were kind enough to help me and I'll always remember that

As to what direction the Hog eventually takes that is up to
those who choose to use it . As many many other sites it will have its growth curve and mature and survive or drift off into cyber memory.

I love the site and learn much from it . There are still many good folks who want to help and aren't all about who's got the biggest or best or been doing it the longest. If

Will PM you my great bee on a flower and fall landscape shots ASAP :D

ckcougar Loc: NATIVE FLORIDIAN

Sinatraman I hope & pray it is not "c". Bundle up early tomorrow morning, grab your camera & walk on the beach. Good for clearing the mind & spirit! That is why I do so many sunrises,beach scenes & birds.... clearing my spirit & getting away from people.

sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant

thank you one and all for the encouraging words. I am leaving my health issues up to the great physician and know no matter what Jesus will se me through. Sorry justtammi but for those of us who have a personnel relationship with God, our faith is as much a part of us and our conversations as breathing. if that offends you sorry but take it up with God. The origional point of this post was just an impression I got that this site seems less freindly and colder than when I first started. It is probably just growing pains as more and more people find the hog.