bonjac Loc: Santa Ynez, CA 93460

I agree. I am getting fed up with the lack of civility and snide remarks. A few years back there were some excellent folks on here that really provided some excellent commentary like Gene 51, a fellow from Montana who owned a camera shop and others whom I can't recall at the moment. But no one has filled the void -- knowledgeable people willing to help others and provide valuable information. As to the "new" format, I don't like it. Overall, I feel the forum is going down hill. A few of my acquaintances have already dropped out and can't believe I am still in.

cwp3420

As am I. I used to look forward to the digest, but not so much this new look. I just don’t look here as much anymore.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I never used The Digest, so basically nothing changed for me.

SAVH Loc: La Jolla, CA

As with so many things these days, as we all "age-out," gradually the forum requires new life from younger photographers. It is my belief that with the explosion of amazing cell phone use for photos, fewer and fewer younger people are interested in "photography" as a special interest. We see the same thing in duplicate bridge. Getting the younger generations interested in bridge does not seem to be working and our tournaments and online participation is diminishing. Lately, it seems that the smaller participation may also be a result of the holiday season.

Scotty

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

I can only speak for myself, but I've been a member for a few years now and find that many of the posts are so repetitive I don't even bother opening them anymore. You all know what they are and after about two dozen replies to a repetitive post, it gets hijacked with a lot of uninformed and snarky comments that end up taking it up to over 100 replies. Every once in a while I find something interesting and IF I have direct knowledge of the subject, I'll reply. How many times has someone asked for help with a particular piece of hardware and gets a bunch of responses from members who don't own it? BTW, the OP could have gotten the answer by reading the user manual, doing a simple Google search, or run some tests with their own gear. This forum is pretty heavily equipment based where the fanboys come out - not very helpful. So, I've been spending a lot more time on Youtube searching for things that will make me a better photographer. I'm particular fond of Alex Kilbee (The Photographic Eye) and Lindsay Adler's stuff.

This is not unique to Photography forums. I ran into the same thing with archerytalk as I'm an avid archer. In archery, new bows are released in the fall when the fanboys go absolutely nuts.

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

I don't really like the new way we receive entries but I guess the change made sense to the administrator. Who is the administrator - I don't know.

MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama

We miss Gene51 and also folks like Bob toting a box of sticks on his shoulders and tromping around the woods with a suitcase. Linda comes back now and then but a lot of good folks have just disappeared.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

In the railroad industry people that have an exuberantly intense excitement about trains are called foamers.
Yea, there are a lot of photography foamers here.....

What I think is sad is that someone will ask a question about using a <flash/camera/lens/...> for a particular project and people will suggest buying <brand/model> <flash/camera/lens/...>.
The person asked about using, not buying.

MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama

I think you are exactly right... They are in love with their phones NOW; and the camera and apps technology is only going to exceed Murphy's law ... Why would they want to lug around a backpack with bodies, lenses etc.. when AI assisted phone cams will produce a great image or selfie which will be MORE than good enough to pass around the web and social groups.. ? There will always be small groups of interested folks interested in off beat topics but the future is tied to the evolution of the phone cam. A lot of people here really resist what's happening.

EJMcD

I don't know about the Digest but UHH in general would be a much more friendlier and enjoyable experience if we could rid it of the Negative Nancy's who are incapable of disagreeing without ridiculing and/or insulting other members. We all know a few.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I just ignore them. (sometimes laugh)
They've already proven their worth to me.

EJMcD

I try to ignore them but sometimes they bring out the worst in me and ask for a dose of their own medicine. Someone has to call them out!

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

On occasion I will do so also.....

srt101fan

MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama

You really get in trouble when you poke back... I know, Just ask me...