So here's the scenario I was faced with a month ago. We had just left the interactive presentation "No Boundaries" at the WWII/D-Day Museum in New Orleans. It is a hugely emotion producing 90 minutes which involves the audience in the sounds, sights, and realities of WWII. The crowd was exiting into the lobby. I turned, camera in hand and ready to see an aged vet, in a wheelchair, sobbing uncontrollably. His similar aged wife and at least 2 other generations of family standing around him trying to console him. I raised my camera, and before I could press the shutter, I was overcome with the feeling that I was truly intruding, and that shooting would be somehow disrespectful. I simply walked over and tearfully said " Thank you, sir" and we left the area. I know that I did what was right for me at the moment, but the question has bothered me since. What would you have done? Thanks for any and all comments.

First, I'd like to say congratulations to all who wanted the new gallery. I am looking forward to it!! I'm sure it will solve a lot of issues that have been plaquing this forum.

I don't know if anyone else has noticed that there aren't as many replies to posts as there were before all this started. There were several people who would reply to almost every post even if it was just a smiley face or thumbs up; I'm no longer seeing some of those people. Maybe they feel their replies aren't appreciated. I have also noticed that there were people who posted something almost everyday and they aren't any more. Maybe they feel that what they were trying to share wasn't appreciated. I think that while trying to make improvements to the forum feelings have (I hope, inadvertantly) been hurt. That isn't right! Everyone should be able to post without fear of hurtful comments and unwanted criticism.

This is a big forum with room for everyone.

There are those that post who only want c & c which you will soon have. There are those that are just learning and don't want the harsh c & c but just a gentle nudge in the right direction. There are some that just want to share little pieces of their lives with their UHH family.

There is room enough for all!!!

I am disappointed that some who are excellent photographers have stopped replying to the latter two categories I mentioned. Could you spare a little of your time to give a thumbs up or "great set" to those people? Some just like knowing their photo was viewed and appreciated for what ever it was. There is no need to be cruel in any category. If you really don't like a post or photo, instead of being rude, just close it and go on to the next. There is absolutely no reason to be cruel, even if c & c is asked for.

I read a post this morning where someone tried something new; it wasn't a great photo and I'm sure they didn't expect it to be hung on a gallery wall but probably would have just liked someone to notice what they had tried. What I saw instead was a rather harsh reply. C & C had not been asked for. So, now what will happen. Will the person who posted the photo stop trying new things? Will he just stop posting his photos? Will he leave the forum feeling he has no place here? Is that the way he should be treated?

There have been a lot of people leave in the last few weeks for various reasons. Some because they felt this forum was too "snapshottish" and some because it was to harsh. I hope that this new gallery will allow all of them to return and enjoy the gallery in which they are most comfortable without wondering if they will be insulted or hurt. I also hope that those in the stronger gallery will spend a little time with the snap shooters to encourage them whether they are looking to improve or to just share a little of their lives.

Personally, I look forward to both galleries. I always want to learn and improve in whatever I do so I will spend time in the c & c to do just that. I will also enjoy just looking at photos of someone's pet or grandchildren or something they found that day they want to share.

This should be an enjoyable place to spend time whether you are here to learn or just share a little of yourself.

Please try to make it enjoyable for everyone.

Thank you for spending a little of your time to read what I have written. Please, think about what I have written.

Have a good day or evening!!!

Taken from the Observer [United Kingdom] - the oldest Sunday newspaper in the world - founded 1791. Has always prided itself on its independence.

Headline for an article written by Henry Porter-
"American gun use is out of control. Shouldn't the World intervene?" [September 22nd 2013]

[Excerpt]
"The annual toll from firearms in the US is running at 32,000 deaths and climbing, even though the general crime rate is on a downward path (it is 40% lower than in 1980). If this perennial slaughter doesn't qualify for intercession by the UN and all relevant NGOs, it is hard to know what does.

To absorb the scale of the mayhem, it's worth trying to guess the death toll of all the wars in American history since the War of Independence began in 1775, and follow that by estimating the number killed by firearms in the US since the day that Robert F. Kennedy was shot in 1968 by a .22 Iver-Johnson handgun, wielded by Sirhan Sirhan. The figures from Congressional Research Service, plus recent statistics from icasualties.org, tell us that from the first casualties in the battle of Lexington to recent operations in Afghanistan, the toll is 1,171,177. By contrast, the number killed by firearms, including suicides, since 1968, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the FBI, is 1,384,171."

The full article can be found on the Observer web site, either under the headline given above or "Should we intervene in US gun use?"

What if you and your wife were laying on the sand enjoying the beach and a guy came right up within 10' of you and stated snapping pictures of your wife from every angle possible ? He is not talking to you or basically not bothering you just snapping pictures of your wife.Yes you are in a public place but where does one draw the line ? What if you were the husband and came home to find your wife on the Internet ? I know what you are going to say but somewhere along the way you have to have some class.Take the pictures if you have to but keep them to yourself.