PDA

View Full Version : Forum Growth - Thanks Marko



jjeling
11-10-2009, 08:19 PM
Maybe you might have touched on this subject already, but I thought I might comment on it anyways. I have not been as active as I used to but the time that I have spent on here recently I have noticed quite a few changes.

I have been a part of this forum for roughly a year now? I don't know the exact date or anything but it has little relevance. When I first joined, there were no more than 12 or so 'active' members. It was great and felt very much like a 'small' town on the internet(if there is such a thing). It was extremely friendly and helpful. To be honest, it did feel, well, Canadian. As time passed, you could feel the forum growing slowly. Member by member, the forum was getting busier and busier, but the tone remained the same.

As the summer here came about, I began getting busier with work and hockey, and all of my other past time activities. I would log in every now and then, try to keep up with the posts, but did not have much input with anything. Now that we are well into fall here, and winter is approaching fast, I have been able to spend more time on the computer, and consequently this means more time on the forum. Photography.ca has grown considerably, and there have been quite a few physical changes to the forum. New threads have been added, old threads have been deleted. The layout itself has changed but even some of the old games have remained. However, through it all, I noticed that the tone, still, has remained. To this day, I have not witnessed any arguments, or any spam. Everyone remains extremely helpful, and aware that growth within photography requires criticism. This is something we have all taken very well here and we continue to come back and ask for it.

There are many forums where this cannot be said and is quite the opposite. I know many of these observations have been mentioned in the past, but I thought I would mention them again. All of the members here should give themselves a pat on the back for not losing their cool and recognizing that without you this would not be the family it is today.

Marko, you are the creator of this website and we are all thankful for your selflessness and your relentless dedication to a forum that has helped a few and many more to come.

My apologies for what may seem like a rant, but I just thought I would share a few observations. Good job, everyone has done a good job.


Marko, thanks for giving us the opportunity.

kat
11-10-2009, 08:22 PM
Well said jj!

Thank you marko for all your time invested in our family! :)

Iguanasan
11-10-2009, 08:36 PM
Here, here! Well said, jj. :clap::clap::clap:

A big hearty :thankyou: to Marko!

Michaelaw
11-11-2009, 01:26 AM
Without a doubt for some reason this site remains balanced seeming to attract people who are more purpose than ego. I have always found that refreshing because it means heavy handed rules can be kept to a minimum. My hope is that it forever remains this way. I've traveled many sites over time and have yet to find the GM of the site as good as Marko. The man is not common rather a gem! The ability of people to reason and remain on point in this site makes the whole place a complete joy to visit. This site has become bar none, my favorite place to post and communicate. All the stars I can count go to Marko.....Thanks Dude:highfive::highfive::highfive:

jjeling
11-11-2009, 02:52 AM
Cheers to Marko!

Marko
11-11-2009, 11:28 AM
Wow:o
Thanks so much for that JJ and everyone else.

The tone of this forum is something I'm very proud of actually. You can be sure that it is not all my doing though. Having quite a few members that come daily and post honestly yet diplomatically REALLY helps keep the tone nice and civil. This just makes learning and hanging out so much more pleasurable.

Thanks again everyone:highfive:

Mars Observer
11-11-2009, 03:05 PM
I'm kind of new here, and I visit a number of other websites and forums but... I have to say... this is the one that I call 'home', because that's the way it feels.

I think there are a number of reasons for the great atmosphere here, but, in my opinion, the podcast is a big one.

Forums and emails and blogs are great - but there is some... 'quality'... that often doesn't translate with written words... or even pictures.

This 'quality' is _clearly_ evident in Marko's podcast. His love for photography, his enthusiasm, his friendly manner and wanting to help, just really shine though (I don't think he could hide it if he tried!) And I think _that_ really helps set the tone, and is an example to all. I know it is to me at least.

Well done Marko!

Bambi
11-11-2009, 03:21 PM
I found this forum when I was laid up following a foot surgery. In that time my skills have improved and I attribute it to this website. My favorite part is the consructive criticism on my shots and the ability to learn from others. No one has ever said that I have no business being here even though my shots are no where near the quality of everyone elses.

so :thankyou: Marko!

Mad Aussie
11-11-2009, 03:54 PM
No one has ever said that I have no business being here even though my shots are no where near the quality of everyone elses.
The primary intent of this website is to share and teach. Therefore it's people like you, who are on a steep learning curve, and those who can help you, that belong here. And that, pretty much covers every photographer.

And some of your more recent shots are better than you think.

Marko's enthusiasm is infectious!

Bambi
11-11-2009, 03:56 PM
The primary intent of this website is to share and teach. Therefore it's people like you, who are on a steep learning curve, and those who can help you, that belong here. And that, pretty much covers every photographer.

And some of your more recent shots are better than you think.

Marko's enthusiasm is infectious!

Aw thanks MA. :o:o:o

that last quote made my day

I love you guys too :)

scorpio_e
11-11-2009, 04:27 PM
I belong to a few forums but I call this forum home:)
Great people- honest and helpful feedback...
Ohhh and a great pod cast to boot :thankyou:

crystalb
11-11-2009, 07:53 PM
I agree about the feeling of home and family on this site.

The members truely care about what you're doing and want to make you a better photographer even when I've heard recently from my own family that I'm silly to even try to become one.

I appreciate every comment and critisim on my photos.....it helps me grow and learn.

A big THANK YOU to all the users and the person for making this possible, Marko.

Keep up the great work people!

:1st:

kurtdriver
11-11-2009, 10:39 PM
It's that politeness and civility that I appreciate about photography.ca. I go to another forum sometimes for questions about specific gear, but how many times on that forum have I seen one member telling another that he's stupid, (in other words)? I want to thank each of you for the big welcome I've been given here. Kurt

AcadieLibre
11-12-2009, 02:14 PM
Marko has done a wonderful job on this forum, I recall when there were basically 3 of us who did most of the posting, there were few others but it is nice as the forum grew the quality of members it has attracted seem to fit with the intimate feeling of it. Not to many forums where the members seem to be polite, thoughtful and insightful as I have found on this one. It is one forum I am glad I joined and actually stuck around unlike most other photography forums. I think Marko deserves a lot of the credit and the members just finish off what is a warm, friendly and knowledgeable group. I appreciate all the work Marko has put in to build this wonderful site.

kurtdriver
11-12-2009, 04:27 PM
Pretty soon he's going to need a helper.

JAS_Photo
11-12-2009, 06:03 PM
It's a great place to learn and it's free! Lol. Seriously, it's a comfortable place to hang out, have coffee, and pick the brains of others as well. http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y29/Sparkle2/Smilies/toast.gif

Marko
11-12-2009, 06:06 PM
Helpers eh.....? ;)

yeah - I'd like this place to be even better...I'm going to start a thread real soon asking for suggestions. The forum is growing slowly but surely, but the rest of the site needs an overhaul - big time. The whole site will undergo a major redesign in the new year and I'll be asking for input very shortly.

Thx everyone:highfive: