Most Viewed Thread every Week

[ClaremontPhoto]

How about somebody start a thread every week for us to discuss the 'Most Viewed' photo from the past seven days?

Today in the Gallery choosing '7Days' and ordering by 'Most Viewed' I came up with http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=73859

A great street photo by TatianaShe.

If we ran this proposed thread once a week, say every Saturday, we'd all be talking about one recent photo that's excited interest here.

Who will volunteer to do the job each week?

[rover]

Jon, you just started the thread for this week, and it is an excellent photo. Taken as a whole, the photo would not be nearly as powerful if it was sharply focused. The out of focus rendering, black and white tones, obvious weather and clothing of the subject and others, and the subject's hand on an apparent trash can tell a very harsh story of his urban life.

I have not had a chance to post my favorites from the past week yet, but this was definitely one of my stand outs.

[ClaremontPhoto]

It's not my thread every week. It's Ruben's thread (although he hasn't volunteered yet!).

I like her work in general and actually like the out of focus too. On a city street late at night that's the way it is for me whether walking home or looking through a camera viewfinder.

This photo is very refreshing and, to me, an update on the 1930's Robert Doisneau sort of photo we see in every gift shop.

[rover]

Like everything at RFF, all the threads are "Ours." So, thank you for getting the ball rolling this week. This is another very good idea for a weekly discussion.

[ClaremontPhoto]

...all the threads are "Ours."...


Of course. Let's just have one person who starts the thread if they can, and other people do it if needs be.

There are many image centric people here. Off the top of my head I'd say that any of the following could run a thread a week:

Ruben
nico
OurManInTangier
Bike Tourist
TatianiaShe
telenous
Robert Blu
cathytoth.ca
steamer
Tuna
jan normandale
swann
semrich
... and many many more too.

Who will volunteer to get this thread going on Saturdays?

[rover]

Of course. Let's just have one person who starts the thread if they can, and other people do it if needs be.

There are many image centric people here. Off the top of my head I'd say that any of the following could run a thread a week:

Ruben
nico
OurManInTangier
Bike Tourist
TatianiaShe
telenous
Robert Blu
cathytoth.ca
steamer
Tuna
jan normandale
swann
semrich
... and many many more too.

Who will volunteer to get this thread going on Saturdays?

I totally agree, please don't misunderstand my post. Every effort needs a leader. My statement is just to everyone else that the success of this good idea ultimately will come from them and their participation.

[lynn]

I find this a rather puzzling list.

Why is someone with less than twenty posts - the last almost six months ago - considered capable, or preferred, or whatever?

Mystifying. Yes.

[rover]

I find this a rather puzzling list.

Why is someone with less than twenty posts - the last almost six months ago - considered capable, or preferred, or whatever?

Mystifying. Yes.

I have not checked who has how many posts, but I am sure Jon has pointed out those who have been very active in the forum, and also the gallery. Someone may have few posts in the forum, but are very active posting images in the gallery.

[ClaremontPhoto]

Some of the better photographers here post hardly at all, and some are sometimes recently arrived. So what.

[lynn]

Better? BETTER? According to whom?

[rover]

Lynn, it is just a list trying to find a someone to champion this effort. Anyone can do it, not just one of the folks mentioned by Jon.

Would you be interested?

[RayPA]

I find this a rather puzzling list.

Why is someone with less than twenty posts - the last almost six months ago - considered capable, or preferred, or whatever?

Mystifying. Yes.


good idea for a thread, but I agree, bad idea to post a list.

.

[Jocko]

John, not long ago this forum went through a most unpleasant crisis effectively caused by cliquism and arrogance. It was not a good experience and there is no reason to repeat it. I wish to God you would stop trying to divide the membership into gear or image centred photographers, always with the clear intimation that the latter are a superior form of life.

You name some very fine photographers - I have the pleasure to count some as dear friends off-forum. But is it not the silliest thing imaginable to begin a project aimed at increasing dialogue and involvement by producing a list of those approved to participate? Particularly without informing any of those named? A list is exclusion in words.

As for the "best" photographers. You might as well post "No Blacks, No Irish, No Dogs" on the door, like some 1950s rooming house. We are as far from the photographic mainstream as you can be without wet plates and a stand camera. Increasing participation is essential. The member with the first roll in their FED has just as much right to an opinion as those of us who almost live here.

This was a good idea - but it should have been a good idea for everyone. I had hoped RFF had got over this sort of foolishness.

Cheers, Ian

[OurManInTangier]

A couple of points;

Firstly, Jon's simply trying to get some interest around images going, both in the gallery and in the threads of the forum...so thanks again Jon. I'd be very interested to join in with this and the 'most viewed' seems like a very democratic and fair way of getting an image based discussion going.

I'd have trouble kicking things off myself if we went for Saturdays as I'm rarely available to view RFF on that day - I'll happily join in or undertake any kind of role that I will be able to commit too.

Lynn - 'Better' according to Jon, being that I suspect he's talking about a subject of opinion. From what I've seen of your images I'd class you as one of the 'better' photographers...you also don't post all that often, unless i've missed alot recently, so you clearly fit right into 'that' mould;) With respect I don't think its a point worthy of getting hung up on.

I look forward to joining in with some interesting discussions...I also need to go and look out the image in question as I haven't seen it yet:o

EDIT: This was posted before RayPA and Jocko's comments and I think I should make clear that I nor, I imagine Jon, would be implying that only certain people could or should join in. He may have been implying that some members that do post to the gallery could take responsibility for starting the thread each week. I for one would not wish to promote any form of exclusivity within what I, personally, consider to be a very friendly, affable and enjoyable place to share, discuss and learn...and enjoy myself!

[lynn]

you also don't post all that often, unless i've missed alot recently, so you clearly fit right into 'that' mould;) With respect I don't think its a point worthy of getting hung up on.

I'm not hung up.

I simply detest exclusivity. Does being on a top-whatever list make a top-whatever list suddenly acceptable?

It would seem so, and I disagree: the talent here defies specifics.

[ClaremontPhoto]

There are a number of people who upload to the Gallery frequently, and often don't post much to discussions. I mentioned a few names to get this project off the ground. End of story.

[rover]

I really think there is some miss understanding of a very good idea. It is not an attempt to divide the site in any way, and I suspect the use of the word "Best" at this point is regretted. The point simply is to encourage more discussions of and about photographs and photography, IN ADDITION TO all of our discussions about our stuff. I feel some what responsible because my original posts to the thread could have been misunderstood themselves.

So, no, this is not a recognition for some one to lead a regular discussion thread, other than a search for a willing member to fill that role.

This was a good idea - but it should have been a good idea for everyone. I had hoped RFF had got over this sort of foolishness.

Ian, you are absolutely right and I am confident that Jon's list simply is one looking for that volunteer to lead, at worst to coax someone to step up. A friendly nudge. And really, this is for all, as everything here at RFF is, so no, there is no "Best," just a bunch looking to be our own bests.

[ClaremontPhoto]

Let's do it this Saturday, and anybody can start the thread.

Any volunteers?

[foto_fool]

It would seem to me that "friendly nudges" are always better handled in a pm than in an open thread.

That said, I think Jon's idea is a good one and liable to generate good interest and discussion.

Jon, since you came up with it, why don't YOU figure out on a weekly basis which image got the most views and pm the originator of the thread in which that image was cited to start a "Most viewed" thread.

In the case of the photo you cite, it seems that it got the most views because it was in Ruben's "fear of criticism" thread, one of the most active threads in the last several weeks. Not because it was in any way an outstanding shot, popular because everyone went to see it on the basis of some merit. People looked because Ruben said "I saw this and don't know what to make of it."

My opinion of the shot is that it is interesting for the emotional content it conveys - to me, a sense of vague "what you lookin' at" menace, or simply despair. Technically it seems like an accident of composition, as though the shooter were backing away as the shutter was tripped.

Perhaps Jon you should find the most viewed photo and ask the actual poster of the shot to start the thread - along the lines of "For some reason a lot of people looked at this shot last week. Here's how I did it, what I hoped to accomplish, where I succeded and where I failed. What do you people think?"

BTW - not all forum members use the gallery. Personally I shoot between 24 and 100 frames a week (most useless) and post what I like to a service where I can password-protect my content.

- John

[Jocko]

Perhaps Jon you should find the most viewed photo and ask the actual poster of the shot to start the thread - along the lines of "For some reason a lot of people looked at this shot last week. Here's how I did it, what I hoped to accomplish, where I succeded and where I failed. What do you people think?"

- John

I think this an excellent idea. Critiques of a photograph may help a photographer and criticism is a form in itself. But a photographer's own view of his work is intrinsically interesting to fellow photographers in a very particular way - such insights would be a real addition to RFF.

Cheers, Ian

[OurManInTangier]

I'm not hung up.

I simply detest exclusivity. Does being on a top-whatever list make a top-whatever list suddenly acceptable?

It would seem so, and I disagree: the talent here defies specifics.

I wasn't suggesting you were/are hung up but simply that a misunderstanding of Jon's intentions may have taken place and that it wasn't a point worthy of labouring. I fully agree that exclusivity and 'clique-ism' is a dangerous and moreover slightly pathetic thing to embark upon. This is not what Jon was trying to accomplish or suggest. As has been noted in subsequent posts the use of the term 'better' may have been an unfortunate one that is open to misinterpretation and is no more than one persons opinion, even if they were to say that this was the interpretation they intended.

I wanted to make clear, via the edit to my post, that being one of those named on the list I had no desire to see or join any form of clique or club formed. Also that Jon's idea was a good one as it was, as are (or certainly they should be) all things within the RFF website, open to everybody regardless of their main interests, perceived ability etc etc.

I hope this has clarified my previous post.

[back alley]

wow, did this thread take a nose dive and fast!
i'm a bit behind in my forum reading so i apologize for posting to it so late.

i don't believe that jon was making an exclusive list.
it appears he is trying to spread the word of the image and i applaud that.
i don't think he is putting down gear or promoting the image as 'better than'.
we all have our inclinations, some toward gear and some more towards the image. if nothing else i would hope that we could find a way to co-exist in harmony.
i know i used to lose my cool when someone would make fun of 'another bag thread', like they had some sort of moral superiority...
but i do think we have grown some since then and that there is a simpler way to just live and let live.
i for one welcome the ideas and actions that will help us get more involved with the image end of things because my own inclination is to be a gearhead.

today, the forcast high was for -16c with nice slick road conditions. not really ideal for an old street shooter, so i shoot less in the winter. i try to process the film shot over the summer and i play with my gear and dream of new kits and how they will make me more talented;) i could use a push.

if the threat is that some feel that we are becoming too eliteist or exclusive then i think that is the subject for another thread.

joe

[photogdave]

I was surprised to see how quickly this idea became misinterpreted. Must be a record even for RFF!
I think it's a great idea. Nice one Jon! I was a little sad I wasn't on "the list". ;)
Edit: I reorganized my sentence structure. I can see how the way it was originally written would come off sounding like I was stirring it up. My apologies.
When it comes to photography promotion on RFF I only want what's best!

[back alley]

comments like, 'even for rff', don't really help things much.

[photogdave]

comments like, 'even for rff', don't really help things much.
Just a little joke. Gee whiz...

[RayPA]

why even bring this back up? jon said the thread would start on Saturday. let this sink. I'm looking forward to what shows up on Saturday.

.

[jan normandale]

Maybe everyone should read less and photograph/upload more? Less opportunity for flare ups .... just a thought.

Jon, thanks for the thoughts however I'm pretty solid at work and play for a couple of months. I'm all for a thread. Why not most viewed? Sometimes most viewed is worthy of discussion. I've often mentioned how amazed I am that some of the shots I consider to be 'throw aways' get higher hit ratios than ones I believe are good.

That might even be an interesting topic in itself.. why do these two images attract viewers and not attract viewers... but let's consider that in 2008!

Remember everyone, we're just playing in a "sandbox" so if there isn't room don't kick someone out to make room, just make a bigger "sandbox". Okay?



cheers, Jan

[ClaremontPhoto]

Why not most viewed? Sometimes most viewed is worthy of discussion. I've often mentioned how amazed I am that some of the shots I consider to be 'throw aways' get higher hit ratios than ones I believe are good.

Yes, I put up a borderline throwaway last week (Duarte Buys a Lottery Ticket) and it was very popular. A complete surprise to me.

I suggested 'Most Viewed' as that's the most appropriate filter to see what's hot. Ideally i'd prefer 'Most Commented On' but that's not an option.

Who will start this on Saturday? You just need to select 'Last 7' in the Gallery and then sort by number of views, and start the thread with a link to the photo with the most views.

[ClaremontPhoto]

Tomorrow...

Who will start our thread?

[steamer]

OK Jon I have posted the first thread, hope it doesn't sink like stone.