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Posted on 21/06/05 10:30:13 AM |
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Steve Caplin
Administrator Posts: 7023 Reply  |
[Poll] Titles
I introduced titles a few weeks ago, to recognize outstanding pieces of work by individual contributors. But is this annoying those who don't have a title yet? And do those who already have one feel there's no point bothering any more? The aim of this forum was intended to be one of cooperation, rather than competitiveness, and I'd hate to feel people weren't contributing because they felt others would do the job better. So: do we lose the titles? |
Posted on 21/06/05 10:40:30 AM |
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maiden
Golden Gif Gagster Posts: 471 Reply  |
Re: [Poll] Titles
I'd vote Steve, but you have made it so Black and White. I do care that the titles may be preceived as being a reward and that will obviously have a knock-on effect of perhaps discouraging new people from having a go. I don't have a title and I don't want one, and I'm not jealous of those who have one. They are fun in some respect as long as the receiving individual isn't going to take them literally. Anyway as the choices stand I'm not going to vote. Because I am a little worried about them, but not that greatly so as to be troubling me. I'm more worried about the general level of competitiveness within the challenges rather than the titles. The problem is that now the titles have been introduced and all have been well earned, taking them away would seem harsh and unfair and I would fear that people will starting thinking tabs and I as being spoilsports. In the early days of your website it didn't matter what level you were at or if you were a pixel master it only mattered that you were part of the website and willing to have a go. Anyway I won't labour the point. Becky _________________ mad as a badger and twice as furry |
Posted on 21/06/05 11:20:45 AM |
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tabitha 1
Guest Reply |
Re: [Poll] Titles
I can see that this is going to be a very contentious issue, partly because it has been raised by myself and Maiden, who are titleless and therefore can be construed as a little part of the green-eyed monster! I can wholeheartedly catagorically state that is not the case The titles are a good idea, in some respects, but it does give the impression of a haerachy system and can be intimidating for anyone browsing the site that does not know how it works. Having something to work for is an incentive, but surly anyone who submits an entry to any challenge believes that image to be the best of their ability and has put alot of work/effort into that image. So how do you choose which one deserves a title and which ones don't? To go off theme for a moment- I personally believe that everyone should have one chance at submitting an entry rather than multiples, as Maiden stated in her initial post. Therefore the best image from each individual would be submitted. To post a hastily constructed, hap-hazard image that shows none of the ability the creator has previously shown, purly to get an entry in, cheapens the whole experience for us all! Harsh words I know! I have to agree with Maiden on this one though... its not the titles that are creating this competitive atmosphere, it's the general feeling on the Challenge Board! There does not seem to be much help/encouragement etc (except by Steve of course) given unless it is posted in the Image Doctor section. I know it has been discussed before about giving critique to images, and I am not really sure any conclusions were drawn that time around either. At the end of the day, we are all here to learn, no matter what our skill level. We can all offer each other some support and encouragement. Lets make this a fun place to be again... PLEASE!  _________________ "There are only two things a child will share willingly; communicable diseases and its mother's age." Benjamin Spock. |
Posted on 21/06/05 12:56:49 PM |
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Dezolat0r
*** Posts: 159 Reply  |
Re: [Poll] Titles
I don't think the user titles have brought competitiveness in itself to the forums; that was already there. However, the competitiveness has become a lot more serious now that people have something to gain from it. This seriousness has come to surface and taken form in what some people might describe as a bitter atmosphere. Does that make sense? Probably not. But anyway, despite the premise surrounding this week’s challenge, this forum is not about competitiveness. It’s about trying your hardest (argh, sounding corny again), setting standards for yourself and helping others. So why is it that all the titles are based on submissions in the challenges? The people here of whom I have the most respect for are NOT those who are best at Photoshop. They’re the ones who are friendly, supportive, and try to help others in improving their skills. As far as I’m concerned, the ability to help others is worth far more than knowing how to create a montage. If you were a complete ass to people (no, I’m not saying anybody here is. At all! Except me maybe me) but amazing at Photoshop, you would NOT deserve a title. Titles could work really well, but if they’re only given to those who create amazing Photoshop work it’s not really fair, as some people contribute to the forums in other ways. |
Posted on 21/06/05 12:58:47 PM |
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Dezolat0r
*** Posts: 159 Reply |
Re: [Poll] Titles
Oh and by the way... reading over that I think it looks like I'm calling some of the most skilled members of the forum unhelpful. That's not the case at all, I'd just like to add that some of the forum's most skilled artists like maiden, Glen and Neal have all helped me on different occasions, and I have the utmost respect for them. Thanks guys! |
Posted on 21/06/05 1:37:27 PM |
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Glen
Montage Maestro Posts: 282 Reply  |
Re: [Poll] Titles
Oop, guess I should have read this before posting in the challenge slot. If you've allready read that then you know my take on what I see happening in the forum. I aint fussed at all by having a title, it made me laugh when I got it as I thought I now sounded like an American daytime talk show host, if I hadn't have got it I'd still be posting, still messing around each week for a laugh, still be enjoying the psychology of the interaction of members (I was in the people business for ten years) and still hoping to see some maturity creeping in with the way crits are given and received. I have sent many private messages to forum members giving suggestions, solutions and support for their images, - not wanting to sound like I know it all in the main forum or to hog challenge space with piffling comments - I can see many things that people post that I would tidy up but, thats me, thats how I work. However there seems to be a small section of members who, if it don't come from Steve then they take it as a slur on their work or abilities, and some who don't even have the courtesy to say thankyou for advice. Its those people who put me off BIG TIME Ego or welcoming knowlege? - the choice is yours Dezolator - you're welcome _________________ most of the lack of sunshine in our lives is caused by us standing in our own shadow |
Posted on 21/06/05 1:38:40 PM |
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Glen
Montage Maestro Posts: 282 Reply |
Re: [Poll] Titles
oops again !! bit button happy today _________________ minds are like parachutes - they only work when they are open |
Posted on 21/06/05 1:59:21 PM |
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maiden
Golden Gif Gagster Posts: 471 Reply |
Re: [Poll] Titles
I think we are all guilty of having a bit of an ego, Glen, some more than others, and sometimes people who aren't egomanical at all get accuse of being so. A critique isn't necessarily a criticism but a constructive assessment of a piece of work, in part or as an whole. To criticise in the form of a critique is very poor manners as it isn't constructive or helpful. I appreciate and welcome constructive feedback as long as it is just that, and by that I don't mean 'singing all praises' but at least something which I can take away and work to improve upon, if someone doesn't like something because it doesn't appeal to them on a personal level then there is nothing I can take from that. I think we have to get away from turning thisinto a witchhunt or looking for a 'blame hound', Glen. I disagree with MJ's assessment of what a challenge is - to me a challenge is a personal challenge to better my own skills, not a competition to see who's the best. That really does leave me feeling cold. Becky. _________________ mad as a badger and twice as furry |
Posted on 21/06/05 2:11:54 PM |
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Glen
Montage Maestro Posts: 282 Reply |
Re: [Poll] Titles
Point 1 Was I witchhunting / blaming ? Not what I meant at all if it sounded so... Piont 2 I agree wholeheartedly _________________ most of the lack of sunshine in our lives is caused by us standing in our own shadow |
Posted on 21/06/05 2:13:34 PM |
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maiden
Golden Gif Gagster Posts: 471 Reply |
Re: [Poll] Titles
Sorry didn't mean to imply you was blaming anybody, Glen - although this sort of discussion general degenerates into finger pointing very quickly and therefore loses any constructive meaning. _________________ mad as a badger and twice as furry |
Posted on 21/06/05 2:16:21 PM |
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eventer
*** Posts: 165 Reply  |
Re: [Poll] Titles
I thought the titles were more for wit and fun than anything else. This forum is full to the brim of talented, witty and helpful people and I for one don't care a jot whether the titles stay or not as long as the people stay. I LOVE the ecclectic mix of people. As to the Friday challenges - as the most beginner of all the challengees......... I have found absolutely EVERYBODY without exception has been encouraging and helpful - in fact - I wouldn't mind at all if people told me a bit more about my mistakes!!! Personally, I can't thank all of you enough for being my tutors. |
Posted on 21/06/05 2:19:47 PM |
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Glen
Montage Maestro Posts: 282 Reply |
Re: [Poll] Titles
No probs Becky _________________ minds are like parachutes - they only work when they are open |
Posted on 21/06/05 2:25:49 PM |
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mj
Guest Reply |
Re: [Poll] Titles
Bravo Glen, I think you have hit upon many valid points. I think the idea of PM's to help others would be one way to cut down some of the banter in the forum. Just put in your post "Crits Welcome by PM" and if you want the constructive comments you will get them, if not don't ask for them. I want comments on my work, it is one of the best ways to see what I have done throught the eyes of others. As I said in a post in another room the ages here range from 13 to 61. When a 13 year old views my posts (yes I'm 61  ) I would not expect their thinking to be the same as mine nor would I be offended by comments made by them. To that age group (and others) accomplishment is important. Having a title to them is a badge of that accomplishment. Since I am three days older than dirt, a title would be fun but not necessary. Besides, the only title Steve could possibly give me would be Decrepit One.
 
Since the diversity of this group is so broad I think we should use the signature that Glen has "Minds are like parachutes -- they only work when they are open". Be nice if you cannot say anything nice don't say anything. Dezolator, your comments are also approate here. Thanks. _________________ -Never met a PS'er I didn't like- Will Rogers |
Posted on 21/06/05 2:35:35 PM |
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maiden
Golden Gif Gagster Posts: 471 Reply |
Re: [Poll] Titles
You know MJ with a icon like that I just cannot picture you as a 61 year old - it's so manga style I would have put money on you being no older than your twenties especially with your love of the smileys. It just seems so incongruous. _________________ mad as a badger and twice as furry |
Posted on 21/06/05 4:39:12 PM |
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tabitha 1
Guest Reply |
Re: [Poll] Titles
I think, that to some degree, it is the banter that is missing from the Forum of late! It made us all human and also gave us real character rather than a faceless AV! I agree that critisising has no positive outcome but a purposful critique should be welcome by all of us and out in the open so that others can comment too? I do believe that this is the purpose of this forum, for us to learn and to appreciate HTCIPS, not to stand there with catapults at dawn saying "I'm better than you...  "
_________________ "There are only two things a child will share willingly; communicable diseases and its mother's age." Benjamin Spock. |
Posted on 21/06/05 4:52:57 PM |
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maiden
Golden Gif Gagster Posts: 471 Reply |
Re: [Poll] Titles
Love the catapult analogy, Tabs *readies mud bomb*  _________________ mad as a badger and twice as furry |
Posted on 21/06/05 7:42:12 PM |
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Neal
Master Manipulator Posts: 322 Reply |
Re: [Poll] Titles
I just found this topic! I love how receptive this forum is to its members. I like the titles. They make me feel part of the group, a welcomed member. They're funny and given in spirit of good will. Steve has a great sense of humour. I'd hate to see them go. Earning a title is easy: participate. I'd like to see more picures. I can't recall anyone getting a harsh critique. No one should feel timid and afraid of posting an image, because they may get an ugly comment. In fact, the comments on submitted images have all been positive. I don't recall seeing any comments like "it sucks" or "your edges are too sharp" or "you hack, get off this forum." |
Posted on 22/06/05 00:55:27 AM |
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mj
Guest Reply |
Re: [Poll] Titles
Ah Maiden, you have made my day!!! Thank you so very much. I am young at heart but alas I am 61, and as the saying goes Just because there is snow on the roof doesn't mean there isn't a fire in the hearth. BTW, here is the site where I made my avatar. http://avatarmaker.abi-station.com/index_en.shtml It's a neat site for those that are lazy. LOL... _________________ -Never met a PS'er I didn't like- Will Rogers |
Posted on 22/06/05 10:14:30 AM |
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maiden
Golden Gif Gagster Posts: 471 Reply |
Re: [Poll] Titles
Ah now that makes sense, MJ. Yes nothing wrong with being young at heart, it's youth acting like they want to be older that's the problem - enjoy youth while you have it because after you've lost it you can only then reminisce about what could have been. _________________ mad as a badger and twice as furry |
Posted on 22/06/05 10:50:22 AM |
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tabitha 1
Guest Reply |
Re: [Poll] Titles
Lazy Person Here
Thanks MJ for the link, it was fun! _________________ "Programming today is a race between software engineers striving to build bigger and better idiot-proof programs, and the Universe trying to produce bigger and better idiots. So far, the Universe is winning." Rich Cook. |
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