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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Unprofessional?
Robby Gallagher, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Brookings | SD | USA | Posted: 10:01 PM on 03.04.10 |
->> Has anyone else had this problem?
"Dude,
Stop posting on every go damn thread with or creating pointless
fricking threads. You've posted more in less than a month than
most people post in a year. Also don't list gear in your profile, it's
very unprofessional. And what the hell is up with that stupid
avatar, it looks like a 5 year old playing with a macbook. Learn by
watching and listening, not by being an annoying fricking kid.
SHUT UP and stop posting on every god damn threat that comes
along.
Your friendly annoyed person."
So I received this e-mail after I posted my wedding photographer thread. I was told that in order to learn, I have to sit back and listen. I guess I ask to many questions. I'm sorry. I learn by asking questions and am extremely thankful for those who post and help me out. The message board is a great tool, so that is why I use it. To learn. I know I post a lot, but when you have so many questions to ask, people ask. I am on a site with a ton of pros who know 500x more than I do and I want to learn from those pros. A lot of pros, not all, but a lot already know what I don't. I am a kid. I enjoy what I do and have fun doing it. I am almost 23 years old and to a lot of you, that still makes me a kid.
As for my "avatar" its a profile picture. Get over it. It is of me, not of someone else, so honestly what is the big deal? yeah, it was my macbook but who cares?
Lastly, do not tell me I am unprofessional for posting my gear. I understand that most people don't care what I have, but I post it so people understand where I am coming from when I do have questions. Please, being unprofessional is more like sending e-mails to harass others, not by listing your gear. |
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Robby Gallagher, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Brookings | SD | USA | Posted: 10:03 PM on 03.04.10 |
| ->> I forgot, I need to have thick skin. I understand that. I understood more after Chuck Liddy and I had a little dispute. However, when I e-mail the site here, about this e-mail, they just told me oh well, you have to have thick skin. But stuff like this goes beyond thick skin. I think that the sight should require you to put an e-mail address in before you send and e-mail. This crap shouldn't be happening. |
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Nic Coury, Photographer
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Monterey | CA | | Posted: 10:17 PM on 03.04.10 |
->> Don't overthink it. Don't take it personally. Just keep doing what you do and you'll be fine.
The only stupid question is the one not asked. I mean that's what these message boards are here for. I've learned tons of great info and picked up invaluable tips from SS, both asking questions and reading threads.
Whoever emailed you must be kind of bitter... |
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Erik Markov, Photographer
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Kokomo | IN | | Posted: 10:21 PM on 03.04.10 |
->> Robby,
apparently this is the week for crackpot contacts. I got one earlier in the week. It's tough but I'd let this one roll off your back. If he didn't sign it with an actual name, then he doesn't have the guts to back it up and his opinion doesn't matter. if it's a SS member then it's a shame we would have someone like that around, I'm going to assume it's not tho, just a random loser. |
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Jim Comeau, Photo Editor, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | USA | Posted: 10:33 PM on 03.04.10 |
->> People like this exist outside the world of photojournalism. They also existed before the internet...
If someone wants to have a legitimate discussion, then they would have included their name, phone number, and/or email address. Some people feel better about themselves by trying to upset other people. |
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Jon Wright, Photographer
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Wayzata | MN | USA | Posted: 10:37 PM on 03.04.10 |
| ->> The use of "Dude" as a greeting should give you an approximate age range of your ranter. Keep you chin up! |
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Darren Whitley, Photographer
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Northwest Missouri | MO | USA | Posted: 10:44 PM on 03.04.10 |
| ->> Oh, the internet sheriff emailed you. How nice! |
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Mark Loundy, Photo Editor
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San Jose | CA | USA | Posted: 11:29 PM on 03.04.10 |
->> Robby,
Don't give it a second thought.
--Mark |
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David Welker, Photographer, Student/Intern
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Springfield | MO | USA | Posted: 12:25 AM on 03.05.10 |
->> "If he didn't sign it with an actual name, then he doesn't have the guts to back it up and his opinion doesn't matter."
x2 to this... i guess he doesnt want his name associated with his own words. |
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Robby Gallagher, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Brookings | SD | USA | Posted: 1:02 AM on 03.05.10 |
| ->> Thanks everyone. |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 1:05 AM on 03.05.10 |
->> Sorry to hear about that.
Thick skin is not easy to develop ... maybe over time. But don't let it develop into cynicism.
But think of the emails that I get ... makes this stuff look tame. |
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Robby Gallagher, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Brookings | SD | USA | Posted: 1:17 AM on 03.05.10 |
| ->> I believe you ha-ha. Since I posted this, things haven't got better. Rather, more and more people are sending me stuff saying my photos suck. Honestly, I posted this because of the fact that 1)I was not happy about it 2)I did not feel there was a need for the criticism. I do great with constructive criticism, honestly, I do, because I need it. A lot. Now that I read some of these posts, I don't feel so mad about it. I guess the anger just passed. But once again, thank you all for giving me your thoughts. You are right, what I need is thick skin and I cannot let every little thing get to me. I just wanted to know if others were getting the same e-mails that I am. Thanks. |
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Erik Markov, Photographer
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Kokomo | IN | | Posted: 8:19 AM on 03.05.10 |
| ->> Robert, I think it would be awesome to see the emails you get. The names could be changed to protect the guilty of course. Get any that look like ransom notes with the letters cut out from magazines? |
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Erik Markov, Photographer
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Kokomo | IN | | Posted: 8:24 AM on 03.05.10 |
->> Robby, I forget to add, "go damn?" You didn't edit did you? That tells you everything you need to know.
p.s. I posted 3x on same thread, oh my, any chance I will get my own angry rant email now? :) |
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Robby Gallagher, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Brookings | SD | USA | Posted: 8:51 AM on 03.05.10 |
| ->> i did no editing |
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David Welker, Photographer, Student/Intern
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Springfield | MO | USA | Posted: 8:51 AM on 03.05.10 |
->> Robby,
I would like to add something to possibly help you out here. Maybe there is a new possibility of how you could use these emails.
When I have had people tell me to my face that my photos sucked, "'this' or 'that' was wrong", or yada yada yada, it only fueled my obsession to become a better photographer. Maybe you should take theses responses, dont let them get under your skin, but take them and use them to better yourself. Say " I dont want these responses".
One thing I enjoy about you is how youre not afraid to ask questions. It IS an important thing when you do not understand or need advice. I think we get caught up in our ego and say "I dont need any help". But when you do, you have the sense to ask.
Does it annoy others asking so many questions? Yeah, but why? It is because we are so accustomed to keeping our problems to ourselves and not asking or helping for the betterment of the group.
So keep posting, you may get these emails. So be it. Use them to better your self as a photographer and as a person.
Take care. |
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Sam Santilli, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Philippi | WV | USA | Posted: 9:05 AM on 03.05.10 |
| ->> Atleast you got an e-mail!! Must be doing something right. |
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Debra L Rothenberg, Photographer
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New York | NY | USA | Posted: 9:44 AM on 03.05.10 |
->> another angry, bitter SS member.
it's probably the same idiotic moron who clicks "HUH" or "INAPPROPRIATE" to everything, or better yet, marks something as "FUNNY" when it is informative.
Keep asking questions-that is one way to learn.
DLR |
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Bill Vaughn, Photographer
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Huntsville | Al | United States | Posted: 10:04 AM on 03.05.10 |
->> Hey Robby,
The only thing that matters in all of this is whether you are happy with your work and striving to improve. There are a lot of posters who'll ridicule and belittle you in an attempt to run you out of the business. Ignore them. This forum is supposedly for gaining knowledge - ask what you like if someone doesn't like it TS, they shouldn't read it. When you get obnoxious emails a simple two word response ending in "you" should suffice! |
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Paul Nelson, Photographer
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Temperance | MI | USA | Posted: 12:20 PM on 03.05.10 |
| ->> Maybe these folks who keep sending these messages need to start their own site. They'd have plenty to discuss among themselves! |
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Nick Morris, Photographer
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WorldWide Global | ALL | Terra Firma | Posted: 12:23 PM on 03.05.10 |
| ->> Robby as everone else here said it's prolly some D'bag with nothing better to do than rattle cages. I had someone post 3 "Huh" because I posted that I was excited about basebal season almost being upon us and I was heading to Peoria. 3 "Huh" so appearantly there is more than one D'bag loose. You have to laugh and then ignore. Try it 3 times a day it'll get easier. Always rememeber Anonymous+Internet+Audience=D'bag |
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Robby Gallagher, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Brookings | SD | USA | Posted: 12:56 PM on 03.05.10 |
| ->> ha-ha. Thanks |
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Daniel Putz, Photographer
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Owings Mills | MD | USA | Posted: 12:59 PM on 03.05.10 |
->> I think your avatar is far more pro than many. Including me.
Oh well. (I'm 23 as well) |
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David Seelig, Photographer
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Hailey | ID | USA | Posted: 1:07 PM on 03.05.10 |
| ->> Keep asking questions anyone knocking you for that is an idiot. |
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Steve Apps, Photographer
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Madison | WI | USA | Posted: 1:45 PM on 03.05.10 |
->> Robby,
This sounds like a time to use a one sentence response. "Why do you hate America?" This will really confuse them.
This works on the street when someone say's "Don't take my picture!" (response-"why do you hate America.")
Works when someone is critical of your newspaper, photos or the way you are dressed. "Why do you hate America?"
This phrase can also work around spouses and girls friends.
("honey, will you take out the trash?"- "Why do you hate America?"
or "I found your phone, who is Melissa,"- Why do you hate America?'
The point of this joke is that you can't take it personally. When I receive an e-mail like that, if I decide to respond, it is a short note thanking them for their opinion. I just leave at that.
This profession needs young energetic photographers so don't get discouraged. |
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Matthew Sauk, Photographer
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Sandy | UT | United States | Posted: 3:24 PM on 03.05.10 |
->> speaking of 5 year olds, did one write that email to you? Geez, I thought my english was bad, yikes.
if you are going to rant against someone, at least write it with proper english |
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Brian Blanco, Photographer
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Tampa / Sarasota | FL | USA | Posted: 4:16 PM on 03.05.10 |
->> Robby,
I agree with the others; that email was uncalled for and, yes, it was, as you pointed out, quite unprofessional.
You clearly have a lot of questions and, yes, this is a great place to find the answers but this message board is no substitution for actually going outside and shooting and working on your craft.
While, again, I agree that whomever sent you that email was way out of line, I think what they were trying to say is that sometimes new members here can get caught up and almost addicted to posting here.
There's really nothing wrong with that. Nobody is forcing anybody here to read these threads or hold them accountable to responding to them, but I'll admit that occasionally a new member (often a "student/intern") comes along and asks a lot of questions and it's admittedly frustrating when it appears that they're spending all their time behind the keyboard and not actually putting the advise to good use behind the viewfinder out in the field.
You may very well be out shooting everyday and putting the advise you receive into practice but IF it appears, correctly or incorrectly, that you're just the latest "super poster" then people are going to stop answering your questions. It's frustrating to feel that the advise that you spent time sharing is falling on deaf ears.
I have to admit, you do post a lot and, again, that's fine but just make sure you're striking a balance. You can read about it all you want but you won;t actually learn until you get out there and do it... over and over and over again.
You appear to be polite, and genuinely interested and I believe you're using this as a resource (as it was intended), but just try to take a moment and think before you post on a thread. Ask yourself, "What, if anything, am I contributing by typing this"?
Just as a reference:
You've been a member for 35 days and have 43 posts.
Compared to the top three members in the clip contest:
Joe Morahan, member for 1612 days with 69 posts
Patrick Smith, member for 1268 days with 268 posts
Chip Litherland, member for 2383 days with 151 posts
(Yes I have a lot time on my hands as a wait for a TON of RAW files to upload to Photo Shelter)
Just make sure that you're not hurting your future in this career by developing a reputation as being the latest "super poster". Ask good questions when you are really willing to listen to the answers and contribute when you have something to add and put whatever feedback you receive to good use... now go take photos. And seriously, good luck and don't pay too much attention to people who don't sign their names to their advice.
Respectfully,
-Blanco |
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Israel Shirk, Photographer, Assistant
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Boise | ID | US | Posted: 7:16 PM on 03.05.10 |
->> Just don't forget to think for yourself and you'll be fine ;)
Our input often isn't that important in the grand scheme of things. Developing self-confidence, know-how, socialization processes, etc... It's part of being young! |
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Israel Shirk, Photographer, Assistant
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Boise | ID | US | Posted: 7:17 PM on 03.05.10 |
| ->> And don't worry too much about Chuck either... it happens sometimes. |
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Chuck Liddy, Photographer
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Durham | NC | USA | Posted: 1:30 AM on 03.06.10 |
| ->> I think it's sheer genius that after you got reamed by some jackass that said "creating pointless fricking threads" you started another thread. AWESOME!! |
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Wesley Hitt, Photographer
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Fayetteville | AR | USA | Posted: 2:33 PM on 03.06.10 |
| ->> If anyone sends you a email and does not have the guts to put their name on it, IGNORE IT! Who cares what that person thinks. A person that sends emails without a name has nothing to offer you. Save it. It will be funny years from now. |
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Louis Lopez, Photographer
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Fontana | CA | USA | Posted: 7:30 PM on 03.06.10 |
->> Chuck,
PRICELESS!!! |
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