Photography at the heart.
 

There is no easy way to say it:-

Other than, this morning I find I have lost all enthusiasm for visiting and participating in this site following the sad news regarding its flagship contest.

The news that POTY 2011 , is putting money before the Art of Photography, changes my view upon Future's PR's ethics, aesthetics and philosophy.And perhaps now makes me ask the question of; Where I wish to be seen?

As an artist utilising photography as a medium, I now physically find myself seeking other galleries providing a proffessionalism and forum that are more in keeping with similar ethics and philosophy. Photography at the heart!

[QUOTE=beauxreflets;39690]There is no easy way to say it:-

Other than, this morning I find I have lost all enthusiasm for visiting and participating in this site following the sad news regarding its flagship contest.

The news that POTY 2011 , is putting money before the Art of Photography, changes my view upon Future's PR's ethics, aesthetics and philosophy.And perhaps now makes me ask the question of; Where I wish to be seen?

As an artist utilising photography as a medium, I now physically find myself seeking other galleries providing a proffessionalism and forum that are more in keeping with similar ethics and philosophy. Photography at the heart![/QUOTE]

Sorry you feel this way, Andy. It would be a shame and a huge loss I feel if you were to leave. I think you should reconsider or at least wait and see what the response is to the posts made about the new style competition. I only use this site and flickr so don't know what any other forums are like but I do know you've built relationships with people here and it would be sad to say goodbye to that?

Karen

Yep,
It would be a shame.
I haven't been on the forum for that long, but I have gotten to 'know' some of the regular inputers, such as yourself Andy, and value the knowledge, experience, opinions, work and rapport that this forum has.

Phil

That's a bit extreme Andy, the POTY competition isn't the be-all and end-all in life, there are other ways to enjoy and improve your art.

I know you're stuck out there in France, so I'm not too sure what the photographic world is like where you are, so joining a club may not be an option.

DCM and Pradar are businesses and making money is the bottom line, and by giving pleasure to a lot of people, as they do, is a fortunate by product.

If the art of photography is uppermost in your mind, join the RPS, that's their aim and always has been. Try for their distinctions, not just to put letters after your name, but to stretch your abilities and be assessed by photographers of note, who do not give accolades lightly.

Just a suggestion.

[url]http://www.rps.org[/url]

[QUOTE=ABERS;39704]

If the art of photography is uppermost in your mind, join the RPS, that's their aim and always has been. Try for their distinctions, not just to put letters after your name, but to stretch your abilities and be assessed by photographers of note, who do not give accolades lightly.

Just a suggestion.

[url]http://www.rps.org[/url][/QUOTE]

Mind you though, you have to pay to join :D

Phil

Hi.
We are all users of the site and have the chance to present our work and our thoughts.
The owners follow their marketing politic, and we follow our heart.
Andy D. Kemp, the photographer, the artist, the friend is part of this heart.
Andy please stay.
Thank you. αR
p.s. I hope in the next days to see one of Andy's photographs as a POTD. Thank you PR. αR

Agree with Abers,

I don't really use much of the rest of the site, just the forums, it's the users who make the forums, though it's nice that the staff join in, the members are the important part.

Having said that, if you feel strongly enough about something, I think it's important that you follow your ethics and if that means voting with your feet....

I fear my loss in enthusiasm is due to the change in the percieved ethos and spirit upon which I made my original decision in spending valuable free time within the forum hosted by Future that is giving much food for thought; having originally submitted to POTY (in DCM days) before actually concidering logging in to specifically start a gallery here.

I am very grateful to and for the friendship shown by fellow members (and although however kindly wished, I would certainly not wish to suddenly achieve a POTD on the back of this thread ;) )

I guess I will take further time in considering the aspects in the whole situation as to what I eventually decide to do and again say thank you to all for the very valued fellowship.

I am another who would be sad to see you leave this site Andy.

Although I am a recent member here, I feel that I have gotten to know you through the Weekend Comp and have seen enough of your many posts elsewhere to know that you love your photography and enjoy helping others.

Hi Andy,you were very kind to comment on two of my photos in my gallery.In the forums I always look out for your comments or topics.You always speak from the heart and give honest comments.Hopefully you will have a change of heart and re-consider your decision to leave the site.

Des