Is it just me or do we all seem to be a little touchy and jumpy around here lately? And I include myself in there. May be the state the world is in at this moment and the anxiety we are all feeling about what tomorrow will bring. Or maybe something else. Don't know, but I can almost feel the stress and strain in about half the threads from this week. Then again, like I said, may just be me. -=>Donald

I see a lot of sincere dedicated folks, who have now learned to appreciate the opinions of other sincere dedicated folks, and are now feeling comfortable to explore deeper issues. [I also sense that the weather has been pretty crappy most places, and none of us are actually getting out to make many new photos...] None of the points of view expressed here lately is going to cause me to think less of any one of you, or appreciate any less your skill in whatever manner of photographic expression you personally choose. Hey, I think some of the opinions are complete crap; sometimes I'll counter with my own crap, sometimes not. Hopefully we'll broaden some horizons. As photographers, IMHO, all of us seem better inclined to communicate through images than words. [It least this is the case for me.] Let's see more photos! Big hugs to all of the moderators, who do this out of the goodness of their hearts. And to the folks who take the time to encourage and help all the rest of us, also out of the goodness of their hearts. [On the other hand, I guess it IS possible that it IS just you, Don... Can't discount the opinion...]

Lol - Don, I have a bit of a routine; I check my mails, runs through the answered posts that are there, look at the new posts then post any I might want to. Usually at some point midway I'm composing what I want to post when I get there. Today; you sorta beat me to my subject! Some of you guys here are newer (like 1-4 months), and probably don't know me and the way I comment that well. Others (like Misha, the ugly argumentative one) know exactly what I'm like and treat me with the appropriate disrespect that I deserve. Anyways, the reason you newer ones DON'T know me so well is because a few months back I thought the forum was becoming.....well, boring. Oh, and because some upright new member took offense to a repost of one of my pics concerning a Barbie doll and a Ken doll becuase they obviously thought that childrens toys have both genetalia and sexual urges and decided to call the Picture Police in. (Check out Most Viewings under 'mjshepherd' - damned if I'm posting it AGAIN...). Lately, though, it's starting to become the way it was about a year ago, and that's like a bit of proper community. As a forum we're all pretty chilled. Check out some of the others - you'll see we're calm and easy here. Which also means that we should (and do) feel comfortable to speak our minds. But first and foremost, we are here to enjoy ourselves. I'm sure if we get out of hand the Mods will spank us thoroughly (why else do I misbehave?) and bring us back into line. But I don't think we will, y'know....... And yes, things have become gritty lately - because we've been picking on a couple of subjects people don't quite see eye to eye on. But we're all grown up now, and I presume we know that the world doesn't revolve around us. (Well, you anyways. ME? different matter.) I enjoy being here again. It's fun. (",)

I think it's time for more nude animal pictures!!! Bsteph

bsteph2069, just no sheep ok?..... I keep reading the posts here every day. It seems to me that we are in a bit of turmoil over several different areas of content. I hope that we soon get it all out of our systems and get back to the matter at hand which is, photography be it straight out of the camera or picture plus. Although I do enjoy a good heated discussion, I feel that some of the recent rants have stepped on toes whether intended or not. And even though I am still a relative newbie to this forum, I feel someone must stand up and say CHILLLLLL!!!!!!!!! I have been in other groups who have had similar discussions that have carried on for to long and driven off members, and caused some of the survivors to become less than enthusiastic about the group from that point onward. I would hate to see the same thing happen to this group. I have a couple of suggestions. One, if someone posts a message that pisses you off, do one of two things, reply with courtesy and respect while stating your view, or ignore, get over it and move on. Two, if you see a thumbnail of something in the gallery that offends you whether it's a pet shot or a rock, don't click on the thumbnail. Nobody is making you look at something you dont want to. Ok, now that I've taken my turn at stepping on toes and pissing folks off, it's only because in the short time that I have been involved with this group, I have learned a lot about taking pictures, been inspired to take better pictures, to share those pictures and met some really nice people who share an interest in photography. And you know what I'm gonna do?, I'm gonna post a picture just to show that occasionaly we do stop "discussing" and actually post pictures. Ok. rebuttle anyone?

Maybe it just winter in the Northern Hemisphere, long dark nights. Maybe we should chill out for a while

Eggiwegs! I would like... to smash them!

Just remember what the doormouse said Feed your head, Feed your head

I'm just chillin man chillin. Now where are my barbie and ken dolls. Let's see I need the velcro and the neighbor's cat. I will let ya'll know how my next photo project will come out. :) SMILE :)

Barbie? Ken? Cat? Velcro? Ooooh! [And that's "ugly argumentative Yank," to you, Limey!] Neat doll, BTW. But IMO the wicker chair background could be improved.

i don't mind the touching, it's the jumping that's a little painful at times otherwise i'm cool with everything.

Pictures appear to me, I shoot them.   Elliot Erwitt

jump jump jump Yeah, that's jumpy me, hung over from last night's gig. Hehehehe... ;-D jump jump jump ... (*