PDN Forum ---Why Has It Lost It's Luster

[Raymond Bleesz]

Some time ago, I looked forward to PDN Forum, and still do, hoping. The forum commentors at one time were for the most part professionals. There comments regarding photography et al was well respected, and I certainly gained knowledge by paying attention to the forum. Those posters who contributed almost daily were people who took on a persona, individuals who offered intellectual substance, whether you agreed with it or not. Not to say that today's PDN  commentatos do not offer substance, but what happened to all those great contributers?  What became of all those outstanding photographers who offered their insight and input?  Have they migrated to other forums? The present PDN forum is stagnant, IMO. Those commentators/photographers have vanished into the yonder. Where are you??? What became of the PDN forum?

Raymond

[haefnerphoto]

Raymond, What is the PDN forum?  Jim

[Schewe]

Where are you??? What became of the PDN forum?

So...you come here in the LuLa forums to lament the death of some other forum? Really? And you think that's a good idea? Maybe THAT'S why the other forum died...putzes?

[Bryan Conner]

So...you come here in the LuLa forums to lament the death of some other forum? Really? And you think that's a good idea? Maybe THAT'S why the other forum died...putzes?

My thoughts exactly. 

[Rob C]

Raymond, What is the PDN forum?  Jim

Photo District News

Rob C

[BobDavid]

So...you come here in the LuLa forums to lament the death of some other forum? Really? And you think that's a good idea? Maybe THAT'S why the other forum died...putzes?

They guy just asked a question. Lots of photogs visit many forums each day.

[Raymond Bleesz]

Bob, yes, I asked a question---to learn in the Socratic mode---thank you.  I do visit a good number of venues/forums this one being a frequent one.  And I did notice a "regular" commentor here who I have followed over the years at the PDN forum---that being Ellis Veneer who contributes to this forum.

So to limit one's self to one forum is limiting.

Raymond

[David Eichler]

The PDN forum did have some good business discussions which is by far the biggest fail of almost all photo forums. LL has provided another place (yet small) for the business part of photography. There just aren't that many pro shooters who frequent LL in general or on a regular basis.

I find it easier just to pick up the phone and call people I know who have equal or more experience and get have a good talk about biz matters.

Speaking of business matters, John-S, what is up with your website? Nothing there. Would not seem to be good for business these days. Or, are you in such demand that you don't need it. :-)

[digitaldog]

Have they migrated to other forums? The present PDN forum is stagnant, IMO. Those commentators/photographers have vanished into the yonder. Where are you??? What became of the PDN forum?

They are mostly here I think. The PDN forums, which at one time were great is completely dead now.

[mmurph]

The PDN forums were very popular, and very professional, until about 3 years ago.  It was the best forum on the "Business of Photography."

They did a site redesign for the forums that everyone **hated** with a passion!  Most of the contributers migrated to a couple of other sites, but along the way we lost about 90% of the people and it didn't quite "take."

I forget what was so bad about the redesign.  But they did not listen to their user base, persisted wth a really poorly designed rollout, and basically killed the site!  I think traffic went down by at least 95%. 

A classic, classic example of what NOT to do, and how not to "monetize" the traffic to your site! 

Maybe some others can chime in with their own perspective.  My memory is a bit fuzzy about what was so bad about the new site.

[Raymond Bleesz]

I initiated this question, and I thank those who have responded. I likewise would like to know more. In the early 80's I believe, if not before,  I became aware of the PDN magazine/slick publication of which I still have some copies. The New York City publication was eagerly read by me and I subscribed. When it went on line, I logged on daily for the inputs of these pros.  I do not know about the whys or the politics, but I miss you all. Thank you, MMURPH
Raymond

[tcphoto]

I remember when I went to the PDN forum on a daily basis. It was filled with a great exchange of knowledge and ideas. Then they required a subscription in order to participate and it turned into a ghost town. There are plenty of places to go to for better content and I just don't believe that one needs to pay for it.

[Craig Murphy]

Yes.  PDN forum was good and I remember also that the redesign pretty much wrecked it.   It was the best photo business forum around at the time and had a core group of people that were very sharing with information.  

[amsp]

Anyone know of any forum for pro photographers? And I don't mean the baby/wedding/dog photographers you usually find, I mean actual pros. I've looked and I can't find one even remotely interesting. One where photography *gasp* and the business of it is discussed, instead of constant tech arguments and pixel peeping by engineers and weekend warriors. 

[bdkphoto]

You could try the ASMPproAdvice@yahoogroups.com, and/or the APAnet@yahoogroups.com both are primarily business discussions and open forums.

[Craig Murphy]

Not forums but I am following Leslie Burns at Burns Auto Parts (not really auto related.  She is a photo consultant)  on FB and Twitter.  Following Rob Haggerts A Photo Editor feed is great also.  These are blogs etc. but are great resources for business related discussions.     

[amsp]

You could try the ASMPproAdvice@yahoogroups.com, and/or the APAnet@yahoogroups.com both are primarily business discussions and open forums.

Cheers, might check these out.

Not forums but I am following Leslie Burns at Burns Auto Parts (not really auto related.  She is a photo consultant)  on FB and Twitter.  Following Rob Haggerts A Photo Editor feed is great also.  These are blogs etc. but are great resources for business related discussions.     

Yeah, I've been following "A Photo Editor" for some time now, there's some good stuff there once in a while.

[K.C.]

Not forums but I am following Leslie Burns at Burns Auto Parts (not really auto related.  She is a photo consultant)  on FB and Twitter.  Following Rob Haggerts A Photo Editor feed is great also.  These are blogs etc. but are great resources for business related discussions.     

Yes, best to follow her there because she won't be found here:

Posted: Mon May 17, 2010 5:00 pm    Post subject:      
Lu-la is mostly populated with, at best, prosumers. I don't like to sound like a snob, but the quality of the convos there, well, I don't want to participate.
_________________
Leslie Burns
Creative/Marketing Consultant
http://www.burnsautoparts.com/blog
http://facebook.com/burnsautoparts

[Jeremy Roussak]

Yes, best to follow her there because she won't be found here:

Posted: Mon May 17, 2010 5:00 pm    Post subject:      
Lu-la is mostly populated with, at best, prosumers. I don't like to sound like a snob, but the quality of the convos there, well, I don't want to participate.
_________________
Leslie Burns
Creative/Marketing Consultant
http://www.burnsautoparts.com/blog
http://facebook.com/burnsautoparts

Hmm. She's certainly not wracked by self-doubt, is she?

Jeremy

[nightfire]

Hmm. She's certainly not wracked by self-doubt, is she?

Wracked by self-doubt? As a consultant?