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The incredible act of balance
22/11/2009 - 10:16 PM
315 (445)It may be an act...I don't really know, but balance is something I never considered when launching ePHOTOzine, well not from the angle that I'm about to describe.
For me balance was about getting the elements of the site right for photographers. My reference was my experience of balancing content of magazines which I'd been successful with prior to launching ePHOTOzine. I came up with the concept and launched the first digital photography magazine and it's gone on to be the UKs best selling photography magazine.
The idea behind ePHOTOzine was to take this magazine format, but expand to cover elements of the pro magazine market and also buyers magazines and traditional photography. The Masterplan was a huge resource that catered for all types of photographer. One where the could learn, share, meet up in the forums and showcase and discuss pictures in the gallery.
The gallery would not restrict beginners or those not perfectionists of their genre like the galleries of magazines tend to do. All would be "published". (this was before flickr) The forums would have interaction and encourage debate and a community was created. (this was before Facebook)
ePHOTOzine came way before any of the other photography magazine publishers decided to dip their toes in the internet waters, and now many are here it's still way ahead in visitors and still provides that initial range of features from the original blueprint with many more developed along the way.
Now the balancing act is the bit I never predicted and still cannot get my head around. Although I've been able to produce and drive a very succesful formula for a web based magazine, that's been copied by many, it's balancing the members of the site and their emotions that's thrown me.
A day never goes by without some trauma or other...some are petty things that get blown out of all proportion, others are incredibly complex patterns that have built through a number of months, sometimes years, that you need a full handle on to understand. It's a nightmare. As I write this another one's kicking off in the forums!
All I wanted was a peaceful place that's a brilliant resource for photographers. I'm not into the politics, one-upmanship, bitchiness, egotistical stuff. Does anyone manage anything to this level who may have some idea how it can balance, or is my balanced utopia not achievable? I'm beginning to think not.
Tags: Headache
Comments
The old age adage of you can please some people sometime, but you cant please all the people all the time is true.
Saw that thread, seems more personal than anything else. Provoking others with seemingly abusive behaviour and attitudes has become the norm online i feel, no different to real life except those who seek to outrage have the advantage of hiding behind a PC monitor.
Like a dog with a bone somebody said in that thread. If my dog behaved like that id slap its nose n tell her off =o)
Keep up the good work, while we dont always show it, most do appreciate the hard work you put into this site, and with so many members there is bound to be fireworks occasionally.
Alision
Wiki says:
'A wire-walker may use a pole for balance or may stretch out his or her arms perpendicular to her trunk in the manner of a pole. This technique provides several advantages. It distributes mass away from the pivot point and moves the center of mass out.'
It's has to be a matter of redistribution, so a longer pole?
ATB Pete... shallow and slow breaths
'tis a very fine art to balnce things out to perfection Pete.
I believe we do a pretty good job of it at Chez Tomcat.
Mrs T's work for the less able than us ,though it involves some ridiculous working hours,my endless pursuit of wildlife photography,our son's desire to play football on Sundays and train twice a week(He wants to play cricket next year too),fitting in holidays and my own career in the construction industry.
Forgot to mention looking after(or do they look after us) four Ginger Tomcats.
As for the site it is only a small pecentage that climb upon their high horse(me sometimes). I believe the majority just take things in their stride.
Life is to precious to worry to much about one individuals preferences or gripes.I am sure you realise this from a while back.
Not sure why I mentioned my own circumstances, but I did.
If some of the things I read on here were mentioned at the individuals place of work, they would be hauled up before their HR department/senior management and given a severe reprimand
Keep up the good work....please
Adrian
It's a weird mix, a bit like family. A lot of the issues arrise because people genuinely like the place, and so feel threatened/sad/defensive when they see it going a way that they do not want it to go. That said some people are just d*cks, and egotistical d*cks at that.**
While I would possibly agree with James comment, we all have to find our own way through these things, and what works for us. Are you going to be happier with the grief that being accomodating brings you, or would the fall out from being more stringent be easier to handle, only you know that answer.
** and that does not mean mallards.... 
The world needs balancing. We all try to get are own lives in balance but we need to remember that we all need to be happy with what we have. You come on the earth with nothing and you leave with nothing - so be happy and proud with what you have done and achieved.
Doug
I joined EPZ to learn more as I am by nature a "fly by the seat of your pants" photographer who came late to photography and therefore I sometimes struggle with the technology. Since joining I have learned a great deal. Just viewing the different approaches to images and seeing what settings etc. people have used. Also the composition of many images.
Your brainchild has been an inspiration - thank you. Egos come and go. I guess we are all capable of being bullheaded. Keep your balance - we need you.
maggie
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