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Looking for online digital photo classes? Need help with any aspect of BetterPhoto? You might find just the answer you are looking for here.
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Jill Odice
Contact Jill
Jill's Gallery
member since: 7/1/2005
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61
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logging in problem?
This isn't really a contest question,but there isn't a category for website problems...What is with having to log in every time I visit BP nowadays? I click the box to remember me, yet every time I stop by I now have to log in!? I had to go back to my records to find out what my password was it's been so long since I needed it :-)
5/14/2013 12:18:06 PM
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I believe that login information would be stored as a cookie on your PC - so it may be that your browser recently updated itself, or some settings were/got changed, or there was a "clear history" step, etc.? I don't think that feature has much to do with BP's side of things, but I could be wrong.
5/22/2013 9:59:56 AM
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Well, guys I am having the same problem and it gets very irritating.
5/26/2013 12:55:31 PM
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I did clear my cache both in IE and Firefox and now am not having any problems :-) Once I deleted the cookies, it worked perfectly.
5/30/2013 3:04:49 PM
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Ask Your Own Question
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Susan M. Smith
Contact Susan
Susan 's Gallery
member since: 3/22/2004
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62
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May 2013 NO EP Feedback
It seems like lots of folks received a way lower EP count on their April entries :( This is a thread where we can post those contest entries that did not receive an EP that you would like to receive constructive ideas on why and what could be improved on the image.Please leave feedback on the image here in this thread as many members do not wish to have critique comments directly on the thread of the images. Members may want to upload a "Forum Only" copy of the image to this thread. Please indicate if you'd rather receive critique on that thread. Helpful links: These are the guidelines BP uses when evaluating/judging images: "How to Win a Photo Contest" (http://www.betterphoto.com/contest/guidelines.asp). Also, reference BP rules for categories: http://www.betterphoto.com/contest/categories.asp I look forward to everyone's thoughtful and valuable feedback!
5/9/2013 6:39:45 AM
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tagging....
5/9/2013 9:28:51 AM
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tag
5/9/2013 4:21:17 PM
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Susan, as yet, I've not entered anything in May (working on a different photo project that has a deadline.) Might get back to it in about 10 days. It sounds as if there is not hurry anyway. Btw, I went to the Better Photo Page on Facebook; it looks as though BP has disengaged there also (almost all earlier posts have been removed, too.)
5/13/2013 4:36:11 AM
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Facebook: Jim Miotke - Jim is still featuring some Member's photos there on occasion.
5/13/2013 4:39:51 AM
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I looked at the FB page and it seems there is like one guy posting images. At first I thought maybe I found the wrong page :-)
5/13/2013 8:28:07 AM
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John Forrant (?) has been posting pix almost every day along with maybe 3 or 4 others on occasion. However, BP did add some threads. Now, it's as though it's all been deleted except for John's last picture in April.
5/13/2013 8:40:18 AM
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For the 1st time in months, I am attempting to enter some images that have never been on BP and a few radically re-edited ones in May, trying for 31 new ones...... I've been on a bit of a sad run photographically in the past year it seems, life has got in my way... So I have to say it's been a bummer to me that May is the month they seem to have stopped the EP's... I guess we have all become accustomed to knowing which shots go on or have caught their eye... Oh well, as with all other things with BP, change comes and we must adjust...
5/13/2013 12:41:55 PM
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I do not understand why some do not want critique comments directly on photo threads? I thought that is what posting and commenting was supposed to be about? I have always wondered why any 'helpful' comments seemed to be avoided. Why must we go to the extra trouble of posting an image here? Some of us barely have time to do what we love in the first place and that's take photos! I really do not want to ruffle any feathers, but from what I can see about this special thread, it is mostly just all the same ol 'great photo' type comments anyway so what's the point... just more back slapping? If we can toughen up and accept honest critiques where they belong, maybe we can get feedback on photos other than only those we consider our best AND include MANY more members! No, I do not especially like to hear negative comments about my work, but it IS how we grow as photographers and doing this in the open on the main photo thread is how we grow as a community. I am just as critical of BP as the next member, but we are not helping things by taking to the back roads. I expect I have angered everyone, but sure hope I get some feedback because I am frustrated with the whole mess. JudyAnn
5/26/2013 1:16:09 PM
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My reluctance to leave critiques on pictures here is two-fold. Generally, the images are already entered (I might send a private message after noticing they didn't get an EP; and suggest an "fix" and resub.) Secondly, I never know when an image was uploaded with the possibility of a sale - a public critique could squash a sale just by calling attention to something a non-photographer may never have noticed. Other competitive sites have usually kept the critique side away from the contest side. BP really is no different in that regard. But, it truly is not a good learning atmosphere not to have open critiquing - but choosing the BP way was a choice we made in that respect. Rock/Hard Place!
5/26/2013 3:05:12 PM
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Judy, I'm not sure where you got the idea that this thread only has "great photo" comments on
it. This month there are no critiques yet and last month there were more than a few with detailed observations and specific suggestions. The lengthy discussion about critiques on a photo thread occured on Cheri's thread about 3 months ago. A few folks felt the same way as you do. Many said they would prefer not because of prospective clients and a few because of the contest. Some of us expressed interest in a companion thread to Cheri's EP thread for non EP images so that's this. You are free to continue getting critique on your photo thread however, I have rarely, if ever, seen critique on a photo's thread here at BP. Maybe if the person invited it? I have never seen the galleries at BP as the place to point out improvements a photo needs. Classes, clubs and forums, yes. It is solicited or expected there. When I was on BP years ago I belongedto the PG101 group which was on Yahoo, a whole other site with a lot of extra steps but it was worth it for the people there and for how much I learned. Your argument sounds a lot like another from that thread in that everyone should be ok with it because that's how we learn. For me, and I suspect others, my gallery is my "display" of my completed work versus my work in progress. I have a lot to learn still so I seek out those places. I'm always grateful for even a word or two on my photo threads because someone went to to the effort of letting me know they liked it. I think we can all relate to not having as much time as we'd like. You can submit an image here right from your gallery. You can also ask for people to comment directly on it.
5/26/2013 5:33:54 PM
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The April Finalists are out - Kathy Kuhn just posted 2 of hers on FB. I don't have the link for all of them.
5/26/2013 5:39:49 PM
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Here's the direct link http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/dynoGall2.asp?catID=56845
5/26/2013 5:49:06 PM
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Here's an image that did not get an EP in April. Thoughts for improvement or is the subject not strong enough?
5/27/2013 4:03:31 AM
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Ken, was this a blending of bracketed shots? It almost looks as those the blurred parts are unaligned items (two area of thorns in particular.) The other thought that occurred is that the branch is too high into the space rather than running along the top line of the Thirds-grid.
5/27/2013 6:57:39 AM
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Reflections of Paris
everywhere you go in paris you see bicycles. this is my photograph of those bikes
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i really thought this was a great shot for element of design... but it go skipped over
5/27/2013 8:56:51 AM
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tagging no ep's for May
5/27/2013 10:31:35 AM
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Wow it's really getting late in the month! Glad to see a few pics posted for feedback. I have a couple I'm going to post later today. I'll also try and add some useful feedback as well. The way things are going it seems quite possible these entries could get EPs right before the judging in June! Oh well...congrats to all who pulled in a finalist or two :)
5/27/2013 11:36:55 AM
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Earlier today, Leslie Morris posted this on an earlier (April EFPs?) thread: OK guys here is another anomaly in the judging system. If you look up in this thread I put in my little gosling as being passed over in April. It WAS passed over as it is my first entry for May's contest as a re-submit. It did get a May EFP - but low and behold it also got a finalist for April. It DID NOT get its EFP until May. Go figure.
Arrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggggggggggggghhhh! lollllllllllll
5/27/2013 11:59:36 AM
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Earlier today, Leslie Morris posted this on an earlier (April EFPs?) thread: OK guys here is another anomaly in the judging system. If you look up in this thread I put in my little gosling as being passed over in April. It WAS passed over as it is my first entry for May's contest as a re-submit. It did get a May EFP - but low and behold it also got a finalist for April. It DID NOT get its EFP until May. Go figure.
Arrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggggggggggggghhhh! lollllllllllll
5/27/2013 11:59:36 AM
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I seem to be "stuttering" all over the place on BP today!
5/27/2013 12:01:07 PM
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Kathy - That was a single image at iso100 1/30sec 300mm f16. It was a 1:2 Macro. Wish I had a 1:1 but the results were nice anyway.
5/27/2013 12:26:02 PM
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Tony & Ken - I'm wondering if it was the blurred foreground that caused a problem with the judges on both your images? I had someone tell me once that blurred foregrounds would get you. I know I've had a couple of mine passed over that I liked, and all I could come up with was the foreground.
5/27/2013 1:05:28 PM
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pat it very well could be. that would explain another picture of a dog I submitted where the grass in the front was a little blurred to make the dog stand out more and it got skipped over.
5/27/2013 3:06:38 PM
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I run into that grass in front issue whenever I try to shoot a rural scene that has a fence in the foreground. Trying to focus between the blades is a challenge.
5/27/2013 3:26:03 PM
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zero eps, zero finalists...:-(
5/28/2013 10:20:56 AM
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Very few EPs for April, zero finalists, so :-( for me, too. And only two EPs for May. Rather a drastic change from March, and certainly not a pleasant one.
5/28/2013 5:41:49 PM
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Hi All! I hadn't continued this thread because it became difficult to know whether or when a pic was passed over for an EP. Even now it seems like you can't be sure until Finalists for that month come out! The rules change for resubmits has left me thinking that there is less incentive to get critique since resubmits are limited to images with substantial changes made. I'm not sure that what we had in mind here was to give suggestions for substantial changes that could be made and I'm wondering about what good suggestions for improvement are if you can't apply them for an improved (tweaked?) image? Thoughts?
7/7/2013 5:35:14 AM
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Maybe the suggestion for improvement could be applied to the next photo we take, instead of working on one already passed over. For example, it has been suggested that some were possibly passed over because of blurred foregrounds. How about re- shooting and stopping your lens all the way down to it's minimum aperture, and then using the len's hyper focal distance for focusing. If that doesn't provide sharp enough focus in the foreground, then I suggest focus stacking to achive what you want. Apply the suggestion to your next photo instead of trying to fix one that got passed over.
Just my opinion.Nick
7/7/2013 6:58:56 AM
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Right Nick, that was the only benefit I could think of as well. Even analysis of why BP passed it over (using their criteria of course) could be helpful to some in developing a little more critical eye. BPs judging isnt the be all end all (ive sold pieces that didnt make it past EP here!) but since we are here.... I have a few I wouldnt mind getting some feedback on. Btw Nick, your bird pics are awesome!
7/7/2013 5:44:47 PM
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That was my point in another thread. I think some folks are giving to much weight to eps. I had said the same thing...if my photos are selling, I couldn't care less about an EP.
Thank you Susan for the comment on my bird pics. I started to get interested in birds last year, and this year I put a lot more time into it. My Nikon 200-400mm is my longest lens, so I feel totally handicapped when shooting birds. I have so much to learn about bird photography....luckily I have a great mentor.BTW Susan your gallery is awesome. I'm jealous of your osprey photo, and your flower photos are amazing. Nick.
7/7/2013 6:28:37 PM
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Unwelcome Visitor
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I have a window that I get photos of Hummingbirds and the other day here is what popped up in my window. I was so glad the window was closed.
7/7/2013 8:39:00 PM
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Patricia....first off - yuck! Secomd, great captures amd close up detail! I really like how the window casing provides a frame for thesubject, who has no business poking in windows, but hey, since he's there grab the camera!lol Nick, I was into birding for years but with binoculars. I'd love to shoot them now but my longest lens is a 70-300mm. That is the one I used in Florida but those birds were pretty close to me. It was one of the most exciting times shooting. I need to figure out the best places around here to shoot!
7/9/2013 4:21:15 AM
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Ask Your Own Question
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Cheri McEachin
member since: 10/15/2006
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63
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May EFP'S
Here it is...May...warmer weather, warmer colors outside and here's hoping many more Editors picks..:)
5/5/2013 5:13:02 PM
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tag :) From getting 29 or so Ep's a month down to three the last few months, I dunno......... Happy Cinco da Mayo!
5/5/2013 5:17:49 PM
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tag :) From getting 29 or so Ep's a month down to three the last few months, I dunno......... Happy Cinco da Mayo!
5/5/2013 5:17:54 PM
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Tag.
5/5/2013 5:44:20 PM
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Thanks for keeping up this thread, Cheri. The one good thing about the reduced number of EFP's is that it has turned this thread into a lively source of conversation.
5/5/2013 5:47:04 PM
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Tag! You're it; I'm not! lollllllll
5/5/2013 6:04:06 PM
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I'm not either! Tag..
5/5/2013 6:07:31 PM
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Cheri McEachin
member since: 10/15/2006
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Yes it is lively ..:) I might not contribute in conversation but, I read all your post to keep up to date...:) one day ill say something wise but not today...
5/5/2013 6:13:03 PM
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Hey, Cheri - you're the wise driver who's keeping the vehicle on the road! Thank you for that.
5/5/2013 7:21:20 PM
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Tag---Good luck to us all although I am not expecting a lot.
5/5/2013 8:22:38 PM
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Tag. Following along :)
5/5/2013 9:00:13 PM
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None out of 3 entries so far!
5/6/2013 12:21:53 PM
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Batting .000 here so far ...
5/6/2013 6:29:20 PM
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I don't believe that any efp's have been given out yet. Remember last month it seemed to take them a week or so to get started. Don't get discouraged yet.
5/6/2013 6:55:02 PM
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Haven't put any in yet this month! Not sure it's worth the aggrevation.
5/7/2013 11:59:47 AM
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tag...
5/7/2013 12:30:35 PM
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Tag. Thank u Cheri! I've only entered two resubs so far. I'm guessing no eps have been given yet? I only entered 15 in the contest last month. This month I've taken a break for a few days and have family coming soon so I doubt I'll be able to do much till later in the month. Am hoping EPs pick up for everyone!
5/7/2013 1:51:50 PM
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TAG!!
5/8/2013 4:13:11 PM
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Thanks Cheri for bringing this interesting thread to us every month. No EPs yet for me too. UB.
5/8/2013 8:27:25 PM
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I looked on the thread that BP has to show the EFP under Contest-EFPs, and it was blank.
5/8/2013 8:30:19 PM
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Looks like no EPs yet for May but I've started a critique thread for images that get passed over. I know I have/will be resubmitting some from April that got passed over. Feel free to post those as well, if you want feedback :)
http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/QnAdetail.asp?threadID=35967
5/9/2013 6:45:22 AM
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Zero for me so far, and I've posted every day (in fact, nothing since April 26).
5/9/2013 7:39:21 AM
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Same for me, Monnie..My last was 4/27.
Nothing in May.
5/9/2013 9:32:22 AM
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Last EP was April 30. None yet for May.
5/9/2013 12:40:32 PM
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Tag. Thanks for doing this, Cheri. I rarely contribute, but I do like to follow along. Somehow it's comforting. No EPs in May (although my submissions are down); my last EP for April was 4/26.
5/9/2013 2:45:11 PM
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My last EP was the 25th. I was out of town and entered resubs with previous EP's on the 26-29th so I can't tell if any got picked up again or not. I did not get one on the 30th - a new entry - and have not had one yet in May. I have entered every day.
5/9/2013 3:38:37 PM
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Sunshine
iso 100, 100mm (Canon 100L marco w/2 ef25ii ext tubes), f/4 (av priority), 1/15 sec, timer/tripod, plastic sandwich bag w/small hole in end over lens, cs5....Playing again this afternoon
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I just got one for May 6....a resub from April 4 that didn't get an EP....Hmmmmmm, now I wonder if it is new, or, just late for April??
5/9/2013 7:37:36 PM
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Zip-o here for May. And no new ones for April either, LOL.
5/9/2013 7:52:11 PM
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Tagging too!
5/10/2013 4:16:58 AM
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Tagging too!
5/10/2013 4:17:09 AM
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May seems slow for EPs or perhaps fewer are being given out than in April. Anyone got any thoughts on the numbers? Tagging along...
5/10/2013 6:08:29 AM
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See my previous TAG-They are not giving any out PERIOD! Go to your Member Center, and then to the menu at the top of the page; click on Contest-Editor's First Picks; It will be blank!
5/10/2013 6:41:21 AM
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I have looked through a number of contest entries on 5/1 and none of them have EFP's so my guess is that they haven't started looking at them yet. Last month they were late getting started on giving out EFP's and it looks like this month they will be just as late or later. This may be the new normal.
5/10/2013 7:21:21 AM
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Very interesting.
5/10/2013 7:22:54 AM
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It looks like resubmits have EFP's in May so far.
5/10/2013 7:42:08 AM
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Marilyn: It looks like resubmits have EFP's in May so far. Question is whether those resubs had previous EP's or not. I started the month with three resubs from my gallery. All had been skipped in March and April. No EP's yet.
5/10/2013 12:12:02 PM
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Good point, Nikki
5/10/2013 12:21:42 PM
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In the past, at the first part of the month before any EP's had been given, there were still photos remaining in the Editor's Pick's gallery---photos remaining from the previous month's picks. I'm pretty sure there were---I've never seen it empty before.
5/10/2013 12:25:45 PM
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Doesn't leave you with a "warm and fuzzy" feeling, huh?
5/10/2013 1:02:34 PM
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Nancy, more like damp and cold! :-(
5/10/2013 1:28:06 PM
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Two people I know have now reported new EP's on photos entered in April, skipped, and re-entered from their gallery in May. Today. So there is life out there :)
5/10/2013 3:23:46 PM
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I just picked up 2 early April EFPs and they were not re-subs... This brings me to 11 for April. So look at your April entries, they maybe getting EFPs...
5/10/2013 4:30:43 PM
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Ny last EP was April 30...nothing yet this month...
5/11/2013 2:43:22 PM
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Here it is May 11th and the EFP box is empty. Like most of you, I am a serious amateur. I do not get to display my work locally and the opportunity to do so has been with BP. I am confused to say the least and disheartened. Does anyone have an explanation? Is there a problem with BetterPhoto.com? I am hesitant to upload any new photos and am adopting a wait and see attitude with entering this month's contest. My last EP was in April as well. I have really enjoyed being a part of this community. I hope there are no serious problems.
5/11/2013 4:17:33 PM
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I understand the discouragement, guys and gals, but I do not understand the reluctance to continue to upload to the contest if you have what you consider competitive entries. You have nothing to lose but a few minutes' time. What's most discouraging to me is watching the entries numbers dwindle month by month . . . And reversing that trend is in OUR hands.
5/11/2013 4:22:38 PM
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I agree with Nikki - I'm still submitting photos, and am keeping an eye on things.
5/11/2013 4:40:15 PM
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I have one to upload, but not sure what category to put it in. Still trying to figure that one out! Good luck everyone!
5/11/2013 5:22:36 PM
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Well, I have seen the wisdom of entering and yes, there is nothing to lose. It is still frustrating. Has this ever happened before? I have been a member for less than two years.
5/11/2013 5:42:07 PM
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No, Harriet, no it hasn't... :-(
5/11/2013 8:12:57 PM
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Tag; 0 for me on the new subs in May but I continue to enter as usual.
5/12/2013 10:04:08 PM
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I used to sign into BP with anticipation to see what the response was to the previous day's contest entry. For me, the EFPs gave BP the advantage of a daily interaction and conversation with its membership and this encouraged members to be active and engaged too. WIthout a daily BP presence, it's like other contest sites - which seem to promote winning more than participating and sharing. My website is here, so I'll continue to post daily images. AND, there are so many wonderful artists and images to enjoy and learn from here. M.
5/13/2013 3:55:08 AM
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It looks like there's not much point in keeping this thread open. We can gripe on Susan's "Where the heck is my EP" thread.
5/13/2013 4:11:13 AM
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Well there are no EFPs on the Facebook thread either- looks like Jim is leaving his membership out in the cold there, too.
5/13/2013 5:03:13 AM
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No EPs for me, but I have only entered a handful of entries. What I miss most about the decrease in the EPs is the chatting here in the message board - looking to see what everyone has received. I really miss that - the social aspect that came with the EPs.
5/13/2013 5:03:50 AM
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The motivation has dropped to almost nothing..along with the number of entries in the contest. I think they wanted it to drop, and by slowing or stopping the EPs it seems to be working.
5/13/2013 5:14:39 AM
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Here's Susan's link:
http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/QnAdetail.asp?threadID=35967Facebook - Better Photo Page is basically abandoned with almost all previous posts and threads removed. Facebook - Jim Miotke has posted occasionally featured photos of members with an invitation to visit www.betterphoto.com to see other beautiful and inspiring images (different words each time; basic message.) Luckily, many of us are on Facebook and continue to interact with each other.
5/13/2013 6:02:22 AM
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Yes, the Contest entry numbers have been dropping consistently. For example, In the October 2011 contest the congratulations note said 14200 photos. In the January 2013, there were 10600 and last month's were 8500.
5/13/2013 6:31:42 AM
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Lately I've been enjoying the interaction with other BP members (and several who have left BP) at Facebook - if you're there, look me up! (And also at RB, VB and FAA...)
5/13/2013 7:26:01 AM
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I'm also at RB, VB and FAA
At VB I'm okielady
5/13/2013 8:43:17 AM
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I had done alot of research when I was looking for a photo sharing website to join and based on what I found BP was by far the best website because of the photographer's on here. I did not have a clue about what photography was until I joined BP. Sure I had taken some decent shots but when I was able to view the results of the skill and creativity of the photographer's here on BP I was AMAZED and knew I had alot to learn. I still have alot to learn but I have come along way. My thoughts about the recent changes in the last couple of month's are pretty consistant with most of yours. I would like to have the old BP back. The monthly contest entries have dropped so drastically. The first month I joined there was almost 20,000 entries and like Marilyn said there was around 8500 last month. I have sent emails with questions about a couple of things in my gallery but I never hear anything back. It's like nobody is there anymore. I have been contacted by a few other BP members and they are having the same thoughts. I would love to see BP like it used to be. Beautiful photo's, awesome friendships, help when you needed it and a monthly contest that was so far above and beyond any other contest on the web. Just my thoughts.....
5/13/2013 8:49:33 AM
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Observe the same, I really hope this is just some type of software glitch that will resolve itself soon. The EP's, POTD, contest, etc. and interaction with other members is what makes BP unique, challenging, and such an enjoyable learning base. I wouldn't hesitate to pay double the annual fee for it either.
Any company in any business segment needs to be unique in order to survive over their competition, hope BP isn't loosing its unique edge....
5/13/2013 7:58:50 PM
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I emailed a comment through the tech department. The category I selected was "problems uploading photos" as I am not so sure I am going to continue uploading if things don't change. I expressed the fact that it is not fair to the customers to be kept in the dark over all this. By the way, I got a response from someone who said that they would pass it along to the appropriate personnel. We'll see. By the way, what is VB, FFA and RB? I am curious.
5/13/2013 8:08:43 PM
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Maybe we should all volunteer our services to Jim to help out with whatever the problem is. I get the feeling there is no staff anymore? It was nice that he responded last month, but he didn't really address what all of us are wondering. If he wants to drop the contest, he should just say so and not leave us all hanging wondering what is going on. In the retail world I was taught that even if you are doing poorly, never tell anybody...just say everything is fine...That is what it seems like is happening here.
I remember when there were no EPs, we all just had to wait and see if we got finalists.
5/13/2013 11:01:22 PM
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I got a little thwack on the head idea this morning. It occurred to me that it if BP is having difficulties, the site could disappear without a farewell. I'd like to take this moment to let you know how much you've contributed to me. Thank you - each of you for your great participation and support - for commenting on images that are lesser and better, for answering questions. You so generously contribute your time and your best work. Each of you has made this an encouraging and positive community. Never were there any corrective comments or negative criticisms. Everyone here has been stellar. As a learner starting in 2008 with no experience, BP has been the best learning environment I've experienced. A big thank you to the BP folks. BP's services made it so easy to start a professional site. Jim, Celia, and Jay have been great to me. They have supported my professional site here with speed, expert solutions and gracious and professional interactions. Thanks!
Marilyn
5/14/2013 6:19:07 AM
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Harriet, I sent you a BP email with the site names. Members who mention other (competing) sites here can be thrown out, or so the rules say - hence the acronyms.
5/14/2013 6:37:34 AM
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BTW, I have it on good authority (from the players themselves), that, as a fail safe, they have acquired galleries on those other sites- must be some of the thousands that used to be on BP.
5/14/2013 6:51:44 AM
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Well, somebody finally mentioned the elephant in the living room. Jim mentioned around a year ago that they were having difficulties but had decided not to shut down. That's stuck in my mind. When DIC shut down without warning, some Pros lost everything, so being prepared with a back up plan is critical for those in business (even those who are not.) Not only are galleries important, but so are contact. Getting personal contact info of photographers you want to keep in touch with is an important preemptive action. I hate having this kind of conversation, but if BP is unwilling - or unable - to reassure members with total honesty that there is nothing to worry about, then we need to help others. Explanations that really aren't backed up with corresponding action isn't very encouraging. I love BP but feel as though we're standing on quicksand. We can always gather at FB - Jim and most of the Pro/Instructor staff members are there already too.
5/14/2013 7:17:29 AM
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Kathy could set up a BPers group on Facebook and we could all find it there pretty easy. I'm also worried about what happens to our websites if they do go under. Scary. I have stuff on there that I no longer have a copy of on my computer. Nothing great, but lots of memories of my animals.
5/14/2013 7:51:22 AM
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Well, I'll just keep hoping - I'm not on Facebook and have no desire to be :)
5/14/2013 7:55:02 AM
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Another View
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Just got another April EFP...
5/14/2013 8:06:01 AM
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I guess there's life out there... Just catching up on last month's entries.
5/14/2013 8:07:38 AM
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Checked all 15 of mine that were skipped. Nada. And I think it's really strange to still be "catching up" on April skips. Had you resubmitted it in May, Ken?
5/14/2013 8:13:13 AM
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No. I never took out the skipped images from last month. So... I go to my gallery for April Entries and the EFP's have been showing up there. I think I've gotten 3 in the last week.
5/14/2013 8:17:46 AM
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The other entries were "Popping Through" and "Nine Lives the Tails". They all got their EFPs this last week.
5/14/2013 8:22:31 AM
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Carolyn: find the photos that you no longer have on your computer under" My photos," then under your photo there is a place to "share" your photo. Click on this and share it with yourself to your personal email. Along with your photo, however, you will get plenty of BP propaganda along with your photo. We used to be able to erase it, but if you try to do that now, your photo will disappear too. But, at least you will have your photo. If I were you, I would back up the remaining photos that you still have on your hard drive, and do it frequently,in more than one place (an outside HD), or "in the Cloud" online.
5/14/2013 8:25:24 AM
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Stranger and stranger. The April contest is over. Why spend time going through entries that could not possibly go on? Haven't looked at your entries, Ken, so please don't take this as any kind of a comment on them - but sounds more and more to me like a computer glitch. Like maybe they set something in motion to go back and randomly award more EP's and forgot to turn it off. In terms of their continuing "meaningful" EP's, I find this less than reassuring.
5/14/2013 8:27:26 AM
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Either it's a glitch or the Editors have not finished assigning EFPs for April. I really don't know. I've been a member for less than s year.
5/14/2013 8:34:57 AM
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I was just reading todays comments here and decided to check out the EP's for April. Just seen where I had just gotten an EP on Dutchman Breeches from April 16th. Ellen even recommended that I resubmit this one but I had not done that yet. Ken I think you are right. Don't really think this is a computer glitch.
5/14/2013 9:03:41 AM
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Nothing of mine has an ep that didn't have one before. I don't have a clue what's going on.
And Nancy, I can get the photos back, and have done a bunch of them. From your website if you have one, you can right click on your own image and then save as...But it won't work on your galleries, I don't think..and of course, it comes back about the same size you sent it in, which is very small.
5/14/2013 11:19:22 AM
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Hi,
I did receive a reply to my email sent to technology and then passed along to "Team Better Photo". According to them the lag is just that there are way more entries than ever and it is just taking longer to go through them. According to other posts in this thread, this is not the case. Who is correct? According to the Team Better Photo reply, I should keep checking to see if any of my photos get an EFP. I don't know.....????
5/14/2013 12:01:41 PM
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Hi Harriet, it sounds to me like there are way less entries, not more. Like I said before it's that retail thing of never admitting when you are not doing well...always say everything is fine...
5/14/2013 12:13:20 PM
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I just checked and there are 3,944 entries so far for the contest. Since we are almost half way through the month this does not seem like way more entries at all. A bunch of these 3,944 entries are also dated in prior months which is very strange and why some people may still be getting EFP's for April. For example, Landscape which is normally a popular category, has 595 entries so far and about 150 of those entries are for months prior to May. So, I would say that contest entries are way down, not way up. I have seen no evidence of any EFP's for May.
5/14/2013 12:31:49 PM
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Well, it they are going to continue to award EP's, they ARE way behind - for whatever reason. It's about time to select the April finalists. Ohhh, I see, said the blind woman. I was a month off on Finalists. March awards have come out, April have not. So it DOES make sense for them to still be going back and looking at April entries. I take back my comments about Ken's and others' new April EP's.
5/14/2013 7:51:22 PM
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Usually when I get up every morning, there is a POTD waiting for me in my email-none today! I find this odd, as the time they are posted is around 3:00am PDT. There was, however, a Snapshot with a BP classes list. Seems like one other aspect of the BP site we used to love might be gone-let's just hope it's late this morning.
5/15/2013 4:49:41 AM
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I think they were just late. I got the POTD newsletter, but after the Snapshot.
5/15/2013 5:00:16 AM
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Yes, they were late-just got it-must be hard on a skeleton crew!
5/15/2013 5:23:13 AM
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My SnapShot arrived at 5:00 am (Detroit time), but still no POTD notification at 9:55 am.
5/15/2013 6:52:06 AM
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My notifications come all willy-nilly. I think it has more to do with servers along the line than the "moment" they are released at BP.
5/15/2013 6:55:56 AM
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The only thing I get always and absolute is the adds and sales. For the last 2 days I have had trouble uploading any photos and sometimes cannot load the page. They sure know how to take the fun out of things. :)
5/15/2013 7:30:33 AM
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Picked up an EPs on my Roadside Tulips submitted on April 22 sometime since last night. I guess they are still out there. LOL.
5/15/2013 8:45:59 AM
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This thought just occurred to me ... going forward, maybe they are planning to reveal all the EPs at once, the same way finalists and winners are revealed ...
5/15/2013 10:29:45 AM
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I just received an EP on an April 19th entry.
5/15/2013 10:39:08 AM
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No new EPs for April. I had 15 entries and 11 got EPs so i'm not expecting any on the other 4. I'm glad to hear others are...better late than never! This lag in time or computer problem is getting more discouraging. Like most of you, my routine of checking BP and entering often has slacked off dramatically. It's fallen out of my daily habit. I still can't understand how all of this could be benefitting BPs business. My gallery is up for renewal June 4th and I'm wondering if I should keep it or find one more beneficial to my own business. Like Carolyn I also have some older pics on here that I don't have copies of elsewhere. Also, with the BP awards, having a gallery displaying them is the only "proof" of that accomplishment. Ya can't take em with ya...in other words! I miss the old BP!!!
5/15/2013 3:05:51 PM
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If they are still giving out EPs for April, it probably means they're doing a double-check on the April contest entries, prior to culling them down to the finalists. I think... And then, I bet they'll focus on May EPs and you'll see them awarded fairly quickly. For historical reference, BP never used to hand out EPs "in the beginning." We all waited til the end of the month for finalists...and it seemed like a happier time then. Lots of forum discussion, lots of contest entries. It wasn't until the EP was awarded, that more discontent occurred. And I think the discontent arose because of the lack of consistency that BP had, for the percentage of EPs awarded...no way to judge if the quality of the photos was improving. A lower EP rate simply meant less photos were moving forward...not that the quality of individual photos was going down. I'd welcome the thoughts of other long-term BP members on whether the EP has helped, or hindered the creative photography of BP members. I think it's caused more resentment than joy. It could have been a great motivational took, if consistently administered.
5/15/2013 8:32:05 PM
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Oops..typo....last sentence...I meant "tool", not "took."
5/15/2013 8:33:31 PM
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I enjoy the validation of an EFP but there's more to BP than that. I enjoy being able to display my work and if I am lucky, a member notices a photo and makes a comment. It is all about a community of artists and the opportunity to share ideas, compliments, constructive criticism and if an EFP is awarded then it is icing on the cake. I just want BP to continue as I have enjoyed it so much. The contest is a lot of fun and I hope that continues as well. We all will just have to wait and see.
5/15/2013 8:48:31 PM
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I have been with BP for over 9 years. In response to Ken's question, I love photography more than ever! For me, the best part of this community, is the life long friendships, I have made. In person and on the internet. I was also fortunate to meet the BP staff, it made my experience here even better. EP or no EP, I still like posting here. Good luck to all of you!!! Donna
5/15/2013 8:58:45 PM
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Good to see an EP emerge on my April 23rd submit.
Natural.
April 23, 2013 ~ ~ ~ Monthly Theme
5/15/2013 10:17:15 PM
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EP OR NO EP, I LOVE BP!!! Ken, I am not an old-timer (BP-wise) but have no hesitation in saying that I LOVE BP as it has provided me a forum where I can interact with a wonderful community of fellow enthusiasts of all levels and just going over the images taken by so many awesome artists has been a source of inspiration for me since 2008. I can easily say that members here are so very helpful in assisting fellow BPers and share their knowledge. I have yet to find a photography website where the sharing of knowledge of its community is anywhere near as it is here at BP!!! BP has been instrumental in helping improve my photography (at least that's what I like to think) in the last six years or so. My love for photography has also augmented because of it, and to top it all off BP has introduced me to so many wonderful people who share my passion some of whom have become good friends. So, thank you BP!!! UB.
5/15/2013 10:31:37 PM
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In response to Ken, I think it was more interesting before the EPs, you just had to wait until you either got or didn't get an email letting you know you got a finalist. I remember folks complaining about how they seemed to give EPs to every image, now we are upset because we aren't getting them :-) My only disappointment really is the lack of communication. If they want to discontinue the EPs and go back to the way it used to be or something new, just let us all know ...
Like Donna, I have met several friends through BP to go shoot with, I have learned a lot of great information and on the whole have enjoyed being a part of the community. I just hope it continues to grow and improve. I know what it was like when the other site I was a member of folded, it was sad. Luckily many of the members of that group are here at BP so we can stay in touch.
5/15/2013 10:42:34 PM
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Yes, there was definitely more participation those day’s ( before the EP’s came into being ) . Since then, an EP badge or not, to me has been more of a confirmation to check as whether the image that I had entered has moved to the next round or not, nothing more than that. On the contrary, I would have welcome the bar for an EP to be set a little higher than where it ended up being and consistently so before this change came up in last 2-3 months. So, I am ok with the recent change in EP awarding process also reconfirmed by Jim when we wrote that they will continue to award EP for the ‘excellent’ images , if they can remain consistent with this revised approach, I think that on a long term , this will help in improving the standard of photography further. Also , I don’t think there was ever an commitment from BP side that EP’s will be awarded within 1 week or 2 weeks of each Photo that is entering into the contest, the only commitment that is there on the site states “ photo contest winners will be posted by ”. It’s only because we got used to getting an early confirmation with a BP badge, there is discontent now in the lack of it or delayed process coupled with the reduction in EP nos. Now, this being a common ask and motivational factor for many BP members , I think BP can do many things to address it, one suggestion to streamline the ‘timing’ aspect of it would be that instead of even attempting to award EP badges to the contest entries of the current month, they should complete the process of EP-Finalist-Winner selection of the previous month, declare the result and then start the EP awarding process for the current month , there will be delay of 2-3 weeks before the EP’s for the current months are awarded but then we’ll know why even if they don’t officially announce such an approach – provided,it is done consistently.
5/15/2013 11:45:49 PM
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the complete quote from the BP site (somehow did not appear in full in my comment above)....... "(month) photo contest winners will be posted by (last day of the month...)"
5/15/2013 11:51:26 PM
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I'm only going to address the "more" or "less" participation issue. I haven't been here as long as Ken, but I have been here since before EP's and since the time of free basic galleries for up to 100 images. It was also possible to post in the forums without being a member then. This was also at the time when internet bulletin boards were still pretty popular and people still checked their email frequently. Times have changed - in the digital world as well as at BP. Yes, I do remember lots more activity in the Forums BUT I remember lots of negative, disgruntled talk, some of it downright ugly. I hated the forums then. Give me courteous, civilized interaction any day :) I would like to see more activity, but I would never want to go back to the tone of my first year or two.
5/16/2013 6:00:41 AM
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Nostalgia
Train ride @ the Maryland Zoo
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Just received an EP from a April entry...
5/16/2013 9:21:16 AM
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A few weeks ago I received a message from someone whom I believe may be one of the judges, saying that she enjoyed viewing my work and that this may be the last time. I didn't think really anything about it at the time, thinking it was just a personal issue. But after talking to Harriet earlier this week, I remembered this message and maybe the contests are being eased out (?) If this is true, hopefully this only affects the contests and not the entire site. ~April
5/16/2013 9:26:17 AM
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I really liked it when the EP's first began---it was exciting to log in and find a badge under a photo and know that that photo had progressed in the contest. Later, when almost every photo got an EP, they because sort of meaningless to me. Now...I'm honestly not sure how to assess what an EP means or doesn't mean.
5/16/2013 9:27:31 AM
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Natural/Abstract:
I suspect I know the message you are talking about. If I am right, she has nothing to do with BP officially and never has had. I'll check with you in a PM
5/16/2013 9:33:27 AM
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Yes, Nikki, that was the message. I hadn't thought she was a judge but then after the "no EP" debate I thought maybe she was. That's what I get for thinking. :) ~April
5/16/2013 10:13:14 AM
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I was here before EPs, starting in 2004. I was new to photography and was very "green." Up till the time I took a break in 2008, I had only received 4 or 5 finalists, then finally a 2nd place in early 2008. When EPs began, I liked them because it gave me more feedback on my images. Before them the only measure of whether I was improving was a finalist. With EPs I then knew which images were more proficient or in line with basic standards. I believe this helped me to learn why, as well. Then, too many images were getting EPs. I would look at some images that got them amd come to the conclusion that they didn't mean anything, anymore. With that said, I would prefer they award EPs selectively like they used to. Right now, what really seems off is the timing on reviewing and giving the EPs. We've gone thru changes without explanation before. What confounds me is that it's going on 3 months with no clear or consistent pattern of what the "new" new is.
5/16/2013 4:04:10 PM
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I posted this on another thread but see no activity on it.. so here it is..:) For the 1st time in months, I am attempting to enter some images that have never been on BP and a few radically re-edited ones in May, trying for 31 new ones...... I've been on a bit of a sad run photographically in the past year it seems, life has got in my way... So I have to say it's been a bummer to me that May is the month they seem to have stopped the EP's, or at least they are way behind... Nobody likes change... I guess we have all become accustomed to knowing which shots go on or have caught their eye... Oh well, as with all other things with BP, change comes and we must adjust...
5/17/2013 5:29:03 PM
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Adjust, or leave, which, it seems they are doing in droves!
5/17/2013 5:53:38 PM
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I am not quite sure how one would know if "they are leaving in droves". It is not out of the ordinary for people to want a good thing to remain the same. I, for one, enjoyed the feedback that came with EP. After 40 years of teaching math I know something about learning and immediate feedback is needed for interest to remain high and for learning to continue. If BP is going to wait a month to hand out EP's or discontinue them then it would be too bad. Instead of listening to their customers they would indeed be saying, "adjust, or leave" which is not a very good attitude.
5/17/2013 6:36:01 PM
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Earlier in this thread, I posed the question about whether the EP was causing more resentment than joy. I should have also said that I love BP, despite the change in how they hand out the EPs. I'm not a member on other photo sites; just BP. And BP is much more than the contest. It's about friends...of folks helping each other...and learning. When I first joined BP, I saw the impersonal mini-pics...but eventually, I learned there were real people behind the mini-pics...with the same common goal to enjoy photography and improve. That foundation is still here. I think we should focus on that, and not the timeliness of when they award EPs...or if they're handing out a lot....or a few. In fairness, I hope they return to a consistent level of EPs...easier to know if you're improving. And hand them out in a timely manner. But this is secondary to why I still enjoy BP.
5/17/2013 9:11:11 PM
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I agree fully with you, Ken. This is where I found my home in photography and where I want to stay! So many friends, such talent, and such wonderful opportunity for growth.
5/18/2013 2:01:15 AM
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I'm glad I found this thread as I was beginning to wonder if it was just me. My last EP was April 30. and that one came fairly quickly.
I haven't been posting as much the last few weeks as I threw out my lower back and can't sit for too long. I feel badly that I haven't been commenting on photos as often.
I've been here before EPs were handed out and eagerly waited for Finalists at the end of the month. I did well at first and then found that after a few years the Finalists I received were almost nil. I took a year off and when I returned EPs were the new thing. They gave me something to look forward to and fueled my interest once again. It was the community and encouragement of one particular member who brought me to a whole new level. My personal criteria is to enter only what I think has a chance to become a Finalist. Now with EPs being few and far between I'm starting to second guess my entries and it's discouraging.
I agree with Ken as well and perhaps I should channel my energy back into commenting and not worry so much about my personal EPs. It's the community and friendships I've made that make this such a wonderful place.
5/18/2013 4:53:48 AM
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I did a resubmit of one of Ken Smith that I got a finalist on in 2011, now it has an EP on it for May. That was a fun trip and it began raining and Ken got out and took a picture of our gang "The Shooting Gallery". It was a fun trip and fun group for sure. So, I at least got an EP in May, only one...duhhhh hope it at least gets a finalist this year... Thanks for all the help you gave me when I first started on BP, think it was in 2006 or 2007..first ever camera, and I'm so glad I joined BP. Learned so much just looking at all the pictures , took a few classes and went on a LOT of trips with the gang...what fun!! So...I have a smile on my face and hope to keep it...I am still posting everyday and enjoying it. I did get 3 finalist in March so I can't complain... Enjoy this forum and getting to know many of you better...it's nearly like family! :-) jo ann c.
5/18/2013 11:50:37 AM
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I mentioned this last month, and the museum reopening was today. So, with no eEPs to report, I'll just share the now completed exhibit containing one of my images... http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/dynoGallDetail.asp?photoID=13883336
5/18/2013 2:27:19 PM
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Awesome, Kathy! Huge congrats!
5/18/2013 3:17:15 PM
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You have a May EP, Jo Ann?
5/19/2013 7:24:42 AM
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I agree with Ken also... BP is my only photo outlet... While others have joined various sites, BP has plenty to keep me entertained... I too love the friendships and camaraderie we have all come to expect... It's been a great source of learning and improvement for me since courses and classes have never been something I can afford... I will stay and participate till the day they shut it down(which I hope never comes). EP or no EP, I love BP and I am sure whatever changes are being made or coming, are necessary for BP to continue on..
5/19/2013 8:00:57 AM
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Hey Bob, it was a different one that month on that shoot...sooo...I haven't received anything this month either! Oh well, bet we all will by the last of the month!
I certainly enjoy your gallery!jo ann c.
5/19/2013 10:20:09 AM
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Hey, did anyone notice this? There are EPS showing now when you go to Contest > Editor's Picks from the home page ...
5/19/2013 3:33:47 PM
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Oh yay! I didn't get one, but they are indeed from May 1. Thanks, Peggy.
5/19/2013 3:42:52 PM
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Me neither, Nikki, but at least there are signs of life ... :)
5/19/2013 3:48:16 PM
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That folder is on a random sort, but I still couldn't see more than about 15, max 20 different images. That's not very many for an entire day, so maybe they just got started and will do more. And anyway, as you say, Peggy - at least it's a sign of life
5/19/2013 4:29:42 PM
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"It's alive"! .. Dr. Fronkensteen
5/19/2013 4:43:35 PM
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When you hit "reload," the same photos keep recycling, and some of them are dated as far back as March of 2010. Maybe this is just BP's effort to calm us down- it is not working this way!
5/19/2013 4:43:47 PM
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That's not unusual, Marie. Uploaded photos always bear the date of upload. What you have seen are resubmissions. There are also a fair number of May 1 submissions. I am willing to bet all 13 that are in there now - I counted by writing the titles down and reloading over and over and over - were submitted or resubmitted on May 1. And resubmissions do not automatically get re-picked. I also looked through the recent entries until I found the NEW May 1 entries. There were over 200 and there's no way to calculate the resubs people chose to make on May 1 (my own is one). So 13 isn't very many . . . but it is a start :)
5/19/2013 4:56:38 PM
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Well, hope springs, then! Thank you, Nikki!
5/19/2013 4:59:13 PM
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You're welcome :) And I should have said "resubmissions THAT HAVE EP'S do not automatically get re-picked"
5/19/2013 5:06:09 PM
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19 days into May and there are now 508 "new arrivals", which does not indicate the number of entries (averaging 27 per day.) At that rate, there should be approximately 900 new arrivals for the entire month of May. It will be interesting to see how many entries there will actually be - and like Nikki says, who knows how many entries will actually be resubs. I haven't figure out how to find entries by dates, however (without opening up every thumbnail and checking the upload date there.)
5/19/2013 5:07:01 PM
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LOL, Bob!
5/19/2013 5:07:18 PM
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Well, my goodness. An EP for me from March 1. Firstborn
5/19/2013 5:33:30 PM
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I mean MAY 1.
5/19/2013 5:34:36 PM
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I am not clear on this----if you re-sub a photo from your gallery that has received a EP or finalist does the EP or finalist show up under the photo?
5/19/2013 8:50:02 PM
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It does. But they don't really look at it when they judge anew for EP's. I do EP's all the time, very seldom Finalists. But quite a few actually get passed over the second time and I know that's true of Finalists (others'), too. They either can't see them or don't scroll down to do so when they judge for EP's, so by "yes" I just mean that you won't "lose" it.
5/19/2013 8:56:51 PM
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I believe another EP popped up under the image I submitted on April 27.
A Hole in the Clouds
April 27, 2013 ~ ~ ~ Monthly Theme
5/20/2013 3:11:45 AM
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Decided to check all my non-eps in April and found another one with an EP badge.
At Fog's Edge
April 30, 2013 ~ ~ ~ Monthly Theme
5/20/2013 3:25:29 AM
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Thanks Nikki, I had just noticed that some had EP's and it was very random.
5/20/2013 3:52:23 AM
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My May 1st entry now has an EFP on it... So there is life out there...:)
5/20/2013 8:47:04 AM
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My May 1st also just got an EP. ;-)
5/20/2013 9:57:13 AM
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None for me, and if April is any indication, there probably won't be.
5/20/2013 10:12:03 AM
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Carol - your in good company! Rest assured your images are amazing. None for me either...
5/20/2013 12:00:22 PM
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TAG!
5/20/2013 2:15:32 PM
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Pray for Linda Yee, her family, and all the other Oklahoma City residents. They were hit with a major tornado this afternoon. (I think she still lives in that area.
5/20/2013 3:43:56 PM
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It's tragic, for sure. Heart breaking. Carolyn Fletcher lives in Eastern Oklahoma and I know the line moved thru her area too, later in the day although I don't think there were as many damaging tornadoes...But hail and winds. Keep her in your thoughts too.
5/20/2013 7:10:22 PM
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I Haven't heard back from Carolyn yet, but will post here when I do. The electricity is probably a mess throughout the storm-hit areas.
5/20/2013 8:04:33 PM
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Praying for the safety of all families involved. UB.
5/20/2013 8:48:25 PM
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Just saw it on Net.....really heart breaking....the children in that elementary school that took the direct hit and all those who suffered....my thoughts and prayers for all.....
5/21/2013 2:00:03 AM
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Heard from a close friend in Shawnee OK-he and his family are all right, but so many are not. The only thing we can do now is contribute to the recovery of the survivors, and send prayers to the families who have lost loved ones. It is so heart-breaking, especially the loss of so many children. We are hoping that the coming storms slated for today will not have any direct hits, or maybe not touch down. I was a teacher in Irving, TX, in the 1970s when 2 tornadoes dropped down to just above the school roof. I and all the other teachers were in the hallways tucked up against the lockers with the children, where we remained until the all clear siren signaled that the twisters were gone. I was 8 months pregnant at the time, and plenty scared, but our job as teachers was to calm and protect those children who were our charges. We were lucky that day, as there was just a lot of noise, a shaking structure, and, believe it or not, frantic parents were right outside the school trying to get their children, which are safer in the school than out in the storm. The tornados dropped down to just above the roof, and stayed just long enough to scare most of us, then moved on. We were so lucky, too, that these tornados were not in the category of those that have devastated Oklahoma. I have been in earthquakes, hurricanes and tornadoes, and by far, tornadoes are the most scary. My heart goes out to the parents who lost children and loved ones in these recent disasters-such a tragedy!
5/21/2013 5:48:12 AM
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This is the city (metro area) who lost so many children in the bombings of 1995. it's breaking my heart that they are going through a similar devastating (even for a different cause) event. Nancy Marie - amazing experiences that you went through, too.
5/21/2013 6:04:16 AM
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This is the city (metro area) who lost so many children in the bombings of 1995. it's breaking my heart that they are going through a similar devastating (even for a different cause) event. Nancy Marie - amazing experiences that you went through, too.
5/21/2013 6:04:16 AM
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Thank you all for thinking of us here in Oklahoma. Kathy, thanks to you for the "shout out". My family and I are all fine. The tornados have gone north and south of Tulsa so we were not hit. The situation in Moore, a suburb of Oklahoma City is very sad, particularly with the loss of the children. Moore was hit badly back in May 1999 with a tornado of the same magnitude as well. It appears that it will be a lot quieter night tonight for us in Oklahoma, but it looks like North Texas might be under the weather gun....I hope not. Again, thank you for your thoughts.
Linda Yee
5/21/2013 11:26:58 AM
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We're ok, too. I still have a few more hours to go through before it moves out of here. We are right below I-40 just off Hwy 69..I've been unable to get online due to the almost constant lightning since yesterday. It was a bit stressful. We have grandkids and great grandkids in OKC. They are ok, too. It's starting up again, so I'm getting back offline.
5/21/2013 11:45:53 AM
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I have been on BP for many years and this year I've been very discouraged. I am not happy with the changes, the lack of EP's, but especially the lack of correspondence from BP as to what is going on. I would be interested in the other websites mentioned. I am on RB, but am unfamiliar with VB or FAA. Would someone send me a personal email with the info on them. I have two galleries on BP, but am worried that I may need to find another website to share my work on.
5/21/2013 12:05:33 PM
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Carolyn
It is wonderful to hear from you. I hope everything recovers for you.All my best,
Marilyn
5/21/2013 3:17:37 PM
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Linda, I got mixed up - forgot you were in Tulsa. Thanks for the heads up - now I can fret about Pat Harry and Joannie Bertucci.
5/21/2013 5:56:37 PM
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Carolyn, good to hear you are OK :-)
5/21/2013 7:42:25 PM
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Kathy, thank you for keeping us updated on how BetterPhoto members are doing in the Oklahoma area. Happy to hear Linda and Carolyn are okay and my prayers are going out for Pat & Joannie. My thoughts and prayers are also with all the people and their loved ones that are devastated by this horrific tornado. This really seems so minor but I've picked up a few EPs for April recently... thanks for this thread I took a look. I reentered one in a different category this month as it didn't have an EP earlier. They've got a lot of catching up to do and hope they are managing okay. I'd hate to lose BetterPhoto. BetterPhoto members are the BEST!!!
5/21/2013 11:13:36 PM
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Bless you Kathy...you are my little guardian angle! :-) We had a ton of rain and high winds this morning but all is well now so not to worry! Pat lives a little north of Dallas and I don't know how things were up there! Bless all of you here at BP, I love my little family! :-) Thank you sister Sharon for your prayers!
5/22/2013 12:22:42 AM
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Glad to hear that Carolyn, Linda and Joannie (and hopefully Pat) are Ok. Thanks Kathy for the heads up. It is the 22nd and they are still awarding EPs for the last week of April. That tells me they are way far behind vs a new protocol of awarding EPs with finalists. I'd be fine if they did it that way, btw. As it looks now something else is either taking up their time or they have less staff. Even if they stop the EP I will stay at BP. My drastically reduced #of entries for May is more due to other things going on which is in as much flux as the EP! lol
5/22/2013 4:03:55 AM
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I'm fine! Thank you for your concern!! I'm not too far from Joannie, and we didn't have any tornadoes in our area. We had some pretty powerful winds yesterday, and heavy rain - but no damage.
5/22/2013 5:17:13 AM
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Big smiles to hear that my worries were for naught when it came to my BP friends. I've been a worrier most of my life when weather conditions threatened family members around the U.S. It was bad enough then... Now, I get to worry about hundreds of special photographers all over the World! lollll
5/22/2013 10:34:17 AM
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To Jim and the BP staff,
Why no editor picks in May?, I don't know. Is there computer program problems?, I don't know. Is the way your judging the program going to be in a different format?, I don't know. Did the contest get to be to big to handle?, I don't know.
Now that is the problem for me and for so many here at BP, we don't know. Why? Because it was felt that what ever concerns the customers have, you don't care enough to put out a message.
Can you afford for some of the customers to quit? Sure you can. Can you afford to let customers out in the dark?, sure you can.
To me, BP is the best photo sight on the net. Would I stay a member if you did away with the contest. Yep. I love the people I have met.
Would I recommend this sight to anyone? Sorry no. Would I want to take your classes? Not if this is the way you deal with your customers.
Leaving customers in the dark is just bad business.
5/22/2013 12:56:20 PM
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Great news to hear Joannie and Pat are okay!!! Prayers and thoughts are still going out to all those effected by this catastrophic storm I think I received one more EP overnight for April but the one I really like still hasn't got one. Double Trouble who so many of you helped me decide on the best seagull image. (Scratching my head) Oh well, it's not the first and it won't be the last I will just resubmit in the future when they are in a better mood. :) Praying for BetterPhoto as well... seems they need them. :) HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!
5/22/2013 1:35:28 PM
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Great to read all your thoughts, I only received 2 EP's for April and proceeded to delete all my entries, thinking they must not be worthy of a gallery position. I enjoy BP very much met some wonderful people -thx to all - maybe I won't be so quick to delete this mth. I got a little disheartened as at the same time as the number of EP'S depleted I received a flood of e-mails from BP suggesting I may need lessons :-), probably so and I was tempted but it will be at a time of my choosing not because of advertising. I do understand BP is a business and money has to be generated hence I am a paid up gallery holder until 2015. Thx for the chance to air my views. My thoughts to everyone in Oklahoma at this time, I know BP helped to keep me sane over the mths of earthquakes experienced in NZ. Cheers Barabara
5/22/2013 2:17:08 PM
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I have only 9 EP's for April...ohhh well, time will tell if any more for all of us, if not...maybe next month and they get things going next month! lol Hey Frank, I tend to agree with you and Ken Smith, it sure took away some fun for all of us, maybe things will pick up.. Have a great day y'all!
Prayers to all those sick and in areas' of the terrible weather.. jo ann c.
5/22/2013 2:50:31 PM
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Got an EP for May 2nd!!
5/22/2013 4:26:11 PM
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I didn't hit the submit button....was still trying to figure out how to include the link... www.betterphoto.com/gallery/dynoGallDetailMember.asp?photoID=13848109
5/22/2013 4:29:01 PM
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Yea!!! I got an EP for May! I have to say that the token reward means a lot to me. Pablov's dog syndrome. I got EP's on almost all of my shots in April but it took a long time. I am hopeful that the EP will continue just maybe a little slower. I am glad that all our BP photographers in Oklahoma and other areas are safe.
5/22/2013 4:29:49 PM
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Good to know that our fellow photogs are safe from that horrible tornado in Oklahoma. Got one on May 1 but none so far on the May 2nd.
HAIRY
May 1, 2013 ~ ~ ~ Flowers
UB.
5/22/2013 8:37:12 PM
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I got one for 5/4/2013. Well said, Frank!
5/23/2013 3:30:03 AM
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Picked up EPs for the 2nd and 3rd. Frank I sure hope they give you an answer.
5/23/2013 3:41:50 AM
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Finally...one for the 4th..
Spring Colors...Landscape
5/23/2013 4:20:17 AM
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Thanks to Group 101 I caught up on why no EPs. I know there are a lot of us using FB and are friends on this site. I post a lot of my images that are more about what I've been doing on FB, I would like to invite your friendship on FB if we are not already friends. This is a great group, I was a fan of BP long before I became a member, shortly after I moved from Texas to Missouri I received an email from BP asking me to apply as an employee, sometimes I had wished I had, but didn't guess things work out for the best. I need to shop around for a private web page.
Have a great summer, look me up on FB.
Chuck
5/23/2013 8:29:22 AM
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No EPs for my resub on the 2nd. Now I have to wait for them to get to the 7th for my next entry :) I have tried to look up some folks on FB and it seems many have member pages where you have to "friend." My photography page on FB is one that you have to "Like" so I can like you back but I can't friend you. Weird. Here is my photography page on FB:
www.facebook.com/susansmithfineart On my Member page I can friend you back:
www.facebook.com/susanhermannsmith I would love to connect with you guys either way :)
5/23/2013 5:08:17 PM
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You elected to do a "community page" rather than a regular FB account. By placing this
susansmithfineart
into the search box, you popped up immediately.
5/23/2013 5:17:38 PM
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Beauty
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5/4 Details and Macro
5/24/2013 7:59:08 AM
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Got my first May EP today - May 5. If you look in my gallery, you will see one for the 3rd, but that's one that was originally skipped in April so I resubmitted it in May - only to have it picked up about 10 days ago when they did a few more scattered April EP's. 05/05 Nature and Landscapes
Front Yard #1
5/25/2013 12:45:50 PM
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Woot Woot, Nikki.. :-)
5/25/2013 12:51:34 PM
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Congrats to y'all that have received EFP's for May....I'm not doing too well myself! :-) jo ann c.
5/25/2013 12:54:17 PM
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Congrats to y'all that have received EFP's for May....I'm not doing too well myself! :-) jo ann c.
5/25/2013 12:54:50 PM
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Just that one on the 1st still for me. Nothing else. This really isn't much fun, is it?
5/25/2013 1:03:55 PM
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No, Mitch, it isn't :(
5/25/2013 1:09:00 PM
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Not a lot f fun at all, but you must admit, It makes picking a finalist and winner a breeze with so few to choose from.
5/25/2013 1:19:12 PM
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Well, if they're trying to reduce the numbers in the contest, maybe we should just oblige them and just enter one a week or something. I, for one, am totally just about over BP.
5/25/2013 1:25:02 PM
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It's weird. My schedule and To-Edit list both became overloaded around the first week of May, so I just didn't enter everything. I planned to do so a little later. Somehow the month has almost disappeared and now I can't force myself to do it. After March and April's poor showing - like maybe 8 and 2 EPs respectively, my enthusiasm has hit a low ebb. It's really depressing to go through the previous entries every time someone says that BP has gone back and awarded more EPs - only to discover Nada. I still have 6 more days (well, 5) to decide if anything I've shot this month are worthy. If I sound down and/or bitter, you're pretty perceptive.
5/25/2013 3:55:23 PM
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And another . . . 6 May - Elements of Design
Steps Reflected
5/25/2013 3:59:22 PM
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I only have one for May, 9 for April, and I'm royally pissed off.
5/25/2013 4:26:25 PM
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Just got one for May...Golden Duo....hang in there gang! Who would think we could get so happy to just get an EP?! :-0 jo ann c.
5/25/2013 4:54:07 PM
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July 7th my membership expires. Anyone of FAA RB or Faceb Look me up. I will be leaving. Will miss all the great photographers, laughs and fun I have had on this site, but .........
5/25/2013 4:58:54 PM
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Might be joining you, Tammy, but will hang on to BP for at least another year, when I will get rid of my deluxe gallery, but will keep my basic gallery, and set up another on one of those places you have mentioned for a meager amount to sell my photos on. Then it will allow me to be both places, and I won't much care if I get an EFP or not!
5/25/2013 5:55:37 PM
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My membership is up June 4th. I really can't decide whether to renew or not. My enthusiasm isn't the same anymore either. I should be putting my time into FAA and some other things. Oh, and I sold my first piece there just a few days ago! wooohooo!
5/25/2013 6:00:32 PM
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I was hoping the lack of EPs last month was due to the staff being busy with preparing their taxes, but since this is still going on, it looks like the new norm. So far, I got May EPs on 5/2 (landscape) and 5/5 (macro). I didn't count my number of EPS for April, but there are 3 that were passed over that would have got EPS in any previous month. The lack of response of the BP staff is really not good business sense, and I do not understand it. I have already joined another site for the contests, but still enjoy this site for the friends that I made here. I do not do Facebook so won't go there. BP looks to be fading fast with no obvious attempt to revive it.
5/25/2013 6:37:43 PM
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Congratulations, Susan, on your first sale at FAA! I'm planning to go there soon, but I think I'll stay with BP, too, at least for a while. I'm still hoping they get things worked out, and communicate with us - that would be a step in the right direction.
5/25/2013 6:38:03 PM
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Hummmm, got one for May 4th too (ya!) But were did years of EPs' go? Use to be one could reload great shots for hours and never reach the end... BP should really inform all what the issues are.... some type of communication on these type of changes
5/25/2013 7:13:20 PM
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I just got 2.. for the 5th and 6th of May...:) So far only one skipped.
5/25/2013 8:00:05 PM
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I have a solo EP to show so far this month and that too on the first day of the month. However, it has not been successful at all to dampen my enthusiasm for photography or in thinking that the quality of my shots has degraded.
I still love photography and have no intention of leaving BP. I have joined a couple of clubs here and the members do regular interaction and keep busy. I am still learning and enjoying IT very much.
I just hope BP, seemingly in the midst of change, makes these changes consistent so that people dont get demotivated and decide to leave for other places. UB.
5/25/2013 9:33:06 PM
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5/7..Landscape..The Edge
2nd one for the month.
5/26/2013 3:54:18 AM
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None for me since April 25... But still plugging a head and loving every minute of it....
5/26/2013 4:27:35 AM
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5/8, Animals..... 3 out of 8 for the month so far.... Do I hear half a Woot?? Wo!!!
5/26/2013 7:23:26 AM
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Don't get me wrong, I haven't lost my enthusiasm for photograpy nor do I think my work has gotten worse, it's my enthusiasm with the contest that kinda faded. Still love the members and all the great feedback here. I will likely renew because of that! :)
5/26/2013 7:25:36 AM
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It doesn't mean anything one way or another, but I was just wondering if anyone else noticed that the latest POTDs seem to be coming out of the recent Finalists' list. I used to wonder how POTDs were selected because I usually didn't see them anywhere else (maybe from course assignments.) Now, they seem to all have Finalist Badges or at least EPs. Just curious.
5/26/2013 10:30:21 AM
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It doesn't mean anything one way or another, but I was just wondering if anyone else noticed that the latest POTDs seem to be coming out of the recent Finalists' list. I used to wonder how POTDs were selected because I usually didn't see them anywhere else (maybe from course assignments.) Now, they seem to all have Finalist Badges or at least EPs. Just curious.
5/26/2013 10:30:21 AM
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I have noticed - and that is a change. Maybe it's just coincidence.
5/26/2013 10:48:07 AM
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Peeking Over
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5/8 Details and Macro
also the 2nd for the month
5/26/2013 1:33:06 PM
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Breaking Free
this little girls mom was trying to get her to hold her hand and walk. the little girl broke free and I just loved the expression on her face.
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well got my first EP since the middle of April... my 5/7 was skipped over and I thought it was one of my best shots... MMMM
5/26/2013 4:02:34 PM
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Kathy, I'm not sure what you are seeing but I've always observed POTDs as usually making it into the Finalist pool not from it. It was a question not long ago about what rate of POTDs made finalist or winner. I seem to recall an estimated 75% or so do make it at least to silver. I got mine on Jan 7th and it was an entry from late Dec. It went on to get a Dec finalist. Would not surprise me if that were a bit bassakward right now. Got my first EP for May for Sun's Out on the 9th. My other two entries were resubs that didn't get EPs before either.
5/26/2013 4:09:01 PM
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May 10..One To Remember..Landscape
5/26/2013 4:14:28 PM
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Lovely Lavender
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5/10 Flowers
5/26/2013 4:26:06 PM
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The April Finalists are out - anybody have the Link?
5/26/2013 5:41:01 PM
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Here you go, Kathy, I think this will work. http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/dynoGallMember.asp?pageID=1&catID=56845&contestCatID=&camID=&zulu=
5/26/2013 5:45:48 PM
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Any page, Contest, Contest, Finalists. April 2013 Finalists
5/26/2013 5:47:16 PM
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http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/dynoGall2.asp?catID=56845 Direct Link Those URLs with zulu in them always give me an error message. I finally figured out how to find the direct link (sure hope I remember how next month! lollllllllll)
5/26/2013 5:47:56 PM
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Interesting ... I just tested it and found that Firefox and Internet Explorer produce links that look different. ( Mine was the Firefox link.)
However, in my test, the Firefox link worked in IE, and vice versa.
I'm no techie ... perhaps other browsers work differently ...
Anyway, glad you found it, Kathy. :)
5/26/2013 6:00:08 PM
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Got a finalist. "Tulips in Full Bloom"
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?mem=161216
jo ann c.
5/26/2013 6:11:49 PM
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Congratulations to the finalists. I got two this month one in flowers a lily and the other in People an image of Keshia the young model I used for my people model on Better photo the past nine years. I put the finalists first in my gallery.
5/26/2013 7:03:33 PM
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Kinda strange, I am not getting any EP's but I have five finalist! :) Congrats to everyone!!! Good luck next round!!
5/26/2013 7:29:38 PM
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Hi Photo Folks,
It just keeps getting stranger. I got 4 finalists for April so I am very pleased as this is the largest amount for me ever but here it is May 26th and I have 2 EP's for May. Now maybe the EP's will appear during June so perhaps there is not any deadline for awarding EP's. I tried another site and find it hard to use. I truly hope BP is here to stay. I am going to hang in there as long as I can. Congratulations to all the finalists.
5/26/2013 9:17:51 PM
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I've been cruising through the Finalists, but haven't been able to comment on them all yet. In the meantime, Congratulations to those of you who've received one or many. Good Luck in the Gold Rounds.
5/27/2013 1:27:48 AM
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Bob D. Hall
member since: 4/15/2002
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Hi, all! I have been away from this forum for a while due to a browser crash loosing my link, traveling, an ill grandson and an ill wife.
Entered a few photos in April and got one finalist (Nice BD gift). I have had no EFPs for May. My membership here is due to renew in July but I can't see paying for a membership if the present trend continues.
Been here since 2002 and I hate to leave but.... Hope things go back to normal!
5/28/2013 9:04:42 AM
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Congrats to all the finalists. Even though the whole EP thing has thrown me for a loop, I can see that every image chosen for finalist is really beautiful!
5/28/2013 10:25:34 AM
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Well?! I got a finalist in Aprl and only got 8 EP'S?? Sooo...maybe it doesn't matter how many EP's we get, we can still get a finalist.. I liked the one I got, but personally would have chosen others instead so..I'm happy anyway.. :-) Hang in there gang! jo ann c.
5/28/2013 10:50:07 AM
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I'm thinking that the EPs are no longer related to Finalists (as a first cut.) It may be that they're being awarded whenever (and mostly after the fact) to assuage the unrest of members.
5/28/2013 11:03:39 AM
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I AGREE WITH JO ANN... PLEASE HANG IN THERE GANG. I'D HATE TO SEE YOU GO. I DON'T ENTER AN IMAGE HOPING IT WILL GET A EFP, I ENTER ONLY WHAT I THINK BP IS AWARDING FINALISTS TO. SO LESS ENTRIES BUT ONLY MY BEST. HOPE THAT HELPS. I KNOW THEY STILL ARE MISSING EXCELLENT IMAGES BUT PLEASE RE-ENTER AS SOME TIMES IT HAS TAKEN ME THREE TIMES TO GET A FINALIST OR SECOND PLACE WIN. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE RECEIVED EFPs AND FINALISTS AND ALL THE BEST IN THE NEXT ROUND!!! ALSO I HAVE NEVER THOUGHT BP WAS THE BEST PLACE TO SELL MY WORK AS OTHER SITES SEEM TO OFFER BETTER OPTIONS. I'M HERE FOR THE PEOPLE, THE CONTEST AS IT PUSHES ME TO IMPROVE MY WORK AS I AM VERY COMPETITIVE AND FOR THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS JUST MY OPINION AND I RECOGNIZE A CARE ABOUT THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE DIFFERENT FEELINGS ABOUT BP AT THIS TIME. FROM WHAT I'VE GATHERED BP HAS NEVER BEEN GOOD AT COMMUNICATING TO IT'S MEMBERS AND THERE IS NO POINT IN BEATING A DEAD HORSE... IT MAY TAKE A MIRACLE FOR THEM TO CHANGE. TO THOSE WHO LEAVE... YOU WILL BE SURELY MISSED!!! ALL THE BEST TO YOU IN YOUR NEW ENDEAVORS AND THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO HAVE HELPED ME GROW AS A PHOTOGRAPHER AND WHO HAVE SUPPORTED ME WITH THEIR COMMENTS OF ENCOURAGEMENT!!!!!!!!!! GOD BLESS! <><
5/28/2013 11:33:01 AM
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What a wonderful sentiment expressed here, Sharon. There is something for everyone to consider and appreciate. Thanks so much,
Marilyn
5/28/2013 4:13:28 PM
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I posted this in the countdown thread but want to express my congratulations here, as well, to all the winners and finalists for April! I know that many of us are still confused or feeling disheartened about the changes here. My gallery is up for renewal in a couple days. I think I want to keep it up but just not be as active. To be completely honest, I have not given some other things the attention I should have because I would put BP first. I think it was because of the fun of it, the challenge and the feedback. These changes have taken some (not all!) of the wind out of those sails. I haven't been making FAA a priority or preparing for my own portrait biz, where I could make more money than the studio where I work now. Also, I've been asked to cover two full days of our HS graduations for one of our local news sites as their photog/reporter. I'll be making some good contacts as well as seeing many of the grads (and their families!) that I photographed at our studio. And we, myself included, do way better work than the company (Prestige) that the schools hire. I feel like this could help launch me more into local biz opps, so I need to be ready to carpe diem! lol. All that aside I still want to and hope I have the time to be a part of BP! Even tho I'm not crazy about the changes at BP, hopefully my lack of participation here will be because of the positive and not the negative :)
5/29/2013 5:11:32 AM
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It's hard to balance time-priorities between wants and needs. It sounds as though Needs are moving up your To-Do List, Susan. I'm looking forward to what time you can spend here at BP, but am wishing you the best of luck in your photo-biz life, too.
5/29/2013 8:16:49 AM
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I echo Kathy's comment. I enjoy your work, Susan, and hope to continue to see you around BP. Same to ALL the wonderfully talented (!!!) photographers here at BP. I love any time I can spend admiring and learning from your inspiring work. I am a newbie to photography and have a looooooong way to go, and this site and the many friendly folks here spur me on to learn and try to improve every time I pick up my camera. I thank you all!
5/30/2013 10:53:07 AM
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Peggy, try to keep your horizontal lines straight and poles from sticking out of peoples' heads. Then, you can work on improving all the other camera-skills! (those were my first lessons.) lollll
5/30/2013 12:34:29 PM
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Good advice, Kathy, LOL!!!
5/30/2013 5:38:19 PM
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Considering your list of Winners, you're doing okay with your camera skills already! lolll
5/30/2013 5:55:09 PM
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Considering your list of Winners, you're doing okay with your camera skills already! lolll
5/30/2013 5:55:09 PM
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Peggy! Your gallery is awesome, I think I can learn from you girl! I'm happy for you! I enjoyed looking at your gallery.. I think we all can learn from each other for sure.. jo ann c.
5/30/2013 6:12:18 PM
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Thanks so much for your encouragement, Kathy and Jo Ann! You are both very kind!
5/30/2013 6:22:12 PM
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This is wild! I received No EPS for the month of May! Wow!
6/2/2013 4:01:19 AM
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Just one EP for me in May. Maybe I'll go check those horizontal lines...
6/2/2013 4:05:16 AM
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Here's an idea..let's all go shut off our EPs. Then we won't know if we didn't get any. I'm seriously thinking about just dropping this contest anyway. It's not worth all the angst.
6/2/2013 4:11:12 AM
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None for me either Ken. 0 out of 13 entries is not normal for me. It sure doesn't encourage you to enter. Maybe they aren't through yet and more will appear this month.
6/2/2013 4:16:14 AM
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No one has reported any after the 10th and the ones from the 1st through the 10th came in a brief spurt of activity from the 19th to the 26th. I'd say there's still plenty of hope for entries between May 11 and 31.
6/2/2013 4:58:37 AM
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I agree with Nikki and have looked around and haven't seen any EFP's after 5/9. My guess is that they are short handed. I have noticed that the POTD has changed as well. It used to be that the POTD were original shots that may or may not have gone on to finalist, etc. Now it seems that they are picking them from images that have already been picked as finalists. Again I'm sure this is due to being short handed. Personally I love BP and the friends I have made here, so I just hope it survives.
6/2/2013 5:24:18 AM
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Last I received was for May was two ...May 3rd and May 5th.. jo ann c.
6/2/2013 6:10:16 AM
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Two for me in May so far. Upon looking at the EP's, there are some stunning photos as well as some so-so photos. I will keep plugging away and hope for the best.
6/2/2013 7:44:14 AM
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Just fyi - today's POTD had no previous badges except an EP :)
6/3/2013 12:47:37 PM
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I noticed that too, Nikki - made me wonder if "they" have been reading all of our thread comments and decided it was too much of a pattern to choose POTDs from the Finalist List (a newer identifiable pattern.) lolllllllllllll
6/3/2013 1:11:57 PM
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Oh, I don't think there's any doubt they read the forum threads - Jim has even said so, I think. They just don't often reply to or post in them.
6/3/2013 1:31:32 PM
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I think I'll stay out of the contest. It used to be an encouragement for me when I got an EP. It let me know that I did something pretty good and was moving on. I've only ever gotten two finalists and I'm very proud of them. The most I've submitted in a month to the contest is five and that was a few months ago. I've been down to two or three. I just don't see any reason to participate in the contest anymore. I'm a member of three clubs and it much more beneficial for me as there is friendly encouragement and technique tips. I do enjoy the fun of the forum, too! I like to read about the successes of fellow photographers and look at the beautiful photos ya'll take!
6/4/2013 11:19:38 AM
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Today is a major anniversary for me. On June 4th, 2004 a friend gave me a Samsung 300 camera and I shot my first digital photograph. That changed the course of my life forever. What a blessing, eh?
6/4/2013 12:46:30 PM
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What I miss most about the lack of EP's is coming here each night after work to see everyone's images.
6/4/2013 5:41:37 PM
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Kathy, happy anniversary to you and your Samsung 300...here is to another 9 yrs.! :-)
6/4/2013 5:43:40 PM
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Autumn Stroll
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5/11 Nature and Landscapes. EP just showed up this morning.
6/5/2013 8:39:19 AM
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Corrugated III
Four Seasons Hotel, Houston, Texas
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Yippee skippee! An EP!5/10
Elements of Design
6/5/2013 2:27:00 PM
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5/12..Landscape..Wave Patterns
6/6/2013 9:18:45 AM
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5/11 Flowers just popped up.
6/6/2013 9:28:02 AM
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A study in lines
Buren columns in Paris France.
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feel so blessed got my second EP for May LOL
6/6/2013 1:14:35 PM
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The One that Got Me Hooked ...
Not my first (or last!) digital camera, but definitely the one that got me hooked on photography ... :)
Playing with my new Speedlite.
Basic adjustments in CS5.
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5/11 Details & Macro :)
6/6/2013 6:52:11 PM
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May 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 got skipped. Joy Of Photography EP resub.
May 5, 2013 ~ ~ ~ Monthly Theme URBAN JUNGLE
May 8, 2013 ~ ~ ~ Elements of Design Where Clouds Play
May 9, 2013 ~ ~ ~ Nature & Landscapes Long, Long, Long
May 10, 2013 ~ ~ ~ Catch-All All Indoors EP resub.
May 11, 2013 ~ ~ ~ Travel & Place Reflection Pond
May 12, 2013 ~ ~ ~ Animals
6/6/2013 8:39:24 PM
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my my my another EP
6/7/2013 11:38:22 AM
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5/2 landscape, 5/5 macro, 5/6 landscape, 5/12 MT got EPs. 4 others skipped in that time.
6/7/2013 12:36:28 PM
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None so far for May. Weird!
6/7/2013 1:47:02 PM
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One can't help but feel a bit of a failure here at BP these days! In Feb I received my very first First Place badge, in March one EP, in April one EP and now in May none...there has to be a method to this madness and I'm evidentily not a part of it! Just can't help but feel discouraged, thank you for listening!
6/7/2013 1:56:58 PM
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Oh but, Joannie - no EPs don't mean you're a failure at BP. Just ask anyone who has 4 or more Finalists a month! Sorry, couldn't resist saying that.
6/7/2013 2:08:55 PM
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5/13..flowers: Spring Bling
6/7/2013 3:25:57 PM
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May 8- Spring In The High Country
May 12- April Showers Bring May Flowers- a 3rd resubmit.
6/7/2013 3:39:29 PM
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Joannie? Put on the heaviest pair of shoes you own........and, then kick yourself in the ass!! You do fine work!!!! :-)
6/7/2013 5:02:06 PM
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But I have such a little ass...NOT! :-) Thank you Bob!
6/7/2013 5:23:14 PM
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There ya go! See? It's all subjective...asses and images.. (sometimes I crack myself up)... An EP for the 13th, Carolyn? I didn't get one for the 13th! I'm doomed....
6/7/2013 5:49:03 PM
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Oh, NO! Not DOOMED!! How awful for you~
6/7/2013 6:47:49 PM
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My entry from the 11th didn't get an EP. Next entry was on the 21st so I'll probably be waiting awhile. I wanted to thank ya'll for the chuckles :) Am also curious, now that we've got these changes in effect for a couple of months, what the stats look like now. I need to conjure up Chris Budny. Chris...you out there? I'm wondering what are the number of entries and finalists for the last couple of months?
6/8/2013 3:01:14 AM
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Zero, zip, nada...
6/8/2013 4:24:46 AM
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Barn
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5/13 Elements of Design
6/8/2013 9:52:00 AM
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It feels good to see that I'm not the only one getting discouraged with the delay and the lack of EPs...even though we all take a lot out of participation in clubs and forum, the little EP badge, at least for me, represented a source of daily encouragement. Today I got my 4th one for May (entered on May 11th) - Morning Swim. It appears that they are going back and forth in a complete disorganized way; no method and thus very difficult to make any prediction or set expectations.
Beatriz
6/8/2013 2:41:20 PM
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I have only 2, one on the 3rd and one on the 10th I think...I'm gonna just keep on keeping on and hopefully will get more but will continue enjoying many of your super pictures. Keep up the faith gang! jo ann c.
6/8/2013 3:05:29 PM
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Finally got one for Pink Sweet Peas which I posted on 5/13...one is better then none :-)
6/8/2013 3:20:07 PM
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Missed the 13th (which I kinda figured)... Just got one for the 14!!
6/8/2013 7:22:51 PM
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5/14..Landscape..It's All Over
6/9/2013 2:48:43 AM
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Finally a new EP, only the third of those for me for new submissions in May. This in Elements of Design for the 15th. It's Grand
6/9/2013 5:36:23 PM
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5/15..T/P..Mountain Fork River
6/9/2013 5:48:10 PM
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I've received only 3 EPs for May, and I've submitted every day. I don't take the contest seriously any more... it seems that they select EPs randomly and much less frequently than ever before. If this continues, I'll submit photos until my portfolio expires (September 2014) and then bye-bye.
6/9/2013 11:50:51 PM
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In this new BP approach, EPs are decided so late after the postings that I would prefer they leave them out and just award the finalists. Timeliness seemed to be key in enjoying the EP selections. So, while there are a few for May so far, there's not nearly the fun for me in receiving them.
6/10/2013 4:14:18 AM
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2 more EPs :-) Woodend Lighthouse 5/14, and Protea Big and Little 5/15...That is 3 in a row...It just seems strange to get the EPs in the middle of the next month? Just happy to see a few :-)
6/10/2013 6:47:44 AM
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Bob D. Hall
member since: 4/15/2002
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Just noticed an EFP for 5/15. My 1st for May and by far not the best in MHO. I will also submit till my gallery expires and then find somewhere else to post my photos.
Most of us post for validation. I know that most of my art is good but that validation from the pros has been very nice. I will miss all the friends I have made here (any of you feel free to write me at (bdhall07@yahoo.com)) but for the price I can find a better place to have a gallery.
6/10/2013 12:23:25 PM
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The Other Pyramid
taken at the louvre in paris
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another EP
6/10/2013 5:39:26 PM
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My last one was the 13th - People A Cold One Glad to get this one as I had it pegged for a skip since it does not fit my idea of the BP image. Pretty sure the 14th has been skipped - which surprises me just as much since I thought it fit the profile much better. That's what I get for thinking LOL.
6/11/2013 4:46:55 PM
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My most recent is on the 14th -- nothing after that.
6/11/2013 5:02:21 PM
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What is an EP, would someone please remind me what an EP is! My memory fails me...I've been sick you know! Ok, so it's been 15 months since I was sick but my memory won't congure up an EP! :-)
6/11/2013 8:19:18 PM
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None for me either. I think around 20th of April was my last!
6/11/2013 8:26:48 PM
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Editor's Pick, Joannie. Used to be Editor's First Pick, as in first round of the culling process for picking the winners.
Now, it's EPM (extremely peeved members)....(Should I put my boots on and kick myself now?)
6/11/2013 8:50:59 PM
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Bob - you're making me smile! Stop it! It's hard to stay irritated when my mouth is chuckling.
6/11/2013 10:40:09 PM
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Bob, put on the heaviest size 13's you have and go for it! :-)))
6/11/2013 11:03:21 PM
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So far only 2 for me Riding the Tube 5/14 Catch All
Bel fiore 5/16 Flowers I haven't entered anything in June so far. Not enjoying it as before.
6/12/2013 5:15:03 AM
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I just realized I had 950 posts and we are allowed only 900! I have deleted over 200. Am re-submitting some but in different categories... Just thought some of you may have the same problem and want to check how many you have..have a good day! jo ann c.
6/12/2013 7:59:36 AM
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You may display 1000 photos in your gallery, you don't have to delete the rest: it's enough to uncheck the box for displaying this photo in your gallery.
6/12/2013 8:05:24 AM
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Tiia is right its 1000.
6/12/2013 8:08:37 AM
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Soft Landing
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5/16 Catch All
6/12/2013 8:21:49 AM
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Thanks Tia and Tammy! Where is does it say that?
Don't know how I missed it but glad to know it..
6/12/2013 9:03:14 AM
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Duhhhh....right on the Member Center first page when I get ready to post....cheezzzz! jo ann c.
6/12/2013 9:07:20 AM
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Bend over, Jo Ann - Bob's cranking up that big ol' boot! ;-D
6/12/2013 2:48:05 PM
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Kick easy Bob! lol Well, I did get one May 15th, that makes THREE! Whoopee! :-0 Doesn't take much to make me happy...lol jo ann c.
6/12/2013 3:32:32 PM
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Well, I'm not hot on EPs, but, that big boot of mine is sure making it's rounds... :-) Way to go, Jo Ann...
6/12/2013 3:49:45 PM
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Bob D. Hall
member since: 4/15/2002
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One for the 16th. (EVLP)
Editors Very Late Pick!
6/12/2013 5:33:11 PM
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I only entered one image for May (27th.) IF it gets an EP, I won't expect it until July 12th. lolllllllllllll
6/12/2013 5:44:15 PM
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I didn't expect this one ... of course, I don't really expect any lately. :o I'm with Nikki, I don't know what the BP preferences are anymore ... Room Without a View
5/15 Elements of Design
6/12/2013 5:49:33 PM
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Room Without a View
Finalist - Elements of Design - May 2013
Window of a small building in an old cemetery in Galveston, Texas.
Minor adjustments in CS5.
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I didn't expect this one ... of course, I don't really expect any lately. :oI'm with Nikki, I don't know what the BP preferences are anymore ... Room Without a View
5/15 Elements of Design
6/12/2013 5:49:43 PM
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Sorry for the double post ... hit the button before attaching the photo the first time ... :(
6/12/2013 5:51:05 PM
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May 13 got skipped. Frozen in Time
May 14, 2013 ~ ~ ~ People Serenity Walk
May 15, 2013 ~ ~ ~ Catch-All
6/12/2013 8:33:52 PM
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It looks like the EP link is empty again. I'm not sure why they can't keep it active until all the prior month's EPs are given. http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery-editors-current.asp
6/13/2013 7:08:47 AM
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5/17..DD.. Blue Ridge Cabin
6/13/2013 8:55:53 AM
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Who Me?
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5/17 Animals
6/13/2013 9:07:39 AM
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I used to follow that EP Link until I realized that the Reload button was bringing up former EP images (maybe, they were resubs) and a lot of repeats. I finally just stuck with these here in Cheri's monthly thread. But, it is definitely strange to have nothing in the EP Queue.
6/13/2013 9:28:08 AM
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May 16 got skipped. PLANETARIUM
May 17, 2013 ~ ~ ~ Details & Macro
6/13/2013 8:34:35 PM
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Pretty sure somebody turned my gallery off LOL
6/13/2013 8:40:24 PM
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Nikki, I think mine is off as well! :)
6/14/2013 4:21:17 AM
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Nikki and Pat - perhaps there was a technical glitch - they both are displaying now...
6/14/2013 5:48:46 AM
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Thanks for checking, Marilyn - I was actually just kidding. My last EP was on the 13th and people are reporting some on the 17th already so I thought maybe the EP pickers could not see my entries :)
6/14/2013 6:54:13 AM
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Got one over night for the 18th... Catch All...
6/14/2013 6:58:09 AM
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5/19..Macro..Another Sunset Feather
6/14/2013 3:40:28 PM
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5/19..Macro..Another Sunset Feather
6/14/2013 3:40:32 PM
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May 19th!! I thought I'd been EPB'd ... Phew!!!
6/14/2013 3:44:18 PM
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LOL Bob!!! That's it! I'm going to be a judge!!! Did anyone else other than Kara get an EFP for the 18th? I should at least get an E for Effort. :)
6/14/2013 4:50:11 PM
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Itty Bitty
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5/19 Details and Macro
6/14/2013 4:57:49 PM
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Me, Sharon. I did! My first in several days. May 18 Monthly Theme
Photographing Chicago
6/14/2013 5:36:22 PM
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Surprise, surprise! I got one May 15th, "Yea, Turn Out for Spring!" jo ann c.
6/14/2013 6:04:27 PM
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Thanks Nikki. Great shot of the bean for the monthly theme. My photo first entry for the month His First Camera I took out some spaces in my description line in case I had used too many words and there was no room for an EFP to show up. LOL Didn't help. HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE.
HOPEFULLY THE EFPs WILL FLOW!!!
6/14/2013 6:30:13 PM
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Sun & Sand
May 18, 2013 ~ ~ ~ Nature & Landscapes Non-Geometrical
May 19, 2013 ~ ~ ~ Elements of Design
6/16/2013 9:33:04 PM
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Is anyone else having advertisements come on your their description of their photos. I find it happens with words like camera and photo. I changed the wording to image and it stopped. When you run your cursor over uploaded as in the date when you uploaded the photo it turns to blue and you get an advertisement. It doesn't just happen on my page but I just checked Usman's Non-Geometrical image and it happened there as well. I only started noticing it yesterday. HAVE A GREAT WEEK EVERYONE!!!
6/16/2013 9:56:50 PM
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Well, Peggy - Way to go, girl!! An EP and a POTD on your entry for May 5th. Congrats.
6/17/2013 5:46:26 AM
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May 17-Sunrise Surprise
6/17/2013 6:02:36 AM
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Thanks so much, Kathy, and all who commented on my POTD! Such an honor! I am truly thrilled and humbled by all the lovely comment I am getting!
Thank you!!!
6/17/2013 6:54:24 AM
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An EP for the 20th in Catch-All Tickets Please
6/17/2013 8:48:03 AM
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Just in last few minutes got an EP for the 19th - my first since the 14th so suppose everything in between got passed over.
6/17/2013 9:13:30 AM
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Well, now there is one for the 21st, animals. Dropping In
6/17/2013 9:31:04 AM
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5/21..Landscape.. Sammy's World(resubmit)
6/17/2013 9:38:46 AM
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Looks like EFPs are flowing again. Two for me. Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!! The pop-up problem has been solved thanks to Jay at BP. My add-on settings were wrong... fixed now... so I'm happy. Wishing you all a month full of wonderful photo opportunities and the recognition you deserve for your work.
6/17/2013 12:15:24 PM
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Woot Woot! 3 in a row for me...19/20/21... I took my boots off and put my soft slippers on... ;-)
6/17/2013 5:34:11 PM
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Skipped 19th and 21st. Got one in DD for the 20th and one in N&L for the 22nd. My image for the 23rd was a resub and already had one. We may make it yet :)
Disclosure
Moonlight at Avila Beach
6/17/2013 5:50:13 PM
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5/22..Animals..The Squeaky Toy Is MINE!
6/17/2013 5:59:55 PM
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Did something wrong - I'll try again.
Moonlight at Avila Beach
6/17/2013 6:07:22 PM
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So Bob, what about those of us who haven't received one single EP since the first part of March? This is really starting to SUCK! I hate to sulk but I have absolutely no confidence with me or BP...All of you have gotten some rewards and I'm really glad for all of you, it just brings more assurance to me that I just don't have what BP wants any more! Oh well, what the hell!
6/17/2013 11:00:04 PM
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Joannie, it just doesn't make sense. Going from all the EP's and finalists to O, it does seem odd.
6/18/2013 3:19:35 AM
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5/23..Landscape..Sky And Shore
That does suck, Joannie! Not good at all!
6/18/2013 3:40:20 AM
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It also seems so odd that some members are going from 2 or 3 Finalists (1-4) per month are now receiving 5 - 7 and others who occasionally enjoyed 1 are not even seeing that single Finalist badge. And without EPs, they never will. It's really discouraging for us "not top of the food chain" members.
6/18/2013 4:12:06 AM
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It also seems so odd that some members are going from 2 or 3 Finalists (1-4) per month are now receiving 5 - 7 and others who occasionally enjoyed 1 are not even seeing that single Finalist badge. And without EPs, they never will. It's really discouraging for us "not top of the food chain" members.
6/18/2013 4:12:06 AM
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May 21 was skipped. Lying Low
May 20, 2013 ~ ~ ~ Nature & Landscapes Summer of '69
May 22, 2013 ~ ~ ~ Digital Darkroom 21 Galahs
May 23, 2013 ~ ~ ~ Animals
6/18/2013 4:34:45 AM
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Joannie - Don't feel too bad. I've only gotten 2 EFPs this month. I was hitting .900 before that (now less than .100). I thought it was because I had a reference to FAA on my gallery. Things didn't really change that much after I deleted the reference. I'm just glad that people are getting EFPs and that give me hope.
6/18/2013 5:07:48 AM
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Got 1 the 21st, "Some where over the Rainbow" jo ann c.
6/18/2013 6:40:34 AM
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5/20-Sound Holes
6/18/2013 6:39:07 PM
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I cannot seem to figure out how to upload to the forum as I have done before-not working for me :(
6/18/2013 6:46:07 PM
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May 24 – Nature and Landscapes
Field of Gold
6/18/2013 8:42:04 PM
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May 24 got skipped. Pew View
May 25, 2013 ~ ~ ~ Travel & Place Designer Abode
May 26, 2013 ~ ~ ~ Elements of Design
6/19/2013 12:49:33 AM
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5/24..T/P..Eufaula Dam Spring 2013
5/25..Skipped
5/26..Catch All.. Shells
6/19/2013 2:49:17 AM
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Yeaaaaaaaaaaa. Batting 1000. One entry/one EP! < href=http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/big.asp?photoID=13895902>May 27 – Fringed
6/19/2013 3:35:34 AM
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Yeaaaaaaaaaaa. Batting 1000. One entry/one EP! < href=http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/big.asp?photoID=13895902>May 27 – Fringed
6/19/2013 3:35:34 AM
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< href=http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/big.asp?photoID=13895902>May 27 – Fringed Darn it. Trying one more time.
6/19/2013 5:18:19 AM
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Hey, Joannie! How's the attitude this morning?? Ya think doing the Hokey Pokey might cheer you up?? I've heard that that's what it's all about.... :-)
6/19/2013 6:21:43 AM
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Yah! I got one for this image!
6/19/2013 6:33:47 AM
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Love that one Ken...maybe things are beginning to crank up, I got one 5-26, Early Morning at Mabry Mills, 5-21,Somewhere Over the Rainbow,
and 5-23 and Purple Rain!Guess we are more appreciating "just an EP" again, huh? :-) jo ann c.
6/19/2013 6:45:13 AM
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Seems like they are trying to catch up: Washoe Lake on a windy Day-5/21
Over Morning Fences-5/28
Seconds before sunrise-5/28
6/19/2013 7:43:43 AM
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They have mine done all the way to the 31st... Overall this month I received 22 ep's out of 31 entries... Many coming in the past 2 days..
6/19/2013 8:19:12 AM
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Mine are done to the 31st too. 18 EP's out of 30 entries.
6/19/2013 8:53:08 AM
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Yes, it looks as though they are finished with the month, with this big spurt. I picked up a number of them also, with most of the skips in the first half of the month. Had quite a number of resubs for the month that had EPs, so can't tell anything about that. Now, it appears they've started on June. Picked up this one for the 1st. Female Anhinga On Watch
6/19/2013 9:36:39 AM
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Bob, you are my number 1 cheerleader! :-) OK, everyone sit down...I have TWO EP's...yes, you read it right, two EP's! It seems a little pissing and moaning pays off! :-) After 83 days I'm out of dry dock! Dam
5/24
Dry Docked
5/26
6/19/2013 9:37:55 AM
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5-30 Sierra Morning Glow
6/19/2013 9:48:08 AM
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5/29..Landscape..The Miracle Of Sunset
And one for June
6/19/2013 10:13:50 AM
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Woot Woot for Joannie... :-) I just got one for June 3rd!!
6/19/2013 10:55:22 AM
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Yep, I did too (and one for the 2nd also). Major change going on here???? Only the Shadow knows. :) (Hey, you have to be of a "certain" age to relate to that.) Two-Faced
6/19/2013 12:09:39 PM
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Cheri McEachin
member since: 10/15/2006
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Here you go peeps....Junes thread..:) http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/QnAdetail.asp?threadID=35989
6/19/2013 4:26:06 PM
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May 28 got skipped. Don’t know about May 30 and 31st as they were resubs with badges already attached from previous months. Singing a Summer Song
May 27, 2013 ~ ~ ~ Flowers Shooting Melbourne
May 29, 2013 ~ ~ ~ Monthly Theme
6/19/2013 11:07:57 PM
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I sent in feedback to Betterphoto that they consider rethinking the Editor's Picks tab under the Contest heading. Nothing was being displayed for the first half of June - but the promo along the bottom says: "Editor's Picks represent uploaded photos that Team BetterPhoto has found especially interesting, eye-catching, or beautiful. They are simply contest entries that have moved on from Round 1 of the contest judging." It gives the impression that there aren't any such images all through the beginning of June.
June picks started showing up this week...
6/20/2013 3:27:50 AM
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Interesting ... an EP showed up for my 5/14 entry, which was passed over before. Goldilocks
6/20/2013 8:48:28 PM
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Same thing happened to me on my May 13 and May 16 entries which were initially passed over, I am happy as a smile ;) UB.
6/20/2013 8:52:57 PM
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Me too, UB, I'll take any EP I can get! :)
6/20/2013 9:02:39 PM
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Would someone, if at all possible, explain why BP gives out EP's for June when they are not through with May yet and why do they go back in the month of May and start giving EP's for images posted earlier in the month? Along the Fence
6/23
6/21/2013 1:52:30 PM
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Sorry the date on the Blue Bonnets Along the Fence photo should read 5/23
6/21/2013 8:37:45 PM
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Hey Joannie ...."Only the Shadow Knows!" lol
jo annc.
6/22/2013 1:14:28 PM
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So I'm at 4/8 on EPs for May and that includes one that got skipped over before that I just got. My guess is that there are different "Editors" and they go thru entries at different times. I guess this is the new "new" so I'm just gonna look at it as EPs are awarded (or finalized) right before Finalists. If it doesn't go on to Finalist then it's basically a runner-up. I feel like what they ultimately did was to eliminate the early rounds, or picks. In other words EPs that would have gotten eliminated early on just aren't getting them now. If that make sense?
6/22/2013 2:12:57 PM
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The jumping around is making me jumpy. It's one thing to check your entries and not find an EP (perhaps, a moment of disappointment, but hope lives on for the next bunch.) This going back to the future back to the past back to the whatever date just to see if you lucked out after all is producing hives!
6/22/2013 3:07:13 PM
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Very happy to see another EP popped up under an image which was originally devoid of any :) UB.
6/23/2013 1:59:01 AM
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A couple of my May entries got belated EPs as well - really screwing up trying to keep track of them in my galleries - but so far this month I've pretty much been persona non grata. It's been great to be a member up to this point, but the only constant is that things change (and unfortunately, not always for the better). Oh well!
6/24/2013 1:16:16 PM
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Did anyone involved in this forum get more than a Finalist in the May contest? So far, I counted me and one other who did not- I'm curious, but then you know what happens to those that protest, and are curious....:(
7/1/2013 7:12:40 AM
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I got a 2nd place in d&m.....
7/1/2013 7:21:36 AM
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Jeana got a second in T&P. Here is the link for the Winners List...
http://www.betterphoto.com/contest/winners/1305.asp
7/1/2013 7:32:04 AM
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I only got a finalist on "Prepare for Landing" which was the water drop. Since I only got 6 or 7 EP's, guess that was pretty good... I'm just now checking the winners..
Congrats to those that did get 2nd Place!!jo ann c.
7/1/2013 7:38:08 AM
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I had four finalists, no winners. I have to say that the competition was very strong ... all the finalists and winners are fantastic and I am very flattered to have received my finalists.
Congrats to all!
7/1/2013 7:47:24 AM
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Congrats to all the finalists and winners! Have they done any June EPs and if so, what date are they at?
7/1/2013 9:16:48 AM
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I've received EFP's through 6/12. Not sure after that.
7/1/2013 9:23:34 AM
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I got one this morning for the 13th.
7/1/2013 10:30:33 AM
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6-9 "ON THE LOOK OUT"
6-3 "PINK IS BEAUTIFUL"jo ann c.
7/1/2013 11:17:06 AM
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My finalist for May had been submitted from a year or so ago. Here is part of a message from Jim at BP: RULES CHANGE:
I also wanted to let you know that, as of today, we're not going to allow re-entry of photos. Only enter a photo once. When you go to enter again and again (which we encourage), use different photos. jo ann c. The intention of the contest is to help us all get out creating more often. Every single photo is examined by more than one of our pro judges; if your great photo doesn't make it to the final rounds, don't allow yourself to feel bad about it. Just take it to mean the competition was steep...and BE INSPIRED to keep trying, with different photos. My dream is to see your photography get better and better, and to see you continue to have a great time making great photos. Keep up the awesome shooting and thanks again for the inspiration! Thanks,
Jim P.S. Our judges may take a few days off from time to time. If that happens, just know that we'll catch up as soon as possible. Our commitment to you is that we continue to grow as the most inspiring, most supportive, and most prestigious photo contest on the Web. Here's to happy shooting and healthy competition - the kind that helps us all become the best photographers we can be.
7/1/2013 3:21:31 PM
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I repeat, that's the biggest bunch of bull crap I've seen in a long time. I'm going to ask for my money back for my next website renewal (doesn't take effect for a while). I don't like it here much anymore, and this just is about enough for me.
7/1/2013 4:15:56 PM
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I'm staying because I love viewing so many great photo's from so many great people...
different strokes for different folks I guess!jo ann c.
7/1/2013 4:18:46 PM
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Update on the resubmission issue - it might be okay to resubmit IF you change the image a lot IF it's acceptable to the judge. "Thank you for all the positive responses about the contest change. We love to get your emails! Also many of you have asked about whether or not it's okay to resubmit an image you've reworked. Yes, as long as you've changed the photo in a substantial way. We don't want to see an image that is only slightly darkened or cropped. But if the photo is essentially a new photo, that's cool. This is of course subject to the judge's decision as to whether it feels like a substantially new photo."
7/1/2013 5:28:41 PM
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Update on the resubmission issue - it might be okay to resubmit IF you change the image a lot IF it's acceptable to the judge. "Thank you for all the positive responses about the contest change. We love to get your emails! Also many of you have asked about whether or not it's okay to resubmit an image you've reworked. Yes, as long as you've changed the photo in a substantial way. We don't want to see an image that is only slightly darkened or cropped. But if the photo is essentially a new photo, that's cool. This is of course subject to the judge's decision as to whether it feels like a substantially new photo."
7/1/2013 5:28:42 PM
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Well, I can see BP's point. I have photos that I loved and were not selected. I am tempted to slip one in again to see if it would place the second time around. If all of us did this, it would be a big problem. In our local camera club, this is a rule and all the local shows have the same rule. I always include the file number to prove that any photo I submit has not been submitted before. I did redo a photo and resubmit it because I saw others doing it. It may not have been changed enough..Who knows? I am staying because I have really enjoyed looking at all the outstanding photos. I have to say that the winners are stunning. I wish the EP's were a little more prompt but they are still getting the job done. If every photo submitted gets an EP then what would be the big deal about getting one? I would like more but I was fortunate enough to have three finalists and a one was a second place winner. I can't complain about that. Fewer EP's may mean tighter judging and in the long run this could be better. So far in June, I am not doing so well.... We'll see. The competition is keen and that's good for all of us.
7/1/2013 5:43:17 PM
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To me it seem that the more active participants are getting the finalist most of the time, almost like the judges have their favorites. Am I the only one that notices this ? Every once in awhile I'll see a finalist image that in my opinion the image just passes mustard as average.
7/1/2013 6:49:58 PM
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This is why I would hate to be a judge. It is all so subjective. I taught math for almost 35 years and what I liked about Math was that it is not subjective. The answer is the answer. I guess this is why there is an ice cream flavor for just about everyone. Different tastes.
7/1/2013 7:16:38 PM
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FIRST OF ALL I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE ALL THE FANTABULOUS WINNERS, FINALISTS AND PARTICIPANTS IN THE MAY CONTEST!!! YOU SEIZE TO AMAZE ME WITH YOUR OUTSTANDING ABILITIES! NOW REGARDING THE CHANGES... I assume the judges get a little bored looking at the same photos over and over again but members who do resubmit sometimes get a better award by resubmitting. This can be in a different category or by waiting for months or years later to do so. If this is the case why would you not want to do resubmit? I messed up in April with the judging jumping back and forth by reentering an image that didn't get an EFP at the same time as others, only to find it getting one later in the month. It later went on to becoming a finalist. At the time I received my April finalist, I could have deleted my reentry for May but I thought what the heck.. let's see where this goes. It won a finalist award again for May in the same category. (Shame on me) SO I TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CHANGES... LOL... NOT At least I found out that their judging is consistent. :) If they weren't jumping all over the place with the EFPs this would not have happened. HAVE A GREAT WEEK EVERYONE, KEEP YOUR CHIN UP AND HANG IN THERE!!!
7/1/2013 7:53:43 PM
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I can only think of twice that I did a resub and that was a long time ago. I see no point to it. I too see their point.....who wants to keep seeing the same photos over and over. Also who cares about the contest.....if my photos are selling then to me their winners. The only reason I enter is so folks may find them and contact me. I don't even have a pro site. Not to be offensive but wow, all the whinning lately, if your not happy here...why stay. The complaining is dragging the rest of us down. I enjoy shooting and coming here to look at all the wonderful photos here. I enjoy all the photos whether they have an EP or not. Everyone has their own taste...including the judges. P.S. I have never progressed past finalist and I couldn't care less. My 2 cents.
7/2/2013 4:11:23 AM
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I stay, Nicholas, because it was the Contest aspect that drew me to BP. I do not have a business to sell my photographs (although, I do donate many for charitable reasons.) I love to compete with them. I stay, Nicholas, because I am paid up through 2015 and am hoping one day to have acceptable work per the Judges' taste (as occasionally happened in the past.) I stay, Nicholas, because there are many members whom I admire as photographers and friends. I stay, Nicholas, because although I detest BP's attitude lately, I still enjoy the site as a whole. If you do not enjoy our honest opinions and whining, then you really don't have to follow Cheri's thread each month.
7/2/2013 6:50:54 AM
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I stay, Nicholas, because it was the Contest aspect that drew me to BP. I do not have a business to sell my photographs (although, I do donate many for charitable reasons.) I love to compete with them. I stay, Nicholas, because I am paid up through 2015 and am hoping one day to have acceptable work per the Judges' taste (as occasionally happened in the past.) I stay, Nicholas, because there are many members whom I admire as photographers and friends. I stay, Nicholas, because although I detest BP's attitude lately, I still enjoy the site as a whole. If you do not enjoy our honest opinions and whining, then you really don't have to follow Cheri's thread each month.
7/2/2013 6:50:54 AM
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Apparently Kathy , you took my comment as a personal attack.
Apparently Kathy , I guess I'm not allowed to give my honest opinion.
Apparently Kathy, you feel the need to post everything twice.
Apparently Kathy, you feel the need to post everything twice.
7/2/2013 9:40:47 AM
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I stay because of the contest mostly but I do enjoy viewing great photos. Most of the people here are very, very nice. I have to say that I do not know Kathy or Nicholas but I find the form and the last two lines of the post by Nicholas to be unnecessary. I agree with Kathy overall and I think there are better ways to express opinions. Should I brace myself for an onslaught?
7/2/2013 11:44:34 AM
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Grab a cold beer, Harriet, and then just sit back and giggle.... :-)
7/2/2013 11:50:46 AM
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The double posting is accidental - and happens occasionally when it appears not to have posted on the first try. I did take your comments as a negative response not only to me but to all the writers of negative comments, writers questioning the unexplained and inconsistent changes, plus the whiners. If I misunderstood your comments, I do apologize. It just sounded like you thought our whining was spoiling the enjoyment of BP. I'm dropping out of responding at this point.
7/2/2013 12:15:40 PM
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Won't be any onslaught from me Harriet, everyone is entitled to their opinion, except for me of course. Won't be any more posts from me on this thread,as I will no longer follow it.
This is the very reason I don't comment on photos any longer even when asked for comments.
7/2/2013 1:33:45 PM
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Wait.....wut?
7/2/2013 4:14:38 PM
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Hey Bob, You wouldn't happen to have an extra beer would you? If you could send one my way I would flat-foot it right now. hahahahahahaha! (Maybe I've had one too many already......)
7/2/2013 7:11:30 PM
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Sorry, Dayna, I just read the other thread.....if you haven't had one since 1996 for real, I'm not gonna be the one to give you one... ;-) Diet Pepsi is my other drink of choice, though....
7/2/2013 7:28:43 PM
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Awwww come on Bob! lol
7/3/2013 10:03:57 AM
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I guess I do not understand Carolyn being upset...I mean 5 finalists is pretty great! I would be happy to just get one!
7/3/2013 11:19:00 AM
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Four, not five...and one of those was a resubmit.. I bet 1/4 of my finalists were resubmits. If they were all that bad the first time, why would they get a finalist after many times more than one try? I know a lot of people have had the same experience. I even know of a Grand Prize winner on the third try. It was a cat looking at an art gallery. I think it was Mary Ella somebody. Back a few years. How do they explain these things?????
7/3/2013 12:45:42 PM
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I just read the same email about resubmits (seems I am a bit behind!) I assume they mean no resubmits ever?? Really, I do not agree with that at all. With a competition that attracts so many images a month, some very great photos are surely being overlooked on occasion. I can see not resubmitting it over and over again, but I have gone back sometimes a year later, taken an image that I really liked, perhaps tweaked it a bit and reentered, and sometimes had it receive a finalist. I am not sure how they can keep up with that unless you resubmit from the BP gallery, but if you delete images from your gallery that did not make it anywhere and reenter them a year or two later, I don't see how anyone would know. I have some older photos that I really love that I really want to reenter sometime!
7/3/2013 12:51:19 PM
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I agree with Carol :-)
7/3/2013 1:06:23 PM
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Just FYI, in one of the other discussion threads someone wrote to BP ask if a photo can be re-entered but in a different category. Jim's answer was short and to the point: No. One photo, one entry, period (unless it's been substantially altered from the original, which apparently is allowed).
7/3/2013 1:20:11 PM
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Yes, it is nonsense. It would make sense to say no silver or gold badged images should be resubmitted. This, however, makes no sense at all, especially considering what we all know--many, many, many sterling images are overlooked all the time. Change the rule, please, BP, to no resubs of silver and gold badged images.
7/3/2013 1:22:55 PM
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So does this mean that as long as we alter the image substantially (as basically stated in one answer), we could resubmit it? If we took each of our images and turned it into a Digital Darkroom piece, we could enter it in that category even though it was entered elsewhere before - or we can't?
7/3/2013 1:43:14 PM
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In my message above was a copy of what Jim said under subject Rules. I have friends that re-submitted 5 or 6 last month and got a finalist and winner.
I submitted a couple and 1 got a finalist..so...will make a different treatment or change and guess it will be o.k.! :-)jo ann c.
7/3/2013 5:44:22 PM
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I agree too, the new Rule on re-subs is a bit too harsh for many of us who love BP. I just hope that this new RULE is not written in stone, just yet!!! If BP wants to discourage people from re-subbing (which I think is just fine and actually will help many of us get out and shoot fresh images and/or go back to our archives to select new ones, I think thats exactly what Jim has stated in his email and thats the intention behind the new Rule) then
BP should find a MIDDLE GROUND where there is a BALANCE between the need to curb excessive re-subs by members AND also where the members ARE allowed to enter a certain percentage of re-subs each month (for the images that they really believe in) and which the judges have somehow overlooked (and thats also perfectly understandable, since there are so many high level competing images that its only human to miss a few, I know if I put myself in Judge's shoes, I will definitely miss some sterling ones too). So, I propose that BP may consider allowing its members a 10% allowance for entering re-subs. I.e., If a member enters a total of 30 images a month, he/she is allowed to enter 3 re-subs (10%), likewise for 20 its 2 (10%) and for 10 or below its just 1 re-sub. I personally think that disallowing previous Finalists and Winners as resubs is FINE too. Now, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that ...... out of the 10 FIRST PLACE WINNERS in the May Contest, FIVE were resubs!!! So its abundantly evident that many sparkling entries do get passed over each month!!! So just banishing resubs altogether is PROBABLY not fair to the members. My 02 cents. Usman. PS: Oh yes, and now I need to get ready to process and post a fresh entry for today ;)
7/3/2013 9:07:54 PM
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Well, another reason I have reentered before is because I had problems figuring out the category in which to submit it, so if it didn't do well where I put it, I would sometimes try it in another place.
7/3/2013 9:08:46 PM
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You know, I like the idea of everyone being on the same page here in the contest! No resubmitted finalist, no resubmitted gold badges, everything new and clean! I have enough images that haven't been posted to last me a life time! Usman, the judges have enough to look at instead of trying to figure out if some one has submitted 10% of resubmits! Look we've had to accept the EP situation, we can see that hasn't changed, they are going to do what they are going to do! I know I have done my share of moaning about the EP's, the process is still messed up, they don't finish one month until they start another! But, like some have said...love it or leave it! I don't like the feeling that is permeating the sight, comments are down, activity is down, except here of course :-)...my motto is "rah, rah, ree, kick them in the knee...rah, rah, rass, kick them in the other knee! :-) Life is good, thanks to all of you! :-) Joannie
7/3/2013 11:16:44 PM
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Joannie, I think, the judges won't have to calculate the resub percentage themselves, in fact, fine tuning the same program which will restrict resub entries to be visible to the judges can do the trick. and yes ... rah, rah, riddle, lets find something in the middle ;) UB.
7/4/2013 3:40:19 AM
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:-)!
7/4/2013 9:48:36 AM
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Bob D. Hall
member since: 4/15/2002
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Great group of artist!!!
I have been a member here since 2002 and have enjoyed viewing and learning from you all. The art you create each month is breath taking.
My membership is up on the 19th of this month and I will not renew. I will miss you all.I am looking for a new site to keep my gallery. if you know of a place, let me know or if you just want to say hi, you can reach me at bdhall07@yahoo.com.
Best wishes to all and may God bless you! Bob <><
7/5/2013 3:02:54 PM
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Does anyone know what date in June was the last one worked on for EP's? Thanks,
Harriet Feagin
7/6/2013 9:25:42 AM
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My last one was for the 14th.
7/6/2013 9:42:27 AM
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Thank you, Carolyn. Looks like it will be a dry month for me.
7/6/2013 10:03:10 AM
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I'm on a roll Harriet! lol I have one June 3, "Pink is Beautiful"!! Maybe they will skip around like they did last month, hang in there gang.. jo ann c.
7/6/2013 10:45:01 AM
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Bob...that makes me sad to see long time members like yourself leave BP. I debated doing the same when mine was up in June but decided to leave at least my gallery active. My contest entries are way down. I'm on FAA but that is largely for sales. Not sure about other gallery sites. Let everyone know where you land!
7/6/2013 6:17:01 PM
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I'm paid up thru August 2022 (yes, twenty-two)..... so I don't have to worry about quitting for awhile...hahaha
7/6/2013 8:01:36 PM
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Question... If I click on the name of a photographer (say on a POTD or a Finalist or search result) at the bottom of an image, and that leads me back to the BP home page - does that mean that photographer is no longer a member or does it mean they could have a Pro account?
7/6/2013 8:23:41 PM
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It could be either, I believe. At least that's my understanding. UB.
7/6/2013 10:27:48 PM
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I believe the same as Usman Kathy!
7/6/2013 11:35:49 PM
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I kind of thought that, too. Thanks.
7/7/2013 2:46:04 AM
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Bob C., wow that is a long time and good to know..lol! But I was referencing Bob H. above :) Kathy, you get led back to the bp home page if the member doesn't have an active gallery. This will happen if they don't renew and also for contest entries not by a member. Remember you don't have to have a gallery (membership) to enter the contest anymore.
7/7/2013 4:47:18 AM
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I did forget that you don't have to be a member to enter - such a comforting fact, eh? It's lovely to know that you don't have to make a commitment to the BP community to receive honors. I guess my main question was if a member had a Pro account, but did not keep your basic gallery active, would you be able to tell (or would a search direct you back to the BP Home Page?)
7/7/2013 5:20:36 AM
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Cheri McEachin
member since: 10/15/2006
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Even though there is a June thread.....I just started a July Thread..lol....so everyone pop over there please..:) http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/QnAdetail.asp?threadID=35992
7/7/2013 10:15:22 AM
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I have written three times about the issue of no Editors Picks, even on my great submissions that have won International prizes. The always give me the same silly answer, ' we are still going thru photos..' But the truth is I have not had a EP for over three months. I am not renewing my Basic Web site which ends in a few days. If things do not change I will create a new web site other than my Deluxe with BP. Sincerely, V. Venegas www.imagenesdemiscaminos.com
8/22/2013 12:14:39 PM
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Are you kidding me???!!! Things have gotten ridiculous, but Viveca - I've always considered you one of the better photographers! I'm going to copy your comment and post it in the current thread (August). Then, you can read all the other comments. They are still going through July photos (15th is the latest) and August (maybe up to the 9th.) People are leaving or planning on not renewing when their membership expires. This is the August EFP Thread where you'll find your above comments and all the others...
http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/qnaDetail.asp?threadID=36007 July's thread is...
http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/qnaDetail.asp?threadID=35992 You're not alone!
8/22/2013 2:09:45 PM
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John Podworniak
Contact John
John's Gallery
member since: 3/19/2010
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64
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Enter Contests
Are there two contests running? How do I enter the photo of the day and the monthly. I know how to enter the mo nthly one but what about the photo of the day.
5/5/2013 7:25:15 AM
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John, there isn't an entry for POTD. These are chosen from photos that are submitted for the monthly contest. They are photos that the BP folks thought are particularly nice! That doesn't mean that the POTD will advance further in the contest. Hope this helps!
5/5/2013 7:48:52 AM
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John Podworniak
Contact John
John's Gallery
member since: 3/19/2010
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65
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Delete old camera and add new one
When loading pictures it asks what type of camera. I can't delete the old ones and I can't add new one. How do I change them. If anyone knows send me an email to jpud@mymts.net.
5/4/2013 8:48:27 AM
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In your member center, click on "my info"...add/delete camera is about the 3rd one down......
5/4/2013 11:10:58 AM
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Michelle L. Frick
Contact Michelle
Michelle's Gallery
member since: 8/28/2005
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66
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March 2013 Countdown Thread
Here we are at the 15th of the month again. I am excited to see your images. I love this thread and sharing the wait with all of you. Thank you all for sharing your talent here on BetterPhoto. The world is a more beautiful place thanks to all of you.
Helpful hints for attaching photos into Forum Threads:
1) Sign into BP completely (name + password.)
2) If you have NOT YET entered the Contest today, you can use the "Photo ID" to pull an existing image from your Member Center into your reply to this thread (avoiding a duplicate image upload.) Get the Photo ID# from your Member Center, come to back this thread, click Respond, enter the text of your reply, then choose "1" from the images-to-attach drop-down. Click Submit; at the next screen populate the "Photo ID" box at the right. Skip the other fields on that screen.
3) If you HAVE ALREADY entered the Contest today before replying to this thread, you can't use the Photo ID method today. You can either wait until tomorrow to reply here (before your new Contest entry!) or, upload a new copy of the particular image (from your PC) into this thread. This produces a duplicate image in your Member Center; however, you don't have to make that duplicate visible in your Gallery.
4) If you're uploading a duplicate, maybe title it "For Forum" so it stands out in your Member Center, for easier housecleaning later... This can help direct viewers to find the original image in your gallery, when they want to leave a comment. Likewise, if you want to add a comment to a photo seen here, try to tell if it is a duplicate upload. As a courtesy, try to find the original image in the member's gallery and leave your comment there instead of on the duplicate---that way, if the duplicate is deleted later, the comment history isn't lost.
Good luck everyone!!!
4/15/2013 3:22:27 PM
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Dapper Dude
Evan had to dress like a character from history for a 5th grade project - he chose Henry Ford - who in almost every picture we saw was in a suit.
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My March entries appear in my gallery between "Hoppy Easter" and "A Mother's Love." I have a lot of personal favorites this month because I have many of Kate (my daughter) from her birthday and of Evan (my son). Hmmmm...I'll go with this one.Fingers crossed for us all!
4/15/2013 3:30:13 PM
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Well, it's going to be interesting to see how things play out this month.
4/15/2013 5:04:53 PM
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Non-Stop to Neverland
This was shot from behind the front window of Dubai Metro train exiting a station.
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Here's my hopeful this month, the same as of last month's.Good luck to each one of you in March contest. UB.
4/16/2013 1:16:51 AM
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Barbed Wire On The Beach
91 Seconds - f/5.6 - ISO 100 - 17mm
Canon 5D Mk III - Canon 17-40 f/4.0L
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If you want to take a look at my March entries, they run from Sunset Skier to Haliaeetus leucocephalusMichelle - I pick Big, Bored Bear Here's my favorite for the month
4/17/2013 5:20:45 AM
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Jeff - you make it difficult - I'm torn between Evening Watch and Hiding. UB - I pick Blossoms and it was a beautiful tribute to your Mom. Good luck!
4/17/2013 1:58:51 PM
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Any guesses yet on the Finalist announcement date? My March entries run from Dream World - II on page 2 to In Harmony on page 3. Need some more participation in this thread as I would like to take a look at more of your wonderful work this weekend. UB.
4/19/2013 1:25:14 AM
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Usamn - Non-stop to neverland is my pick. Very cool! It's nice that the three of us are enjoying this conversation :o)
4/19/2013 5:32:22 AM
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I'd love to see more people join us. I'm stuck in bed recovering from sinus surgery, so I could use a healthy, fun distraction. The news is all so distressing in the world. It's nice to escape here to enjoy the beauty of the images and warmth of photo friends. Thank you sharing your time and talent, your wisdom and your friendship.
4/19/2013 5:47:32 AM
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Slender and Beautiful
iso 50, 180mm (Canon 180L macro w/2 ef25ii ext tubes), manual mode (f/3.5, 1/200 sec), timer/tripod, Canon ring light, cs5... Amaryllis bloom yesterday in the front room.
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Okay, okay, okay....I'll give this a try.. :-)
4/19/2013 8:08:18 AM
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Thank you Bob! I love your hopeful!!! If you tell us where to look in your gallery, we will try to make predictions too.
4/19/2013 8:14:33 AM
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Some are originals, some are resubs....my gallery is just in the order I up load....hard to tell where March contest specific images are.... But, you've got nothing better to do, so just cruise.... :-)
4/19/2013 8:21:08 AM
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Truer words! And, since I love your work, it's a beautiful distraction.
4/19/2013 8:23:08 AM
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The Reach
A fresh look at an old favorite - shifted framing and cleaned up background.
Category: Details and Macro
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I have several unusual (for me) personal favorites this month including "Two Story House" and "Coats, Hat Boxes and a Trunk", but I've decided to go with a rework of an old favorite that did, wonder of wonders, manage to pick up an EP :)
4/19/2013 8:29:03 AM
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Hmmm...love the Iko pic, but I believe that's an April entry. I do love the one you chose, but I also really love "Young and Old" and "Prim and Proper". Good luck!
4/19/2013 8:29:05 AM
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Oh, and since you're bed-ridden today - speedy and full recovery wishes!! - and if you have time, my March entries are on p. 7 just after my finalists. They go from "My Domain" (March 1) to "Rive Droite" (March 31).
4/19/2013 8:33:30 AM
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Oh Bob, I think Iko is March. I love that image!
4/19/2013 9:05:40 AM
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Nikki, I do love the one you chose. I also really love the tones and mood of River Droite and I think you should resub Tropical Star...it's a beauty!
4/19/2013 9:08:52 AM
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Cypress
Cougar Lake, Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville
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Here is my hopeful. Wish everyone success in the next round. Get your rest Michelle... Sinus surgery isnot an easy recovery! sorry for the pun.
4/19/2013 9:27:18 AM
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You think it's funny, but it snot! ;-) I'm going to go look through yours now Errick. Thank you for joining.
4/19/2013 10:02:56 AM
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That would be hard... I always throw my klenex away!
4/19/2013 10:05:50 AM
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Here's mine.
4/19/2013 10:12:00 AM
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Ready to Run
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Here's mine - take 2.
4/19/2013 10:13:32 AM
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Thank you Errick for making me giggle! I meant through your images - my favorites are "Spring Caught off Guard" and "Rocky Knoll." Thanks Carol for joining the discussion thread too! And, my pick for you is "The Taste of Defeat" - I just showed it to my hubby too and we both smiled. The tongue is too much!
4/19/2013 10:36:16 AM
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Thanks Michelle. I like your "My Little Man" he is always a ham in front of your lens. And all of your little gangster photos. Errick
4/19/2013 10:48:38 AM
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Thanks Michelle, I'm glad you liked it. I will get to looking through your gallery later today, but for now, gotta run. Feel better!
4/19/2013 10:49:47 AM
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Ahhh...Errick, thank you. Evan is a great little model for me. It kills me that my kids are growing up so quickly.
4/19/2013 10:51:30 AM
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Thanks for doing this thread yet again Shell...:) Here is my hopeful for March.. A new shot of my handsome brother and his guitar..
4/19/2013 10:54:41 AM
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tag..not picking any, since it's probably a waste of time.
4/19/2013 3:15:53 PM
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Michelle - JOY,
Jeff - Birthday Girl (A winner, IMHO),
Bob - Iko-1, Ball-0 (a wonderful take),
Nikki - Joigny & The Bliss of Solitude,
Errick - Joy Ride (A Big Winner, IMHO),
Carol - Eat my Dust & Life in the Fast Lane,
Kara - berry deliciousGood luck with these and your other hopefuls :) UB.
4/19/2013 10:07:21 PM
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Sorry I had already entered the other day and was not able to upload my image... Here it is..:)
4/21/2013 8:31:19 AM
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Thanks for your pick Usman, another fav. of mine!
4/21/2013 8:33:02 AM
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Library of Congress
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Michelle - lost in her thoughts
Jeff - Birthday Girl
Usman - Prayer Time
Nikki - Photographing ChicagoI think my personal favorite is Library of Congress My March entries are between the March and February markers in my gallery. Note: Take caution when editing sort order! My photos were totally rearranged, and I had manually clean up my March and April entries. I just left the others randomly sorted. Did I miss anyone? I think I've looked at all the ones where I knew the start/end of March. If I missed you, please let me know! I enjoy this. :)
4/21/2013 9:43:56 AM
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Sursum Corda
Another take on the west front of Washington National Cathedral, with the EFS10-22mm at 10mm, in strong late afternoon sun.
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March was a fair number of resubs for me. So here's a favorite resub (for the "Showing Motion" theme), and a favorite new entry, of the cathedral. Best of luck to everyone; with the odd behavior/change in EP flow that arose during March, it will be even more interesting to see the results!
4/22/2013 7:07:43 AM
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Spring
I went on a photowalk in my own backyard, and this is one of the photos.
It is a tuft of spring grass, young and yellowish, in bright light.
The gray-blue in the background is a wooden fence. I really liked how
the colors popped, and the little white points of "bling".
Basic adjustments in CS5.
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Not a lot to choose from for me, since I don't have many EPs for March, but here is my fave.Best of luck to everyone!
4/22/2013 7:09:04 PM
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I think its going to happen tomorrow, a Wednesday. UB.
4/23/2013 3:33:29 AM
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Marsh Wren marking its Territory
This time of year the Marsh Wren's are busy marking their territories and attracting females. The male will build several nests (sometimes up to 20). The male will show the nest to a female and if she selects it she will line it and lay eggs. Marsh Wrens are polygamous and may maintain families in two or more nests in their territory and sometimes will help feed the chicks. Females will often brood twice a year. Now I know why there are so many of them!
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As with many of you here - I don't seem to have as many EP's to pick from this month. I like this one but had my favorite passed over!
4/23/2013 3:20:08 PM
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I hope you are right UB. Smiles to everyone!
4/23/2013 5:12:28 PM
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All I know is that at the rate we're going, picking an April favorite is going to pretty easy!
4/23/2013 5:14:09 PM
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Oh my, I am sooo late tagging! I see lots of beautiful picks here but work is calling so I will have to choose later. My entries are on page 2 from Chasing the Blues Away to Quiet Time. Best of luck to everyone!
4/25/2013 5:23:43 AM
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Wonderful florals Susan. My pick is definitely "Chasing the Blues Away" and don't you just love that lens. Its the best value-for-money lens around, IMHO. UB.
4/25/2013 8:49:18 PM
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Stop and Smell the Flowers
11-week old Raven scoping out a potential food/toy target. F5.3, 1/60, 18-55m vr nikkor @46mm, iso800, sb600 flash. Texture effects accented edges)in PSE.March 26, 2013
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Thanks UB, Chasing would be my second pick but this is the one I'd like to see get a finalist (of course, those never do! lol). Oh and yes, for an inexpensive lens it does quite well!
4/26/2013 5:46:50 AM
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Finalists are out! Congratulations!!!! I picked right for a change...I'll drink to that! So happy for a reason to smile today. Fingers crossed for everyone in the next round. Cheers!!!
4/28/2013 3:19:23 PM
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One for me. I picked wrong, but who cares, I'm happy to have any finalist! Congrats to all the finalists and best of luck in the next round!
4/28/2013 3:27:54 PM
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3 for me. I'll take 'em and happy to have them!
4/28/2013 5:03:45 PM
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One for me and happy to have it! Best of luck to all in the next round!
4/28/2013 5:47:01 PM
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Congratulations to all the finalists and best of luck in the next round. I got one in Elements of Design it was taken in Hawaii at our hotel and it is of light and shadows. I placed it first in my gallery if anyone is interested.
4/28/2013 5:59:33 PM
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I always thought that the number of Finalists was proportionate to the number of entries but I am wrong.
January there were 10,600 entries and 708 Finalists selected. February there were 9,200 entries and 1,062 Finalist. March 8,600 entries and 751 Finalist. So apparently the ratio of Finalist/entries varies from month to month.
Just curious. My Finalist is for a photo that got an EP right away. Did any one of get Finalist on images that were passed over but then later recieved EP on the second round of selection?
4/28/2013 7:48:55 PM
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Irene, I've seen it vary from the highest rate of nearly 12 percent for March 2013, to a low of about 3 percent, I think. Kinda like the EP rate...it ebbs and flows. And there's no correlation to a low EP rate (for last month), versus the success rate for finalists...the rate for March was a little higher than normal. Chris Budny can probably give detailed stats. :-)
4/28/2013 7:55:17 PM
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Irene, yes, my finalist was initially passed over, then an EP showed up a bit later ... it is "Metallic" in Elements of Design.
4/28/2013 8:01:24 PM
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Big CONGRATZ to all the Finalists this month and good good luck in the next round. My above pick, as usual, was not-to-be amongst the Finalists but I am very happy to have got a few this month. UB.
4/28/2013 8:52:10 PM
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Ken, you're right - the percentage varies quite a bit. Last month set a record high (just over 11% made Finalist) while March came in just under 9%, yet had the lowest # of actual entries.)
The historical average (for my 88 months of tracking) is around 3.6% -- with the all-time low being just over 1%.
4/29/2013 5:25:25 AM
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It's good to know that Finalist are not an arbitrary number but rather all Finalist worthy images move on to be considered for winners.
4/29/2013 6:34:30 AM
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Oh, come on..all worthy images???? I don't think so. Not even close. I see photos every day that are more than just worthy that don't even get an EP.
4/29/2013 6:44:50 AM
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So glad you said this, Carolyn. I have seen so many passed over lately that should get a finalist but has no chance because they didn't even get an EPs.
4/29/2013 9:00:55 AM
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Big CONGRATZ to all the Winners in the March Contest. I am happy and feel lucky to have received one. UB.
4/29/2013 9:12:08 PM
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Hearty congratulations to all the awesome winners!
4/29/2013 10:34:01 PM
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Congratulations to all the winners! I feel quite lucky to have gotten one :)
4/30/2013 7:41:25 PM
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Susan J. Allen
Contact Susan
Susan's Gallery
member since: 8/20/2005
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67
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Contest Category Descriptions
Hi, I just read that the guidelines for contest categories had changed at one point, and I've been searching for about half an hour trying to find the page which describes the contest categories--as far as I can see it is not on the contest guidelines page. Can anyone help me out with a link or description of how to find it? Thanks!
4/12/2013 8:32:01 AM
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http://www.betterphoto.com/contest/categories.asp
4/12/2013 8:59:55 AM
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Thanks so much, Martha!
4/12/2013 10:38:12 AM
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Susan M. Smith
Contact Susan
Susan 's Gallery
member since: 3/22/2004
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68
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April 2013 - No EP Feedback Thread
This is a thread where we can post contest entries that did not receive an EP that you would like to receive constructive ideas on why and what could be improved on the image.Please leave feedback on the image here in this thread as many members do not wish to have those comments directly on the thread of the images. Members may want to upload a "Forum Only" copy of the image. Stay tuned for a possible BP Club for this discussion :) Happy Shooting!
4/8/2013 4:29:56 AM
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Tag. No EFPs so far, so I'm not sure if images have been reviewed.
4/8/2013 4:49:55 AM
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Tagging the thread
4/8/2013 5:46:31 AM
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Not sure whether to post any entries yet for feedback. Entries on 4/1 and 4/5 haven't gotten an EP, but it looks like no one has gotten EP's for anything in April yet.
4/9/2013 9:25:22 PM
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No EPs for me in April ...
4/10/2013 1:00:07 PM
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As far as I can tell no EFP have been given in NL since 4/1. So don't remove any images.
4/10/2013 5:05:05 PM
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I got an EP on my 4/1 entry but don't have another entry till 4/5.
4/15/2013 6:40:38 AM
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I got EPs for 1st and 3rd (both for EODs).
4/15/2013 8:21:33 AM
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I got one on the 1st and none since. Entered every day.
4/15/2013 10:49:47 AM
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OK - this is the one I really thought would get an EP. Now that people 2 or 3 people are seeing EPs on the 5th, it's obvious that this will be skipped over. I'd like some honest critiquing on the entire image. Cropping, title, post production, composition, category? Elements of Design:
March 04 – Wattle
Thanks, Susan - for providing this opportunity.
4/16/2013 8:51:18 AM
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Maybe the wrong category? I think it should have been Detail/Macro. Elements of Design suggest to me, man made devices and/or structures that have a design component either apparent or revealed by the image.
4/16/2013 9:25:22 AM
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Thanks, Ken - I'm thinking you might be right. That eod category has had its boundaries so blurred that I don't "get" why half the entries in it are in it!
4/16/2013 10:34:33 AM
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Btw, before I resubmit in close up/abstract, do you think it should be cropped in a little closer from the right side and bottom?
4/16/2013 10:36:27 AM
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You could try it and see what it does. I tried cropping it on screen and it looked good both ways. I do think I would try a different category. I have never understood some of the categories, sometimes even the entries make no sense.
4/16/2013 2:40:36 PM
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Thanks, Pat. In a couple more days (just in case they're erratic again), I'll try a half-way between crop and see how that looks.
4/16/2013 3:39:22 PM
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Wow! They are tough. I feel I'm shooting the best shot I've ever done. But I've gotten 0 on EFP... Disheartening!
4/17/2013 7:20:28 AM
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Here's my EOD entry for Apr 1---any thoughts would be appreciated.
4/17/2013 9:19:55 AM
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Here are a couple of things that came to mind. Having the double vertical frame dead center might have lessened the impact. More saturation and/or contrast might make it pop. One of my Finalists had more brilliant coloring (ID#13151852 ). Btw, out of all the entries that month, BP's choice surprised the heck out of me! This next one is so miniscule that it may not matter... The horizontal lines feel slightly off (left side dip). It's teeny teeny teeny, but felt off-kilter nonetheless. It sounds like a lot, but really isn't.
I've been noticing that some of my pictures which seem to pop on my laptop become dullish and/or noisy in my gallery entries. I went into great depth just because who the heck knows what they're looking for these days. Hopefully, others will add to my look at it. Did you enter it as an EOD? (that would have been my choice.)
4/17/2013 10:11:26 AM
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Thanks you Kathy for your quick and detailed response---I really appreciate it! I always worry that I will put too much saturation and contrast into my images so your thought that there might not be enough in this one is very enlightening! I actually did the symmetry in this image on purpose---but I think you are right that it might have ended up being detrimental to it in the contest. I swear I checked the level on this multiple times but again I think you are right about the slight off-kilter feeling. So thanks a bunch for your help!
4/17/2013 2:35:40 PM
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Connie - I must have done the scroll-test on every single horizontal line - and still wasn't sure. But then the whole image just kept feeling off (like 120th of an inch, which seems dumb.)
4/17/2013 2:54:47 PM
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BetterPhoto friends, Just in case you did not see my other posts, the EP is not gone. The Editor's Picks are still being rewarded for excellent entries. If there is a delay, it just means the judges are working hard on other stuff and will get back to it asap. We take great pride in that: * EVERY round is judged by a human being, a pro photographer.
* We work very hard, look at EVERY photo. * We do not take the photographer's name into account (when the contestant watermarks the photo, we of course can't control that.) * We look only for photographic excellence, beauty, inspiration, uniqueness... and the qualities of truly amazing photography. I greatly appreciate the love and energy that many of you have expressed in this thread and elsewhere. Your support means so much to me. Sincerely,
Jim P.S. P.S. I want to reiterate that the EPs are still being given out. :-) Help me spread the word.
4/18/2013 12:11:21 PM
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JIm ... this has happened to me before and is happening again. In wondering why some of my images have not received an EP, I look through every single image in that category, and I don't even see my images posted there! They show up on upload page as being in the right categories, but when I select those categories under current contest, the photos do not show up!!!
4/18/2013 12:45:29 PM
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Jim ... one question: If the judges look at every photo, why would an image I post in one week, which didn't get an EP, get an EP later in the month if I repost it in the same category? Are there different judges for each category throughout the month? I can't imagine that the same judge would pass up an image in one week and then give it an EP in another week.
4/18/2013 3:04:09 PM
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Hi Robert, For your contest entries, I look in my Member Center, under My Photos, then under Contest Entries. That's where I double check that my entry "went through." I know that BP has more than one judge in the later rounds, so it's possible that they may in the EP rounds, as well. They might take turns doing EP "duty." That might explain what you are describing?
4/18/2013 5:53:21 PM
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Thanks for your thoughtful response, Jim! Actually, the message Jim left on the March thread is a little more detailed, so I'll copy it in here too: I posting the following on another thread but, because it's important that the truth be expressed, I want to copy it in this thread too. But before I do, let me just give Susan a pat on the back for starting this thread. The original intent was to get and give feedback. I LOVE that! I always wish members did that more on every photo. We don't have time to offer constructive critique on each photo so it's AWESOME when members do so for each other. I highly recommend that you keep this up on these monthly threads and also do so on each photo. If you're concerned about judges reading it, don't be... the judges don't have time to read all the comments. And they prefer to stay out of it so a) they don't get erroneously influenced and, b) they don't see the member's name... so they can continue to judge without any bias. Keep the focus on constructive critique... *******
HERE'S MY NOTE ABOUT THE CONTEST
******* BetterPhoto friends, The EP is not gone. Please help me correct the misinformation that is being spread on this topic. The Editor's Picks are still being rewarded for excellent entries. EVERY round is judged by a human being, a pro photographer. We take great pride in that: we tell the truth, work very hard, look at EVERY photo, and do not take the photographer's name into account (when the contestant watermarks the photo, we of course can't control that.) We look only for photographic excellence, beauty, inspiration, uniqueness... and the qualities of truly amazing photography. I greatly appreciate the love and energy that many of you have expressed in this thread and elsewhere. Your support means so much to me. The reason why we don't answer often is that we have a lot of work to do. Yes, we promote our products; that is what any company does. We serve our clients with love and in truth, AND we work to get more clients so we can continue to grow. That's business. While we read everything, we don't often respond on these threads because we need to focus on work. And it's hard to want to respond when people are unfairly mean. We have a standard here of being constructive, supportive and helpful. Just like you would with a photographer, give thoughtful, encouraging, helpful feedback and live up to the standard of being constructive. If you would not say it about a fellow member or his/her photo, do not say it about me or BetterPhoto. Now I want to reiterate that: a) The EPs are still being given out. b) I love you all :-) c) I send you my blessings and look forward to seeing you continue to enjoy photography and pushing yourself to be your very best in your art. d) I really appreciate the comments and energy of helpfulness that I continually witness in most members. You know who you are, and I thank you from the deepest depths of my heart. If the forums and in your general conversation about BetterPhoto, please help me express what is true. Don't allow yourself to get sucked into meanness or mini-flaming. Just ignore it if someone lashes out in frustration... that is nothing, especially when compared to the amazing energy of camaraderie, friendly encouragement, and family that shine here at BetterPhoto. Sincerely,
Jim
4/18/2013 6:49:00 PM
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Would you please tell me which photo you like best? Double Trouble or Double Trouble 2.
4/21/2013 12:43:27 AM
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Double Trouble OR Double Trouble 2
4/21/2013 12:50:16 AM
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Hi Sharon. I like Double Trouble 2. The light on the top bird gives it more clarity. Details are fabulous. Both are amazing captures.
4/21/2013 4:56:16 AM
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Sharon - after opening them side by side, I'm still not sure why DT (1) appeals to me a tad more than DT2. The crop is slightly different but not enough to matter (maybe.) I think it's the tone of the blue. In the first one, it's slightly different but feels a little richer and so makes the cream colors of the birds pop a teeny bit more. The lighting is slightly darker in the first one but the contrast of the darker blue makes that unimportant to my eyes. As I said, the differences between the two are so minimal, that it's difficult to select. I'd be proud to call either image my own.
4/21/2013 4:58:09 AM
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I was going to try to give a "tie-breaker" opinion but I find myself agreeing with both opinions. The blue is better on the first (and the shadows under the wings wich I think are nice when darker) and the light on the birds is better on the second. How about overlaying #2 on #1, doing a hide all layer mask, and then brushing just the highlighted portion of the birds from #2 onto #1?
4/21/2013 5:08:13 AM
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Which! not wich! My keyboard is getting kind of sticky.
4/21/2013 5:09:41 AM
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Thank you all so much for your help. It is greatly appreciated. Tammy, the lighter one does seem to have more clarity but the sky
doesn't seem dark enough for me for some reason. Kathy, the crop is exactly the same... the contrast must make it look different. I agree with everything you
mentioned. Connie, I agree it is half dozen of one and 6 of the other. I don't
know how to layer so I can't do what you suggested. So, what I have done is I used the magic wand to highlight the sky and then darkened it leaving the birds with the lighter color as in
Double Trouble 2. Man, it's time consuming being a perfectionist. LOL
Here are the three side by side in order of darkest to lightest to make it easier to compare side by side.
1. Double Trouble (Original that has darkest gull & sky)
2. Double Trouble 3 (New and Reworked) Seagulls the same (lighter) as Double Trouble 2 but the sky is darker like the first one Double Trouble. 3. Double Trouble 2 (Original that was the lightest gull & sky)
Hope this all makes sense to you and I am so very grateful that you even take the time to read this as to make sense of it. :)
I'VE BEEN WORKING ON THIS ALL MORNING AND HAVE JUST FIGURED OUT HOW TO DO THE LINKS RIGHT AFTER MANY DIFFERENT TRIES. To bed way too late and up way too early and back to bed I will be going after I get this right. Well, at least I've learnt a lot and hopefully my mind will retain it :)
ALSO... YOU CAN GO TO MY GALLERY DOUBLE TROUBLE TEST PAGE AND COMPARE THEM SIDE BY SIDE THERE... whatever is easiest.
DOUBLE TROUBLE TEST
4/21/2013 1:11:09 PM
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PS: It wouldn't upload photos with the uploader so you have to use the link. Thanks again!!!
4/21/2013 1:18:28 PM
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DT3 gets my vote (and I'm really impressed with your "fix", Sharon. Btw, I have had trouble on and off with the uploader for the past few weeks too. It keeps saying that there are too many redirects and I need to grant permissions. Then, it works with no problem on the next attempt. Arggghhh!
4/21/2013 2:03:11 PM
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Kathy, thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I'm leaning towards DT3 now myself. I appreciate your feedback and kind comment. I can upload a photo on Internet Explorer but can't upload a photo with Firefox which is my preference. That is what must have been my problem I forgot Firefox won't let me upload a photo and forget 3. I was working back and forth between the two servers and a little sleep deprived.
Testing on IE with an experimental photo before trying this page as I didn't want to muck it up. Oh yes, IE kicks me out a lot and I have to sign in again. Real tolerant testers... I could grrrrrrrrrrrrr and arggghhh too!!! I see there's new EP just now.. they have a busy 10 days a head of them with EPs, Finalists & Winners. I hope they don't go over into May with the Finalists and Winners. I hate it when that happens... that's just not right. Well have yourself a great day and thanks again. I'm going to have breakfast and then a nap... thank heavens it's raining out anyways. :)
4/21/2013 2:20:22 PM
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I vote for DT3 also. :)
4/21/2013 2:30:15 PM
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I started with IE and ran into problems at DIC, so switched to Firefox (Foxfire?) Then that one became impossible to use and switched to Chrome. Why is it whenever a site "improves" things, it becomes my technical problem to "fix"? So frustrating.
4/21/2013 3:12:46 PM
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Thanks Connie for taking the time out to help me out. Kathy, I agree... and I don't always know how to fix it. Had my breakfast now I'm going to sit back and enjoy a cup of tea. TT4N
4/21/2013 3:35:08 PM
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Great work, Sharon. Will put my vote in for DT3 too.
4/21/2013 5:06:36 PM
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Ladies thanks for all your help working on and deciding what to do with Double Trouble. I decided to delete my first entry and go with DT3 tonight. Stupid me deleted it before I copied & pasted the two comments to the new image. It's been a long day.. no nap but lots accomplished. Have a great week... I will try to make it to all your galleries to take a look and drop a line. TTYL Sharon
4/21/2013 9:32:08 PM
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Is this something new to the new version galleries or has it always been there? I tested Susan's gallery and it doesn't happen with her photos but does on some of Tammy's & mine. When you run your mouse over your small thumbnails of your images it shows the name you have given your photo... not the title. I've never noticed it before and I don't like it. How about you? I know when they first changed things I couldn't name my photos before uploading them so just gave up on it so maybe they fixed it. Do you catch my drift? :)
4/21/2013 10:17:18 PM
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Hi Sharon,
I didn't get a chance to see the earlier entries but DT3 is excellent! Great job.Regarding the file names, it has been that way as long as I can remember. I don't like it either.
4/22/2013 8:03:28 AM
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Thanks, Martha. The earlier entries were the same two as in DT TEST before adding the DT3 image, so you saw all of them. I agree that DT3 is the one so I uploaded to the contest last night. I'm in spring cleaning mode and got a little carried away... should have waited a little longer before deleting them. Oh well... :) Also glad you agree about the thumbnails. I think it looks tacky. I just checked Kathy W and Connie B's galleries and theirs are the same as ours but Tammy A's has the correct title name. Maybe she could help us fix ours. Tammy would you please let us know how you upload your photos and how you get the correct title on your small thumbnails? We don't know how to fix it. It would be greatly appreciated.
4/22/2013 10:44:44 AM
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Hi Ladies. I see what you mean. Don't know if this will make a difference but I always go to My Photos, then under the Enter Our Monthly Contest I click on the Image Upload tab. That takes me to the page then. Let me know if that is different then how yous do it.
4/22/2013 12:11:56 PM
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Not sure why I didn't get an EFP for this. Any pointers as to why? It was entered under Animals...
4/26/2013 7:56:13 AM
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Here's the link to one of the photos I entered. No EFP as of yet. http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/dynoGallDetailMember.asp?photoID=13821283&catID=&camID=&zulu=&contestCatID=
4/26/2013 2:09:52 PM
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My gosling got skipped :(
4/27/2013 9:14:22 AM
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Beautiful image Leslie. I have no idea why it was skipped. Maybe composition... Try to use the thirds more...?
4/27/2013 11:42:09 AM
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This gosling is adorable and well captured. No idea why it didn't get an EF. Resubmit, it will get one and more next time! Got to get myself out there and find myself some babies to photograph. It's such a wonderful time of year for that. Love it!
4/27/2013 1:48:54 PM
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Ken and Leslie. Your birds may have been skipped for the same reason that I'm thinking that mine was - not a tight enough crop. I'm pulling mine and trying again - it's too darned good a shot not to be a Finalist or better (let alone having an EP.
4/27/2013 4:49:03 PM
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Unfortunately I was shooting on a 200mm on an APS-C sensor and I've already cropped the heck out of it. No resolution left.
4/27/2013 4:59:36 PM
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Mine is full-frame, so I could crop but I don't think that's the problem.
4/27/2013 5:06:37 PM
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Nuts! Too bad about the options.
4/27/2013 5:14:16 PM
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I've looked at these images several times and don't have any magic answers---I have a couple of images skipped this time that make me scratch my head too. I did have a couple of thoughts that I could share. Ken, the upper part of the background and the upper part of the bird are both dark. I think it is a lovely image with great composition but it might have done better in the contest if the background had been a contrasting color so that the bird popped out a bit more. I say that too, remembering some of the bird images that have won in previous months. Melissa, when I studied your image I realized that some of the bird is in focus and that mostly just his head and neck are blurred with movement---and I understand that the movement is what the image is about and I love the spraying droplets. But my eye just insists on going back to the bird's eye and it leaves me feeling like the whole image is out of focus even though it's not. Of course that could just be me and have nothing to do with what any judge thought. Leslie your little gosling is adorable and perfect. I'll share something that I just read the other day. When someone looks at a photo their eye is drawn first to the lightest thing in the photo---and that thing often compels the viewer to return again and again. So even though I really like the soft white flowers framing the gosling I think it's possible that they are so intensely white that they are drawing the viewer's attention away from your subject. I always hesitate to suggest things for fear that I will be totally wrong and hurt more than I help---but I know how good it feels to have a second person at least offer an opinion on a photo so I thought I'd try.
4/27/2013 5:38:58 PM
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Thanks for the input Connie!
4/27/2013 5:49:41 PM
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Connie - never be afraid to make suggestions, especially after it's already been skipped over (not before, unless asked.) Chances are that the judges may think something is wrong that we can't see ourselves. It's just another opinion, like the judges' (they could be wrong too.) Also, thanks for sharing that part about light spots catching one's eye - it's true I think. The other thing that always bothers me is when the crop leaves an open area off the edge or something sticks out into the picture for no reason. It always helps me to hear other comments - it's amazing how each of us can miss the teeniest flaw (that eventually becomes huge!)
4/27/2013 6:06:04 PM
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Tammy, thank you for your feedback on the image uploading. I've tried all the ways there are in Firefox and Internet Explorer and can't upload at all on some and get the same results on the others. I will have to email tech support. I've been saving up a bunch of glitches and problems I have noticed on the site to share with them when they don't seem so busy. Kathy, do you mean Brrrrrr? If so, what I see is... the bill of the little bird disappears into the black of the rest of it's feathers. Connie, thank you for you info on each image you commented on as I learnt a lot from what you said.
4/27/2013 6:23:50 PM
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To all who've given great feedback - thank you! I also learn so much. It's like seeing through different eyes and very enlightening. I have one or two I'll be posting once this weekend is over.It's very busy at the studio where I work due to Mothers day!
4/27/2013 6:40:54 PM
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Yes to Brrrrrrrr. I've been working on it, and will resubmit - not sure how soon. I've been getting this message a little too often lately (sometimes during an upload and sometimes on other urls.) Frustrating! "This webpage has a redirect loop
The webpage at [attempted url has resulted in too many redirects. Clearing your cookies for this site or allowing third-party cookies may fix the problem. If not, it is possibly a server configuration issue and not a problem with your computer. Error 310 (net::ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS): There were too many redirects."
4/27/2013 6:55:55 PM
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Yes to Brrrrrrrr. I've been working on it, and will resubmit - not sure how soon. I've been getting this message a little too often lately (sometimes during an upload and sometimes on other urls.) Frustrating! "This webpage has a redirect loop
The webpage at [attempted url has resulted in too many redirects. Clearing your cookies for this site or allowing third-party cookies may fix the problem. If not, it is possibly a server configuration issue and not a problem with your computer. Error 310 (net::ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS): There were too many redirects."
4/27/2013 6:55:55 PM
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Just did another test... I can upload from "Upload New Photo" on Firefox & Internet Explorer but I give it a title in IE and it still shows the file name in the small thumbnail in my gallery. When I use "Image Uploader" I get the message below. So I can't find out if in IE or FF if the title I give it would show up instead of the file name. Grrrrrrrrrr!
Page Error
The page you requested has an error. We have recorded the error and will attempt to fix it as soon as possible.
Tips and tricks: If you were writing an input - a question, comment, or discussion - use your browser's Back button to retrieve what you wrote.
If you received this error while trying to view a photo gallery, click the Refresh button on your browser. It often works when you try to access the page a second time.
If you got this error while trying to upload an image, make sure that the image is not too large. See the instructions on the previous upload page for specific info. The images are the right size so that's not the problem.
4/27/2013 7:46:19 PM
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Kathy, do you know how to clear your cookies?
4/27/2013 7:48:48 PM
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Yes, I clear them automatically and then I go through the entire list and take out any that are still in the list of visited sites. Sharon, I've gotten that message for a long time (error 310 is fairly new - with no changes on my end of things!) The Page Error that you've cited seems to happen after I upload several images and then try to edit them. I've learned to just add the title and/or description on maybe 3, and then go to the bottom and hit Submit. At that point, I can return to the latest uploads and edit the rest of them. If the description is the same for most of them, I keep a document open and do a copy and paste just in case BP dumps my efforts with the Page error. That way I don't have to retype it all.
4/27/2013 7:54:03 PM
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Never seen your problem Kathy. Regarding my problem check your small thumbnails in your gallery and you will see it has the long file name you gave it before uploading and not the title. Even if you give it the title name before uploading it still shows up the file name. Tammy Anderson has the title name and I suppose others must have to. Many have the file name like ours. ?????? Can't figure it out.
4/27/2013 8:14:51 PM
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Actually, I've been leaving my file number/name until I'm ready to enter it (date is in the description) and then I give it a regular title. I change it to a regular title name the day I enter the image.
4/27/2013 8:54:28 PM
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Actually, I've been leaving my file number/name until I'm ready to enter it (date is in the description) and then I give it a regular title. I change it to a regular title name the day I enter the image.
4/27/2013 8:54:28 PM
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Run your mouse over your small thumbnails and see what it says. It should have the title not the file name. There must be a way BP can have it so only the title shows and not the tacky file name. Mine are quite long and ugly. File number and title are two different things. When you change it on the day to enter it in the contest it should change to the title name and not stay with the file name on the small thumbnail. I hope I'm explaining it clearly, sorry if I'm not. Well, that's enough computer for me for the day. Have a good night everyone and have a blessed Sunday!!!
4/27/2013 9:22:59 PM
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Hi everyone! I've started a critique thread for May images not receiving an EP. Feel free to also post any April images with no EPs that you want to improve/resubmit! (apologies, I don't know how to embed links here!) http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/QnAdetail.asp?threadID=35967
5/9/2013 6:42:48 AM
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OK guys here is another anomaly in the judging system. If you look up in this thread I put in my little gosling as being passed over in April. It WAS passed over as it is my first entry for May's contest as a re-submit. It did get a May EFP - but low and behold it also got a finalist for April. It DID NOT get its EFP until May. Go figure.
5/27/2013 9:45:29 AM
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Leslie - the judges were still awarding April EFPs long into May, during the time when the EFP page was empty. Probably yours was among those.
5/27/2013 10:26:47 AM
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Ask Your Own Question
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Cheri McEachin
member since: 10/15/2006
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69
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APRIL EFP's
Hoping this is ok...:) good luck
4/7/2013 3:25:06 PM
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Thanks for posting this Cheri....
4/7/2013 4:34:38 PM
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Since I don't have any for April, I'll just tag..
4/7/2013 4:45:20 PM
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Tag Here's hoping :)
4/7/2013 5:09:12 PM
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Tag-none yet.
4/7/2013 5:14:34 PM
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Tag. None for me.
The silence is deafening.
4/7/2013 5:16:55 PM
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I'm thinking they are waiting for the 1/2 month before revealing them, then constantly being 2 weeks behind.
4/7/2013 5:19:15 PM
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Just tagging the thread.
4/7/2013 5:19:32 PM
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Just tagging the thread--I haven't entered any photos yet this month.
4/7/2013 6:13:58 PM
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None here either...
4/7/2013 6:45:29 PM
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I will join you all and tag the thread as well - none yet.
4/7/2013 8:32:02 PM
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Thanks Cheri for the April thread. Looks like you we're not late at all. None for me so far too, tagging. UB.
4/7/2013 10:30:10 PM
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Tag.
4/8/2013 12:18:03 AM
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It's April 8 and so far we are all tagging the thread, doesn't that seem strange?
4/8/2013 3:19:38 AM
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I think just a few EPs for the 1st have
come out..If anybody has seen one past the first, let us know here.
4/8/2013 4:21:35 AM
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Only 2 entries so far this month for me because work has been too busy. No EPs yet so I'm just tagging. I started a new April thread for posting and discussion on images that don't get an EP for those interested. http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/QnAdetail.asp?threadID=35950 Thanks Cheri and happy spring shooting, EP or no EP!
4/8/2013 4:36:28 AM
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Thanks for starting that auxiliary thread, Susan. I have an entry for the 4th that has me waiting with bated breath.
4/8/2013 5:55:43 AM
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or baited breath! geeze!
4/8/2013 6:57:33 AM
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Which one is it Kathy? I looked at your gallery but didn't see a specific entry album.
4/8/2013 8:19:09 AM
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Color Splash
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4/1 Flowers
4/8/2013 9:48:08 AM
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Well, I like my two barns, but it's the "Wattle" one that has me hoping. That's also the one that is entered as an EOD and which will be resubmitted as "Animals" later on - if need be.
4/8/2013 9:54:44 AM
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I'm not surprised....
I haven't received any EP's either...
4/8/2013 10:30:00 AM
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Tagging to follow along.
4/8/2013 11:48:01 AM
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Congratulations Lola on the EFP! Very well deserved.
4/8/2013 12:05:56 PM
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Shaving Brush Tree
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One for me from the first.
4/8/2013 12:07:36 PM
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I don't remember how to do one that actually links to the gallery. Just uploaded it again for here.
4/8/2013 12:10:37 PM
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A reliable source told me this morning that they had two editors that are not even photographers-could explain a lot, but take it for what it is-hearsay....?
4/8/2013 1:18:24 PM
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I've heard the same thing for years. I believe it's true.
4/8/2013 2:38:50 PM
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That explains a lot!!
4/8/2013 3:21:09 PM
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Tag! Nothing yet. Have two in. We shall see. God Luck everyone!
4/8/2013 3:32:58 PM
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Tag.
4/8/2013 4:23:04 PM
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No EP's for me either.
4/9/2013 5:04:36 AM
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I think a lot of people are not commenting on other's photos either, because they are depressed about not getting EFPs and the judging on the contest. In other words, not a lot of "sharing" going on.
4/9/2013 5:16:10 AM
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I agree, Nancy. Not a lot going on around here. Boring for sure.
4/9/2013 5:27:44 AM
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I always used this thread as a jumping off place - following the links to the images, then to that photographer's other images, and finally following the links of others who had also commented. That latter move led me to "meet" many additional members. I used to start each day with New Arrivals, but quickly become bogged down when the professional portrait photogs uploaded all their even pictures. One person could cover 3 - 10 screens of thumbnails. That's when I started sticking with Cheri's thread as the starting point.
4/9/2013 6:40:25 AM
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Just a thought: if BP no longer wants to sort through the numerous contest entries and only has a few people selecting EP's, why don't they let us choose. We can vote daily, or whenever, per category. At the deadline those with most votes get into the contest for finalists, then winners...judged by pro judges. It would create a lot of site activity and still give the photographer judging by a professional at the finalist/ winner level. I know that other sites offer something similar, but none that have pro judges. Except Nat'l Geo, of course.
4/9/2013 7:03:56 AM
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The problem with us voting is it's always a popularity contest..That's one thing I never do is enter contests where the members vote. Of course if they did that, it would give me a good excuse to not enter, and that would give me a good excuse to not stay at BP..so maybe it's a good idea after all.
4/9/2013 7:21:28 AM
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And Kathy, here's where to look if you just want the new contest entries...
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/dynoGallMember.asp?pageID=1&catID=560&contestCatID=&camID=&zulu=
I just saved it to my favorites and when I want to see what's new, that's where to go. Only contest entries go in there.
4/9/2013 7:24:39 AM
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Carolyn you are so right about that. I would not be entering either.
4/9/2013 7:48:13 AM
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Oh we'll, just a thought. And on 2nd thought...I agree with you guys :)))
4/9/2013 8:33:05 AM
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Yeah...I hate popularity contests...I'm not popular, so I guess that's why I hate them! I would NOT be entering either! Yet another reason to vacate this place!
(still no EP's....go figure)
4/9/2013 10:21:32 AM
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I'm beginning to wonder what the criteria is for selection. There are a bunch of photos getting passed over. I'm hesitant to put anything in the contest anymore without knowing what's going on. I don't enter many anyway, but still...... I do know a person doesn't have to be a member to enter the contest now. BTW, has anyone here ever gotten and explanation from Kerry about the changes that are coming?
4/9/2013 10:43:13 AM
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I'm beginning to wonder what the criteria is for selection. There are a bunch of photos getting passed over. I'm hesitant to put anything in the contest anymore without knowing what's going on. I don't enter many anyway, but still...... I do know a person doesn't have to be a member to enter the contest now. BTW, has anyone here ever gotten and explanation from Kerry about the changes that are coming?
4/9/2013 10:43:15 AM
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I finally found the "New Entries" link (long ago forgotten) and started following it. But, for some reason, I ended back in the "New Arrivals" (maybe). At least, it seemed that way unless one of the wedding photographers was entering every single picture he/she took. Btw, 1st/2nd/4th/7th - nothing yet. Oh well, we'll all be able to figure out the Finalists and Winners before they're announced, won't we?
4/9/2013 11:49:33 AM
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I'm tagging, too.
4/9/2013 12:11:59 PM
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Kathy,
If you will go to the top of this or any page at BP, put your cursor on the tab that says "CONTEST", and choose "RECENT ENTRIES" from the drop down menu - it's the 2nd one - you will be fine. There is no need to save a link and no way that I can see to get into New Arrivals if you do this.
4/9/2013 12:41:31 PM
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Nikki - that's the route I followed - although, this time, I'm cruising the NEs by category - it seems to be more efficient. I'm thinking that a lot of bridal pictures really were entries before and I never did "leave" the link I wanted.
4/9/2013 1:23:38 PM
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Tag, ya'll are it! :-)
4/9/2013 11:30:48 PM
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It's pretty obvious to me what is going on: Increasing the number of people who sign up for courses. When a majority of photos were getting EP's, there was not much incentive to pay for courses to improve your skill with a camera. Now, with far fewer EP's being given out, and even photos that really deserve an EP not getting one, I am sure that the powers that be in Better Photo think that more people will be motivated to take courses. Probably a good business move by BP. I expect they will get some more students in their classes once people get over the feeling of satisfaction they had when the BP's were being given out freely, probably too freely, and start feeling anxious. Others, like me, will move on to other things. I've taken 3 courses in the past, have no intention of taking any more from BP, don't feel my life depends on getting a EP, and don't like
thinking I am being manipulated.
4/10/2013 6:21:58 AM
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I'm with you, Ken. I, also have a b/g in photography, trained to take crime scenes, using b/w film-a very long time ago, but you don't forget your skills when a case might depend on them. Although I was not specifically thinking about the ROTs, I had to have good lighting (a very high speed of film) and produce a detailed series of photos along with other documentation. I, also have taken three BP classes to brush up on digital lighting and composition. Those of us that have been here at BP at least 3 years, and have paid attention to what has been happening, surely cannot fail to see the changes regarding everything going on in the administration that has had affected the membership, especially the oldest members, and their complaints. In my experience, it is the squeaky wheel that gets noticed, but mostly to their detriment. BP is a big business like any other that will change regardless of the feelings of their customers, preferring to line their pockets instead. Our membership does not run their business, it is run by the proceeds of the classes offered to all those new members coming in. It is sad that they have no loyalty to the old guard, but it is what it is. The photo world online has changed in the last 3 years, finding many more choices online than ever before that are competitive with BP, and I personally know that there are others, including me that take classes from these places that have highly-regarded world renowned photographer/teachers too. I am sticking with BP for the time being, but my interest is waining as I see many respected amateurs as well as serious professionals leaving and going elsewhere- so sad, but it is not a new story.
4/10/2013 7:56:02 AM
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I like your thought line there, Ken. I'm in my second course at BP and I'm really not very satisfied with it. I'll finish it,but no more for me. I joined BP for the camaraderie and fun. The camaraderie is still great, but the rest well....that's still up for debate. I have found another place to take classes and I'll try one there to see if I like it or not. My membership for BP isn't up for a while, but renewing may not be something I do. I sure to enjoy the fun of the couple of club I'm in and the forum here! You guys, rock!
4/10/2013 7:58:10 AM
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I think you're right Ken..... Very well put!
4/10/2013 2:02:37 PM
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Tag. No EPs.
4/10/2013 2:05:50 PM
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My sentiments exactly Ken. No coincidence that all of this has happened at the same time. I get emails all the time about classes. In stead of making me want to take one, it is having the opposite effect on me. I don't like the feeling of being manipulated. I am older and my tolerance for BS has diminished greatly over the years. I paid the 2 for 1 but not sure how long I will submit. Like everyone has said, there are other fish in the sea.
4/10/2013 2:22:50 PM
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What BP has going for it is these forums. Nobody I've seen has anything nearly this good. Not where you can communicate with each other and stuff can be seen by the group.
4/10/2013 3:04:12 PM
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I agree Carolyn but fear that this communication will die down if BP decides to continue to lack communication about the contest and give out EP in a timely manner. Yet they sound out at least two emails a day concerning classes, self paced courses and website.
4/10/2013 3:30:48 PM
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That's true!
4/10/2013 4:08:49 PM
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I rarely comment on this thread…..but this BP site is not too fun to pull up in the mornings with your cup of coffee any more.
4/10/2013 4:56:21 PM
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Yeah, Anita. I don't get why anyone would run their business this way. Their paying customers ought to take priority. I'm about ready to call it quits.
4/10/2013 5:41:40 PM
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I took that two-week class (a new concept) called "Snow Photography" with Jim Zuckerman. It was my first course and I really enjoyed it - especially, as it coincided with my trip to Niagara Falls in the Winter. I learned quite a bit, received very positive feedback from Jim, and had one of my images get a POTD. Yet, not one of them was recognized as a Finalist, let alone took a place anywhere on the Winner's List for February. I know that the competition is stiff. I know that there are photographers who are eons ahead of me technically (both in-camera and post-production wise.) I also know that having my images do well at BP is a rare occurrence. I also know that there were disappointing moments for me every month, but nothing that dimmed my enthusiasm. Lately, it's been harder to keep up that kind of enthusiasm here. If it weren't for the non-photographers in my "real world" who think I'm a great photographer and my supportive friends at BP, it would be easy to doubt my abilities. It also doesn't hurt that one of my images was chosen by the Detroit Historical Society (after a long search for just the right picture) to become a 10-foot mural in the maritime museum, which will hang for 15 years. BP did give me an EP at the end of February, but didn't think it was good enough for a Finalist. I'm betting that most of you (especially, those of us middle-of-the-road photogs at BP) are feeling pretty much the same. Bummer!
4/10/2013 6:17:58 PM
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I would hope that folks don't second guess their abilities here. There is obviously a ton of talent and vision coming from the members. Once BP is able to look back in retrospect at their actions, or lack of, they will be embarrassed, or should be, of their business practices. If people leave, which many will, they should not feel bad of doing so. If I didn't respond to my customers in a timely fashion, I would be fired too. You need to do your job to retain your customers..period.
4/10/2013 7:48:05 PM
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Kathy, I totally agree with your comments. I don't get many EP's or finalists for that matter. I know there are many photo folks on here who are leagues ahead in abilities over me. They've worked pretty hard to get there, too. WTG! However, my enthusiasm is dimming for BP. I keep getting emails on classes and I'm already in one. I'm not all that pleased with it. The first class I took was a good one. Any more in my future here at BP, I doubt it. I don't feel encouraged to put in for the contest anymore since I have no idea what is a good photo or not. I have read what "rules" about what they consider a good photo, but too many excellent ones are being passed over and some not so good are getting in. But, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I do enjoy reading this forum and looking at the fellow photog's galleries. You guys are inspiring! BP, like many other companies, are forgetting their base. It's like the satellite TV company offering signup specials to get new business and they don't do anything for the folks that have been there for a while. Maybe BP could offer a half-off a 4 or 8 week class for members who have been here for a year or more. Kinda doubt it.
4/11/2013 7:10:38 AM
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Tag - just so I can find the thread if they make it private again! No EP's yet.
4/11/2013 10:36:13 AM
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I just read the ABOUT on better photo. It does not seem that the contest is a primary focus. It's about becoming a better photographer through classes and relationships. I came to BF because of the contest and maybe I should re-evaluate.
4/11/2013 11:25:17 AM
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Ken, I think a bunch of folks are going to re-evaluate. I've already been searching for place to takes classes. I've taken two here and really only liked one. Of course, I haven't taken from more instructors, but......the contest was a nice added benefit! Alas, but not anymore! No more entries for me at least for now. Stick a fork in me; I'm done with the contest.
4/11/2013 11:49:56 AM
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It is troublesome to read the posts in this thread and others that indicate that many BP members have allowed themselves to become so dependent on getting an EP that they are unsure of the value of their photos if they are not given an EP. Ask yourself, what do we know about the people who do the first review when the EPs are handed out. Are they qualified to make an evaluation, do they even have enough time to carefully look at a photo. Read the post of Kathy W, for example. She received very positive feedback from Jim Zuckerman, someone I know from having taken 3 courses from, but not of them was a finalist, not even the one featured as a POTD. Doesn't that tell you something? Then what about the photo selected by the Detroit Historical Society after an extended search for the right photo, to become part of a 10 foot mural in a very prominent location. That photo didn't get a finalist either. What difference does it make if your photo gets a EP if you are pleased and others you sow it to are, too? Ask yourself, have you become addicted to EP's, do you base your sense of self worth as a photographer on whether or not you get an EP?
4/11/2013 11:55:32 AM
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My own self-worth is not as much in question as my self-worth as a member of BP. I like my own work (a lot, actually) but wonder why I'm not living up to BP criteria. Feedback is important to me, which is why I backed out Jim M's latest class. It's also why I became active at BP. The "All or Nothing" at Digital Image Cafe wasn't giving me any sense if I was growing. The EPs were in a sense a first step. If an image made Finalist, that was one more step (although, goodness knows some of those choices had me scratching my head!) I've made one Winner in all this time and one POTD. I'd prefer to have true critiquing, because I honestly don't know if it's my photographic talents or my post-productive skills that are lacking (or if either.) I recognize outstanding images and many times see that quality in my work. Other times, I can see why some images are going nowhere. In lieu of critiquing at BP, I rely on the contest steps to help me do some self-evaluation and to compare my work against others (good learning tool.) Gosh, I'm starting to feel as though I'm on the Photo-Psychiatrist's couch! loll
4/11/2013 12:16:04 PM
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Kathy Wesserling,BP is a business organization, first, last, and always. They are not getting income from the photo contest and giving EP's does not benefit them. Quite the contrary,it costs them money to give out EP's because they have to pay the secretaries, or whoever they use (maybe the custodian, too) to glance at the photos and pass out the EP's. What they want is people to sign up for courses. If they aren't signing up in sufficient numbers when EP's are given daily, thinking they really don't need to pay hundreds of dollars because they are already doing pretty good work with a camera, then why not stop giving EP's so people get anxious and sign up for classes because they conclude they need to improve their skill so they can again get EP's. Is one of the earlier posters pointed out, do you think it is a coincidence that at the same time we are being bombarded with messages tying to sell us the "whole enchalada" that the EP machine has been turned off? BP is a business, never forget it. Their goal is not to give you a sense of worth as a photographer, their goal is to cause you to take courses. Withholding rewards is a technique often used to get children to do what you want them to do. Now it is being used on you and the rest of us. Unless you recognize that, you will continue to check your gallery hoping to see a BP, continue to read threads like this hoping for news. See EPs for what they really are. A tool to help BP achieve its business goals.
4/11/2013 1:10:25 PM
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Well, anyway for those with photos in for this month - Good Luck! I hope we have some winners here! I'm still a tag for the two I have entered. That's okay. This is a very subjective art form and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Kathy W, I'm in your boat on this one. I like to get the EP because at least I know I may have done something right on a particular photo if it's actual photographers that are judging. It has nothing to do with my self-worth either. It's just one very small accomplishment for me. It may be small, but it's still there. Lol Have a nice evening everyone! :-)
4/11/2013 1:51:59 PM
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The reason EPs have any importance at all is that if you don't get one, you know that photo is out for the month and you can decide if you want to resubmit it in the future. Otherwise they mean very little. Nobody is judging at that stage anyway, but without one, there can be no finalist.
4/11/2013 1:58:00 PM
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Kalena, yes, if it is actual photographers judging, and if they have time to really consider every photo. That we don't know, and it is very unlikely we will ever be told. Personally, I don't in my mind's eye see professional photographers going through all the photos submitted each month. BP's are a business tool. Their first use was to attract a large pool of people who are interested in photography and, therefore, potential students. That goal has been accomplished. BP has a huge base of potential students, a huge number of email addresses. The fish, who have been kept interested by EP's are on the hook are now being reeling in.
4/11/2013 2:47:05 PM
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I must not be on the hook yet because I'm not being reeled in.
4/11/2013 2:50:36 PM
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Ken I dont think people are falling for this hook line and sinker as you think. In fact I think they are having problems getting classes filled. Look at the latest scheme. I received 1-2 emails daily about getting the whole enchilada. Yesterday was the final final final time to take advantage of the offer. Whats in my email from BP this afternoon, same offer but now its a strange but true story. Give me a break.
4/11/2013 2:57:13 PM
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I agree, Jackie. This just makes be know for sure I don't want to take a class.
4/11/2013 3:02:01 PM
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With the economy the way it is, I can understand folks not taking classes. I had to save up to take the one I'm in now, but I'm sure tired of all the email touting the self-paced classes and stuff. I get at least one a day. Sometimes more. Like, Tammy, it turns me off. The reel in' in is over for me after this class. No more for me. I'll stick to the couple of clubs I'm in and the forum.
4/11/2013 3:08:28 PM
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I was trying to add a link in my deluxe website and it didn't work. When I deleted it, it now shows the BP home page.(not my gallery-so that is what anyone visiting will see) I had to send BP an email asking for help. Do you think someone will help me? I'm really concerned because it seems obvious that communication is a problem. Yikes!
4/11/2013 3:09:14 PM
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Jay Wadley [jawadley@gmail.com] is very responsive - I have used him frequently for web site questions and problems.
4/11/2013 3:22:12 PM
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Thanks so much Rona! If I don't hear back soon I will keep him in mind :)
4/11/2013 3:24:10 PM
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Jackie, I guess I didn't make my point clearly. I am absolutely sure that they are not getting the number of students that they want. If they were, they wouldn't be playing their game with the contest and EP's. They are hoping that by withholding the EP's they will cause at least some of us to get anxious enough to sign up for classes in the belief that will help get EP's for our images. Those who are worried because today is April 11 and we have not yet gotten an EP, and wonder whether anybody has are viewed, I'm sure, by BP as good prospects. And that some will weaken if the pressure is maintained and sign up for classes. That is what I meant by reeling in. They must be desperate if the number of messages, last chances, etc., that we are being bombarded with are any indication. Maybe they are even having to lay off the secretaries who did the screening for EP's Time will tell.
4/11/2013 3:26:25 PM
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Rona is right. Jay is the smiley face of BP.. He rarely fails to get an answer, but I don't know if anybody else even tries.
4/11/2013 3:26:37 PM
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Thanks Carolyn! I really appreciate it:)
4/11/2013 3:41:25 PM
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I think Ken is right but I am not being reeled in!
4/11/2013 4:08:26 PM
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Sorry I'm a bit off subject here..... But for those interested Jay helped me immediately! My problem is now fixed!
4/11/2013 4:14:40 PM
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Thats awesome Chris
4/11/2013 4:18:17 PM
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No EP's for me this month..... oh well.
4/11/2013 4:57:10 PM
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Me either Harriet but I have gotten a few hearts from people. That feels actually more wonderful than an EP. :)
4/11/2013 4:59:52 PM
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Tag,none for me.
4/11/2013 5:21:09 PM
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Ken, I'm not 100% convinced that BP is withholding the EP because of the lack of class sign-ups. I have no idea where BP gets all its revenue. I suspect some comes from the classes, and some are from the annual gallery renewals or the pro/deluxe websites. I agree with you that BP is a business. And in this Internet age of start-up companies, I give BP credit for being viable for so many years. And hopefully for many more. But from a business point of view, it makes sense to be responsive to its customer base. Or at least the portion of BP that enjoys the contest. There's no harm in awarding EPs in a timely and consistent manner...realizing there will be times when other priorities preclude daily EP updates. And if they are consistent in the percentage of EPs, then it's easier for folks to gauge their growth. I've seen many folks discouraged because they did not get an EP, when the rate was 25%. Their photos were great; the EP picker was more stringent. And when the rate was 80%, everyone was happy and I suspect some got the false sense that they had improved, because many of their photos got an EP. I'm not a business expert...but based on the amount of feedback I'm seeing on the forum, many are getting disgruntled...and disgruntled people will leave. Some already have. And that means loss of revenue for future galleries or classes. I hope BP keeps the contest going. It was the main reason I joined BP many years ago. And I'm glad I did, because I've met many great friends here...and have kept my joy of photography alive. It's been a near-daily part of my life since 2005. I don't know the direct or indirect costs for running the contest, but I believe BP feels it's a foundational part of their income..a viable contest brings in people...more chances for them to purchase galleries/classes. Take it away, and the reverse happens. Well, I typed more than I had planned and I hope I haven't offended anyone. I love BP. People are unhappy. I hope BP does a better job with its customer relations. Just a simple response in the forum...not just to the EP thing, but anytime there's a major issue/question...followed by verifiable action, would allay many concerns.
4/11/2013 5:26:00 PM
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Thank-you, Ken Smith you said it well.
4/11/2013 5:41:55 PM
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Just tagging too....and hopeful! :-)
4/11/2013 5:59:10 PM
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As I said, Ken, we'll see. But I don't think BP owes me anything. And I don't think what I pay for my gallery covers much of their expenses, especially since as a revenue getting measure they give 2 years for the price of 1 for renewal. I don't think the contest was ever intended to be a public service measure, I believe the intention was to build a following. When they switched from 255 to 80% EP's, I think that was to hold onto their following and increase it. Getting more to enroll, being the goal. My belief is that now times are very tough for BP due to the economy and people are not signing up for courses in sufficient numbers to give them the revenue they want/need. If I were in BP's shoes, I wouldn't care if somebody like me left. I'm not going to take another course. They got all they are going to get from me in course fees when I took 3 four years ago. Regarding my gallery, I think it costs them more to have somebody look at my submissions to the contest than they get from me for the 50% of the annual fee I pay for my gallery. I don't know, either, what is going on. Maybe they are downsizing and don't care if those whose only interest is the contest and, maybe, the forum leave. Maybe they have had to cut staff and can't continue reviewing photos as previously. Sure, I liked getting EP's and finalists, as well as the 2nd place I got for a recent photo, but if I never get another I will not lose a minute of sleep. In fact they may be monitoring this thread now and have already put me down as a trouble maker. In any case, we'll see.
4/11/2013 6:12:04 PM
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Just tagging...none for me.
4/11/2013 6:32:20 PM
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No EPs is not a very good feeling of course, and I would miss them if they are gone for good. However, at the same time, I do realize that we are amid a changing environment at BP, as the management have earlier communicated to us all!!! There may have been a lot more changes to the way the contest is run which we are totally unaware of, and hence are not worried about. EPs or lack thereof, is the only big change each one of us has noticed and mostly disliked, and probably rightly so. CHANGE, by its nature, is always difficult to digest and largely disliked, but it is also responsible for being the engine of growth and improvement in many facets of life. I love BP for all it is and especially because of the wonderful community/interaction/friendships/inspiration/ learning so on ans so forth which it has provided to us all. So I, for one, am just HANGING ON to weather this storm. UB. PS: This change would have been much easier to digest, had BP elaborated a little bit more on the new methodology being adopted but then again, they have always been mum about the nitty gritty of running this contest and probably they will keep silent this time too!!!
4/11/2013 9:43:15 PM
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If EP’s continue to be the selection criteria for the images to advance in the contest and this sudden change in the way the images are being judged ( that is from almost every image with a EP badge to very few selected ones) , it would be very interesting to see the contest result for March when released later in this month ( because very few images got EP’s last month) ……how many finalists and winners are coming out from it ..... I agree with what ken said . The one simple reason as why I have managed to be around for so many years in BP is the fact that I love BP and the ecosystem around it.... I did not join BP for contest though, I joined BP to ask questions back in 2001 after I bought my first SLR and was overwhelmed by the responses from all those wonderfully friendly members who were around then and even Jim himself and that legacy has continued over all these years and along with the contest the wonderful BP community members are its biggest assets, even now....since 2001 and after I rejoined and started entering the contest from 2006, whatever little I have learnt , I owe a great deal from the BP ecosystem – the contest, the inspiring images , all you wonderful people out here and some of the friendships that I’ll always cherish . They have managed to run this site and the contest successfully for many years now and that’s quite an achievement and I would not like to discard BP for bringing in uncomfortable changes and not talking about it, just yet……also we don’t know if the change that we saw last month is going to be the new norm …..members are not happy because they want to know what’s going on and I don’t see any harm with at least a response here in the forum from someone in BP…… they can definitely do a much better job in responding to the concerns of its own members and should make visible efforts to hold the BP community together because if it starts breaking , I am not sure how many of us will be interested to only enter the contest for a Winner/Finalist Badge....
4/12/2013 1:30:12 AM
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I did get a new EP for April 1st last night.
4/12/2013 1:30:50 AM
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I didn't get one for the First April but I see an EP under the Apil 2nd image. I guess the EPs will be rolling out soon for more days today!!! UB.
4/12/2013 1:51:16 AM
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4/1.. Skipped
4/2..Landscape..We Think He Walks On Water
4/12/2013 2:13:18 AM
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My Mother No EP Yet!
April 1, 2013 ~ ~ ~ Digital Darkroom Melbourne Gold
April 2, 2013 ~ ~ ~ Travel & Place QVB
April 3, 2013 ~ ~ ~ Elements of Design
4/12/2013 3:17:43 AM
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TAG-nothing for April yet : (
4/12/2013 6:55:03 AM
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A Touch of Green
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Woo-hoo!!! An EP!!!!!!!
4/12/2013 7:01:20 AM
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So, I've been reading this thread because I've certainly noticed all the changes in handing out EP's lately. I sent them an e-mail asking what was going on with the EP's and why they are so scarce. I mentioned that I got them regularly and now hardly any. I said I don't think my photography skills have changed for the worse from last month to this month. lol They responded "There have been no changes in the judging criteria". That was it. I'm like, "Really?" I know I'm not the best either, but let's at least be consistent. As a test I submitted a color version of a b&w that had gotten an EP earlier in the month to see what would happen. It did not get one. Really? Seems random to me. And I've sure noticed a lot of good pictures not getting one that normally would have. I'm with y'all. All the e-mails they are bombarding me with do NOT make me want to take a course. And being treated in a condescending manner makes me rethink things.
4/12/2013 7:26:08 AM
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For you Facebook members...
https://www.facebook.com/BetterPhoto.comOfficialPage?fref=ts
4/12/2013 7:49:59 AM
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Another one:
4/3..MT..The Golden Hour
4/12/2013 1:47:59 PM
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Tag! This EP issue reminds me of when I first started BP...took me a year to get my 1st! ...
4/12/2013 1:51:46 PM
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I've been on a long driving trip this week to Oklahoma City and when I returned this afternoon, there seems to be a lot going on in this thread. The one thing that I found strange is that I had a March entry (very, very early in the month) that got a March EP while I was gone. That image had been entered over 5 weeks. Still nothing in April.... I'm very confused about the March entry.
4/12/2013 4:30:35 PM
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I also just within the last few days got some March EP's. Very strange. On a side note.....sorry you had to come to OKC this week. Yucky weather we had!
4/12/2013 4:48:03 PM
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Thanks Tammy. I always enjoy my trips to OKC. I just wasn't expecting ice. I meet with my contacts at Hobby Lobby's Corp offices on Wednesday and they are always such a pleasure to see.
4/12/2013 5:30:24 PM
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April - No EFP's You know...some of us have said we could live without the contest having EFP's...but check this out. How will we feel entering a contest knowing that no one is even looking at them? Or just randomly? At least if we get EFP's a lot (when they are technically sounds etc) we know someone was looking at them. Right? I am all in favor of EFP's and being able to keep an eye on knowing someone is looking at them. No EFP's anymore (ever) means they can get away with no one there judging them properly. We know they are not being judged properly this very moment because EFP's are still in effect. Discontinue EFP's and who knows what they are doing down there.
4/12/2013 11:43:04 PM
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Weathered Spokes
April 2013
Elements of Design
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EP for April 2 - Weathered Spokes - Elements of Design.
4/13/2013 7:07:35 AM
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Opps went to March thread by mistake: OK, I have a question! A recent POTD at:
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/dynoGallDetail.asp?photoID=13659864 Are my eyes off, or is this photo totally blurred? Is this a special technique I have not learned yet? Hope I am wrong, but this photo to me is not a POTD quality that I am used to seeing or trying to perfect! What do all of you think? THANKS...
(also, this is not against the photographer, just a question about the photo!)
4/13/2013 7:12:43 AM
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TAG!! Sometimes It' not good being at the end of the alphabet!!
4/13/2013 8:16:31 AM
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Nancyj, I would have to agree with you. As one who is very familiar with DDR, I have tried many different treatments on many different things including flowers. In my trained eye I'd say he was trying to attain a 3D look with a special filter and was not quite successful. Had it been my image, I'd have started with a more in focus image (the flowers themselves) and better smoothed the edges of the flower when I lassoed them. Interesting that he got and EP then Finalist and didn't even list his treatments. When my work looks this far off from it's original state I'd better say WHY underneath, and I do! The only spots in this entire photo that are in focus are; one spot on the top flower and then the little purple "Fairy Shoes" for pistols on the lower flower. Maybe this is what completely dazzled the judges??? I'm sure Joe is a fine photographer. I would say this is nice and it is pretty, Filled with color but not POTD quality. I have seen hundreds of new entries pass my screen since all of this started that would have topped 4/10's POTD but who am I to judge? Lol...At least somebody got one. HeeHee... I know a lot of photographers do not list their treatments under their images. It is their choice and option to not give away their "secrets" but I like to do this so others can learn from what I make if they like it. It's just another great way of sharing on BP as a family here. I'd have liked to have understood what he had in mind better to appreciate what he did. Maybe I missed something? -Laura :)
4/13/2013 8:56:17 AM
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Tag for me too as nothing for April...
4/13/2013 9:01:33 AM
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Nancy---that flower photo of the day image IS blurred. I use blurring for some effects but I don't personally care for it in this image. It would not be a photo of the day in my book.
4/13/2013 9:44:22 AM
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I miss the fun of the more frequent EPs, but I have to admit that it has loosened my grip a bit on the contest, in a good way. I fully expect that the last two images I posted, Employee Parking and All in a Day's Work, will NOT get EPs. But that's okay ... they speak to me, and maybe to no one else, but I find that expression just for the sake of expression is liberating ... Shame on me for placing too much emphasis on the contest until now. Not saying that I wouldn't like to succeed of course! My one EP so far this month was still most welcome! Good luck to all ... you guys are all very talented and a constant inspiration!
4/13/2013 10:16:56 AM
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My most recent EP was March 26. Whoopee (and tag, tag, tag, tag.....)
4/13/2013 11:31:32 AM
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I hope BP gets back to giving EP's with some kind of regularity so we can get back to reporting them in this thread :) Don't forget that Susan started a No EP Feedback thread where you can discuss your own images that are skipped and, hopefully, get some suggestions for improving them or, at the very least, suggestions that you simply resubmit them next month.
4/13/2013 11:32:41 AM
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Peggy - had to see what you were thinking about with Employee Parking and All in a Day's Work. You are truly amazing with the photos you capture from your smart phone. Both really unusual - but my favorite is All in a Days Work. I'm with you - following our passions and not worrying about the rewards can be truly freeing - with some great outcomes. Thanks for sharing.
4/13/2013 12:55:31 PM
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Thanks for looking and for your kind and thoughtful comments, Marcy!
4/13/2013 2:04:06 PM
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I've been in Rio (Brazil) for the last 10 days attending to my mother and have not had time to 'play around' BP as I usually do, but was surprised yesterday to find out that my 4/2 entry got an EP (kitchen 1760); so one EP for April. Tones of e-mails for courses as you all, I'm also turned off to register to any course (done 3 and that's it). Will stick around until my gallery expires in 2014.
For me, better than any course, would be to get BP's rationale for the grand prize.
4/13/2013 4:29:23 PM
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Reading that some of you guys are getting EP's for March just a few days ago blows me away! At the end of March when I received only one EP and folks were starting to post for April, as my usual routine here is to delete all my photos except for the one with an EP, I've done it this way for years, now I find out I should have left them up because every thing is turned upside down and nothing is running to schedule as it has for many years...somebody stop me!!! :-)
4/13/2013 10:09:35 PM
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@Joannie...the last ones I got for April were probably about a week ago. And there were only two. Certainly not a lot. LOL But, yeah, weirdness.
4/14/2013 1:03:54 AM
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Tammy means the last ones she got for March . . .
4/14/2013 5:56:22 AM
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Nothing for me in awhile, and I finally wrote a letter to BP although I don't expect much (if any) response. After so many emails about classes, I finally decided to email them.
4/14/2013 6:27:08 AM
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I missed the first three days of April to enter but since the 4th I have entered now 9 images and not one has gotten and EP. I know some of you say they dont mean anything. I disagree to me they meant they were at least looked at. So now I have 9 images a few I thought should have received an EP's but nothing. I do find it discouraging. I'm left thinking are they looking at the contest photos? I'm just a hobby shooter but I dont want my photography to stink either. I liked that EP to kind of tell me I'm on track.
4/14/2013 6:47:34 AM
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I don't think anything has been looked at since the 3rd. A very few were reported for April 1, 2 and/or 3. I entered all three days, got one on the 2nd. That's my most recent one, Jackie.
4/14/2013 6:53:03 AM
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Thanks, Nikki! I indeed meant to say March. That's what I get for typing in the middle of the night! LOL I did get one on my April 1st and 2nd image. It's just silly. If they want to be more 'stringent' that's fine. Be consistent and have people judging that knows photography. I mean, that's how it should be and that's what would help us in our quest to grow and improve. But it will only help if the judging is consistent and has some rationale to it. Which at the moment I'm having trouble finding the rationale. And if they take notes from this thread......none of us may ever get one again! LOL
4/14/2013 7:39:28 AM
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Something is VERY WRONG, when even the professionals aren't getting EPs! To me that means there really isn't ANY judging going on!
4/14/2013 7:39:56 AM
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I have one EP for April 2nd, but haven't uploaded many photos this month. After checking out other galleries, knew something was up! Way too many emails about beginning courses... Hate the ads and pop ups!
I did join BP years ago when I got my 1st DSLR to take a How to Course. I also took a macro class that I was very disappointed in.
I have come a long way since then! I did not join for the EP's, Finalists, POTD, or contest wins!
The contests have been a real Joke! Have seen the same photo as mine in a different month be a winner when mine didn't even get a finalist...anyway
The best part of BP has been the Friendships and wonderful Inspirations!
My gallery expires April 21st. I don't want to renew if BP is going under and waste my time and money...
I have a fabulous gallery at Fine Art America where they have groups, contests, commenting, and it pays for itself with Sales! Check it out at sabrina-ryan.artistwebsites.com (no www)
Haven't decided what to do...If I don't renew, I will miss you all!
Thanks for all your kind comments on my photos!
Be well and happy, and don't let the EP's, Finalists, Winning photos bother you! Ignore and delete the course emails if they bother you.
Just get out and shoot, get inspiration where you can, and enjoy yourself in what you love to do!!
4/14/2013 7:41:52 AM
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I am as eager as anyone to see the EP's start up again, but the break doesn't really bother me and isn't unusual - they often take one - so I don't think you should read anything about the "worthiness" of your work into it.
4/14/2013 7:44:12 AM
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Will miss you and your artistry greatly, Sabrina, but I have another year for my Deluxe gallery, for which I cannot recoup my losses should I go, so may see you on FineArtAmerica next year if things don't change at BP. It is looking like a corporation that is getting ready to go out of business and trying to get it's customers to believe in "business as usual," but not really convincing us. I've been in the trenches when businesses went under, an this one has all the earmarks of one, and is the reason they are keeping up the company mantra that nothing has changed.
4/14/2013 9:00:12 AM
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Usually, when there are numerous notifications for Cheri's current thread in my Yahoo inbox, it means another round of EPs is popping up. "Finally!" I thought at noon, and checked out each of my April entries. Nada! lolllllllll But, the continuing discuss is still interesting.
4/14/2013 9:03:49 AM
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Thank you so much Nancy!
4/14/2013 9:21:43 AM
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I emailed BP the other day asking if there was still a contest going on here and if I needed to start looking for another place to put my deluxe website. They emailed back saying the contest was still going on without any changes and BP was doing great. There was no reason for concern. Really????
4/14/2013 10:36:31 AM
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What concerns me now --if they really don't see a difference, something is really wrong. We all know there is a difference and for them to continue with the same old line is insulting. Either that or no one is running BP. Nancy Marie is right, this has all the earmarks of serious trouble for BP. At least I haven't had the Enchilada email lately. :)
4/14/2013 11:13:20 AM
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"At least I haven't had the Enchilada email lately. :)" LOL. Patricia! I needed that laugh!
4/14/2013 11:35:20 AM
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This is a similar pattern to Redbubble threads a little over a year ago - after their functionality changes including reducing group host capabilities with no explanation and a lot of bugs they didn't acknowledge. BP has chosen the redbubble path with their response of business as usual - which we are not experiencing as Tammy says. The shift with redbubble was to membership of a younger t-shirt crowd. What BP wants is a course-taking membership. I get those emails. I guess they don't care about my deluxe website, they want me to register in courses. Could we ever have imagined that changing the EPs would alter membership with defections and upsets. It's really too bad as it was a great photo website. Marilyn
4/14/2013 4:30:31 PM
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Well, let's not hammer that last nail in their coffin just yet. They've been up and down before, and I suspect they will pull out of this one, too. If only they would change their business plan to include the word "communication" (not preceded by the word "no"), they wouldn't get themselves into this sort of predicament.
4/14/2013 4:38:45 PM
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Too bad they can't display an image of what's going on. You know, like........ "A Picture is Worth 1000 words." lollllllllllllllll
4/14/2013 4:50:50 PM
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LOLdogz
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Speaking of pictures with words, I love LOLCats when I'm not here at BP ;) Well, I discovered I had a LOLdogz in my files. The backwards reference seems appropriate, no?
4/14/2013 7:21:00 PM
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LOL!
4/14/2013 7:42:06 PM
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Just so it's easier to find when the time comes that some get EPs and you don't - but want to have some analysis on your ignored images... http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/qnaDetail.asp?threadID=35950 Mine in question was entered for the 4th, but as we aren't up to that date yet, but I wanted to be ready.
4/14/2013 8:34:49 PM
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Brian M. Jones
member since: 11/28/2012
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Been away for awhile. Just submitting and logging off.. Still see that there is a EP issue like last month.. When was the last time an EP was given out to anyone? It seems like not receiving an EP is the new norm now.
4/14/2013 9:16:17 PM
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Tag. Like many of you, so far my entries this month on 7,8, and 14 have no EP
I sent an email this morning to customer service, but based on what some have shared I probably should expect no response.
4/15/2013 9:52:14 AM
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Is this weird or is it just me...? April 15th - New Arrivals = 705 images. If there are usually 10000-12000 entries per month, how does 705 turn into 10000? Is it that the number of entries includes 1000s of pictures that were already uploaded into members' galleries?
4/15/2013 10:41:18 AM
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Well, I suspect it's simply because they establish a given number that they'll show in that particular gallery. You know, last --- days, and cut it off at a certain point.
4/15/2013 10:50:44 AM
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Thanks, Mitch. There is much I've never really understood about various features at BP (or other sites, for that matter.)
4/15/2013 10:54:53 AM
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Kathy - you got my attention so I went to the Contest Tab and Recent Entries and there are 348 pages, with an average of 12 per page, so 4,176 would be the total. It's close to the regular half way mark if it's 10,000 and down a bit if it's 12,000.
4/15/2013 10:54:54 AM
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Such a Duh-Moment. I liked it better when I could follow EP links (I didn't realize (or had a brain glitch) that New Arrivals and Contest Entries weren't the same thing. I either need a lobotomy or a nap. Geeze! As Gilda Radnor used to say, "Never mind!"
4/15/2013 11:22:03 AM
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As of right now there are 4180 in the contest.
4/15/2013 11:47:52 AM
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Kathy W, you are funny! LOL I need a chuckle today! Thanks!!! Also, tag!
4/15/2013 11:49:28 AM
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Looks like the last EP for N&L was on 4/3. So only 3 days have been reviewed so far in Nature and Landscape.
4/15/2013 12:59:16 PM
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wow, with the news on the TV and Radio right now about Boston, and elsewhere... here we pick apart BP regarding their issues... makes me take a second look!
4/15/2013 2:50:57 PM
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I was just about to say what Nancy just said. We should count our blessings instead of EPs..(I guess)
4/15/2013 3:57:09 PM
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My thoughts and prayers go out to those in Boston today.
4/15/2013 4:35:00 PM
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My heart goes out to all with healing prayers and love! I am counting my blessings...
and here I sit at Disney World...
4/15/2013 4:40:53 PM
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Brian M. Jones
member since: 11/28/2012
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I live in Boston, Massachusetts and all of us in the city are still in shock of what happened today.. Terror attacks have never happened before here until today.. Please say prayers for the victims of our beloved city of Boston, Massachusetts..
4/15/2013 6:09:18 PM
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