Originally posted by filmmaster have been on many of them, some of them multiple times just for something to pass the time with.
Some have been extremely disgusting to deal with. Some have been riddled with politics that make Nazi Germany look like a nice place to live, Others have been controlled and manipulate din ways that only a KGB agent would appreciate.
One british site kicked me off because i suggested "get a dslr" to a person who asked why they couldnt find a BRIDGE camera such as a Nikon Coolpix couldnt be gotten with removable lenses.
Another british site kicked me off when a member, who was friends with an actors guild i a rather old coastal town in ireland asked for photo ideas, and i suggested historical based events to be used, such as press gangs at midnight carrying folks off. SOMEhow that got me the boot for "racial/sexual harrassemtn clause violation"
Purpleport has done me in several times. Once for asking why a person taking the photos has no right to pose a model via moving the arms.. Once for informing them that they needed to stop evaluating events in america based upon uk/eu POLITICAL BELIEFS.
other american forums have done me in quite a bit. Mostly for being some cranky guy for asking questions or openly doubting the ability of others. For example one bounced me out because i refused to listen to someone who was a "professional photographer" for taking iphone photos of his meals when i asked a film camera quesiton. And so forth.
Another nameless one, booted me for questioning the merits of using race and gender as a qualifier in determining who should get jobs in photography. For some reason, its racist to think that a persons SKILL should be more important then sex or race.
Just as photography requires skill and technique behind the camera, participating in online communities requires some skill and technique behind the keyboard. What we say is important, but also how we phrase it and the manner in which we present. It benefits from an appreciation of, and adherence to, current social norms when dealing with potentially sensitive topics, careful use of associated terminology, healthy doses of tolerance, tact and diplomacy, and adherence to membership and posting rules. Generally, folks in these communities want to enjoy their involvement and get on well with each other, and they don't like it when someone upsets the apple cart.
Over my years on PentaxForums I've seen quite a few members come and go, some with much useful knowledge and opinion to share who nonetheless seemed unable to do so in a manner that endeared them to other members and/or moderators. There are countless ways to say essentially the same thing; to get the same message across... but some folks don't put much thought into it. Most of us manage to tick someone off occasionally (I
know I have
), usually unintentionally - but some make a habit of it, and some even seem intent on it. A small few such members still participate here, but not many. Most have either been banned or choose not to post any more (or only post infrequently).
Being booted from
one online community is unfortunate, but I guess it could happen to anyone. Being booted from
multiple communities might suggest there's a common underlying reason. I'm not saying you're at fault - but you might consider whether a different approach in your posting could have avoided any reaction, and prevent it from happening in future. We can all use an occasional reset