I was reluctant to revive this thread considering the inflammatory nature of the topic even though I believe any thread discussing Ken Rockwell is 1) entertaining 2) very important. However since it was revived anyway, here is my take on the topic.
I simply do not get it, how is it possible so many people understand Ken Rockwell literally despite he does a pretty good job with his "disclaimers"? Personally I have no troubles getting his message(s) (automatically "filtering" or "translating" his writing into my "language"). Even though I value factual and precise information as someone with a technical background.
I think Ken Rockwell is enlightening and thought provoking especially for all the beginner photographers visiting dpreview-like websites. His "Your Camera Doesn't Matter" article alone deserves IMHO all the money he might be getting from his website.
Originally posted by atlnq9 Some people have the approach of don't ever hurt anybodies feelings; lets all keep everybody happy and let the idiots eventually shoot themselves with their shortcomings because everybody kept calling them great. Others just say it how they see it, no lies, no talking behind their back...
It is good that you like criticism. If I were still 10 years old I would have assumed that anyone taking Ken literally is either an idiot or a liar (trying to be in the spirit-of-the-OP). However having grown up since then, I know better than that. I do know people have different opinions and see same things differently. Of course in the spirit of the OP, calling someone an idiot tells more about the one who does it rather than about the person being called names.
I rarely read Ken's reviews and if I do - I read reviews of the gear he was indeed using + I "filter" it for intended BS and mocking. I'm puzzled why someone could be compelled to go and read his thoughts on the gear he has not used
especially if one doesn't like him at all. We all have opinions of the newly released cameras. This is his personal website, he is posting his opinions and he goes an extra step further - he does warn the reader about the "thoroughness" of his "reviews".
No really! It is hilarious when someone disagrees with Ken and then makes a post titled in a true Rockwellian spirit! And then goes on to denounce every single bit of an opinionated review accompanied with
this disclaimer It has been quoted multiple times before, and some still don't want to get it, so I will take the liberty and quote it again:
"
This site is my personal opinion based on what gear works well for me and my particular style of photography. ... this site is my "aggressive personal opinion," and not a "logical presentation of fact."
I do this website for laughs and to help people out. I also do all this alone - no one proof reads or checks facts, so there can be mistakes.
I'm also a big kidder. I never said any of this is true and I like to fool arond now and then and simply make stuff up.
Don't take anything here as seriously as something you read scribbled on a bathroom wall. In fact, it's easier to put things on websites than it is for a vandal to write on a restroom wall.
Sure, I'm biased: I'm reporting on what works well for me what I'm trying to do personally. ... I'm more concerned with portability and speed and ease of use for real photography in the field than I am with laboratory performance. I'm not doing this in a vacuum. I do this site for fun and don't charge anybody for anything. ...
I do this site for fun and kid around a lot because I can. I never said that anything you read here is true, in fact, some of it is just plain fooling around because that's my personality. Every month or so someone takes me too seriously and takes offense. Lighten up. If you knew me personally you'd know I don't take anything seriously. Maybe I should code all the things about which I'm kidding in green text so those people can figure it out. Feel free to ask if something's unclear. Don't believe anything you read on the internet just because it's on the internet. Most people find my attitude, honesty and to-the-point directness hilarious and helpful, and no one can please everyone."