The trouble with this site is

[tedolf]

Yep, I've thought of that. It reminds me of one of my favorite bumper stickers that says, "America, I love you, but I think we should begin seeing other people."

That said, I'm curious as to what you mean by some phrases and what you wish to happen on the forums. What is the all American way? What does it mean to have a sparky spin on things? I don't think all American's go about things in the same way, but maybe that's because I have a passport.

Cheers,
Seth

it is lop sided geographically/philosophically etc by Americans. Bless your souls. It has always been the balance and for the foreseeable future will probably remain so. For the last 10 years i have trundled about this place at almost every turn one encounters an all American way.

The rest of us (English speaking) scattered about the globe very often have a different spin/slant on many things..some not quite so sparky as yours but none the less we sometimes go about things in a different way. Ever thought of that?

--
Best Wishes Billy

--
What if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?

--
wallygoots.smugmug.com
wallygoots.blogspot.com

God, help us!

TEdolph

 

[TheEye]

it is lop sided geographically/philosophically etc by Americans. Bless your souls. It has always been the balance and for the foreseeable future will probably remain so. For the last 10 years i have trundled about this place at almost every turn one encounters an all American way.

The rest of us (English speaking) scattered about the globe very often have a different spin/slant on many things..some not quite so sparky as yours but none the less we sometimes go about things in a different way. Ever thought of that?













--
Best Wishes Billy

Are you talking about photography or about all the socio-political-economical-cultural aspects that filter through all the posters' posts?

That different people go about things in a different manner is hardly unexpected or surprising. Most people like to think of themselves "different," especially those with an artistic streak.

What do you want, what should be done? Would you like to see a balanced forum populace, but if so, based on what? You may lump me in with the other Germans who live in the US most of the time.

Your second shot gives me the willies. That cone looks quite a bit like the maw of a rasping eel.

--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/photography-by-thomas/

 

[Lights]

I think a lot of people who are artists of one kind or another frequent this forum, as compared to some of the others. That makes us stranger than where we come from, since we have no idea of where we are going.

I've wanted to say that for a long time.



--
http://www.pbase.com/madlights
http://barriolson.aminus3.com/



Like the Joker said: Why so serious?

 

[Detail Man]

I think a lot of people who are artists of one kind or another frequent this forum, as compared to some of the others.

That makes us stranger than where we come from, since we have no idea of where we are going. I've wanted to say that for a long time.

I never might have guessed ...

My advice: Humility is the greatest strength. Power and titles are bestowed only by an audience ...

Those who go off on some self-absorbed "silverback" routine end up cast in bronze at the zoo:

 

[lowpine]

On a recent trip to New Zealand, an Australian visitor noted that something like less than 20% of Americans have passports. Never knew or thought about that. It seems to be a telling hint at our insularity, especially now that one needs a passport even to visit our neighbors in North America.

From CNN http://articles.cnn.com/2011-02-04/travel/americans.travel.domestically_1_western-hemisphere-travel-initiative-passports-tourism-industries?_s=PM:TRAVEL

"The numbers tell the story: Of the 308 million-plus citizens in the United States, 30% have passports.

That's just too low for such an affluent country, said Bruce Bommarito, executive vice president and chief operating officer for the U.S. Travel Association.

'too low'... not exactly an unbiased opinion coming from a travel association executive. The numbers are what they are. People that want to cross the pond do so, those that don't don't. Maybe we are too insular. Like WT21, it costs alot of money to get out of the country, money well spent I'm sure.

Another thing to consider..... sort of along the lines of the American Dream (house, picket fence, dog and all that crap), there's this common notion of traveling when you retire. You know, the good travel, abroad. When you've got a nest egg and can really spend the money to enjoy yourself, without the kids. My parents only traveled out of the country twice before retirement, since then they've gone all over. I think alot of americans put it off for later, good or bad, I think that happens a lot.

It also seems to me from my experience with people visiting the US from abroad, that young people (from abroad) are really encouraged to travel, perhaps it's a right of passage?

I need to get a passport

 

[Bobo Hodls]

In Lilliputian micro-worlds such as this "forum" - human character becomes clearly evident to those having a head as well as a heart - and the rest wallow in their own pig-headed and blind ignorance.

The company that we choose to keep either uplifts the human spirit, or relegates it to a dank swamp of self-inflated ignoramuses and self-serving bullies, all (in their own minds) desperately clawing their way to the top of some imagined heap of writhing festooned clowns and posers ...

Big fish love small ponds - but it remains dubious whether the opposite may, or may not, be true. Ask Captain Nemhole of the good ship Nutilus, and you will only hear his own myopic world-view. Perhaps best not to bother with the deeply touched, lest ones soul itself may become sickened ...

DM ...

Are you trying to say we all suck in our own ways, but some try harder?

--
...Bob, NYC
http://www.bobtullis.com

"Well, sometimes the magic works. . . Sometimes, it doesn't." - Little Big Man
.

 

[Bobo Hodls]

Because it makes too much sense.

I think a lot of people who are artists of one kind or another frequent this forum, as compared to some of the others. That makes us stranger than where we come from, since we have no idea of where we are going.

I've wanted to say that for a long time.

--
...Bob, NYC
http://www.bobtullis.com

"Well, sometimes the magic works. . . Sometimes, it doesn't." - Little Big Man
.

 

[Detail Man]

Detail Man wrote:

In Lilliputian micro-worlds such as this "forum" - human character becomes clearly evident to those having a head as well as a heart - and the rest wallow in their own pig-headed and blind ignorance.

The company that we choose to keep either uplifts the human spirit, or relegates it to a dank swamp of self-inflated ignoramuses and self-serving bullies, all (in their own minds) desperately clawing their way to the top of some imagined heap of writhing festooned clowns and posers ...

Big fish love small ponds - but it remains dubious whether the opposite may, or may not, be true. Ask Captain Nemhole of the good ship Nutilus, and you will only hear his own myopic world-view. Perhaps best not to bother with the deeply touched, lest ones soul itself may become sickened ...

Are you trying to say we all suck in our own ways, but some try harder?

Only noting the seemingly paradoxical truth that depth of human character can only be perceived and recognized and acted upon by those who themselves possess some depth of human character

I myself am not substantively different than the rest of us frail and transient beings who may imagine an immortality based upon how others may perceive us that is at best fleeting and vain ...

We have all suffered Captain Nemhole's mug enough times to make most sailors consider suicide. My own mug resides in my DPR Gallery (for those who stalk me). Meet Billy from "down under":

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1033&message=18025671

DM ...

 

[rkhndjr]

.....that's why I prefer Flickr http://www.flickr.com/groups/om-d_user/discuss/72157629414185767/ and 43rumors

it is lop sided geographically/philosophically etc by Americans. Bless your souls. It has always been the balance and for the foreseeable future will probably remain so. For the last 10 years i have trundled about this place at almost every turn one encounters an all American way.

The rest of us (English speaking) scattered about the globe very often have a different spin/slant on many things..some not quite so sparky as yours but none the less we sometimes go about things in a different way. Ever thought of that?

Billy, I am rather stunned by these words of yours. I guess the thought of other countries people and their ways never entered my mind. To me, we all are children of God.

--
Best Wishes Billy

--
living life to the Four Thirds!
http://www.flickr.com/groups/om-d_user/

--



Eternity was in that moment.

 

[Tony Tomlin]

Your dates and locations almost sound NCR like?
--
Tony

 

[Wiggerz]

--
Best Wishes Billy

 

[Wiggerz]

i had no idea that so few from the usa travel abroad..I have heard it said many times that Americans are not comfortable away from home? Australians on the other hand are huge travelers abroad..especially the last couple of years with a solid $.
--
Best Wishes Billy

 

[Wiggerz]

plays a huge part in the general outlook people have ..here in au the further north you go towards the semi-tropical etc the more relaxed folk seem to be! Cold and dreary climates takes its toll..Mmm I can't say i have seen to many smiles in London!
Thanks for your thoughtful post.
--
Best Wishes Billy

 

[Wiggerz]

Mmmmm..when i was on the talky circuit all along your west coast back in 2006 I grew very tired of people apologizing for the then Presidents actions etc..I found that very odd.
--
Best Wishes Billy

 

[morepix]

I think a lot of people who are artists of one kind or another frequent this forum, as compared to some of the others. That makes us stranger than where we come from, since we have no idea of where we are going.

I've wanted to say that for a long time.

I sincerely wish I understood what you mean. It must be important, given the responses by Detail Man and Bob Tullis. But what?

Something like artists are more different than their origins are ... because (?) they don't know where they're going. I'm not trying to pull your chain. I'd really like to understand what you're saying. Thanks for any help.
--
http://www.pbase.com/morepix

 

[Wiggerz]

nice wee story! My OP was not so much a complaint but an observation and it has been quite interesting reading the very varied comments! I have actually met at least 9 posters from this site (8 usa/2 au/ one UK) and it came as no surprise that these folk were exactly the same people as they were online! They enjoyed my online humour and I theirs and ultimately the photography took second place! Only one of the americans have found their way to visit me though!!!
--
Best Wishes Billy

 

[Wiggerz]

thanks for your input...Canada....well...a wee story... I did an extensive talky tour of the west coast of usa and Canada in 2006. My first visit. I landed in LA and quickly realised the natives were very good at talking and not listening! The further North I traveled (towards Canada) things improved on that front..I think Californians were the worst offenders! I enjoy to talk but I decided it was not worth the effort after awhile!
The closer one got to Canada the more people actually listened!

It was quite a relief to enter Canada where they seemed more like other English speaking peoples! They also seem to understand Irony much more!
Cripes. perhaps i was hanging out with all the wrong types!

--
Best Wishes Billy

 

[Wiggerz]

Thanks Mr Bob.
--
Best Wishes Billy

 

[Wiggerz]

we in the south west of vic have had our driest 5 month period for 15 years..way drier than all that last drought!
--
Best Wishes Billy

 

[Wiggerz]

--
Best Wishes Billy