A couple of honest questions

[Mark Allen M]

As many here know I have been posting several photo threads over the months for the simple reason I would like to think most of you enjoy seeing these photos. I know I do. Many folks ask me why I continue when at times I get flak from some people for not adding content or credit to some photos. Simple answer is: I just don't know those answers. Many of the images I have access to do not have any information to go on. I tend to disclaim this knowledge, or lack of knowledge, in hopes that I receive assistance from many of you folks, (of which many of you have assisted with, thx) So here are a few questions that I'm only interested in honest, respectful input. BTW I've read Scott's rules of conduct on posting photos and believe I'm not breaking any rules as such. But again this is the reason for the questions of both the management and members.

The predominate question seems to be ... If I have access to an image that has zero information associated with it and no way of me logically and reasonably finding any information, should I simply not post it at all? or shall I post it and disclaim I have no information to go by and would like assistance with context and crediting. This sounds logical to me but I'm not an expert on internet forum photo posting Etiquette.

A few people have stated I should do research on photos before posting on WIX, well that would be nice if I had all day to research, but the real answer is ... my research usually starts here on WIX. If I could ever find out what is going on in an image and where it's source is located WIX seems the best bet for that. And the proof is evident on most all my threads. I think this is one of WIX's great benefits.

One point that is not so much a question as it is an answer. I've been asked several times where I'm finding many of these photos. For those that don't know most all are from one source. I've never cut and paste any image from a source without at least attempting proper credit and/or permission and if I had it was not intentional. It's does get tiring to hear that old horse beating, but I'll admit I can understand.

I'd love to continue to post additional photo threads because for every one member who complains there are several members who really appreciate and enjoy these threads. I get nothing out of this other than some satisfaction and enjoyment, but the negative stuff can be wearing.

Am I missing anything?

BTW if and when I do post additional photo threads I will keep them small in content and specific to a particular topic. And certainly try to keep them one or two pages in length so not to allow them to degress into senseless arguments. I see that happen all the time. The photo threads I post are simply for information discovery, discussion and learning. That's WIX right?

[The Inspector]

It's never been an issue with me since lots of stuff gets posted here with no crediting, but then again I'm not one to try to separate the fly poop from the ground pepper nor try to whip up a tornado in a shot glass, and have little tolerance for those who want to challenge everything just to see their name or avatar in print they must have a lonely, hollow existence.

I just love seeing new stuff as I'm all about the discovery and it sets me to digging to see if I can find out more about the aircraft or unit, I call it 'adding to my compost heap of information' and I do appreciate all the info postings especially photos as I can always learn something from them, and have had more than a few long held bits of information corrected or disproved by others which I take for what they are, the correct information and I do try to thank those who divulge the correcting info.

[muddyboots]

Mark, the stuff you publish is in the public domain. Just because a couple of OCD types feel the need to harass you doesn't make them right. Post your pics, and attribute them as you can or will. You've done nothing wrong.

[Stoney]

Keep posting and they can just shut the door.

[Russ Blow]

I enjoy all the pics posted. The ones that interest me I save for future reference. I dont care about all the drama others seem to enjoy. I open the thread, look at the pics, save what I want and close them. Pretty simple really.

[SaxMan]

One of the great things about WIX is being able to see pictures that would ordinarily be overlooked by 99% of the population out there. I always enjoyed Jack Cook's threads. Have their been pictures that you've posted that I've seen before? Yes. Does it matter to me? No.

If you have a picture that you don't know the history of, it's okay to say "I don't know". There's enough resources in the WIX detectives that a story usually comes out. Case in point: The Spitfire / B-24 collision. You had little information about it, but within 24 hours, we had the planes, squadrons, location and date that it occurred.

Keep up the good work.

[Mark Allen M]

Hey thanks guys I appreciate it, but actually the thread was directed mainly toward the question below.

The predominate question seems to be ... If I have access to an image that has zero information associated with it and no way of me logically and reasonably finding any information, should I simply not post it at all? or shall I post it and disclaim I have no information to go by and would like assistance with context and crediting.

Mark

Edit: thanks for the response Saxman. That helps.

[muddyboots]

Oh god don't stop posting images you can't explain! Heck, that's half the fun of WIX. As soon as you post an image, some guy in the back row says he knows something about it, and then his pal adds his two cents, and before you know it we have a discussion. If you feel you need to, make clear that you don't know anything about it, but I wouldn't demand it, and neither should anybody else. It's nice to know where you got an image from, but if you haven't noticed, we generally manage to ask that question anyway

[Mark Allen M]

It's nice to know where you got an image from, but if you haven't noticed, we generally manage to ask that question anyway

Yah Muddy I do know that quite well, my ears ring from it sometimes. I think it's the crediting deal I have an issue with, frankly it's tiring being accused of stealing images from other peoples websites, flickr accounts, etc. I honestly haven't a clue where many of these photos are harvested from with the source I access. If I did I would certainly give the proper credit. The least I can do.

Well from what I've read here so far I feel OK about it now. Thx

[The Inspector]

I'd say, put the onus on the viewer by posting an 'IDK? Anyone know where this might have come from because there's no info on the web about it or where it came from' preceeding any that may be undocumented or of unclear origination, I've seen folks try to claim ownership of stuff that's in the public domain and has been for a long, long time. And if you get a definative answer, be sure and thank that source in the post for clearing that question up.
Press on brother, press on-MB, Sax, Stoney, and Russ are right.

[Cherrybomber13]

Since you are not attempting to make a profit from the photgraph and not claiming to have taken them. I see no issue. As an interior photographer I usually get pissed off when someone jacks a photo of mine for profit. If it makes you feel better just post: Source Unknown.

[Mark Allen M]

Just want to make sure I understand basic internet forum rules better when posting photos and try to do the right things when posting photos on forums. just to be clear as well, there seem to be differing sets of rules about posting photos that also seem to be quite convoluted depending on which source you google. Scott's WIX rules seem clear yet have a few openings for confusion as well. But all in all I think I've got it. As long as I get it right enough to quell the arguments. I hate bickering

[bdk]

You'll never make everyone happy, let alone a majority. I used to post my original photos. I used my gas and my equipment, and some access I had that others may not have been able to get. I spent a lot of time post processing them as well. Because of this I put on a copyright marking. I had nasty PMs from people telling me that they didn't like me putting copyright markings on my own photos. I don't even claim to be a decent photographer, but it just wasn't worth my time anymore. And yes, I have had my unmarked photos posted by others before and it made me unhappy. If it had my copyright legend on it, post away!

[JDK]

I'd say, put the onus on the viewer by posting an 'IDK?

You leave my brother Ivan out of this...

[The Inspector]

I'd say, put the onus on the viewer by posting an 'IDK?

You leave my brother Ivan out of this...

I was referring to your OTHER brother Isadora you big silly