I have noticed a pattern of new models and photographers coming to the forums, making one or two posts asking for input on their work and then based on the response, either vanishing back into the oblivion they came from or sticking around to weather some abuse and ultimately (hopefully) learning something.
If you are new to the forums here's a few things I've learned in my time here...
1) There is a wealth of knowledge here, but it won't necessarily seek you out. If you truely want to learn, you need to do some leg work.
2) Show respect. This is a family here, and many people have been around a long time. Coming in with a cocky attitude will only get you smacked around. Even the old timers who don't get along on the boards will be on the same side against a cocky/arrogant newcomer.
3) Ask for feedback. If you ask for feedback, you may get a lot of response or none at all. If you get no response, keep trying, and understand that if you're not getting any response at all, you might want to consider going back to the drawing board and starting again. Some stuff is so blah, that there's really nothing to be said. Now... If you are one of the lucky ones who gets a lot of feedback, listen to what is being said to you, and don't start slinging arrows because you got your feelings hurt. If you don't want the answer, don't ask the question.
4) If you ask for feedback and don't get any, keep trying. Try being a part of the community and make a name for yourself around here. If the people start to get to know you, you're more likely to get responses.
5) Just because you've been lurking for 2 years and feel like you know everyone here, keep in mind that because you have been lurking for 2 years, nobody here knows you and you are still a newb. It takes time to build a repoir.
6) If you find somebody who inspires you, contact them directly to ask for advice. Don't expect them to come to you.
7) Introduce yourself. Tell us a little about yourself, and post any work you've done, even if it's not the masterpiece you set out to make.
8) Make sure you have your profile filled out with info and pictures or a link to where this stuff can be found. Ghosts with attitudes are not well revceived around here.
9) Don't try to pass off someone elses work as your own, we usually find it, and then you're in for it.
10) If you critique someone elses work, be sure to include a photo of your own. This is one of GGs Golden rules. Be sure to read the forum guidelines before posting anyhow, it will save you a lot of grief, and questions if something you posted gets deleted.
I'm sure I'll come up with more, but this is a good start. I guess my point is... If you want to get something out of this forum, it's there for the taking. But don't post once and expect everyone to fall all over you, it takes work sometimes.
Oh yeah... and welcome to GG.
Toni
