First off, hats off to the mods for making bulk uploading a breeze. So easy to contribute and drag and drop files for fast upload. If you guys haven't checked the contributions section lately you need to head over there. Lots of member uploads as well as web site previews.
I'd love to see a section added where we can input a description of what the photo's are of and a little bit of the back story behind them.
Posted by NorcalfeetStudios (Member # 732) on :
I'd love to have 2 separate Contribution sections. 1 for Amateur guys who want to share their GF's pics and then another for Webmasters promoting their material so they don't get mixed up. It's Basic Marketing 101, not sure what happened there. It is however a breeze, yes...way better than before!
Posted by combine_hunter (Member # 39526) on :
quote:Originally posted by surferr3: I'd love to see a section added where we can input a description of what the photo's are of and a little bit of the back story behind them.
You could write up a post in this section and then link to your contributions.
Posted by Patrick (Member # 1169) on :
Phil did make things easy, but there are some things that do make it a little more haphazard - things I also brought up that we're trying to weed out.
My complaint was set titles like, "11111," and "Click for a great set," and similar. I suggested changing set title to simply "Model's Name."
I kinda do miss the thumbnails, to be honest. Thumbnails usually sold me on clicking on the sets to begin with - but I'm a visual person in general, so that might just be me.
Part of me agrees with NorCal on the personal submissions/site submissions, but I'm not sure I like having two separate sections for it either. But I do agree, it is a little mixed up. Plus, with the submission style used now, people will just put them wherever anyhow.
As for surferr3's description suggestion, in my view, why not just post in the forums then? You can put the pictures, description, and get feedback (and answer it) right here. I think that might be a little redundant.
Patrick
Posted by solefull00 (Member # 44401) on :
2 groups are not necessary. The fact that one can list the source of their material makes it clear where it comes from
Posted by NorcalfeetStudios (Member # 732) on :
quote:Originally posted by solefull00: 2 groups are not necessary. The fact that one can list the source of their material makes it clear where it comes from
Ok let me be more clear on what I meant. I would like to see "Paysites" have their own Contribution Area and keep the others in their own area OR in the "foot model content" section on the forums. From a marketing and sales position we don't need "free/amateur material" mixed with paysites and knocking them down to the bottom. Equal visual opportunities for each group of contributors would be nice.
Posted by Patrick (Member # 1169) on :
One thing we have to keep in mind is that Wu's Feet Links was never a site that focused exclusively on either amateur submissions or pay sites. It began in an interesting era when not many foot sites were around. Things did change over time. I can remember when a lot of the contributions were nothing more than amateur submissions, or submissions from someone running a Yahoo group. As more and more of us began making sites, there was a shift. Of course, many sites have come and went. Now it seems like Clip Stores are everywhere as well.
It's a hard debate to really side with one way or the other as we have no way of knowing what Wu envisioned his site as. I've always felt it was a mix of both, but I do think until he passed away, most amateur folks slowed down posting content here, electing to do their thing on social media instead. It has been nice seeing some of that make its way back since that's how many of us got our starts - just a long time ago.
I've always enjoyed the community aspect here and I guess it's ultimately up to Phil and BHE how to run the site now, but I wouldn't want to see it just become a billboard for all of us pay sites either. There is a ton of those around with no heart or voice - just links and pictures.
Patrick
Posted by NorcalfeetStudios (Member # 732) on :
quote:Originally posted by Patrick: One thing we have to keep in mind is that Wu's Feet Links was never a site that focused exclusively on either amateur submissions or pay sites. It began in an interesting era when not many foot sites were around. Things did change over time. I can remember when a lot of the contributions were nothing more than amateur submissions, or submissions from someone running a Yahoo group. As more and more of us began making sites, there was a shift. Of course, many sites have come and went. Now it seems like Clip Stores are everywhere as well.
It's a hard debate to really side with one way or the other as we have no way of knowing what Wu envisioned his site as. I've always felt it was a mix of both, but I do think until he passed away, most amateur folks slowed down posting content here, electing to do their thing on social media instead. It has been nice seeing some of that make its way back since that's how many of us got our starts - just a long time ago.
I've always enjoyed the community aspect here and I guess it's ultimately up to Phil and BHE how to run the site now, but I wouldn't want to see it just become a billboard for all of us pay sites either. There is a ton of those around with no heart or voice - just links and pictures.
Patrick
The more reason to have a section dedicated to both! Posted by Patrick (Member # 1169) on :
It would just have to be done right. I'm not 100 percent sold on a section for each actually being better. It was like the idea of having the Soles of Silk sub-section of this forum. Sounded amazing on paper, but way more views, conversation, and such come from the main photos area where my posts are not always the top posts, compete with everyone else's, etc. So that logic might apply to splitting things up too. Wouldn't know until it happens, but it would at least have me thinking it's a strong possibility.
Patrick
Posted by NorcalfeetStudios (Member # 732) on :
The Sub-Forum can work to your advantage like mine does for me...I've made it easier for members to check each week or so what is upcoming, leading to more signups. It's all in how you market it. Posted by Patrick (Member # 1169) on :
I understand that, but you can probably also see that there is way more interaction outside of that section. It's been the case for everyone's sub-section since they were first installed. I can see people are viewing those posts and coming to Soles of Silk from them, but I just feel like if I had to ditch posting in one or the other, I'd lose that sub-section in a heartbeat.
Patrick
Posted by Rider Aldebaran (Member # 38525) on :
Honestly, I feel that now we have a quantity-over-quality situation with the Contributions section.
[ August 03, 2014, 01:37 PM: Message edited by: Rider Aldebaran ]
Posted by NorcalfeetStudios (Member # 732) on :
quote:Originally posted by Patrick: I understand that, but you can probably also see that there is way more interaction outside of that section. It's been the case for everyone's sub-section since they were first installed. I can see people are viewing those posts and coming to Soles of Silk from them, but I just feel like if I had to ditch posting in one or the other, I'd lose that sub-section in a heartbeat.
Patrick
I see way more visits from that section than the regular forums. The complete opposite...is yours linked to your site and vice versa?
Posted by NorcalfeetStudios (Member # 732) on :
quote:Originally posted by Rider Aldebaran: Honestly, I feel that now we have a quantity-over-quality situation with the Contributions section.
This.. Posted by Patrick (Member # 1169) on :
quote:Originally posted by NorcalfeetStudios: I see way more visits from that section than the regular forums. The complete opposite...is yours linked to your site and vice versa?
Yup. Was since the day Wu gave me the sub-section. At first things there was more interaction, but it was never more than what is the main photos forum section. Just too many heads visiting and heading there.
Patrick
Posted by combine_hunter (Member # 39526) on :
quote:Originally posted by Patrick: I've always enjoyed the community aspect here and I guess it's ultimately up to Phil and BHE how to run the site now, but I wouldn't want to see it just become a billboard for all of us pay sites either. There is a ton of those around with no heart or voice - just links and pictures.
Unfortunately, it seems like people are all too willing to sacrifice the community in the effort to make a buck.
I would prefer to see the contribution section remain as it is. I don't think there's a need to separate amateur and webmaster contributions, as those co-existed for the entirety of Wu's tenure.
If anything, the ease of contributing has lent the amateurs a helping hand. I'm not sure the webmasters need more advantages.
Posted by NorcalfeetStudios (Member # 732) on :
quote: If anything, the ease of contributing has lent the amateurs a helping hand. I'm not sure the webmasters need more advantages.
That's only if you believe there's an inequality there somewhere, some webmasters depend on marketing to keep their sites going and sharing with the community. Think of how bad this Forum and Site would tank without the hard working Paysite owners keeping it afloat.
Posted by Patrick (Member # 1169) on :
quote:Originally posted by NorcalfeetStudios: Think of how bad this Forum and Site would tank without the hard working Paysite owners keeping it afloat.
I'm more of the mindset that we'd tank without this community, not us keeping it afloat. I always felt lucky and thankful that Wu would promote my site in any way possible - never that I kept his site going.
Patrick
Posted by NorcalfeetStudios (Member # 732) on :
quote:Originally posted by Patrick:
quote:Originally posted by NorcalfeetStudios: Think of how bad this Forum and Site would tank without the hard working Paysite owners keeping it afloat.
I'm more of the mindset that we'd tank without this community, not us keeping it afloat. I always felt lucky and thankful that Wu would promote my site in any way possible - never that I kept his site going.
Patrick
It's a mutual thing for sure...but there wouldn't be HALF the traffic through here (to and from) if it weren't for the Paysite Marketing.
Posted by combine_hunter (Member # 39526) on :
I think separating the contributions into amateur and webmaster/pay site would create more problems than it would solve.
quote:Originally posted by Patrick: I'm more of the mindset that we'd tank without this community, not us keeping it afloat. I always felt lucky and thankful that Wu would promote my site in any way possible - never that I kept his site going.
Patrick
I agree. As you pointed out before, things weren't always the way they were now, and his promotion of sites like yours was instrumental in getting a guy like me to pay closer attention to your output.
[ August 04, 2014, 12:13 AM: Message edited by: combine_hunter ]
Posted by Rocky TSM (Member # 28971) on :
Wow did this get out of hand. I may not have experience being a professional on a photography level, but I've ran my own computer business for many years. Getting your name out there is hard if you have to get put in a category of amateurs. If you can't deal with the competition being in the mix, go somewhere else.
What happened to us just enjoying the content on here, amateur or professional, without saying anything negative? Some people are losing respect quick; others are gaining it.
Posted by NorcalfeetStudios (Member # 732) on :
quote:Originally posted by Rocky TSM: Wow did this get out of hand. I may not have experience being a professional on a photography level, but I've ran my own computer business for many years. Getting your name out there is hard if you have to get put in a category of amateurs. If you can't deal with the competition being in the mix, go somewhere else.
What happened to us just enjoying the content on here, amateur or professional, without saying anything negative? Some people are losing respect quick; others are gaining it.
Thanks B, always appreciate you checking out my stuff on Facebook. Still waiting for that contrib set from you so I can put it up on Norcalfeet. Keep doing your thing man. Posted by Rocky TSM (Member # 28971) on :
Once I can get a model that's 100% reliable, I'll be sure to give out a contribution set. I'm doing the best I can.
Posted by NorcalfeetStudios (Member # 732) on :
yep that's one of those things that we have to deal with is fickle chicks...it is tiresome.
Posted by Rocky TSM (Member # 28971) on :
Tiresome is an understatement. I've been talking to a few women this week about modeling. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Posted by Elzbennet (Member # 1234) on :
So, anyone can send a submission for the contributions and have it posted immediately? Wu was selective, i mean, he didnīt post everything he received. And thereīs no limit to the number of contributions per day? Personally, i would like to see the site as close to what Wu did, so separating amateur from pay sites isnīt essential in my point of view. Wu never made any kind of distinction in his treatment towards professional and amateur and I am a proof of it when i had my free site and yahoo group. Thereīs a lot of amateurs with great photography and they deserve the spotlight as well. But in case someone decides to separate and create two different sections, it doesnīt shock me either, as long as both are treated in equal terms. If the decision is to keep amateur and pro together in the same section, then, maybe limiting the amount of amateur contributions, per day or week, is the solution in order to avoid the pay site to get on the bottom of the list and allow a controled number of contributors to shine for a while. Pity the contribution section is less appealing now. I also liked the thumbnails. I guess this site is still a WIP and eventually we will reach a stage more universally pleasing to the users.
Posted by NorcalfeetStudios (Member # 732) on :
quote: If the decision is to keep amateur and pro together in the same section, then, maybe limiting the amount of amateur contributions, per day or week, is the solution in order to avoid the pay site to get on the bottom of the list and allow a controled number of contributors to shine for a while.
That sounds like a happy medium, I am with that thought. I agree Wu would only hand select the ones that made it up, I remember even sometimes e-mailing him a set of pics and them never making it up and they were a hit on the site and in the forums.
Posted by surferr3 (Member # 4861) on :
Patrick- You mentioned posting in the forum to include details about the photo's... Will bulk uploading (similar to how it is in the contributions section) ever be a feature of the forum as it is so fast and easy to do.
Posted by Patrick (Member # 1169) on :
Elzbennet, to answer your questions and cover your points...
- So, anyone can send a submission for the contributions and have it posted immediately?
Not entirely. Phil does get them and has not posted some due to questionable ages and content. And the sets are not autoposted.
- Wu was selective, i mean, he didnīt post everything he received.
True, although every single contribution set I sent in until he passed away was published. Or are you talking about just in general?
- And thereīs no limit to the number of contributions per day?
I think it's based off what Phil approves at any given time. Doesn't seem to be any exact calendar for when he gets to it. He's busy, so this is extra work for him to maintain.
- Personally, i would like to see the site as close to what Wu did, so separating amateur from pay sites isnīt essential in my point of view. Wu never made any kind of distinction in his treatment towards professional and amateur and I am a proof of it when i had my free site and yahoo group.
I'm not a fan of splitting it, but perhaps some kind of better organization is needed.
- Thereīs a lot of amateurs with great photography and they deserve the spotlight as well.
I agree 100%, but I think Wu really began publishing less and less of that over time. I think Wu only published people who had some kind of group, site, etc. in order to help him keep things under control. With everyone able to snap a quick number of photos off their cellphones, I can see things piling up a little.
- But in case someone decides to separate and create two different sections, it doesnīt shock me either, as long as both are treated in equal terms.
I don't like the two sections idea, but I do agree that I think some kind of guidelines need to be established as to what goes into the section. It just seems all over the place at this point.
- If the decision is to keep amateur and pro together in the same section, then, maybe limiting the amount of amateur contributions, per day or week, is the solution in order to avoid the pay site to get on the bottom of the list and allow a controled number of contributors to shine for a while.
I think the key to all this is organization. Wu's way was more organized. But like I said, Phil is a busy person and this is the method that suits him best. If anyone has suggestions, he said to send them his way in a few posts as things were slowly rebuilt.
- Pity the contribution section is less appealing now. I also liked the thumbnails. I guess this site is still a WIP and eventually we will reach a stage more universally pleasing to the users.
I did like it the old way better myself, but I also understand that Phil is a busy guy. He had to make the best out of a situation to keep everyone happy. As far as I'm concerned, did I like it better the old way? Yes. Do I like this way better than not having it updated at all? Yes. Gotta look at it both ways. It's also the reason why I changed over the Interviews/Columns into blogs. Things are easier to update and promote than the old style HTML pages that were used since the early 2000s. To keep all this going, some things would change.
Posted by Patrick (Member # 1169) on :
quote:Originally posted by surferr3: Patrick- You mentioned posting in the forum to include details about the photo's... Will bulk uploading (similar to how it is in the contributions section) ever be a feature of the forum as it is so fast and easy to do.
I don't handle either of the sections you're asking about, so changes to either wouldn't go through me. I just interview people for the Interview Blog, and it looks like, since Mommie decided not to do the columns last minute, I'm doing some of that too.
I doubt it as the Contribution tool makes an HTML page with it's coding and such. What is placed on a forum like this points to items not contained on it.
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