Nothing good enough for the Main Galleries since August 2018 ????????
Almost 5 months.
Not very encouraging :(

Seems to coincide with Les not being on since September, Lyn.

Two new images have been promoted since I posted. One from September and one from November.

The images in the New Galleries go back just two months to 17th December. That leaves a big gap between August and Dec 17th where images posted during that time are no longer in the New Images Gallery.
Would it be possible to have them left in New Images for a longer time ?

Members put a lot of effort into their work and with little chance of promotion it would be encouraging to have posts visible for a little longer.

My standards must differ from those selecting promotions because even with the limited number now able to be seen in New Images there appears to be several more that are deserving of recognition.

The overall standard (it would seem to me) does not compare with days gone by but those days are gone and the smaller membership is still deserving of consideration and incentive to improve. Without it they too will drift away as so many already have.

Lyn, your statement about drifting away made me wonder, all those very talented artists who use to post on this site, where have they gone? They must be somewhere! They are creative and would want their work seen. They are supportive and would still want to help the novice learn the trade. They cared, here, as long as they could.

Sad that the care, support, and creative drive, once in so much abundance in the Caedes family of members, has found its ranks so depleted.

I think that the only mods that are active at all are Mimi, and Les, and not real sure how active they are these days for whatever reason, could be daily life or even health issues. I have not looked into it more to figure that out. I still like the site, and don't plan on leaving it behind. I notice alot less activity these days as well, which varies from day to day. I miss the varied artists who used to share their works, and helpful tips. Not sure how it could be re-created to the way it was.I know some got upset about the rules, but I also think some found new avenues online, or just loose interest.

I agree it is sad to see the membership, and support so depleted.

Lyn,

I fully agree with you.
The interest in Caedes is currently very low. Only a core of artists provides Caedes with new submissions now. From the new entries, only a few entries are sporadically and not periodically promoted to the permanent galleries. The Caedes-viewers who aren't submitting new work, also take little or no effort to provide these submissions with supportive comments. Last but not least, the interest in the contests has been reduced to a questionable level.
The whole is not stimulating for those who still provide Caedes with their work. In this way, Caedes has come into a downward spiral. Honesty requires me to say that I can't offer a ready-made solution to this problem, because allowing more good submissions to the permanent galleries doesn't offer an appropriate solution for these problems on its own, because of the too small number of active people at this moment.
Anyone who knows a solution to get Caedes out of the doldrums is more than welcome.
I hope it won't be wishful thinking on my part.

I agree wholeheartedly with Lyn - I spent 2 years as a moderator on Flickr for a flower site as well as being on Caedes. I left that work on Flickr for a lack of time and chose Caedes to spend my time. There has always been a sense of warmth and camaraderie on Caedes that I found missing on Flickr. I've noticed the lack of posts and the big vacuum in the lack of promotions. I don't have an answer but my suspicions are that increased use of cell phone cameras and social media platforms has something to do with it.

I found some of the restrictive practices off putting..Having to comply with rules that states you couldn't have an Image with a brand name in..Macdonalds,Hylton hotel,old tobacco adverts and more not allowed.Even If they aren't the main subject,Makes taking pictures restrictive....What other Image site bans the use of these..Some of the rules are archaic..It's put me off for sure...R.

Kathy may be on to something with the cell phones. When I came to Caedes, it's members were a mix of amateurs and professional photographers/artists. The professionals shared their knowledge with us newbies and gradually we purchased real camera equipment and left the "point and shoots" in our sock drawers. The site was a desktop wallpaper site. Not only did your submission have to be artistically many stages above a snap shot, it had to conform to fitting the dimensions of most monitors. With the advance of the cell phone camera, we are seeing way too many snap shots submitted, many of which would never look good on anyone's desktop. Over the years, our community of artists has shifted and our site has gone from what was intended to being more of a Facebook-like site.

Though it was not the most popular feature, back in the day, I would like to see a return to voting on pictures before being allowed to post one. I would like to see Artist of the Month resumed. I would like to see qualified pictures advance monthly to the Main Gallery. I would like to see the list of mods purged of mods who have not visited the site for more than a year and replaced by individuals who want the job because they care about this site and wish to see it succeed. I would also like to see new galleries added for "Black and White," "Current Affairs/News Journalism," and, possibly, "Singular Color." I am sure most of you can think of some too!

Are these ideas, are your ideas, too late to bring Caedes back up to its previous strength? I do not think so, As it has been said, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

Some great points being made as to the decline of Artist's on Caedes. I have had my inactive periods, so I know I'm not as loyal as the one's currently commenting.

That being said, I always come back and get involved and I'm always welcomed by the ones that continue to support the site.
I feel I am a better photographer from the help and tutelage I received in the beginning. Like John said, I put my point and shoot away, and actually started trying to improve. I remember when I got my first image promoted to the Main Gallery. I was so proud and felt all the work had paid off. There were so many to thank that helped me during my learning journey.

I agree the cell phone and sites like Facebook, Instagram and whatever else is out there for the member to post convenient snapshots has diminished the site. The pride of a photo well taken and edited, got lost in the process. I believe the ones that have endured on Caedes still have that Pride.

Also, some quarreling started among members and mod's, creating a distrust between them. No one wants to be in the middle of a quarrel so some left. It's amazing how close we become to people we only know through photos and comments. Bonds are made and in some cases we call the individual or even meet them face to face. This is all because of the love for Photography and the willingness to critique and be critiqued. We all know who these people are and the respect we have for them.

The aging process has also taken its toll. We can all recall some of the talented artists that are no longer living. Each time you take a brick from a wall and don't replace it, the wall is weakened. I for one will never forget what many of you have done for me and will always love and respect you for taking the time to share a part of your life. I guess in the end, that's all we can ask for.

I have been a member since 2.14.14....soon to be 15 years. (my date is different on my profile when I dropped the numbers after my name).

I have watched this site ebb & flow much like the tide of the ocean.

I have seen the rebellion against *caedes rules time & time again. The reason for this is to avoid violation of the DMCA. I do believe that *caedes can be fined for violation, hence the "archaic rules" & "restrictive practices" that he has in place. I believe *caedes to be a fair & honest person.

Yes, it would be easier to approve ALL images and not care what they contain but as a moderator, I was asked to uphold *caedes Code of Conduct, so I am guilty of angering you albeit not intentionally.

If my wishes were to come true, I wish all the artists were here, that they understood we (the mods) are following the "rules", not making them and definitely not being just mean and ornery & that we could do it with the "form letter" but we try to personally address most of them as to not offend anyone but in reality, no matter what, it still happens :(

A lot has changed in my life in 15 years. I have more varied outside interests. My hubby retired & we travel. Our lives sometimes are busy we laugh & ask when we had time to work :) & yes, we have aged :) And no, that does not mean that I don't have time for the site because I DO, even when traveling!

LynEve & others; As for promotions, please, always, if you find an image you feel more exceptional than anyone else, simply message me the link & I will gladly look at it.

The contests are set by *caedes via algorithm so only he has control over those.

As for images staying in the New Images gallery, once again, nothing the mods control.

So, in closing, as the remaining member's gather around the website campfire, lets address issues as soon as they become apparent. Please don't let anger & disunity fester and become rampant. OK?

All of you are deeply valued as members, NO MATTER WHAT! <3

***EDIT: I would be happy to do Artist of the Month again of you think that will bring member's back & help the morale of the site.

It is interesting to read peoples thoughts and to me it is proof that no one wants the site to be in 'the doldrums' (thank you Cornelius, I believe that is a good description)

In my 12 years here I have also observed ebbs and flows and like every other member I have had my own highs and lows and times when I have not been so active here - the latter part of last year being a prime example. I lost a dear friend, and was told I had cancer and had a big decision to consider - so caedes slipped down the ladder of priorities for a time. Similar events happen to all of us from time to time and our participation declines. In a way caedes was a lifeline for me, knowing that even if I was not participating much it was still here and I looked forward to being back in force - which I am slowly starting to do now that my cameras have had the rust removed lol

Mimi, I don't know about others but I would not feel right mentioning an image I favoured to a mod because I think that could lead to suspicions of bias etc. Part of the thrill of having an image 'chosen' is that someone who is trusted with that job saw fit to do so. I do understand that with only approx 10 images a day being submitted there is not a large pool to choose from but I still stand by my original comment that the very few in the past months has not been encouraging.
I also understand (from my own experience) as I think everyone does, that copyright regulations are important. If too much time is being taken up by a small few on that chore of image approval then maybe some of the less active mods should step in and ease the load.

I would also like to endorse casechaser's suggestion of some new galleries being added - especially Black & White. Maybe this is also something beyond mods' control.
I would have kept the B&W Challenge going but after 5 years the participation became too small - not through lack of enthusiasm by those that did join in, rather there just is no longer the membership numbers for it to work successfully.

I trust the website campfire is burning brightly but a burning fire without anyone around it does nothing except burn itself out so I agree - issues need to be aired and I see absolutely no need for any anger or disunity.

I look back with great sadness at my 'friends list' with the ones who have been taken from us and those who have drifted away still listed there. So many inspirational artists.
There is no going back, we can only go forward. That applies to everything in life so there is no point in bemoaning how things were - just make the best of how things are now, and try to improve on them if we can.



Life is short. Smile while you still have teeth :)

I really like the ideas that John suggested here ( I would like to see Artist of the Month resumed. I would like to see qualified pictures advance monthly to the Main Gallery. I would like to see the list of mods purged of mods who have not visited the site for more than a year and replaced by individuals who want the job because they care about this site and wish to see it succeed. I would also like to see new galleries added for "Black and White," "Current Affairs/News Journalism," and, possibly, "Singular Color." I am sure most of you can think of some too!)

but not sure how much control the mods have over this. If we see more being done on the site with changes and improvements from the powers within, it might help spark more interest. I have been here since Sept. 2006, and want to continue to be a part of the site. I too learned so much from others here on the Caedes, and have really stepped up my equipment over the years, from when I first posted pics. using my first digital camera, a fuji fine pix.

Lyn is right we need to continue forward.

Sorry but when an Image is taken down because far In the background Is a barely visible sign above a well known chain of hotels stretches the DMCA rule to the limit....There Is absolutely thousands of Images taken and posted on the Internet with company signs..What If a picture Is taken of say a busker on a high street and there Is company signs all up said street clearly visible,Do we clone them all out and thus destroy the image,OK If the main subject Is the actual company logo that Is being taken,I can accept that but to clone out logos In the background reduces us to taking pictures In very restrictive way..Caedes Is the only site I know of that does this and the reason I don't post as often as I used to...I compare It to taking pictures In a straight jacket...R..

I agree with biffobear on the above. If a logo, sign/trademark is visible in the background of a photo but does not directly relate to the subject matter, add to the photos value, or blatantly advertise the product then it seems unnecessary to not allow the photo. If the trademark/logo appears to be sponsoring the photographer or the actual photograph then fair enough, but just as general background everyday street scenes and incidental to the subject of the photo (not a 'substantial part' of the image) would seem within "fair use' parameters.

People take photos of New York's Times Square all the time - full of trademarks - is this against copyright laws ? If it is there are millions upon millions of photographers in breach. Would such a photo be permitted on here ?

The legal restrictions on what can and can not be displayed are complex and may vary between countries but if a regular street scene includes trademarks that are in no way relevant to the main feature or the subject of the scene, having to clone them out makes it into a 'dishonest' representation of reality.

I agree with Richie, and Lyn aut the logo's! Seems that is extreme!
One reason why I don't shoot street scenes.

Hi - I'm at work and can't really comment but wanted to say that the mods will discuss the logo trademark issue. It is correct that logos that happen to be in the image and cannot be avoided should not be an issue as long as they are not the focal point of the image or particularly prominent. It's possible that some over-enforcement has happened as we've tried to be careful of copyright issues, and we'll revisit to make sure we're not doing that.

One thing that we cannot relax on, however, is the issue of art that has not originated with the poster. If using anything you didn't create yourself, it must be detailed in the narrative description, even if it's something like clouds that are included as a stamp or brush with your artwork software. If it's simple enough (simple frames or borders that are relatively easy to create), it's possible that we won't catch it. But that just means that we didn't catch it, not that it was okay. So please be careful to detail that info in your descriptions, as the copyright on this site assumes that what you are uploading is art that you have entirely created yourself (and so the button that you have to click when you upload confirms).

This also means that if you shoot something like a mural, if it's a closeup you need to be clear that it's a mural and not digital art.

Will say more when I can later!

I have made some brushes myself from photos I have taken. Does that need to be explained?

Thanks Cat for responding, and giving it consideration.

Mimi, I thought the promotions were up to the mods to promote.

You are correct, but as LynEve pointed out, the mods are missing some excellent ones which I am sure the mods would look at re: promotion. With no guarantee of promotion that is.

I've also grown suspicious that the site was in trouble since the stats show total membership at over a quarter million, but active users usually at fifty or less a day. And often with only one or two members online at any one time. Are the vast majority just abandoned accounts that persist because of their artistic and sentimental value? I'm all for that, but it doesn't seem sustainable with the low daily numbers.

When I joined Caedes fourteen years ago the site was a beehive of amazing talent, encouragement, and appreciation for a job well done. Now it seems like a ghost town with nice wallpaper. I'm sure a great deal of that is down to social sites and the fact that desktop computer sales and usage are way down. Who needs large, hi-rez artistic images for just their cell phone? Or for that matter, who makes large, hi-rez artistic images to share, using just their cell phone?

So, I'm afraid the decline is very likely just down to the slow abandonment of large screen computers, compounded by a shrinking talent pool. Some of us old dinosaurs will lumber on though, even if our era has passed.

Some interesting points have been raised and proved that there is interest and dedication still remaining on the site, albeit much diminished in numbers.

Russ's comment comparing what it was like 14 years ago brings home just how quiet it has become and he and others have given very good reasons for the decline in interest.

However what was true back then -appreciation for a job well done being an important part of being a member is still true today.

Without encouragement members lose interest. Encouragement and appreciation comes in the form of promotions. There were 27 in July, 15 in August and just two since then (both of those appeared after my first post here, one is from September and one from December). We can not see any further back than 23rd December but since then there have been 160 uploads.I don't know how many between August and then. Out of all those only 2 images were promoted. In over four months !! Has the quality really dropped that much since July ?

One of the consuls who regularly used to promote images always would leave a small comment on the image, not saying it had been promoted, but it drew attention back to that image and the thrill of seeing it had been noticed and elevated. That meant a lot and added a personal touch.

I don't know the answer to getting out of the doldrums (doldrums = maritime term that can also mean listlesness or despondency, and can have storms and unpredictable winds. Sounds about right.)



:)

Site needs more cookies.

... ...

^ Just throwing that out there..

Well thankfully now that they are again visible we can all enjoy some cookies
HERE

I would love to have taken a bite but could grab one Lyn. Lol! It's nice to see that Mimi, Cat, and Les are active on Caedes still, and making it known.

Okay! Now that I'm back from vacation (sorry, I was at work on Friday and then left for a long weekend)...

@ Ron - no, if you took the photo yourself, it's artwork you created. It would be useful for approvals to list them just because if there's a question about where it came from, we already have the answer; but it's not required at all.

Back to the other stuff: I admit it. I'm bad about being on top of promotions. I will work to be better. I did drop away from the site for awhile and part of that was that I got busy and then I got sick and now I'm mostly better and working on reclaiming my life.

One of the things that I think is very different about Caedes now than when I first started here is that there was more of a feel then that more artists (definitely not all!) wanted some constructive criticism - they didn't want it applied with a bat, but they also weren't looking only for kudos. I think the site has gotten away from that some and partially I think that happened when there was a large influx of members at one point. I think there's also been moves away from things that cause contention, but at the same time, those moves create stagnation - no more voting booth, automation of contests, etc.

There are some things I think the mods can do to create stuff that's outside of that - I tried running a Scavenger Hunt for awhile, but it didn't really take off. I could try that again, or if there are other ideas, I think we're open to them. Part of the issue is that there has to be enough member interest and I know Mimi told me at one point that she'd only gotten two submissions for Artist of the Month, and that's one of the reasons it went away.

Given the number of people posting right now, we'd regularly end up with the same artists repeated I think so maybe it would be good to do a variation and do something like a photo of the week - same rules still apply, you can't submit yourself, you have to submit someone else. Any interest in that?

P.S. Les, I just made cookies for the in-laws. If you're nice they might share. Oatmeal cinnamon chips with raisons and butter brickles.

Thanks Cat, I think a photo of the week would be interesting, what do other members think of that idea? I think it is also helpful to see more activity by the mods, it seems to go on auto pilot, and we are left to wonder???

The voting booth kept members on their toes and also was a vehicle to see and appreciate all genres. It is a shame it is no more but from where I stand (or sit, or observe) the few people who thought it was ok to award a zero on an image because they "didn't like it" were the ones that caused it to become ridiculous. One does not have to like the subject of an image to appreciate its artistry. I dislike spiders but giving a picture a zero because I once got bitten by one would be as stupid as some of the reasons given when it was happening back then.

I would like to see a photo on the week but I think it should be chosen by a mod rather than member votes.
Artist of the month was great in the past but there are hardly enough members to make that viable now.

The B&W Challenge was proof that members are interested enough to participate in extra things. It lasted for 5 years independently of mod input except for Mimi kindly transferring images which I would have willingly done had I had the permission necessary. I did ask but my request was ignored so that was a no I guess :) There did not appear to be any interest from any other mods - not that was visible to us anyway. Without Mimi's assistance it could not have worked.

Lack of Interest In contest participation could maybe be invigorated by allowing the winner to choose the next contest topic - and without any complaints such as "we already had that one", when In some cases it was years ago. No harm in repeating a topic after a decent time.

Are there any cookies left for the rest of us ? :)

I agree with Lyn, that the photo of the week should be chosen by a mod. How about some new categories as well, if the mods can't put that in place, can't they contact Caedes himself? street photography, journalism, are just a couple I can think of, and how about a Black and White category as well.

Photo of the week sounds good. I would be ok with chosen by Mod or voted on by members. I lean towards the members voting. They are more in tune on what is being posted on a daily basis .

Thanks Cat for the answer to my question.

I agree that we don't critique like we used to. It has become more of a facebook feel site, then a "What's wrong with this or How can I improve" site. I had one recent photo where some of the members pointed out some sensor spots on the photo. It was welcomed and made me realize I should have more pride in what I am posting. Kudos to those who pointed it out.

More categories would be nice. Especially the ones Tigz mentioned: Street Photography & Photojournalism. Perhaps you could poll the current membership to see what categories they would like.

Nice to see some interest among the mods and members.

Note that Photo of the Week would be chosen by a mod as it was previously done with Artist of the Month - it was just that the mod would have some nominations to work with to call their attention to someone or something the mod might not have their attention on, so it was useful in that way.

Although, now that I think about it.... Mimi did used to get some annoying PMs "I've nominated this person 3x, how come they haven't been chosen???!?" Perhaps it would be better if we left out the nominating. 8�P

Lyn, I'm afraid my father-in-law and niece were all over them, but I'll see if I can sneak you a couple!

I'm going to go off and consult with the other mods about booting up the Photo of the Week. We'll have news for you shortly I'm sure!

This poll is still up for suggestions:

Poll: What feature or change would you most like for caedes.net?

... ...

Why use the Poll?

Gives *caedes a snapshot/quick glance to see if there is any, or, enough.. interest in something to warrant spending time implementing ... would be my guess.

I know what is meant about the comments on the images, but i also found that some just don't seem to want to hear the criticism on their postings, I have learned so much over the years, and I owe it mostly to some here on Caedes for their help. I try to remember who those are that don't like critique. I have also noticed that some come on Caedes, and probably because so many of their old friends have left, they might post one or two and then leave again. All it takes is to make new friends. I don't remove people from my friends list in hopes they will return, and sometimes they do either once in awhile, or briefly, and then are gone again!
I do think more interaction with the mods is very helpful! So thank you Cat, Mimi, and Les for stepping in.
I suppose being able to post images in a larger size is not practical for the site?

@ purmusic
With all due respect who actually knows where this Poll thread is if they have not seen your link here ?
Possibly it could be very useful. Reading through previous comments on it seems just like another discussion thread

Also with respect said Poll would not have been able to answer my original question which actually although has been partly attended to has not really been answered.
I have no objection to the ensuing discussions as discussion is always good and that this thread generated discussion I am very pleased about. Maybe at some stage my question may also be addressed. It really was a simple wondering query from a simple wondering (or wandering !) mind


About photo of the week. Although I prefer the choice being from the mods I have suggestion. How about if the winner of the week were to nominate 3 possibilities and the mod chooses from them. Only the winner need be made public.. that way members would have some input and winning the honour would have some small reward in making the suggestions.

I'm guilty somewhat of getting off topic, :) and I still agree with Lyn about the promotion of images. Since we have some activity here, it's nice to address some other issues well, but sure don't mean to put promotions on the back burner, which I think should be addressed to more clearly. I hope I can still get a cookie!

@Lyn: I understand.

I put the link to that discussion/poll for just the reason you stated, in case it has been overlooked.

And..

No, it doesn't address your original post, but.. I think you understand that.

To fully answer/address your original post.. I will be going back and promoting the images to fill in some of the time gaps till present. Most likely by the end of this coming weekend.

... ...

And, as always.. the other mods may promote images as well.

Thank you :)

Les, thank you!

Lyn, sorry if I wasn't clear - part of my committing to being better about it is that I'll make sure to spend time this weekend doing it. And I'll set myself a reminder to do it every week. Now we cross our fingers that I don't ignore it like the reminder to clean the microwave every Fri at 8:30 (shhh. do not tell my husband that reminder even exists... he would murderize me).

FWIW, I also know that when Piner makes an appearance, he'll go into artists individual galleries to see what he may have missed when looking for images to promote. I'll do the same this time given that time gap because you are right that images that have moved out of the "New" images during that time shouldn't be left out.

On perms: I went through the tail end of the new images gallery and went back on a couple of other people. Unfortunately while I was in the middle of Sandi's Gallery (I was at the Railway Bridge! (reminder to myself), we've had a home emergency (the person above us left a faucet running, flooded their bathroom and it's leaked all over ours. grrr.) and I ran out of time while dealing with that. I'll do more throughout the week and next weekend!

Getting there.. need to take a break.

Will start back up tomorrow and carry on.


Personally?

Just at the third week of last October.. and working my way forward.

Then..

Others will come in spurts as I go back and review my favs, etc..

Photo of the week is a great idea! Also, I have made use of Les's link above and added Photojournalism to the poll...please vote...OR, add a suggestion of your own in the text box and invite others to weigh in...may I also suggest 'choose all messages' as a handy function when checking off msgs read...I would have added it to the poll but it will only let each person put in one text.

Any thoughts on my POW suggestion posted above Cat?


About photo of the week. Although I prefer the choice being from the mods I have suggestion. How about if the winner of the week were to nominate 3 possibilities and the mod chooses from them. Only the winner need be made public.. that way members would have some input and winning the honour would have some small reward in making the suggestions.

Lyn, I understand what you're thinking on that one, but I'm afraid that it would be susceptible to accidental exclusion. It's something that's happened here before with well-intentioned efforts - people are more likely to notice or feel positively about the images of people they know, and lean towards them when selecting stuff. So it has a higher risk of leading to a situation in which most of the time, the winner is selecting 3 images and if they're feeling split about 2 images they're more likely to select the one that is done by a friend and you end up with a group of people passing the honor back and forth.

Note: I'm not saying that people would be purposely doing that - just that the setup is so open to that happening that I think it's better to leave it at letting anyone nominate any image, and the mods will take those into consideration, but may pick something else if they felt it was overlooked. I think the reward for being selected in this case should really be the recognition of having an image that was good enough to be highlighted.

On a related subject - I think it should also be Image of the Week, rather than Photo of the Week. My brain woke up on the train ride this morning and said "Wait! We wouldn't want to exclude bfrank or other paint/digital artists because it's Photo of the Week!"

Image of the week is correct of course. Or Pick of The week, Work Of The Week, Fave of The Week. Or Mods Choice.

My personal opinion does not agree with you about people selecting friends whether it be intentional or not. I believe members here are above that and in the end it would be up to a mod.. I just thought it would be a way of including members in the running of the site in a very small way, after all the Arts Council did the same thing. It could equally be said a mod could favour images they personally like.
I never heard any complaints during all the years of B&W challenge about any favouritism. It was choosing something liked for whatever reason, not selecting an international winner. I think you will either be inundated with selections you can easily see for yourselves anyway or no one will bother knowing the final selection is independent of any input from us. You want us all to make suggestions holus bolus and yet do notreally have faith in any one individual to suggest 3 (or more) possibilities in what is after all just a bit of fun to maybe revive Caedes and generate some extra enthusiasm.
I DO see what you are saying but just do not agree. :)

If it doesn't work one way (members pick) then change it to (mods pick). It doesn't have to be set in stone.
I have led a sheltered life, because even though I could tell what holus bolus meant from the context in which it was used; I had to look it up to be sure. Learn something every day.
I agree that not making it exclusively a photo, most anything else would work for choice of the week.

While I do agree with Lyn on the integrity of the members choosing, in the end, it doesn't really matter to me whether mods or members choose so long as we get this idea going...I do, however, strongly agree with Lyn that we need to try to do more to generate more fun and enthusiasm on the site....therefore, I heartily encourage all members to get involved and add your suggestions here and also would remind all that any one of us can make use of the 'Member-Initiated Projects' board and start your own little game, challenge, or contest...or start some interesting discussion on one of the discussion boards...tho' caedes cannot compete with the larger sites in terms of perks, options available etc., one of the strong points of caedes was always the fun and friendship to be had here...it would be great if we could drum up a little more action in this regard.

I've talked to a couple of the other mods some and it looks like we should be ready to start with this coming Monday as the first day that images will be eligible to be selected. More later, still at work. :)

I get the faith and I have had it too... but I've also seen it not work out that way in my time here, so I would be hesitant. It's not even a question of integrity so much as subconscious influence that creates the chain I am talking about - where members have every intention and are trying to behave with integrity and yet end up in the loop accidentally. Some are going to be better about being able to manage that separation than others, just by the nature of how people are in general. There's a variety among us and that's a good thing imo. However, I have also realized that there is a much more practical issue.

In order for this to work, the nominations have to be done by a certain time, so that the mods can pick a winner and post the notification and so forth. While people in this thread are enthusiastic about the idea, the winner may be someone who is not in the thread and may not want or be able to commit to having that responsibility. If the point is choosing the Image of the Week, we can't create a setup in which the people eligible are only the people who can commit to being available to carry out the nominations, etc.

Given that, I would like to offer an alternative - in the Member-Initiated Projects, a thread could be created where the winner could highlight 3 images they *would* nominate and discuss what they see in them that makes them the ones they would choose.

As far as being inundated with selections - if we limit it to two images for nomination per member, that should work. One of the reasons to take nominations is that while yes, we can see the images easily for ourselves, art is subjective. Someone's nomination and explanation of why they're nominating the image can easily influence a different perspective on the part of the mod making the final selection. By no means is anyone's contribution meaningless or worthless in this manner, and if people choose not to participate in nominating... that's up to them, but I would hope that making the attempt would be sufficient motivation. If it's not - that's okay. As long as we get this going in a sustainable manner, and thereby have more activity and something to look forward to on the site of something happening other than the scheduled self-managed contests, I think that's the main goal here.

It has been already proved that the member initiated projects scenario works but only when there is a bunch of enthusiasts. If members can not be bothered or do not wish to or cannot commit to being part of a project then they miss out.
This why all things considered it would seem it has to be a mod run thing making it clear cut..the weekly winner helping by means of discussion with a mod to choose the next image from 3 or so of their suggestions could work but seems not an option. I believe simplicity is the key so why not have a mod just choose one on say a Sunday and call it the Sunday Pick or something. Dispense with nominations or time frames there is a whole site full of images to choose from and the only reasonable necessary thing should be it is the image old or new of a currently active member.

Well, to be clear, I sprung "Image of the Week" off "Artist of the Month", which people said they were interested in reviving as having something else happening on the site, and a chance to be featured.

What you're proposing is something different than what I was intending - which is fine, but not a direction that I want to work with for the reasons I've outlined.

My goal in structuring it as "Image of the Week" is really also about encouraging and spurring people to get submissions in and to work to make it their best work as a rule and lean away from the kind of social media "Interesting Thing I Thought I Would Share" vibe that others have noted they'd like to lean away from.

The idea of members not being eligible to win if they're not willing to participate in the nominating if they win is exactly the kind of "leading to exclusion" path that we should be leaning away from. Artist of the Month ran for a long time without the members needing to make the selections because people thought artists were good and wanted them to have the highlight and be honored. The member buy-in and enthusiasm came from that simple motivation. Maybe it had just gotten old at the time and that's why people lost interest in it. It might also be because we'd run through a lot of the great artists on the site and it was harder to come up with someone to feature. But we have new photos every week so I think that while maybe eventually this becomes old and goes away to be replaced with something else new - but right now it's new and I encourage people to nominate images if they'd like and let's run with it and see how it goes.

I do think you/we should try to keep it relatively simple or it may discourage some members from participating...maybe start off with something simple and if it is successful it can always evolve into something more down the road?...in a separate effort to try to drum up a little more fun on the site, I proposed another little idea HERE

Little did I realize when I started this thread with what I thought was a simple question just how much discussion would evolve from it. My question is not answered but has been addressed and for that I am grateful and thank the mods for getting the promotions back on track.It is appreciated.

@+animaniactoo
Cat - I have read and re-read your last post and as much as I dont want to see it I am still seeing you as perceiving my suggestions as encouraging the "leading to exclusion " path.
I never said members should not be eligible to win if they are not willing to participate nor did I in any way infer that. Anyone who knows me would also know I would not even THINK that and would perhaps also understand why I am upset at being regarded that way.
What I said was if "members can not be bothered or do not wish to or cannot commit to being part of a project then they miss out." I meant they miss out on participating and the enjoyment that brings, not that they should be excluded.

You mention people not in the thread may not be in a position to be committed - granted that is true but if they do not know its even happening they won't be in it anyway. The Challenge was begun with individual personal messages to each and every active member (and there were many many more in 2012 and no way for a mere member to bulk pm as I imagine you are able to do, so it took some time but brought results) Maybe if you could do that and make people aware when the Image of the Week is up and running and nominations are welcome then it would get off to a head start - not all members come to the discussion boards or even read the front page.

The suggestion I put forth was just that - a suggestion I know from experience, not just on this site, but in a Flower Photography group I belong to, that it can work.
I have to agree it would not work here as members are not trusted to be unbiased (even unintentionally). Unintentionally getting 'in the loop' that you mention could be also apply to mods but we, the members, trust you to remain neutral.
With just 23 regular members having contributed the last 120 images over the last 22 days merely suggesting anyone by nomination could be construed as favouritism. Those figures are actually very indicative of the decline in interest overall.

The Image of the Week is a great idea and I hope it does well because we need to do all we can to generate enthusiasm and attract more submissions.

@.mesmerized
Pat - I really like your Movie theme idea and I am already trying to think of a title. It is so long since I actually saw a movie my remembered titles may be unknown to most here lol.

A Simple and uncomplicated way would be on the same basis as Lyn's past Black & White topic....

That ran for a Long time without hiccups.

Just my take on this.

Lyn, it looks like I may have misunderstood the intent of some of what you said above - apologies for that. But yes, let's go forth with fresh air beneath us. 8�)

@ Lyn...that's ok...I suspect several of us around here may be more familiar or fond of the old movies...but if your memory (like mine) isn't what it used to be HERE
and HERE are a couple places to go for some movie title ideas.

I've checked-out the link for this, by SAW (Mesmerized) initiated, TOPIC.
To me SAW's suggestion is very original. Although I'm not that fanatic 😁 when it comes to movies/films, I even can give more examples coming from my gallery like Christmas time is coming, movie: 'Christmas Is Coming Film', and Bridge Too Far, movie: 'A Bridge Too Far Film'.
If this idea would be appreciated by the Caedes-friends, it could be even extended by images with a same title as e.g. famous music videos.

Thanks, SEA, for adding your links...much appreciated...and even tho' you may not be a big movie fan, perhap we might see more from you titled like those sometime:)...and yes, if there is enough interest, maybe we might add music video titles at some time.

Seems many are enjoying Saturday Night At The Movies ! Nice one. Long may it continue :)

May I ask if the Main Galleries are now up to date with promotions ?
And is there any chance of extra galleries being added as suggested by casechaser on 17th January ?

Its a shame the news item regarding nominations for Image of The Week has not been approved for the front page in time for the first week. I thought anyone could add news but now understand that even mods need to get their news items approved.

From what I see in the numbers on the front page for images uploaded each day the totals have gone down even more since this thread started, so anything that will encourage more submissions will hopefully succeed. It also says on the front page today there are 79 'regular members'. I don't know where they are hiding but they sure are not uploading or commenting.
It is so sad to see so many images spending some time in the Lonely Images gallery, but with such a small group of commenters I guess that is inevitable.

I don't know about any other mods, but I'm still working my way through on promotions.

As far as additional galleries - will take another look later this week. My brain only holds so much at once and there's lots of stuff going on irl for me. Thx for the reminder.

The 79 regular members noted on 11/02/19 appears to have increased to 96. I wish some of them would come out of the shadows and get busy commenting and thus remove some images from Lonely Images. There are far too many top notch images in there that should be more appreciated.
Going to the trouble of creating preparing and uploading an image for such a few comments can be disheartening, especially in a case where it has been downloaded 18 times, viewed 33 times, and only 4 comments left on one particularly superb photo.

I used to comment on most all photos LE, but after a while I only commented on the ones that had the common courtesy to return the gesture. Several people post images, but never comment on any others. Perhaps they don't have the time, but I feel my time is just as valuable as theirs. Just my honest opinion.

if you remember there used to be a lot of commenting on the site.Then certain people decided to pick sides.So now "it is what it is" small bubbles of friends not one large community.