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Posted by David Hardy (Member # 4628) on September 07, 2016, 04:49 PM:
 
There are other Film forums out there in internet world.
I have to say this one is the BEST ONE.
In fact it is REELY MAGIC !!!
Its # 1 with no equals. For very many valid reasons.

I had to say that.
I am glad that's off my chest.
[Smile] [Smile] [Smile]
 
Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on September 07, 2016, 04:58 PM:
 
This forum has always attracted the largest numbers from all corners of the globe David, I agree.

It is respected for having a wealth of knowledgeable collectors and as such is often the first port of call for projector problems or film queries as well as a long term community of regulars, who in some cases, simply like to liaise on a variety of topics experienced from everyday life with a kind of community spirit unlike some others.

I think generally, if you look to each of the individual film forums member numbers, they ALL need a larger proportion of their membership to actively post and keep them lively, varied ,diverse and interesting.
How this can be achieved in this day age, given the obvious reduced active members within the hobby on any of the gauges, is, quite frankly, beyond me.

I think each of the film forums that exist offer different strengths and weaknesses, just as with anything in life.
I think it depends very much on the nature of the actual post as to where it is easiest and most effective to place it from all that are available.
 
Posted by David Hardy (Member # 4628) on September 08, 2016, 07:17 AM:
 
Andrew thanks for your reply but I am stating a FACT that this
forum is THE BEST regardless of membership numbers.

I don't quite understand your last paragraph though in the sense
that I am certain that this forum is THE PLACE for not only
"long in the tooth" experienced collectors but novices too.

To be frank and honest there is absolutely no need or necessity
for the other forums to exist given the fact that all questions
and answers and advice that can be given on this one.

All the others are merely Gaslight when compared to the bright Xenon Light of this one.

I have to take into consideration too that most of the members on here never gave up or left the Film Collecting Hobby in favour of video sourced films.
Most of us were still buying NEW PRINTS from DFS for years in order to keep the flag flying whilst others jumped ship.
Credibility and Loyalty for me means a lot.

That's another reason I consider this forum to be THE BEST for
advice and experience unlike some others I could name.

This is a FORUM in the true sense. The rest are dross.

[Wink] [Wink] [Wink]
 
Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on September 08, 2016, 07:35 AM:
 
David, there are many members here who pulled away from this hobby for a time when DFS were still printing, don't kid yourself. [Big Grin]

In fact this very forum, not so long back in the distant past was awash with people declaring the overall benefits of purchasing steel book Blu Rays as opposed to film!

Things have settled down somewhat here recently, but that really wasn't so long ago I can assure you.

As for what benefits other places of worship bring to the equation, screenshot postings for a start, I may add.

Here, it has been very well documented by many that they feel it overly complicated to post images of any sort.

Elsewhere, as you know, it can be much much easier with little if any, restrictions.

They all have a place special to me David. We just need more people to use them ALL more in my opinion, that's all.
 
Posted by David Hardy (Member # 4628) on September 08, 2016, 07:50 AM:
 
Andrew please read again. I stated MOST not ALL were still buying new prints from DFS and others. I know some jumped
ship and returned. I have been at this hobby long enough to
know that.

So I am not kidding myself.

As for screenshots yes they have there place I suppose when
buying a second hand copy but otherwise for me they are of no value whatever. An HONEST seller will tell me if the print is faded or scratched.
A print was either good or bad when first issued and that's enough for me to know.
I did read all the reviews and bought all the magazines as I
never jumped ship.
I am fortunate enough to have a very large archive of such publications. [Big Grin] [Big Grin] [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on September 08, 2016, 10:13 AM:
 
Apologies David, you did indeed say most of course.
To be honest David, I have no idea whether it is some, most or nearly all, I have no idea?

Personally, I don't look upon the posting of photographs on forums or even screenshots as a tool only for advertising prints or goods.

I find screenshots a Wonderful way to share with each other our prized prints from within our collections.
I really enjoy seeing other people's shots and hopefully they feel likewise regarding my own reviews.

Another major benefit we can all take advantage of now on the forums in this 21st Century regarding the photos is of course, to help one another out with any projector or other equipment issues.

I find this facility really useful on all of the forums and nowadays, even an ability to link video tutorials here in the manner Edwin does for us all, for example.

[ September 08, 2016, 04:28 PM: Message edited by: Andrew Woodcock ]
 
Posted by David Hardy (Member # 4628) on September 08, 2016, 10:23 AM:
 
Andrew I agree with your extremely valid point regarding screenshots when it comes to projector problems and repairs.
However as for the prints ... Nah !!!
Its really not the same as being there in the actual room
viewing it for me.

Never mind whatever rocks your boat as they say. [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on September 08, 2016, 10:34 AM:
 
No I agree David, it's no substitute of course, but it's still nice to see other people's film and equipment in photo and video form, I find.😊😊
 
Posted by David Hardy (Member # 4628) on September 08, 2016, 11:16 AM:
 
I like to see them too Andrew but I kind of miss the times
before the internet and videos when I could see them in
a printed form in a magazine or some other rag.
[Smile]
 
Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on September 08, 2016, 11:41 AM:
 
As a member of this forum, (and a moderator on another 8mm forum), I can say, as Andrew did, that they all have strengths and weaknesses.

On of the best strengths of this forum, is that, with any good forum, beit film or otherwise, you have to have good moderators watching over the "proceedings", to make sure that people don't get carried away with conversations in a negative way. Not to give him a big head, (and I'm sure that he wouldn't get a big head anyway) ...

Douglas Meltzer does a very good job watching over how the conversation takes place on here. To my best knowledge, he plays no favorites and treats everyone with respect. Though we don't hear from him as much, the owner of the forum, Brad, no doubt, watches over it as well, probably much more involved than we know, and the combination of the two makes for a fine enviorment. This forum certainly has the most conversations, to be sure, and the most activity.

Now, being a moderator elsewhere, on a U.K. film forum, I can say that, though I enjoy this forum much, I have just as much love for my other forum, (well it's not mine), and there are as many good things there as well as here. Larry Urbanski's 16MM forum is also a very good forum.

... but "traffic" is certainly never a barometer of how good a forum is. Us film lovers are getting older by the minute, (sob), and there are far more people, on all forums, that will read more than post.

Now, me, I just can't shut up, and it's just fun to stay plugged in. [Smile]
 
Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on September 08, 2016, 01:46 PM:
 
Regarding your comments surrounding Doug, I couldn't agree with you more Osi.

I think Doug always maintains a level of professionalism here that sets the benchmark to a large extent, for others to follow.

You cannot please all of the people, all of the time, but the general standard of moderation and intervention here is spot on I feel.

I wish only for more interaction from the masses on these places, just to continue to maintain a healthy level of interest in the hobby at a time which clearly is now, going to be challenging to say the least, with little new products to speak of coming to market.
 
Posted by Michael Lattavo (Member # 4280) on September 08, 2016, 04:02 PM:
 
I agree completely, Osi - Doug plays the role of moderator perfectly. Simply makes sure the rules are being followed, and does so in a very rational manner.
 
Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on September 08, 2016, 04:14 PM:
 
He is the right guy for the job!

It's very much his nature to take a couple of deep breaths before pushing any big, red buttons.

-You have a couple having a knockdown-dragout down the hall? Call the Cops. If they're busy, maybe call Doug: he'll calm them down. [Wink]

[ September 08, 2016, 05:17 PM: Message edited by: Steve Klare ]
 
Posted by Douglas Meltzer (Member # 28) on September 08, 2016, 09:46 PM:
 
Too late! My head is way too big now.

I greatly appreciate the compliments, however any forum is only as good as the people who post on it. I really feel we have an exceptional group of film lovers who thankfully continue to share their knowledge, their opinions and their experiences on a wide range of subjects here on Brad's long running site.

I should point out that we do have a policy of not discussing other forums and there is certainly no need to be derogatory towards any of them. This is a terrific hobby and I hope we are all successful in attracting new members to embrace this enchanting analog format of ours.

Doug
 
Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on September 09, 2016, 12:39 AM:
 
....Chaps...Lets not forget the wonders of Facebook [Smile] ..and its "see translation", that gives the opportunity for other non speaking English film makers/collectors in other countries to share there hobby with others in the English speaking world and for us to do likewise with them.

Lot of interesting stuff out there [Smile]
 
Posted by David Hardy (Member # 4628) on September 09, 2016, 03:34 AM:
 
Great replies there guys. Thanks at least you have taken the time to respond.

I really like this forum over and above the others so that wont change for me. So Doug yours is THE BEST for me.
I have no desire to discuss the pros and cons of the others.

As for Facebook I absolutely have no time for it. I shut down
my account some time ago.
[Big Grin]
 
Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on September 09, 2016, 03:57 AM:
 
Great point raised Graham! [Wink]
 
Posted by Mathew James (Member # 4581) on September 09, 2016, 07:41 AM:
 
I think I am maybe a younger member overall....I have only been into super 8 for a couple of years now.
I joined this forum for one reason, that is, to fix my Elmo ST180E that i knew zero about.
Not only did i fix it thanx to the help here, but you folks have pulled me in to the forum activities to some degree as well...
I could have fixed the projector and ran, like many new sign ups do...but you guys are somewhat intriguing [Smile] he hee
I think Doug does a great job here as well.
Luckily, My posts haven't been moderated so far, so I hope my contributions have been positive to the overall forum objectives as well.
I really like super 8 and my family likes it as well. It has become a nice part of our routine..to sit down in the evening and watch a film or two with the whole family is just amazing fun!
 
Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on September 09, 2016, 11:20 AM:
 
So we caught you, ehhhh Mathew?

I don't know what it is about this particular hobby, but generally speaking it seems to attract a crowd of really nice people who are fun to be around.

I can't be sure if you get a bunch of people who do model trains or counted cross-stich together they enjoy each other's company this much. For all I know they're twice as nice as we are, but I know for fact for every jack-ass I've ever met doing this there are easily 10 people I'm pleased to know.

My wife comes to CineSea as often as she can. She doesn't actually come for the films: it's the people!...(-and apparently there's some kitschy shopping nearby, but it's mostly the people!)
 
Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on September 09, 2016, 02:31 PM:
 
Fantastic words there Steve, I think likewise. I cannot believe the generosity and warmth I've witnessed from people such as Hugh, Alan, keith, Kevin and many many more in this wonderful hobby of ours is nothing short of amazing!

We are surrounded by some outstanding human beings in this hobby of ours, we really are. [Smile]

[ September 10, 2016, 03:30 PM: Message edited by: Andrew Woodcock ]
 
Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on September 09, 2016, 06:29 PM:
 
I miss some of the old 'regulars' on this forum. For example, what happened to Craig Hamilton? Did he give up on cine? Same question about Mike Peckham, and so many others who used to post here almost daily.
 
Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on September 09, 2016, 07:38 PM:
 
We've been doing this for more than a decade now. For better or worse this means change will come. Where is Jan Bister now? (-and I will never forget Tim Christian.)

When I started here I was 41 years old. As nearly as I can tell I'm about 96 now. I've actually started to pass people who used to be older than me!
 
Posted by Adrian Winchester (Member # 248) on September 09, 2016, 07:53 PM:
 
It's good to see the praise for the moderating here as this can be controversial on any type of forum - it's impossible to always please everyone. There was an occasion a few years ago when I think it would be true to say that a new forum started because of an 'exodus' of members leaving this one. But I personally feel that the membership numbers, loyalty and the ongoing amount of interaction here represents a vindication of the wisdom behind the policies and moderation over the years, even when they appeared to be causing rebellion!
 
Posted by Janice Glesser (Member # 2758) on September 09, 2016, 10:22 PM:
 
This month marks my 5th year on the forum...boy does time fly! I've gone from barely able to thread a projector to completely restoring a shutter on a 1927 Pathe' Baby .... go figure [Smile] There has been so many helpful and patient members that have contributed to improving my knowledge and skills . Thank You! This forum has made vintage film and projectors a fun hobby for me.
 
Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on September 09, 2016, 10:52 PM:
 
Janice,

When I passed 2000 posts I asked Doug to grant me "Film Guy" status.

-perhaps you should go for "Film Goddess"!

(It's a suitable title for you!)
 
Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on September 10, 2016, 01:04 AM:
 
Brilliant Janice and Steve [Smile]

Its certainly been good, even better if we could all meet in person one day [Cool] ..now that would be fun [Smile]

But just to highlight how world wide "home movies" are, I came across this photo on one of the Facebook pages, sorry I cant remember which one [Roll Eyes] ...anyway I hope this person does not mind me posting his photo here.

It really does show though, that no matter what country you may live in, this one in "Iraq", the interest in film and film projectors is universal. One thing if you look closely, you will see a "Walton" Laurel and Hardy Super8 print, quite amazing when you think that Walton Films went out of business long ago and here it is years later still being watched, even in places of turmoil.
 -
 
Posted by Adrian Winchester (Member # 248) on September 10, 2016, 07:07 AM:
 
Graham - that's amazing! Can you point to any other information on this event?
 
Posted by David Ollerearnshaw (Member # 3296) on September 10, 2016, 01:11 PM:
 
Walton's last printing was supposed to be Chaplin's The Cure for the Middle East.
 
Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on September 10, 2016, 01:15 PM:
 
quote:
-even better if we could all meet in person one day
Well, some of us actually have. It's kind of a wild thing, having friends you've never really met before. You might be with one of them a half hour before you hear a name and actually realize they're from here.

It's part on the value of having your picture on your posts: people meet you and know who you are right away.
 
Posted by Dominique De Bast (Member # 3798) on September 10, 2016, 01:38 PM:
 
I was lucky enough to meet Bruno, Jean-Marc and Nick several time and several other members (from different countries like UK, Italy, Spain, Greece) at the BFCC in London (I sadly didn't see Doug when he came there) and in 9,5 meetings (like the Get Together or the 9.5 Spring Fair). It has always be a great pleasure !
 
Posted by Dave Groves (Member # 4685) on September 10, 2016, 04:32 PM:
 
I still think there's a strong case for wearing a name badge. I hate to think how many folk from this forum I've passed at the BFCC or how many have bought films from my table over the years without any recognition. Perhaps I'll take my own suggestion this year especially as I'm not behind a table.
 
Posted by Dominique De Bast (Member # 3798) on September 10, 2016, 04:41 PM:
 
Dave, sadly, many British members don't display their picture on the forum. Maybe that would be easier for all of us if we could see more picures.
 
Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on September 10, 2016, 06:27 PM:
 
Sorry Adrian I cant find the page again. I did write the details down but unfortunately I cant find the paper either [Roll Eyes]

The details did include who the person was, and exactly where the event was held and the name of the town hall, what I do remember, that it was in Northern Iraq.
 
Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on September 12, 2016, 12:30 PM:
 
Happy 5th Anniversary, Janice!!! [Smile]
 


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