Hey guys,
I've been here since Nov and - despite so many friendly, wonderful, niiiiiiiice people, I still feel a little bit like an outsider and imagine other newbies do too.

My questions are:

>How do so many OSPeeps appear know each other?
(Seeing each other 'around' and posting shots of each other)

>What are the events/conventions that ya'll go to together?
(For those us who aren't WPPI members etc)

>What's going on with the "Group" names under peoples' avatars?
(I haven't been able to find it under help - is that dumb?)

Thanks,
Eddie

Hi and welcome! Sorry you feel on the "outside". I think a lot of us know each other through events such as OSP-Chat and WPPI, etc. Some people are from the same area and know each other that way. I suggest you go to a GTG sometime and introduce yourself!

Eddie,

I know you're not alone - have you read the 'playground vs possie' post - it might help you understand the workings.

I know about 60% of the UK photographers on this forum because i brought them here! So I know there's a lot of personal introductions i.e ready made friendships. There are also quite a few gatherings (check out the Going Places section of the forum), and this in turn creates solid friendships. There's also the virtual gatherings and conversations - there are quiet a few folks on here who I consider friends, yet I've never met them and have only ever exchanged messages on this board.

The group names are explained on DJ's blog it's just to do with the number of posts you've made.

I hope that answers some of your questions - it's great to have you here.

Hi Eddie,

Going to OSP South helped me alot. In fact, it was AWESOME for me to be able to finally put actual faces & personalities with avitars that I remembered from the forum. Also, just being a Love Cat within the forum helps too--which entails being a part of discussions, etc.

Don't know what a Love Cat is? Read "Love is the Killer App" by Tim Sanders.

Welcome--you're always accepted here!

I think OSP has grown to be a rather large community, which is great for the sharing of knowledge, but you are not alone in that feeling. I have met some wonderful photographers from OSP like Sarah Barlow, Josh J, Zack Arias, and Craig, but they are only a few. So many times, although I have been on OSP since April of last year and have posted over 500 times, I still feel like an outsider.

I think the camaradery that shows in many people is due to the fact that they either know each other already or have met at some of the get togethers that happen like the OSP South last year or the upcoming OSP Indy, etc. Still, other people simply just click, and although they may not have met, there is something in particular, like common interests, that they can build a friendship on, etc.

I haven't lost hope yet that one day I may be counted amongst the friends on OSP. Certainly stick around and post and ask questions. I certainly wouldn't know as much as I do now about Photography if it weren't for OSP.

welcome Eddie, I have been around about as long as you have and I know the feeling. I don't feel excluded, but just not totally like I get the inside jokes and the "connection" that so many have. But like other have said, don't give up hope. The more you participate, the more you feel like you belong and know everyone (and get the jokes ).


Also, I'd have to agree that going to the get togethers like OSP-South or OSP-West etc will definitely help! I haven't even attended OSPW yet, but just in the last 2 weeks of Chris and I deciding we are going and chatting with everyone that is attending I feel closer to everyone already. I can't wait to meet all of them in person.

I see you're in San Diego, check out the OSP West thread and Wikki info, it would be great to see you there

Eddie, you should definitely come to OSP West! It's going to be great fun!


I haven't met anyone from here yet, but just by participating on the forums AND in chat, I don't really feel like an outsider like I did when I first joined. It's definitely all about participation. The more you post, the more everyone knows you.

PS-I see on your blog that you go the the Rock...a big group of my friends go there...I prefer Flood myself; I just love Pastor Matt. But Pastor Myles is really good too!

Alyssa, you go to flood???? Matt was my youth leader back when I was in High School!!!! I just love Matt and was so sad when he moved down to Southern California. A friend of mine just told me about flood and that Matt is there.

eddie, thanks for asking these questions. i had some of the same ones myself. being part of another forum for over 2 years (of which i dare not mention the theme, as it will reveal to everyone how nerdy and uncool i am), i just assumed most of these folks have built up relationships through posting on the board regularly over time.

i met some of the folks from that other (rediculously cool and totally un-nerdy) forum i was a part of when they happened to be passing through my area, or i through theirs. usually just takes time and consistency of posting.

but seeing as i don't know anyone personally here, and seeing as how we're kind of the same life/photography page, how about we establish a friendship right here in public. not only will it prove the friendliness of the boards, and its ability to bring strangers together...but everyone will see how awesome we are, and then want to be our friends as well. everybody wins.

Hi Eddie, and welcome to OSP! I will try to answer your questions from my perspective. I think when I joined this past June, I was like member #1200 and something, but a little over a year ago, there were only maybe 300-400 members here. Its a little unfortunate that the crash last month lost a year's worth of "easily searchable" OSP threads, because you would run across threads that would give you insight into how OSP got to where it is today.

Many of the early members met through informal get-togethers, WPPI conferences, PPA conferences, etc. There have been some that attended things like Mike Colon workshops together, Joe Bussink workshops, and those kinds of events. Then there are a tremendous number of folks that have over time teamed up for wedding shoots. I think local area PUG (Pictage User Group) meetings have brought a lot folks together (esp. with DJ making the rounds to PUG after PUG), as well as some of the more recently organized regional OSP stuff. Some of these have been as loosely organized as an afternoon of shooting together, just a handful of people. OSP South (as it was called), in Nov. 2005 was maybe 15 people getting together for a weekend of fun. OSP South 2, Nov. 2006 was 100 people from all over coming together for a couple of days of fun and sharing. The same is going on now with OSP West, OSP Indy, and other local gatherings.

So really what you feel is not really "being on the outside", its that some of the friendships have become so deep (unexpected and unheardof in forum cyberspace), that there is certainly some layering and you see it as you hangout on the board. But the most "outside" feeling member of OSP is more accepted here than on any other forum that I know of. So whats it all about? Well, as with anything there are "rites of passage" as you will. This is a photography forum, so the more you post about what you want to learn, or the more you post helping others learn, the deeper you will get. Then there are the images. Images show where you are in your photographic travels, how much have you advanced, how fast are you continuing to advance. The images are the deliverables for sure (great shot on your website BTW of the bride and groom in the middle of the street with the oncoming car - I love that image, its extremely exciting!). Are you being inspired by others images? And are your images inspiring other people? There are definitely a number of heavy hitters hanging out on this board, so we have from beginner to industry leaders all in one place, and all sharing.

Then there are the "fun" threads, which, on most forums are not even allowed. There is no doubt that even in cyberspace you have a particular personality. Join in if you want, or skip them because they are nonsense. Sometimes those are the threads where folks get to know more about who you are other than from your photography.

Thats kind of my take on it after 8 months here. So dont be disheartened, just join in and have some fun!!! Learn and share. Make any get-together that is close by and meet face to face. Take ownership and build your friendships, you wont regret it!!!

The best thing I can say is to jump right in! When I first joined in Feb 06 I felt like an outsider. Basically everyone who was here before me was a superstar! I saw Garrett & Joy, DJ, Gino, Fong, Luke (definitely a star but even more so in our area) Neil & Liesl Cowley, and David Beckstead, Jessica Claire, Liana....basically a who's who of our generation of photographers. I was ... yea a bit nervous! lol But I jumped in and landed - the community will get to know you and if that's a good thing, you'll fit right in!



Luke W, Frank D, Brady D, Gary Ventura, Lisa Walsh, the Cowleys & Jennifer McNulty all live within 90-100 miles of me. We've had a BBQ, coffee, an afternoon to hang out - whatever. I know the people in my immediate area that way. We also went to WPPI & met so many cool people - Kevin & Garrett & Joy, Amber & Nathan, all kinds of people! Then OSP South had 90 photographers!! So we met another great group and got to see some old friends/strengthen ties & make new ones! That's where I met Amy & Leann & DJ and another huge group of people!!

Hopefully that helps. Almost nobody here is unfriendly. Almost nobody here will shun anyone at all - and you can pretty much always spot those people 10 posts away. (And use the forum ignore feature DJ posted about that some people still don't know about!)

Otherwise we're all pretty friendly! The names that you will get used to seeing are almost always the same 50-100 people so you will get to know their personalities & such. A lot of other people participate "some" but if they would jump in more we'd get to know them as well. I know that OSP Chat at the top of the forum has helped me get to know a ton of people way better!!

Hope that helps!
M

osp is awesome, but very rarely will an "insider" step out and force an outsider to become an insider! it's not that they are being rude or anything...but either they are busy, unware of the outsider, or most likely, they don't realize they are an insider!! besides, it's sometimes difficult to keep up with like, oh, 500 friends, lol.


only YOU can prevent forrest fires, and only YOU can push your way into the inner circle of love.

people start to take notice of you when you start to help other people. leave constructive, positive comments on other's photos (especially other newbies!). if you have an idea to address other peoples business or client issues, pitch in! don't be shy! if you found a great new tool or have a homegrown action....share! people here take notice of the people who are generous and selfless!

and most importantly, come to OSP WEST!

OSP, for me, is part addiction, part therapy for a mid-life career crisis that has been going on since I was...ooh...like 22 (in a nutshell...I've been a part-time photographer for 18 years...always thinking that photography would never be a career for me...but never losing the love that I have for taking great images and making people happy with those images).

I joined OSP and, like most newbies, felt like an outsider (for a little while, anyway!). But it wasn't long before I realized that what makes this place special for many people who "get it" about forums -- it's all about networking -- and this is probably one of the most supportive group you'll meet in any industry. A total newbie can come on here and say "hey, help me out with this problem" and before you know it he or she has answers and friends they didn't know they could get so quickly.

Like anything that grows rapidly...there are some bumps along the road. Sometimes people post strong opinions (or nudity...he-he-he) and ocassionally feelings get hurt...but wounds heal extremely fast on OSP ('specially for those who are lovecats and don't want to see others hurt).

I've met maybe 70 of the OSP members at PPC, OSP-MC, and a few other smaller gatherings (were I a young single...I'd probably attend OSP-*...-west, -south, -north, etc., kinda like, well, the infamous TimCo.!). There are lots of good people on here -- so many who are quick to extend a helping hand, a thoughtful PM (or e-mail, phone call, etc.) -- and friendships form fast since we have so many things in common as photographers.

That's just my view of the world that is OSP.

Welcome aboard Eddie!

I've resigned myself to being an outsider, being that I'm on the complete other side of the world and all and I play in different timezones.



Anyone want to come to OSP NZ?? we have plenty of room at our place!

Ahhh yes!! I love love LOVE Pastor Matt!!! Isn't he the best? Flood is amazing. If you're ever in San Diego for any reason, you MUST come have a little look-see. diveintoflood.com is the website if you want to see what Matt's up to.

Small world!




Hmmm....one of my best friends lives in Wellington, and I MIGHT fly to NZ one of these days. hahaha

Hi Eddie-
I know the feeling, I often feel like an outsider too. Forums can be very impersonal. I have only personally met Jillian and Timco (who are both extremely cool people) but have begun to make new friends through continued sharing here.
My thought is that we can make OSP whatever we want. Make posts on other people's posts and they will return the effort. There are a few people that only seem to comment on people they know's posts, and that is fine, it is a natural human trait. Don't take it personally as you will find that at some point you will catch yourself reading and posting to someone you know's post because of some relationship you have with them.
Come to OSP West and you will have your own inside jokes and personal relationships, that is a big part of what it is all about. I know that I am really looking forward to personally meeting everyone and it is one of the few reasons why I am going to WPPI as well.

And I will try to get to OSP NZ, sounds like a great time!

I can't wait for WPPI & to get a chance to meet you Colin!

We're becoming friends right?

whether he like it or not right? :lmao:

I dunno about that.... but I hope!

Wow...so much good stuff. I appreciate you all taking the time to respond. I do want to make sure everybody knows that I don't feel like an outsider in a bad way. Clearly, this is the sweetest group of people on the web. Like JenStewart said, it's more about not getting the inside jokes etc. I love it here and don't at all feel excluded. Just curious about the inside.

AND LOOK - I just figured out how to do the multi-quote feature...



Again - not in a bad way. : )
GTG?



Oh cool. Thanks, Mark.
....still, what's the deal with AYSO, Spain's first division tag lines? BTW, yours is my all-time favorite. I'm not saying that cuz we're on topic. It just cracks me up. Makes me think of a comedian who was talking about how so many people ask that question when you ask them to take a shot of you. "Uhm...it's the one on the upper right where it's been since the invention of the camera."



That actually looks really cool - thanks. I'd love to make it and hope to meet you guys out there. Is there anyone driving up from SD? Do most people stay for the entire three days?



I love Pastor Matt too. I used to visit the Flood semi-regularly, actually. The Rock has been my home church for a while but still have friends at Flood. We may actually have some friends in common. We should get SD/OSP peeps together sometime. You going to OSP West?



Thanks, Mike. That was my first paid wedding gig (where I was in charge). I'll try to be better at sharing images on here. I just always feel like I'm putting the spotlight on myself, which really isn't my style. Also...how do you make it so the image isn't in the little, black, clickable box?


Thanks again, everyone! So much good feedback that I wish I could respond directly to each post. I'm looking forward to many more months ...years?....of OSP!
Love you all.
-Eddie

Here's another pic in the same vain as the last...

So, are you going to respond to my PM or what?
At WPPI I will be the guy in the front row of your seminar who defies the saying "there are no stupid questions." Let's see if you still want to be friends after that!

Do I have one from you? I just checked my list really quick and even though I know I'm behind I don't see one??

I think I sent one Jan 2?
This conversation is starting to sound like my dating life in high school

not getting the hint yet Colin?


slow learner . . . . . .

Oh man - I dunno. My Jan 2 is about 3 pages of PM. lol

I AM SO FAR behind on PM replying - sorry man. I got about 30 in one day around the time I locked that thread. So if it was bout that - well yeah ... I am wiped from it. Spent - totally. I wanted to hurl - I was getting about a PM a minute when I locked it! LOL

I'll look harder - but I dunno... slap me in vegas .. or something.

- are you really in my class? I know JK & Dustin are.

Sometimes I am thick like that!


I actually haven't signed up for any classes yet, I'm not even totally sure that I will go to any as I have a bridal show on Sunday, March 25th. I might just go for the OSP party and the trade show then go camp and shoot out in Death Valley. Of course the free drinks in the casino might talk me into an extra day or two
The PM was sort of concerning the, er, discussion of the day. I challenged you to shoot a wildfire in S. Ca using holgas to settle the dispute! Naw, you should read it.

You're the first person ever to comment on, what I think is a hilarious tag line!!

The AYSO Spain stuff is also linked to the number of posts you make. DJ's a big soccer fan so those names are all linked to Soccer leagues. When you get to 250 (I think) you can change it to anything you want.

Yup, I'll be at OSP West.

There are actually a whole bunch of us San Diegans on here...we should have some sort of mini get together after OSP West. That'd be fun.

You've changed my life with knowledge!





Awesome. Yeah. If some of the SD are going up to OSP West, we should all carpool. Of course, I'm sure each person will want to be there a different amount of time.
Anybody else going from down here?
-Eddie

That's the OSP way!!