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Poll

Why are you anonymous, and if not, why not?

Because I don't want my portfolio to be scrutinized
13 (13%)
Because I might get 'punished' by the agencies I am negative about
18 (18%)
Because I always post anonymous anywhere on the internet
5 (5%)
Because I am a troll
5 (5%)
Because I think the discussions get too 'personal' here
3 (3%)
I am not anonymous because I dont worry about any of the above
9 (9%)
I am not anonymous because I have nothing to hide
12 (12%)
I am not anonymous because I like to be open and up front with people
19 (19%)
I am not anonymous because it never crossed my mind to be anonymous
16 (16%)

Total Members Voted: 85

Author Topic: Why are you anonymous, and if not, why not?  (Read 18273 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

WarrenPrice

« Reply #25 on: December 23, 2012, 12:16 »
+3
From a slightly different angle ... I include my name, my website, even email address. 
Maybe there are buyers here.  It pays to advertise.
 8)


« Reply #26 on: December 23, 2012, 12:21 »
0
you can have well argued posts delivered anonymously but even these would be strengthened if the author is prepared to stand over

Only if the point requires a signature. Opinion does not necessarily have more gravitas for being signed. References (eg to sources) and examples are what matters (as I am sure many of us learned at University).

So, I suppose you submitted your course work anonymously??  Anonymous opinion can be well argued, honest and pertinent but does not have the same gravitas.  There is a reason people have to give evidence in court and not just send in an anonymous note.

I would suggest though that "good" or "bad" depends on whether the reader agrees or not.

Only where the answer involves a subjective opinion. Not in a world of right and wrong answers.

Very little in this world is black or white most discourse involves subjective opinion


On this particular site, the one area of opinion for which I'd have zero respect is port criticism by those in the long grass.

If someone asks for a critique it makes no difference whether the responses they get are anonymous or not. All that matters is the quality of the opinion. For the most part a well delivered critique will validate itself. The quality of a critique stands or falls on the quality of the opinion. Nothing else. Remember that the buyers are anonymous.

How can a newbie tell if an opinion is harsh but fair or something delivered by someone who gets his jollies from belittling others?  If you want critique post on the SS or IS forum.

I challenge anyone to provide a reason for anonymity that isnt rooted in fear or dishonesty.

I would turn that the other way. Unless an opinion requires a signature I do not see any reason why it should need to be signed.

In many cases you are likely to get more honest answers from anonymous sources.

Nobody is saying something needs to be signed, that is entirely up to the poster but the reader, equally, can draw conclusions.  Being totally unaccountable for comment can certainly be an aid to honesty.

I think that's what attracts a lot of people to the internet, they can be anonymous and say or do whatever they want to others without having to take responsibility for their actions or words.

IMO these sorts of anti - anonymity themes are often propagated by interests which seek or advocate greater control of the internet and greater control of opinion in general. Often in concert with lobbying on behalf of companies which want greater freedom to harvest and exploit personal information. Anti - bullying arguments are often used in this context.

In reality, much of the most acerbic, ignorant and bitter opinion I regularly see is written or read (broadcast media) by people who are more than happy to put their names to it. This does not bother me however since I was bought up to understand that:

"sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me"

^ we need to get back to that. Rather than trying to stifle opinion.

What anti anonymity theme?  Started by an anonymous member with fairly balanced for and against.  The argument that anonymity = freedom strikes me in the same way that the gun control = oppression argument does.
   
I have to say I really enjoyed the plagiarism argument.  Im wondering if someone could express the % probability of the increased risk of plagiarism by posting here as against having their actual work available on numerous sites with 100s of 1000s of users?

« Reply #27 on: December 23, 2012, 12:22 »
+2
Without anonymity I'd be off like a shot. Why? Too many ex-colleagues and potential competitors who would be interested in who, what and where I supply.

It's purely a business decision, protecting my interests and proprietary business information. Not ideal, granted, but after 20 years in the game I've got to look after number one.

The validity and weight of my posts rests on their content rather than any personal reputation. It is in no way diminishing their honesty; but I'll let my peers be the judge of that.

Exactly. If you care to scroll down to the stat's you'll usually find that there are normally 2-3x more guests than registered users reading these posts. Even many of the registered users you'll never have heard of because they never actually post. Most of the regular contributors here are generous with their time, experience and the information that they choose to share. However there is a limit to how much you can afford to share when it's your livelihood, especially when the vast majority of the recipients (of that information) are completely anonymous themselves.

RT


« Reply #28 on: December 23, 2012, 12:25 »
+1
There's no right or wrong answer to an opinion question.

There is according to some people!!

Your pole doesn't really cover my reason.
I'm anonymous (to a certain extent as most people know who I am) here only because I know that sometimes buyers will search for my portfolio using the username that I use on nearly all the Microstock sites I submit to, same for others I have no doubt, a couple of years ago I discovered that because I also used my username here most of the search results on Google were posts I'd made here, if someone is searching for my username I want them to find my images not my idle ramblings on MSG. Hence I changed to just RT.


Poncke

« Reply #29 on: December 23, 2012, 12:26 »
0
Thanks for the debate guys. Interesting points. I am not anonymous anywhere else on the stock sites. This is the only forum where I choose to be careful. Was it fear in the first place, no it was because I wanted my opinion to be valued on what I said, not of the portfolio I have. I have many people's opinions seen discarded because of their portfolio. So I decided to start off anonymous. During this time here, I actually realised its because I dont want agencies to retaliate because of my opinion. I can imagine some agencies would happily get rid of some contributors that slay them here in the forum.

Anyhoo, I have to come to appreciate many of you here, very strong minded and opiniated people, but the place is more civil than I first thought it would be  :D
« Last Edit: December 23, 2012, 12:33 by Poncke »

Poncke

« Reply #30 on: December 23, 2012, 12:27 »
0
What happened to grafix04? Left us?

RT


« Reply #31 on: December 23, 2012, 12:30 »
0
I can images some agencies would happily get rid of some contributors that slay them here in the forum.

That did happen with FT, can't remember the guys name (use to photo lots of girls not wearing very much), he gave his opinion about something FT had done and they kicked him off. I can't remember all the details but he didn't hold back on his opinion of them.

« Reply #32 on: December 23, 2012, 12:43 »
+1
That was Bobby Deal - photoshow - that Fotolia kicked out.

And Fotolia deleted my account (which I had left open but with no images after I became an iStock exclusive) and then refused to have me back as a contributor when I returned to being an independent. This was all over their displeasure over comments in public forums about their policies.

I like knowing who I am talking to. I would prefer it if people weren't anonymous, but I understand why some need or prefer to be so. I don't say anything in a public forum or on facebook that I have a problem being found in a search. I do think knowing something about where I'm coming from - portfolio of 50, 2,000 or 50K; doing stock for 6 months or 6 years; are my images boudoir shots, travel, food, 3D renderings, etc. - provides context for my opinions. I'm not sure how you could assess them - and validity isn't relevant for the most part in discussions like these - without knowing something about me. If I comment on what iStock likes or doesn't but I'm not a contributor there, you'd treat that differently from the case where I'd been there for many years, or where I was exclusive and an inspector there.

CD123

« Reply #33 on: December 23, 2012, 12:51 »
0

RT


« Reply #34 on: December 23, 2012, 12:57 »
0
That was Bobby Deal - photoshow - that Fotolia kicked out.

Thanks that's him, I had a complete blank.

I didn't know about your situation though.
« Last Edit: December 23, 2012, 13:01 by RT »

« Reply #35 on: December 23, 2012, 13:30 »
0
Did they kick him out?
That was kind of stupid...'

aspp

« Reply #36 on: December 23, 2012, 13:44 »
+2
How can a newbie tell if an opinion is harsh but fair or something delivered by someone who gets his jollies from belittling others?

By intelligently understanding and evaluating the merits of the points made.

« Reply #37 on: December 23, 2012, 15:21 »
0
That was Bobby Deal - photoshow - that Fotolia kicked out.

And Fotolia deleted my account (which I had left open but with no images after I became an iStock exclusive) and then refused to have me back as a contributor when I returned to being an independent. This was all over their displeasure over comments in public forums about their policies.

I like knowing who I am talking to. I would prefer it if people weren't anonymous, but I understand why some need or prefer to be so. I don't say anything in a public forum or on facebook that I have a problem being found in a search. I do think knowing something about where I'm coming from - portfolio of 50, 2,000 or 50K; doing stock for 6 months or 6 years; are my images boudoir shots, travel, food, 3D renderings, etc. - provides context for my opinions. I'm not sure how you could assess them - and validity isn't relevant for the most part in discussions like these - without knowing something about me. If I comment on what iStock likes or doesn't but I'm not a contributor there, you'd treat that differently from the case where I'd been there for many years, or where I was exclusive and an inspector there.
I think that because the sites do not post often at MSG, its members have a false sense of security that they can say what ever they want without consequence.  I can remember when Rinder "claimed" on MSG that he submitted someone else work as a review test on IS.  It not take long for them to permanently ban him from submitting to their site altogether and to be fair you can not blame them for taking such a stance.

I did not answer the questionnaire because the questions seemed to be biased against being anonymous. I do not flaunt who I am mainly because I think it is important not to take my own self worth too seriously and I want to be able to respond honestly to problems presenting on the sites without fear that the micros will retaliate in some way!

I give equal weight to the people I know here and the people I do not know based on what they have to say period. 

In fact I know some people here that are anonymous because they walk the walk on the sites through action and you can also hear that wisdom in their words on MSG. Unless you are a newb, you can pretty much spot your friends even when they are posting anonymously to protect their business interests.

« Reply #38 on: December 23, 2012, 15:24 »
0
@cathy, yes, those looking to diversify will find where I am eventually but that doesn't mean I should advertise it, inviting everyone in there at once.  It gives me a chance to get my foot in the door.

But that's just one reason.

I don't see how being anonymous (on its own) matters.  As long as they're respectful of others, what difference does it make?

I understand trolls are a PITA and they annoy me just as much as anyone else.  I can't remember the ID but that guy (ltn or something like that) in the Pinerest thread who came in here just to cause trouble - people like that are annoying.  But then you get some like that who aren't anonymous. 

IMO, if someone puts their point across without putting others down, I don't care if I know their name or portfolio.  I won't change my opinion of their opinion.

Come to think of it, sometimes I prefer anonymity because there are many who are influenced by the person and not the opinion.  How many of you have one or two of those friends that agree with you just for the sake of it.  After a while it gets on your nerves and you end up respecting the guy who thinks for himself.


+1

Poncke

« Reply #39 on: December 23, 2012, 15:25 »
0
There is nothing biased about it, or at least I never meant it to be biased. Just think of the poll written by a non English speaker. I am anonymous, so why would I be biased against myself  ;)

Poncke

« Reply #40 on: December 23, 2012, 15:29 »
0
Because I don't want my portfolio to be scrutinized 11 (23.4%)
Because I might get 'punished' by the agencies I am negative about 8 (17%)
Because I always post anonymous anywhere on the internet 3 (6.4%)
Because I am a troll 1 (2.1%) (I added this answer mainly for laughs, didnt expect to get a result here  :) )
Because I think the discussions get too 'personal' here 2 (4.3%)
I am not anonymous because I dont worry about any of the above 3 (6.4%)
I am not anonymous because I have nothing to hide 6 (12.8%)
I am not anonymous because I like to be open and up front with people 10 (21.3%)
I am not anonymous because it never crossed my mind to be anonymous 3 (6.4%)

lisafx

« Reply #41 on: December 23, 2012, 17:48 »
0
I have always respected and understood why people would choose to be anonymous here.  It is nice to be able to say exactly what you think without having to worry about reprisals from the agencies who monitor the forums. 

I was here for a very long time before it occurred to me to be anonymous, and I did try out an alter ego for a brief while.  But in my case, my way of expressing myself is pretty easy to pick out to those who know me, and the only way I could have avoided being discovered would have been to change my syntax.  Seemed like more bother than it was worth, so I just went back to being me. 

Not to mention that, when I do have a criticism or suggestion that I want an agency to hear, I think I have more credibility as a known individual than as a random poster. 


ShadySue

  • There is a crack in everything
« Reply #42 on: December 23, 2012, 18:32 »
0
Because although I stand beside everything I say, and hope I apologise for any inadvertant mistakes, I don't necessarily want anyone outside stock who looks up my real name to find all my varied rabbitings.
Actually, I was semi-anonymous, i.e. I posted under a pseudonym, but you could find my name and port, should you have wanted to, in my profile; but the site update changed that.
... which doesn't seem to fit any of the poll options.

« Reply #43 on: December 23, 2012, 21:00 »
+2
Actually there are only 2 reasons to be anonymous - fear or dishonesty.

Give me a break.

There's a long tradition of anonymity on the internet, going all the way back to Usenet.  Plastering the details of one's personal life all over the web is a recent thing. 

It's not clear to me why anyone should be asked to explain or justify their desire for privacy and anonymity. I'd say the questions should be going in the other direction: why is someone, in this context, expecting or demanding to know who I am?   

« Last Edit: December 23, 2012, 21:05 by stockastic »

« Reply #44 on: December 23, 2012, 22:48 »
+2
I am not anonymous on this newsgroup for the same reason I don't wear a mask when I go out and interact with real people - what's the difference really?
So you know I am a photographer and you can see my portfolio and maybe if you're not too ethical you will copy some ideas, but that can't be stopped by me being anonymous. So what is there to hide?
When I express my opinions I like people to know who they are coming from. If an agency is petty enough to punish contributors for their opinions, then good riddance.

« Reply #45 on: December 24, 2012, 02:56 »
0
. If an agency is petty enough to punish contributors for their opinions, then good riddance.
Everybodies circumstances are different and not all of us are in a position where we can afford to just say good riddance to the big earning companies. Fotolia have chucked a few people out for things they have said here and although they have tanked for me now they were for over a year my highest earner by a big margin.   

gillian vann

  • *Gillian*
« Reply #46 on: December 24, 2012, 03:37 »
+1
I don't mind if you have a look at my stuff... so you know I'm not shooting total cr8p. :D as a newbie I guess I just let it all hang out, maybe later I'll play closer to my chest, but for now I'm still pretty enthusiastic.

i'm not sure the copycat reason is overly valid (paranoid much?). There are 200000 photographers out there, any of whom who could view your work any time they chose to. I'd think once we "know" each other you'd be less likely to have copycats from within this community?  That could be naive, but even if someone were to copy you, they may have done so either way. Chill, I say.

rubyroo

« Reply #47 on: December 24, 2012, 03:51 »
0
Deleted
« Last Edit: December 24, 2012, 05:53 by rubyroo »

« Reply #48 on: December 24, 2012, 06:51 »
0
Actually there are only 2 reasons to be anonymous - fear or dishonesty.

Give me a break.

There's a long tradition of anonymity on the internet, going all the way back to Usenet.  Plastering the details of one's personal life all over the web is a recent thing. 

It's not clear to me why anyone should be asked to explain or justify their desire for privacy and anonymity. I'd say the questions should be going in the other direction: why is someone, in this context, expecting or demanding to know who I am?

Nobody is expecting / demanding to know who anyone is or questioning anyone's right to be anonymous, nor is anyone saying fear is necessarily bad.  However you dress is up, I have seen nothing here that doesn't, when brought down to essentials, fall into one of the 2 categories.

gillian vann

  • *Gillian*
« Reply #49 on: December 24, 2012, 07:21 »
-1
I can absolutely see why you'd want to hide your portfolio if you were saying horrid things about the diff agencies.

And frankly, fair enough!

Let's not let the past few weeks in Instagram's life be forgotten - we small folk still matter cos we have the numbers.

In the real world i hate unions - I am a business owner and in general I think the "little people" are clueless (we can debate this on another thread if you like).
I'm not sure yet how I feel about stock, cos it's such a unique business model. I'm still leaning towards: you're trying to pay us "african" wages...


 

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