Jayne Jones wrote:
Why are we here??

I joined MM because I thought it would help me network with some great people.  I have.  But there are always some people here that make you question yourself.  Like why you're even here.  It's all such a game. . .but why???

Thoughts?

Suggestion from a friend.lol. Honestly my friend told me to join so i did.

Jayne Jones wrote:
Why are we here??

I joined MM because I thought it would help me network with some great people.  I have.  But there are always some people here that make you question yourself.  Like why you're even here.  It's all such a game. . .but why???

Thoughts?

I joined for that same reason but you are right...maybe it's just harder to get started for some than others...But, don't give up

Michael Barian wrote:
Pretty much a waste of time,
but still fun.

lol...hmmm, a waste of time depending on what you wish to accomplish...its very fun though.

Jayne Jones wrote:
As usual, I get good advice from those of you who "know" me.  *lol*

I have to admit this thread was spawned by a recent convo.  It was just the straw that broke the camel's back.  There have been soooooo many. . .too many really to count.  It's really tough.  The saying is so very true: Can't please all the people all of the time.

One side says "you're a sellout."  Another side says "Don't believe the hype."  Another side says "it's all a game. . .a big stupid game."  I dunno.  I think my time here is so winding down.  I'm just so drained.  Perhaps I'll take a break for a while.  I dunno.

Not to be nosy..but can you be more specific...as to what your issue is?? thanks hun.

Ched wrote:
There is the business and the mind games. I don't play the games, I take them apart. That freaks some people out and they tend to want to recoil in horror. This is especially true when I call them on things and ask for justification of words and actions. Most people dealing out simple tricks to get what they want cannot deal when asked for complex explanations.

True.  I guess I'm just taking things far too personally.  But then again. . .we all are human and so it is somewhat difficult not to.

Jayne Jones wrote:
Why are we here??

I joined MM because I thought it would help me network with some great people.  I have.  But there are always some people here that make you question yourself.  Like why you're even here.  It's all such a game. . .but why???

Thoughts?

One of my friends recommended this site to me. I was looking for a site in which to network, learn a few things from a different group of people, and get some more shoots under my belt. I've accomplished both, but I have to keep in mind that there will be days when I'm able to network and learn more, and other days where I don't.

Truth be told, it IS a bit of a game. You got posturing, chest-beating photographers and models, you have those who want to learn and no one wants to help, and you have those people in the middle who haven't quite figured out what they want to do yet, who get beat up by people on both sides.

I actually like this site. Don was one of the first people to welcome me to the board, and while I don't know him, I'm really appreciative that someone decided to send me a welcome message after my first few posts.

I have to remind myself at times that this board isn't the only place that I can hone my craft and learn more. I don't have a financial investment into this board, but I feel a bit obligated to help those who need it, people who are in the same position that I was in years ago.

Don't let it run your life or get you stressed out. Make it a tool in which you can better yourself. When it gets to be too stressful, take a couple of days off, and you'll be amazed at the new perspective you get.

If it ain't fun, it ain't worth it.

Vic.

VRG Photography wrote:

and you have those people in the middle who haven't quite figured out what they want to do yet, who get beat up by people on both sides.

*Nods head in agreement.*

Jayne Jones wrote:

True.  I guess I'm just taking things far too personally.  But then again. . .we all are human and so it is somewhat difficult not to.

When you find yourself taking things too personally, back off for a minute. Get some coffee, have some sex, even if you have to have it with yourself.

Life is too short to be stressed out on a message board.

Craig Thomson wrote:
As with anything both on and off line, there will some that don’t believe in you and to that I will tell you to keep the faith and not let them discourage you from doing what you feel is right.
Your time is better spent building on your investment then to defend who you are to anyone.

Good advice!  I've preferred to adopt that attitude as I've utilized the site...

Electra T wrote:

*Nods head in agreement.*

Too bad you aren't in the area. If you were, we wouldn't have this dang thread open about getting you some pictures. LOL

Electra T wrote:
Not to be nosy..but can you be more specific...as to what your issue is?? thanks hun.

Check your box.

D. Brian Nelson wrote:
I'm here to find models for my work.  And once in awhile to post something outrageous and wach the fuss.

-Don

Yep.

Outrageous topics by Don... gotta love 'em.

theda wrote:
tyler won't let me leave

LOL....you are his Marla Singer.

Doug Lester wrote:
Pure entertainment value! It isn't a site for serious work.

On the contraray...I've accomplished much "serious" work with people I've met here, with more to come.  Like any resource, you get back what you put in.

Jayne Jones wrote:
Why are we here??

I joined MM because I thought it would help me network with some great people.  I have.  But there are always some people here that make you question yourself.  Like why you're even here.  It's all such a game. . .but why???

Thoughts?

Nobody can "make" you question yourself.  Either you're sure of who and what you are or you aren't.  I've found that the people who have the least certainty of themselves play the most games.  Res Ipsa Loquitur

Doug Lester wrote:
Pure entertainment value! It isn't a site for serious work.

So far this rings true for me, I find all of my work outside of MM thats for sure. I've hired two models from MM and will not do it again. I likre looking at others works for inspiration s there is some great talent here.

But it is more for fun and perhaps some TFCD stuff in my spare time or to try new ideas.

Melvin Moten Jr wrote:

On the contraray...I've accomplished much "serious" work with people I've met here, with more to come.  Like any resource, you get back what you put in.

While there are parts of the site that are not 'serious' here, the possibilities are. I haven't quite figured out what the secret ingredient is, but this site does allow for some serious networking, collaborating, meetings of artists and friendships.

If you are here to make lots of money....better to go to a networking site for financial planners.

If you are here to make art and meet other creative people, and maybe even get some paid work, this site is great.

It is not the only one I use, but it is the one I have gotten the most friends from. And by friends, I mean people I have met, shot with, and stayed at their houses. MM has truly richened my life in that way.

Terry Breedlove wrote:
Sometimes I get really disgusted with MM and think about leaving but then someone sends a cool message or makes a great post or needs help with something related to photography and love it. So for what ever reason I guess I am meant to be here and plan to stay. Though I have learned the hard way to never ever point a potential model or new client to my MM port ! It seems everytime I do I get the oh your work is on a porn site feedback!

I would have to say that I refer many of my potential clients to this site that are appropriate. If someone comes to me about a wedding or family portrait then I refer them to my own website.
After an incredible two days of shooting with people ( Models and MUA's ) from this site.... I can say that this is one of the best investments of time I have ever made!