I'd like to thank everyone who has signed up for TraditionalPhotographer.NET. It is your presence there that will make this site a success, and I am genuinely appreciative for your participation.

I'd like to also apologize for the current state of this site. This website is raw ... very raw. I had intended to make the site more feature complete and functional before putting it up. However, I saw an increasing trend towards digital photography on LF Forum, where I sometimes participate, and I also saw an increasing feeling of animosity on APUG on several subjects. For this reason, I felt that I could not wait any longer.

Having said all that, I would like to take the time to give you an update on what I am doing here, and what I have planned for the near future of this website. You no doubt have seen a number of empty pages here and pages that don't go anywhere. Have faith, I am planning on having it all complete as soon as I can.

Here are some of the features of the site that are planned, some already in development, and some only in the design phase:

1. Member Gallery - a member gallery is planned, where registered members may show off their work. It will be similar in concept to that which you see on APUG.
2. Classifieds - a classified section is planned, where registered and termed (member who have been on registered for a certain period of time) may sell various items. This will be similar in concept to that which is on APUG.
3. Articles - an article subsystem is in development. The purpose of this section is to enable members to write about different subjects relating to photography, traditional methods and process, business issues related to photography and travel articles.
4. Resources - a subsystem to enable members and visitors to find out more about traditional photography, where to purchase supplies, lab processing, public darkrooms, in short anything that would be beneficial to the advancement of traditional photography.
5. Newsletter - a monthly email newsletter is planned.

The forum part of this website seems to be working much better than when I first put it up live. However, there are either a number of features it doesn't have that I would like to see. I plan on updating this portion, however, for the time being, I've left it alone. The forum subsystem is a commercial package I purchased from the UK, and I know there are updates scheduled for it sometime in the beginning of the new year. However, since I acquired the source code for it, if those updates are delayed, I may consider making the changes myself. Regardless, I will keep you posted on everything I do here.

There are many more features that I am considering, but haven't decided on yet. Features like either a Knowledge Base or Wiki function, for example. Your suggestions are appreciated.

I also wanted to point out that it is not my intent to try to replace APUG or LF, or to draw members away from these sites, but rather to provide an alternative viewpoint on traditional photography. I won't use my membership in these organizations to seek more members for this site - except for those who have asked me for an alternative towards them. However, everyone here is free to recommend this site to anyone they think may be interested in joining or participating. One side note, I have turned the registration validation feature back on (yesterday), which means a valid email address must be submitted for all new members.

Thanks for participating, and thanks for your support and your suggestions.

Robert

TraditionalPhotographer.NET
Preserving and Promoting Craftsmanship in Photography

TraditionalPhotographer.NET
Preserving and Promoting Craftsmanship in Photography