Saturday 12 September 2009: Curtains
I have received many kind comments since last night, both in public and in private. Thank you.
In the course of the public discussions, others have said pretty much everything I would have said and they have, I think, been rather more articulate than I would have been. From a personal perspective, I simply have two things to add.
First: the comments I have received from site management have had the effect of making me feel unwelcome. I have difficulty remaining in a place where I do not feel welcome.
Second: from a more practical standpoint, it is clear that if I am to continue posting here I shall somehow have to ensure that anything I post will not be offensive to anyone. I don't know how I could do that and I don't feel that it would be worth the effort.
So, I am having trouble finding a way forward. I shall miss being part of this community. I have seen some great photographs, read some great journals and made some good friends. I may continue to look in on certain journals, but if I do not comment it will simply be because I would find it very odd to participate in a one-way conversation, with no possibility of there being any interaction.
I shall leave with a quotation:
"I don't have anything to say in any picture. My only interest in photography is to see what something looks like as a photograph. I have no preconceptions."
- Garry Winogrand
NIKON D300 : f/4.0 : 1/60" : 35mm : ISO 3200
Comments
Not only a sad day for us but a sad day for blip I think.
~ impoftheyard
Such a shame, I really enjoy following your journal but can understand your reasons. Best Wishes in whatever you decide to do.
~ queenie
Please don't leave, SD. :-(
~ Annie
aww sad to see you go if you have come to this decision, will miss your bips x
~ audrey
So so sorry that you feel you have to go....but I can see your dilemna, you'll be sorely missed! What happened yesterday made me a bit wary when blipping today.....there were better shots but in the end I went for the one where there was 'implied consent', and that can't be right. I'll be following you on Flickr (as soon as I work out how to add you as a contact!) Go well and keep snapping!
~ meancoast
I missed out on the whole hoohah yesterday. I won't comment on that, but I am sad to see you leave blip. Take care.
~ SooB
It's hard to imagine you could have posted anything more offensive than this.
~ lrw
But what about "small blonde with large breasts"??? I'll never see her if you leave!
Maybe for the best given the recent issues.
Also, I'd never had started blipping from the hip if it wasn't for you and it's great fun.
Stick at it SD.
~ MrSmith
I also have enjoyed starting to shoot from the hip! Although there obviously have to be certain boundaries I don't feel that you've breached any of them and am certain that the people that have taken offense have not looked at your journal as a whole - equal opportunity sneaky blips :)
I'm very sad to see you go and still hope that this can be resolved. I'll be seeing you soon...
~ Dazed
I repeat what I have said on Imps last two posts - I am SORRY you are both leaving - you bring something unique and honest to this place - I understand what you say - and support your decision but I wish you would both change your mind. Take it easy the both of you.
~ dogenzenji
I really hope you reconsider this decision.
And I really hope you don't change your style as a result of this nonsense. I really like your work. Its an asset to the photographic community as a whole, even if blip doesn't see it that way. Well, that's their loss.
So, I am having trouble finding a way forward
Blip is not the be all and end all. Reach out wider my friend. You will find an audience who appreciate what you do.
I'll look out for you on flickr
~ mobilevirgin
Please, think about that odd idea of leaving twice... And choose NOT to do it!!
~ viridiana
You have let blipcentral win and that is very disappointing.
~ caffeine
Sorry that this seems to have got so out of proportion - I haven't been on blip much recently so wasn't aware of all this hoo-ha until Paul mentioned it to me. I've now seen the photo in question and can't understand the fuss. It is such a shame that it has left you feeling that you are unwanted by blipcentral. You will be sorely missed by many on here, and I for one will miss seeing your photos and reading your journal. Best wishes to you both.
~ nicky
I'm so sorry that it has come to this. I really hope that you do keep in touch via flickr, and perhaps one morning I will have the pleasure in walking you to work again. Take care x
~ lhr
MERHABA MY FRIEND
IT SUCKS...THEY MAY NOT WANT YOU....BUT WE THE
BLIPPERS DO,.....TAKE TIME OUT AND RETURN.
GOOD LUCK
TURK:)
~ skyedog
I am with Turk have a think about it, there where far more shots that came from the fringe that the conservative types could have taken offence to.
~ Chippy
So long guys, I do think this is the wrong option and perhaps a more direct conversation with the guys at Blipcentral would have resulted in a different outcome, but it is your choice.
It's has been an absolute pleasure knowing you both and I'm certain our paths will cross again.
Take care.
~ Scobes
Beeeeggg loss for us, I really hope it can be resolved! I am at a loss of understanding why! But, yikes, if you MUST leave, please just notify us of the new site where we can see your work.
~ LuvU2
This is very, very sad for you, for impoftheyard and for us all. I can't understand the attitude of the blip management and it has made me feel differently about the whole blip thing. I do hope that you will come back, maybe after a break, because you have a lot of people here who like seeing your photos and because censorship mustn't be allowed to win. All the best and hope to see your photos on flickr.
~ chaiselongue
Acht, sorry to see you go SD. It's a shame things worked out as they did, but I understand your reasons. I'll make sure to keep up with your photos on flickr. All the best mate.
~ monochrome
As I said on imp's page, I only blip occasionally now but will still
miss the two of you on here, blip may now turn into a boring
kids and flowers site! Nevermind, take care and see you on flickr.
~ martrex
Thanks for commenting on my blip, I'll continue posting on Flickr.
~ EzHighway
Can't believe you are going! and also being pulled from the spotlight and subscription page....what happened to freedom of speech?!
~ caffeine
I missed whatever has gone on - will catch you on flickr...take care
xx
~ hebsjournal
Just come online a short time ago and was shocked to read all this. Don't want to comment just yet until I have considered all the points. Maybe it will be too late by then? Hope not. I don't believe this is a Black & White issue (excuse the pun) there are fair points on both sides of the argument and there should be a middle ground somewhere. I think everyone needs to step back from it. There may be room for compromise.
~ gblrps
Even if I don't often comment it doesn't mean I don't value your membership! (both of you!) To me, not even at 200 blips yet, you two are the backbone of the community!
~ clickychick
I'm going to write the same as I did on Imp's page because it is for you both -
I'm absolutely gutted that you are both leaving and feel quite emotional about it all. I wish you were staying and so am disappointed and sad by the way this has been handled.
Can I also just say that although you don't feel you can continue without feeling unwelcome SD bear in mind that the community here is made up by many many people and its only a very small minority who have made you feel this way - the overwhelming majority supports you and wants you to stay.
I will definitely keep up with all your lovely photographs on flickr! and hopefully see you both in person soon too :O)
Much love, you will both be terribly missed xxxxxxxxxxxx
~ Cherryblossom
Well, this is also in stereo:
How achingly sad. Communities are such fragile things, and it sounds like this rift is irreparable, at least for now. I'm so sorry that you've been made to feel unwelcome. I certainly understand the need to move away, and for the Imp's act of solidarity. Not being one to just turn away from things that don't feel right, I want to let you know that I will raise my concerns about what's happened with the powers that be. Maybe things can change. Maybe this rift can be mended. I hope so. This is such a loss...
Thanks for your comment today and your link to flickr -- I hardly use the account I have there anymore, but would like to keep looking at both your photographs and staying in touch. Will check with you!
~ besideherself
Not quite getting this myself. It's certainly changed the way I'm looking at blipfoto now too. I've just spent the last week encouraging three groups of students to look at blip and think about signing up, but I'm going to kill that one off now. We really need a considered response from blipcentral on this one as there's an atmosphere of confusion surrounding this whole mess now, compounded by the withdrawal of these entries from the Spotlight pages without any comment.
If the two of you have been forced to quit because of this molehill incident it is very sad indeed and you will be missed. What is equally sad is that somewhere I thought was a brilliant idea and was a place I could kick back in, get my slippers on and chill with lots of like-minded souls is turning put to be somewhere I'm considering getting my coat and leaving too.
Best wishes to you both, I will look out for you on other channels.
~ delphwynd
I think this is absolutely the wrong decision however I will not try to persuade you further.
What I will say is that if you are ever in Inveraray look me up...
It's a small place....won't take long to find me
All the best to you.
~ richard
how about not thinking anything about it for say, a week. and then see if you still feel like leaving after a week?
hate anyone leaving. hope you change your mind :)
~ Adda
Don´t leave!
~ altopiano
I'm with delphwynd on this one, blipcentral need to come forward with a response to what I think is a huge overreaction. Mountain and molehill come to mind. Sorry to see you both go, like it's been said before, you've got the support of the masses.
~ katiegesmith
You will be misseed SD. I have thoroughly enjoyed your journal, humour, gentleness and generosity. You've often been the first person to comment on my blip and uncannily it's happened on days when I most needed kindness.
That's the terrible irony really, your kindness and generosity.
Sad to see you go mate but I can understand why. Imp has my email.
~ hpx
Still speechless. Will gather my thoughts today:(
~ Sollergirl
My god you take a day off and you miss all the action - I'm honestly sorry to hear this and do hope when you have time to mull it over you change your mind.
Blips loss I think...
~ steveo
I've posted on Imp's journal, but just wanted to add my comment to your (hopefully not) last blip. Steveo is right, it's Blip's loss... and ours too.
~ jamjaragain
It seems that the 'candid' or hipshooting debate has grown hot. Sorry you're going SD but I agree with you. Be good and keep snapping.
~ StevieFish
Folks, there are two or three discussions going on about this - can I refer you to this forum thread? Thanks.
~ Joe
The nicest thing about Blip is that it has allowed me to get to know you and Imp and I'm happy that I can follow you on Flickr and keep in touch on hotmail.
~ timefragments
Difficult debate going on here now! I would just like to add: Thank goodness for ageing!! Once you'v reached my age, you've grown through all these obstacles in life and don't tend to get so emotional about things! Please, be and let be! If Blipcentral were forced, through a few blippers feeling offended by a certain blipper, to remove the blip, so be it! No reason to run away!! My goodness SD has posted over 200 blips, all of them approved, why allow one hickup to chase you away permanently? I would just keep on blipping, with my one eye firmly on the rules, in order to have every blip approved, I really don't want to lose one day's hard work!! My every blip must add up to my 'red balloon days' ;-)
~ LuvU2
Just caught up with your predicament and the whole conversation.
I understand your decision. A forced change of style at this point would be ridiculous.
Furthermore, I don't think there are any winners here, just a wavering uncertainty of what constitutes a blip really...
You've been one of the kindest persons on Blip! It's been a pleasure, take care, both of you!
~ ouster
What was so offensive, I missed the original post?
~ missing
What a shame, I've really enjoyed your journal... Imp's too... Hopefully at some point you both it's possible for you to return... Thanks for all your encouraging comments, I really appreciate them.
~ brainfreeze
see you sleepy - thanks for your encouraging comments
~ RebeccaP
It s unfortunate that you have to go because of an unfortunate comment.
People can be such hypocrites. Every one takes candid photos, you were careful enough to capture the girl from behind (I mean she can´t be immediately identified).
I agree with you this is a sad day for Blip. If they made you feel unwelcome that constitutes censorship.
~ minerva
I'll echo what I said to your lovely other half imp and that is that I'm sorry to see you go as I have tremedously enjoyed your journal and wish you well!
~ foreveryoung
Oh dude i am so sad to see you leave, but I totally understand. I dont know what else to say, but i will miss you & your always welcome in my world. take care, dont stop snapping & all the best :0)x
~ Shona
i have missed all this and cant believe it! I hope you find a way back to blipping as you shall be massively missed, for you shots, your comments and for being uniquely you.
Blip is a lesser place mate.
~ smithski
We just heard about this, and we're very sad to hear that you're leaving! You will be missed!
~ MissU2
I am sorry this has happened. Seems totally uncalled for and unjustly puritanical.
My blip today was dedicated to you both. You will be missed.
~ etherghost
Had a busy weekend, so just catching up now. Sorry you and Imp are leaving us. I have enjoyed viewing your entries each day, and thank you for commenting on mine.
~ Gillipaw
Just found out about what is going on at blip. It's a shame you're leaving. I believe your intentions are good, so please take care. Please consider a comeback in a month or so.
Btw, I've added your Flickr rss to my feeds to keep following your work.
~ tomson
Your stuff wasn't at ALL offensive. Some people need to get a grip if a leg or 2 is offensive. This place is becoming a bit of a joke (see my comment on Imp's) and good luck to you with what you do next. thanks for all your comments along the way too.
~ PinkPrincess
Your post was a wonderful photo...!! think about it...
~ rena
Ive just been catching up on whats happened, I love your journal and never found it in the least offensive, will miss your daily post and will definately keep in touch via flickr
~ darkeyes2000
Sorry to see you go, I enjoyed you and Imp's company here, but I understand why. Hope it doesn't stop you from having photography as a hobby! All the best!
~ stephanie
Cheerio Slepyduck and thanks.
Hopefully you'll be able to come back some day. See you on Flickr.
~ 42
Good bye Sleepy Duck.
I will miss you.
I did not get your style at first. But it grew on me. You have a strong personal style, and that's a sure sign of talent. Whether people like the content or not.
Think about it for a little while.
As far as I know, and I want to believe that this true, you are just one e-mail away from being part of this community again (which I think is a lot more vibrant and caring than Flickr). It is because this community is cared for and caring to each other.
Give it a couple of days, weeks, months. When passions subside, it is always easier to reassess.
I would have liked to see more of your work with the Nikon D300.
I'm not saying farewell. I am saying goodbye.
~ raheny_eye
After reading about the controversy I have just looked at your journal.
Brilliant!!
Very sorry to read of your decision to leave us. Another grey day for Blipfoto. I thought it had all passed after the membership thing.
Hope it's au revoir not goodbye.
Will try and catch you on Flicka.
~ jonstorey57
I've taken a couple of weeks off blip, and returned to find massive controversy! crazy.
I'm not gonna get involved in this whole debate, but I will say that I'll miss you and your journal! It's one of the very few that I've looked at pretty much every day without fail.
~ markcallaghan
I saw nothing offensive in any of your posts. If we are in public, then we are fair game. Why just yesterday I saw a girl on a bus take my picture. Probably because I was covered in paint.
I told imp that those that appose can just suck it! You should stay just to spite them.
~ dailydistract
Let's hope it's not the final curtain.
~ hiraeth
I have seen nothing offensive either, just never had time or network capability on the farm, sorry you've had such a bad experience, take care whatever you do!
~ loganspix
I haven't actually read all the hoo-hah in the forums and not sure if I will, but I'm very sad to see both you and Imp leave.
~ Lallybroch
Shame to see you go, purely because of some narrow minded idiots. Take care :)
~ missing
I have been away from blip for some weeks now due to rubbish internet connection - so had no idea till today about all this!
I just want to say that I am utterly gutted that you and Imp are leaving blip. I have loved following your journals, and have enjoyed your photos and write-ups immensely. You and Imp were two of the first people to comment on my journal when I joined - you made me feel welcomed, valued and part of the community, your comments have always been encouraging and positive, and very much appreciated! I am so sorry that you are leaving because it won't be the same without you, but I wish you both well, and I hope you will continue taking photos.
With best wishes
Hellcat xxx
~ hellcat2009
We'll miss you Sleepyduck. Take care. :)
P.S. Don't let your camera get dusty!
~ remis95
Oh Duck I still miss you and Imp so much! It's not the same without you.
~ timefragments