Digital Wedding Forums

Has anyone ever been a member? I'm wondering what I'd get out of that "community" that I don't already get from this wonderful community on POTN?

To me it's interesting and invaluable, a forum of real professionals, of which there are about 4 on POTN. It's not as friendly a community, but it's an incredibly valuable resource. I've been a member for 3-4 years, at $100 a year or so, but just one idea I read on there helped my sales technique and has made me an extra $20K or so over the past few years.

tim wrote in post #12198090
To me it's interesting and invaluable, a forum of real professionals, of which there are about 4 on POTN.

Only 4? Is that 4, counting you?

Certainly, the level is more consistent over there, however, just like any internet forum, it has its share "non-pros", as you would put it.

I certainly agree that the membership paid for itself in no time at all.

I'm still a little lukewarm about d w f. Many threads seem to disintegrate into stupid little fights about useless pointless things. There are some people who talk like they're gods and everyone else is plain retarded. But there are nuggets of good info in there. I just tire really fast wading through all the egos, accusations, and rockstar asskissing to find all the good info.

Best bang for the buck is probably Fred Miranda's wedding section. While it's busy, it can get bicker-y over stupid stuff too. (I think they all do) However, the level of talent over there is well beyond most other free forums. It's actually a serious pro's hang out there... and a few goofballs.

I get a few good tips, especially about marketing, from DWF.

picturecrazy wrote in post #12200158
I just tire really fast wading through all the egos, accusations, and rockstar asskissing to find all the good info.

...and that doesn't happen here?

nicksan wrote in post #12201211
...and that doesn't happen here?

I know you're joking. I've found POTN to be one of the most receptive forums out there.

I can't count the number of times Tim has replied helpfully to someone saying, "I'm shooting my first wedding next Saturday, any advice".

I guess I'm wondering for the fee, besides (a perceived) higher quality group of photographers, is there really any more value? (Although I am curious the tip that has increased income by thousands of dollars )

wdwpsu wrote in post #12201578
I know you're joking. I've found POTN to be one of the most receptive forums out there.

I can't count the number of times Tim has replied helpfully to someone saying, "I'm shooting my first wedding next Saturday, any advice".

I guess I'm wondering for the fee, besides (a perceived) higher quality group of photographers, is there really any more value? (Although I am curious the tip that has increased income by thousands of dollars )

Actually, I was only half way joking. You see a lot of ass-kissing in all of these forums, including this one. Folks don't DARE criticize photos from one of the so-called "rock star" photographers no matter how bad some of them are, or try to hold a debate without it becoming a nasty "I have more experience than you do. I know because I just checked out your gallery and your images suck" type thing... I find that funny, but mostly juvenile and very unproductive and makes for a vomit inducing environment.

As for value, it depends on what you are looking for. I've found it mixed, but there's a lot of good information in there. Then again, you'll find a lot of good information here and in FM so...

Pay for a month and make your own decision. I think its $12 or something. See if you find it helpful.

Red Tie Photography wrote in post #12201793
Pay for a month and make your own decision. I think its $12 or something. See if you find it helpful.

That's what I did. I stayed about 60 days. Not enough there to justify long-term IMO. It's just like any other forum in the long run... except you pay to read it.

I've been a member there for nearly 4 years and each time my renewal has come up I have argued with myself whether its worth renewing. I think there's some real gems of info on there but its never felt like home so consequently I don't post there very often or read it as much as I should compared to this place and a few other forums I hang in.

Its very USA biased so if your based in the USA its probably worth more than in other parts of the world because of the offers that are available to members and much of the information and big names there are from North America, there are some top end international photographers there too though.

Mines due for renewal again next month so I will no doubt be having the same argument with myself then

bnlearle wrote in post #12202226
This.

While I'm not on DWF anymore, this is the major difference. If you want a forum where you will bounce your ideas and images off of a lot of hobby photographers who get paid a few times a year and don't make a living from photography, mixed in with a small number of legit part timers, and an even smaller number (Tim's number, four, sounds about right) of full time pros who make their entire living off of photography, then POTN is the place for you.

But if you want to bounce your ideas and images around and get advice from pros who are running full time businesses making their entire living off of photography (something most photographers who want to get paid for photography are aspiring to), then DWF is probably a good place for you.

Disclaimer, I mean no disrespect in my definition of POTN. I'm just being accurate.

I agree with everything you say.

bnlearle wrote in post #12202226
This.

While I'm not on DWF anymore, this is the major difference. If you want a forum where you will bounce your ideas and images off of a lot of hobby photographers who get paid a few times a year and don't make a living from photography, mixed in with a small number of legit part timers, and an even smaller number (Tim's number, four, sounds about right) of full time pros who make their entire living off of photography, then POTN is the place for you.

But if you want to bounce your ideas and images around and get advice from pros who are running full time businesses making their entire living off of photography (something most photographers who want to get paid for photography are aspiring to), then DWF is probably a good place for you.

Disclaimer, I mean no disrespect in my definition of POTN. I'm just being accurate.

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Agree, also, except I'm still a member.

nicksan wrote in post #12199787
Only 4? Is that 4, counting you?

Maybe more than 4, maybe a dozen, but the high level is higher there, and the average is much higher. It's a forum by professionals, for professionals.

Try it for yourself and see. If you qualify (it's for professionals only) you can get a trial month.