Signature Blocks on Forums

What does the list of gear achieve?

Why the link to websites and blogs? Why the keyword stuffing? Does it help with page ranks?

The links to websites/blogs, for me at least, is for anyone that might be curious to see more of what I do. I've actually gotten a few gigs from this forum, so it's been nothing but beneficial for me.

As for the gear list, most photographers that frequent internet forums are techie gear nerds in one way or another, so it's fun to see what others are shooting with.

Not sure about the keywords and page ranks, I haven't really seen any examples of that here.

jecottrell wrote in post #16622539
What does the list of gear achieve?

Why the link to websites and blogs? Why the keyword stuffing? Does it help with page ranks?

Well, if someone offers a scathing critique of an image you thought was just fine, you can always check to see his work by clicking the link (if provided). Or if someone is offering some sagely advice it might be good to check and see if they know what they are talking about.

I don't list my gear. Gear can often be more an indication of disposable income levels rather than talent. I do link to my images however, so that if I offer some advice or thoughts people can look in on my work and decide for themselves if it's worth listening to or not.

Those are good questions. I guess I list my gear because there's a place to do so. As for the links to my site and my blog I list those because, like most photographers, I want to express myself and those are two of the easiest ways to do so.

Scatterbrained wrote in post #16622764
Gear can often be more an indication of disposable income levels rather than talent.

Or levels of debt with lenders.

Alveric wrote in post #16623011
Or levels of debt with lenders.

Ouch, way to hit home...

jecottrell wrote in post #16622539
What does the list of gear achieve?

Why the link to websites and blogs? Why the keyword stuffing? Does it help with page ranks?

Why ask why? Put whatever you want in your signature. I have a link to my gear, just in case people are curious about what I'm using, and links to flickr in case they want to see more examples of my work. I don't have my own personal quote in there (currently), but find them interesting to see in others' signatures.

If you want to leave yours blank, knock yourself out.

jecottrell wrote in post #16622539
What does the list of gear achieve?

It can simplify the process of explaining what gear one used. If I write that I used my 70-200 you'll know by glancing at my signature what 70-200 I was using.

Before I challenged Kanye, anyway, and replaced my full gear list in my sig with a well deserved apology to him. Now a link needs to be clicked to decipher my shorthand.

jecottrell wrote in post #16622539
What does the list of gear achieve?

Why the link to websites and blogs? Why the keyword stuffing? Does it help with page ranks?

There are several reasons and it probably differs person to person.

Link to websites/blogs:

• Traffic to web site and page ranks.
  
• Easy way to find out what type of photography a member has expertise in.
  
• General sharing of images.
  
• Etc...

• Hey look at me and how much gear I have and you don't!
  
• When talking about a specific piece of gear, it sometimes helps to let people know you have experience with it.
  
• Perhaps people want to know what photographers they like are using.

Gear is more important and specialized for some kinds of photography. Macro, birds and wildlife, astronomy, among others. If you see that someone consistently posts great photos of distant birds or fast-moving sports scenes or well-lit portraits, you may want to know what that person uses.

If you're interested in an item of equipment that you haven't tried out, you can ask people whose lists include it whether they recommend it.

I have my gear list because when I joined here it seemed like all the cool kids were doing it. I'd change it (I've sold some gear, picked up others in its place) but honestly I don't care that much. Though I should, just to be cohesive, change my signature to my instagram, Facebook, etc. I think.

If it's in your gear list then it's in my shopping cart for later purchase.

I added a gear list to my signature for two reasons:

1) So that others know what gear I have and use. I generally research each purchase pretty well, and would only list gear that I'd recommend to others. In addition to listing that gear, I've also go links to the item on the manufactures website, as well as the place I purchased it from (mostly B&H).

2) I'm an amatuer photographer who doesn't shoot everyday (or even every week), with a budget that doesn't allow me to buy items when I want them. The list allows me to keep track of exactly what I have and provides somewhat of a guide as to what I need/want to buy next. For the latter, I've actually put a "To Buy List" (for lack of better phrase) at the bottom, to try and keep my priorities straight. Do I really need a new lens or strobe... or that calibrated monitor?

nicksan wrote in post #16624217
There are several reasons and it probably differs person to person.

Link to websites/blogs:

• Easy way to find out what type of photography a member has expertise in.
  
• General sharing of images.
  

Gear List:
[LIST]

When talking about a specific piece of gear, it sometimes helps to let people know you have experience with it.

Thank you Nick, for saving me a bit of typing; but the above are the reasons I've done it.

In regards to the last one, I frequently make use of that convenience when someone hands out suggestions on how to work with a particular piece of gear.

You also have the option of turning "signatures" off so you don't see them at all.