"Through the Lens of an iPhone" photo challenge update

As some of you may be aware, a few days ago, and following the continued uploading of non themed photos to the monthly "Through the Lens of an iPhone" photo challenge, I suspended submissions to the Flickr group, whilst I decided how to move forward.

So today, I am ready to relaunch the monthly challenge, with just a few changes.

First up, I've deleted all members from the Flickr group, then I wiped the slate clean on all who had found themselves banned in previous months, and finally, all photo submissions will now go into a queue for review, before appearing on the group page.

All the other rules, which were set out here, remain unchanged, so if you would like to take part in what is meant to be a fun monthly photo challenge, then all you need to do is either re-join if you were an existing member, or read the rules and join up here, if you are new to the blog/photo challenge.

Despite Flickr becoming and ever increasing dumping ground for photos, I hope the above will resolve the issues the "Through the Lens of an iPhone" photo challenge has experienced since its launch.

Comments

[laanba]

I just found your blog and thus found your photo group. I moderate a Houston specific photo theme group on Flickr and it can become very frustrating when people don't follow the rules or read basic information. So I feel your pain and hang in there. I look forward to participating in future challenges.

[Jan Smith]

I won't be rejoining.

While I fully understand the idea of creating a group with guidelines, I feel banning with out any warning was, well, rude. I had been a member for about a week when I got banned--pretty harsh as I received no warning.

I join groups where I feel it's safe to take a risk and that I'll be able get support when I need it and give support when I have experience. That's the social part of social media.

I wish you luck with your endeavors. Play nice.

[Charly Cooper]

I will also not be re-joining. I had never joined Flickr before last month's Hipstamatic contest, although I had thought of doing so in the past. I thought it would be fun to enter the contest, as I enjoy shooting and looking at Hipstamatic pictures, so I joined Flickr and submitted my 3 pictures, after having read the rules and read others' comments. Some people were saying that they thought they hadn't broken the rules in the past, but were apologizing anyway, just to be safe, and I thought "this person seems to hold a lot of power - having members cower 'electronically' - and he seems to ban a lot of people." I thought it was a bit much, but I entered my three pictures anyway. Now I find that like everyone else, I'm booted out.

Like the commenter above, I've received a rude introduction to this group, and I won't come back to let that happen again. Thanks.

[Lesley Edwards]

Nor shall I rejoin. As a social media user I'm used to online environments where folks welcome new members and help them learn in an atmosphere of generosity and a mutual desire to learn. The Flickr site is a great repository that reflects many varied tastes and talents. It celebrates the best but does not disparage those whose talents are developing. Anyone has the right to form whatever sort of group they wish but to allow people in only to ban them summarily is not my idea of a worthwhile community.

[Glyn Evans]

@Jan, @Charly, @Lesley. I'm sorry that you have decided not to rejoin the group, and it was not my intent to offend or be rude in anyway. I had hoped that members would understand my reasoning, as it was becoming increasingly frustrating to keep seeing so many none themed photos in the group despite requests clearly posted on the group, and regularly mentioned here on the blog.

Even now, and after the reset of the group membership, there are photos being submitted that are either none compliant, or have been processed through so many other apps, that the HDR effect has been obliterated.

[Chris Prakoso]

Glyn, don't be put off with the above comment. I think you, as the creator and the admin of the group has all the rights to do whatever you did.
This Group is NOT a Free-For-All or a Dumping Ground group, there are rules that members need to observe and obey.
Of course you have the 'power', you are the owner! I'm sick and tired of hearing people complaining that they had been treated unfairly, whilst they 'know' very well that they had been breaking the rule! It's unbelievable!
So, don't pay attention to these people, to be honest I'm glad they are not rejoining, good riddance!

Cheers,
Chris