Hanging up the boots
After a year on here, I’m reaching the point of walking away. Now that I no longer work for RedBubble I’m finding myself less inclined to engage with the community, and it’s a struggle to even perform some basic host duties in the two groups I co-host.
Not really sure why I should stay?
Allen Lucas
Ben, a few thoughts. I joined rb almost a year ago now. Since that time, I have renewed my interest in photography, learned a few tips and tricks both behind the shutter and in front of the computer. I have sold one card, so somewhere on some books there is US$0.66 waiting for me. I have hopefully made a few contacts throughout the world and have influenced in some way or another someone. My cameras sat idle for many years a while back, but my interest renewed and I once again find some pleasure in it. Perhaps it is not that you don’t want to stay, maybe you need to do like we all do, step aside for awhile, not step away.
Your art is great and you are one of the people who have provided points of view and perspective that I have hopefully learned from. Whatever your decision, good luck. Al
Ben Ryan replied
Yeah, but the thing is I still get that over at istockphoto. I’ve made US$1000+ there. I’d say the community here is better, but when I don’t have time or energy to engage with it, I’m wondering what the point of being here is.
Jules Campbell
Well Ben I have you on my watchlist and I still read or look at what you have to say..and if you go I won’t be able to keep up with what you are up too. I have also been here a year now and although I don’t engage in the community as much as I once did I figure its free so it doesn’t hurt to have an account here…stick around Ben:)
Hop Dac
you just need an injection of enthusiasm directly into the cerebral cortex.
imageofpix4u
The perception of the beauty around us almost universal. The need to capture moments of it to share and manipulate is art. Your need to express yourself through art has been a wonderful influence on others. As you look back on your life with hindsight (which always seems wiser). I doubt you’ll regret your work with RB. You’ll find an outlet for your expression somewhere. Work in Art doesn’t pay much in tangible recompense, but how many people in the world are stuck doing jobs that they are good at and make money , yet fail to fullfill that essential need for praise and artistic expression. At RB you’ve gained friends, respect, and your widely known and accepted. Quite the accomplishment. I’m confident you’ll find balance and inner peace and I want to join everyone else who is a fan of your work and of RB by saying thanks,,,,best wishes,,happy new year and we hope you’ll stay in touch.
Susan Trigg
Ben, the thing I like about RB is that you can post your more ‘art’ type work that would not be accepted on iStock, and get some acknowledgement/feedback. I’m not as active here as I was in the beginning, but I still find it good to have this and also to see what others are creating. Of couse, RB is local (for people like you and I) so there is the added benefit of being able to talk to other photographers in real space as well if you want to. Shooting for stock is a very narrow focus so it’s great to have another outlet for work, whether it’s here or some other art site. Maybe you just need to take a break?
Ben Ryan replied
That’s a good point Susan. I guess the problem I’m facing at present is I don’t have the time for community involvement and I’m feeling guilty about not being especially involved with my groups.
lostboy13
i`ve just blown off the only group i`ve ever co-hosted (for the second time), theres no real fun in rejecting unsuitable rubbish all the time.
and some people keep submitting the same rubbish as if i made a mistake the first or second time….just pass the batton.
take a break but don`t leave…your mojo will come back, you just need more rb down time