Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/10/21
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]On 21 Oct 2000, Brian Reid wrote, at least in part: > I don't mind seeing critiques of pictures, cameras, developers, > dead photographers, publishers, picture agencies, or wedding > traditions. I'll even put up with criticism of Tri-X. But > critiques of live people, whether or not they are members of the > Leica Users Group, is outside the bounds of appropriate use of > this forum. Critiques of people, live or dead, is part and parcel of living, and has gone on since human time began. It's how the criticizing is done that matters. Done in an mature way, with the best facts at your disposal, properly cited, and resisting the tendency to become ad hominem in nature, it is great stuff. It's difficult to separate the animate from the inanimate when criticizing. The picture that you don't like was made by a photographer, therefore, the photographer comes in for criticism. Enter the first part of this paragraph. It could well be the toughest thing in the world to do, but it sure is a noble endeavor. Whether we try to do it 'the right way' on this list is Brian's call. Perhaps it is a compelling reason to stay even more topical. Ayn Rand, IMHO, fits beautifully here. "The precept: Judge not, that ye be not judged... is an abdication of moral responsibility. It is a moral blank check one gives to others in exchange for a moral blank check one expects for oneself. The moral principle to adopt is: Judge, and be prepared to be judged." Apologies to the bible belt; I just happen to agree with it. - -- Roger Mailto:roger@beamon.org