Re: saintly's 120cm iwagumi
saintly said:
it's also becoming more apparent that some of the more competent scapers on here NOT posting tank images seems to evoke a better reaction when they eventually do post.
Hi Mark
The reasons I don't post so much 'scape photos these days is more down to spare time. My regular working day is 13hrs long, before I even see my wife and children, start any freelance work, answer any emails, phone calls etc...
My work with PFK is also a limiting factor, as it's inappropriate for me to post images that will be published and paid for. I do generally post images after publishing.
It's a sacrifice I consider worthwhile, as I have the potential to influence a wider fishkeeping audience and have had plenty of lovely feedback from planted tank 'converts' (I was voted most popular freelance contributor in a PFK magazine poll, along with Mary Bailey, in my fist year of writing. Also, I'm sure not all voters were planted tank owners.)
When I started the hobby I used to be on TFF and actually started the first ever planted tank journal on there - now there's a dedicated sub-forum for journals. I guess I was in a similar position to you, Mark (although my skills as a 'scaper and photographer were relatively poor).
I admit I used to thrive on the constant feedback that regular journal updates provided and reinforcement that I was doing some good for the hobby. It was addictive, and when the replies slowed down it was a little disappointing.
I do miss journals and plan one in the near future - going back to my roots, so to speak. Hopefully I'll find the time to update it regularly, just like the old days!
I can't speak for other 'competant' aquascapers but imagine some perhaps perceive their work in a different way. Maybe they're also very busy with other stuff, or maybe they aren't motivated by constant feedback that others may enjoy. Maybe it's something that reduces with experience - the need for reassurance that we're doing well, as we get more confident in our work.
It's an interesting topic, the whole motivation behind making our work public. Worth a thread on its own even.
BTW, the Lilaeopsis idea sounds really good...