Photographer
Worlds Of Water
Posts: 37732
Rancho Cucamonga, California, US
ATTENTION MODELS!... have you just been lurking out there and not participating in this forum?... and if so... WHY? Do you not realize just how much more exposure your MM port and bio page can receive if you just jump in here (or on any other forum) once in awhile and say HI? I know we'll see loads of 'the regulars' posting their reasons why the newbies or some of the 'long timers' don't or won't participate... and I'd like to hear those reasons... BUT... I'm rolling out the red carpet for first time model posters here. If you've never chimed in before... LET'S HEAR FROM YA! Hoping to see some shiney new faces here on this thread!... 
Model
Bunny Bombshell
Posts: 11798
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Some members are just more serious about networking than others. It's that simple
Model
Victoria Elle
Posts: 688
New York, New York, US
I post infrequently because a lot of the threads just devolve into the same handful of photographers bashing models (whom they always define only as young women) in one way or another and there's very little point in trying to get a word in between their diatribes.
Model
D A N I
Posts: 4627
Little Rock, Arkansas, US
Select Models wrote:
ATTENTION MODELS!... have you just been lurking out there and not participating in this forum?... and if so... WHY? Do you not realize just how much more exposure your MM port and bio page can receive if you just jump in here (or on any other forum) once in awhile and say HI?
I know we'll see loads of 'the regulars' posting their reasons why the newbies or some of the 'long timers' don't or won't participate... and I'd like to hear those reasons... BUT... I'm rolling out the red carpet for first time model posters here. If you've never chimed in before... LET'S HEAR FROM YA! Hoping to see some shiney new faces here on this thread!... Despite the fact that 90% of the photogs and models here have egos the size of London and find every reason to shoot down someone they deem unfit to be a model...I still post here.
I've wanted to lurk, but I'm stubborn and if I disagree I let it be known. So far I've disagreed 700+ times
Model
Marlow Rae
Posts: 115
Seattle, Washington, US
VikyL wrote:
I post infrequently because a lot of the threads just devolve into the same handful of photographers bashing models (whom they always define only as young women) in one way or another and there's very little point in trying to get a word in between their diatribes. Exactly this.
Photographer
Good Egg Productions
Posts: 16713
Orlando, Florida, US
And if you DO post, be sure to accompany it with a large photo every time. JUST wide enough to not mess up MM's forum alignment, but big and colorful. Even if it only vaguely has anything to do with the forum topic.
I hear it really works.
Model
Lynn Elizabeth
Posts: 1336
Palm Beach, Florida, US
Good Egg Productions wrote:
And if you DO post, be sure to accompany it with a large photo every time. JUST wide enough to not mess up MM's forum alignment, but big and colorful. Even if it only vaguely has anything to do with the forum topic.
I hear it really works. Like this?
Just peeking in to say "hi"
![https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/130724/09/51effce55d480_m.jpg]()
Model
Axioma
Posts: 6822
Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Why should they if they do not feel the need? Some amazing models never post, they seem to be doing just fine. They're probably doing some productive shit  . What happened to letting people handle their own business/hobby the way they seem fit? Btw, if you want to discover new models, there's a neat little thing called 'browse'.
Model
Fit Chicago Muse
Posts: 270
Chicago, Illinois, US
VikyL wrote:
I post infrequently because a lot of the threads just devolve into the same handful of photographers bashing models (whom they always define only as young women) in one way or another and there's very little point in trying to get a word in between their diatribes. I agree, I am on MM to get some feed back and possible offers to shoot. Read some post and hold my thoughts rather than join in. I do go to profiles and comment on worthy images on a regular basis, really enjoy seeing some of the outstanding work here.
Photographer
Worlds Of Water
Posts: 37732
Rancho Cucamonga, California, US
VikyL wrote:
I post infrequently because a lot of the threads just devolve into the same handful of photographers bashing models Nah... ain't fallin for that excuse. Moderators here are IN YOUR FACE on this kind of action and they don't let that kind of stuff get out of hand here. The brig is sparatically populated with the bashers you're referring to... 
Model
Nobody here
Posts: 31
Los Angeles, California, US
Hello, My name is Spencer and it is wonderful to meet y'all!
Model
Dekilah
Posts: 5236
Dearborn, Michigan, US
I post when I feel like I have something to add to the discussion and when I believe that at least one person will get something out of what I say. I used to post a lot more just for the sake of posting and getting my face out there, so to speak, but now I do not have as much free time and am not shooting as much so I do not have as many new experiences or issues to cover.
Model
Victoria Elle
Posts: 688
New York, New York, US
Select Models wrote:
Nah... ain't fallin for that excuse. Moderators here are IN YOUR FACE on this kind of action and they don't let that kind of stuff get out of hand here. The brig is sparatically populated with the bashers you're referring to... It's not an excuse. It is literally why I do not participate in the forums. The general vibe is toxic, and the advice given is often enragingly incorrect. Moderators only brig for unsolicited critiques and personal attacks, not the often expressed ugliness against models in general.
Model
Laura UnBound
Posts: 28745
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Good Egg Productions wrote:
And if you DO post, be sure to accompany it with a large photo every time. JUST wide enough to not mess up MM's forum alignment, but big and colorful. Even if it only vaguely has anything to do with the forum topic.
I hear it really works.
More people on MM dont use the forums than do. By posting here youre only advertising to people who happen to use the forums. Very very very very VERY FEW of my shoots have been booked because someone saw me posting something here, and I post a lot.
I dont use the forums to get noticed, I use them to dick around and occasionally share/gain some useful info.
I post in here and general a lot less these days because most people arent interested in actually getting their questions answered.
Photographer
Worlds Of Water
Posts: 37732
Rancho Cucamonga, California, US
VikyL wrote:
It's not an excuse. It is literally why I do not participate in the forums. The general vibe is toxic, and the advice given is often enragingly incorrect. Moderators only brig for unsolicited critiques and personal attacks, not the often expressed ugliness against models in general. OK... I'm gonna call your bluff on this one girlfren... cause from the huge amount threads I've participated in, I'm not seeing all this 'expressed ugliness, toxic vibes and enragingly incorrect advice'. Can you post a link to just one of those samples for me?...
Photographer
Risen Phoenix Photo
Posts: 3779
Minneapolis, Minnesota, US
Axioma wrote:
Why should they if they do not feel the need? Some amazing models never post, they seem to be doing just fine. They're probably doing some productive shit .
What happened to letting people handle their own business/hobby the way they seem fit?
Btw, if you want to discover new models, there's a neat little thing called 'browse'. I agree 100%. Especially when people disagree with those who have 2 to 3 thousand posts or even 10s of thousands. This is not networking when people bash the newbes. Also models and photographers like those who agree with their expansive egos.
Just a thought
Photographer
Azimuth Arts
Posts: 1490
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
VikyL wrote:
It's not an excuse. It is literally why I do not participate in the forums. The general vibe is toxic, and the advice given is often enragingly incorrect. Moderators only brig for unsolicited critiques and personal attacks, not the often expressed ugliness against models in general. +1
Many photographers post in Model Colloquy TELLING models what to do, and how to be better models in any number of ways. There is a significant segment of forum posters who seem to believe that models are some form of second class people. Photographers often post how models can't be models without a photographer, and that models should worship at the feet of photographers.
I always thought that the relationship between photographer and model should be somewhat more symbiotic. At least respectful. I try not to tell a model what to do except in the context of a shoot where I am providing direction. If she/he wants career or networking advice I only offer it when asked (with a few exceptions through private channels and those have usually not ended well so I stopped doing it).
To over generalize - most models on this site are young women, and most photographers are middle-aged men. (I KNOW this is not true in all cases). But seriously I see posts like the OP and it just feels wrong. These women likely have one middle-aged man in their life (their father) telling them what to do - they don't need us as well.
Just my $0.02
Photographer
Worlds Of Water
Posts: 37732
Rancho Cucamonga, California, US
Post hidden on Jul 25, 2013 11:15 pm Reason: not helpful Comments: Spam.
Providing examples of bad behavior doesn't make it any more acceptable.
Photographer
udor
Posts: 25255
New York, New York, US
Select Models wrote:
ATTENTION MODELS!... have you just been lurking out there and not participating in this forum?... and if so... WHY? Well... I mean... this has been the case for years and years... and years...
There is a core, of maybe 2,000 members who post and participate in the fora... and there are tens of thousands inactive... and hundreds of thousands contact each other without forum participation...
Model
Bunny Bombshell
Posts: 11798
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Good Egg Productions wrote:
And if you DO post, be sure to accompany it with a large photo every time. JUST wide enough to not mess up MM's forum alignment, but big and colorful. Even if it only vaguely has anything to do with the forum topic.
I hear it really works. LOOOL, I was waiting for that
Model
Model MoRina
Posts: 6638
MacMurdo - permanent station of the US, Sector claimed by New Zealand, Antarctica
In my opinion, most models stay out of here because the photographers CAN'T seem to.
Photographer
TrianglePhoto
Posts: 582
Chicago, Illinois, US
I've been moderating forums on and off for 30 years (going back to BBS systems). In general, I've always found that for every active poster, there are 10 lurkers.
Calling them out rarely bring out more than a handful, and they generally go right back to lurking after a post or two...
Model
Koryn
Posts: 39496
Boston, Massachusetts, US
Every out of region trip I ever did, I ended up getting st least 75% of travel expenses comped by people who knew me from my message board posts. I always end up being hosted by forum regulars, and met a number of real life friends in the SF2 forum. MM forums are at least partially responsible for me ever having done as well as I have.
Photographer
PhotographybyT
Posts: 7947
Monterey, California, US
Maybe those lurkers prefer to participate in other types of social media or other website forums and don't have the time to participate very much or at all on MM forums.
Model
Victoria Elle
Posts: 688
New York, New York, US
Select Models wrote:
OK... I'm gonna call your bluff on this one girlfren... cause from the huge amount threads I've participated in, I'm not seeing all this 'expressed ugliness, toxic vibes and enragingly incorrect advice'. Can you post a link to just one of those samples for me?... ...I honestly can't tell if you're serious or not because of your emoticon. I am sick in bed with the stomach flu today, and that is the only reason I am commenting. Please confirm if you are literally asking me to do this, or if you are being sarcastic.
If you are not being sarcastic, it is incredibly ironic.
Photographer
Worlds Of Water
Posts: 37732
Rancho Cucamonga, California, US
Koryn Locke wrote:
Every out of region trip I ever did, I ended up getting st least 75% of travel expenses comped by people who knew me from my message board posts. MM forums are at least partially responsible for me ever having done as well as I have. SEEEEEEEEEE!... there you have it lurkers... it DOES pay off to say HI once in awhile. So lets here from more of ya...
Photographer
Worlds Of Water
Posts: 37732
Rancho Cucamonga, California, US
VikyL wrote:
...I honestly can't tell if you're serious or not because of your emoticon. I am sick in bed with the stomach flu today, and that is the only reason I am commenting. Please confirm if you are literally asking me to do this, or if you are being sarcastic. Hey VikyL... hope you're feelin better soon. I use emoticons on every comment I make... and YES... definitely interested in seeing your links to all these 'expressed ugliness, toxic vibes and enragingly incorrect advice'... cause I haven't been seeing this stuff...
Model
Kitty LaRose
Posts: 12735
Kansas City, Missouri, US
Select Models wrote:
ATTENTION MODELS!... have you just been lurking out there and not participating in this forum?... and if so... WHY? Once upon a time, this forum was fun to visit. Now, it's full of jaded photographers telling models how they're so unprofessional and blah blah blah. What's to discuss? I took my chattiness elsewhere *shrugs*.
Model
Elizabeta Rosandic
Posts: 953
Santa Fe, New Mexico, US
VikyL wrote:
I post infrequently because a lot of the threads just devolve into the same handful of photographers bashing models (whom they always define only as young women) in one way or another and there's very little point in trying to get a word in between their diatribes. Yup.
Photographer
Azimuth Arts
Posts: 1490
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
MoRina wrote:
In my opinion, most models stay out of here because the photographers CAN'T seem to. Just to be clear there are absolutely no rules that prohibit anyone from participating in ANY of the forums. Sure, some people come into this forum in particular and are disrespectful to models as a group, but the behaviour of some should not preclude other from participating in friendly exchanges, even if we sometimes disagree.
The description of this forum is "Conversations on...well...modeling." It is not, "conversations among models". This forum is no more the "models" forum than Photography talk is the "photographers forum". All may join.
There are frequently insightful comments posted by photographers that are clearly of benefit to models and those should be permitted. After all on model mayhem it is quite often the photographers who hire the models and know a bit about what happens when casting and shooting with models.
I personally don't have anything to add to threads about topics on grooming (for example) so I stay away, but when models have questions about what photos to post, or information they should include on their profile as someone who uses those to cast models I feel my insight could help them. As always anyone reading a thread can choose it ignore the comments posted by someone for whatever reason they like. If they don't believe a photographer's input can help them they should skip to the next person.
One should also keep in mind that a reasonable number of photographers here also are or were models at one time (I am not one such person).
Just my $0.02
Photographer
GeorgeMann
Posts: 1148
Orange, California, US
Post hidden on Jul 25, 2013 11:18 pm
Reason: off-topic
Photographer
Garry k
Posts: 30128
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
VikyL wrote:
I post infrequently because a lot of the threads just devolve into the same handful of photographers bashing models (whom they always define only as young women) in one way or another and there's very little point in trying to get a word in between their diatribes. So true
Model
Victoria Elle
Posts: 688
New York, New York, US
Select Models wrote:
Hey VikyL... hope you're feelin better soon. I use emoticons on every comment I make... and YES... definitely interested in seeing your links to all these 'expressed ugliness, toxic vibes and enragingly incorrect advice'... cause I haven't been seeing this stuff... Okay. So, I was just going to say no, because you replied twice to me in a way that was belittling to me ('girlfrien'), making it clear that you are not actually willing to entertain any opinion different from your own, and implying that you see anyone with a dissenting opinion as a person of lesser intelligence, which is ironic because that is one of the main issues that makes forum discussion so pointless, imo. My links will not change your mind; why should I bother? You have not had the same experiences I have, because you are a male photographer and people interact with you differently. This does not invalidate my experiences. Also please note that multiple posters have agreed with my post, including other photographers, but you have not chosen to single them out.
However, you have asked very earnestly and nicely this time, so:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/po.php?thread_id=898590
https://www.modelmayhem.com/po.php?thread_id=898100
https://www.modelmayhem.com/po.php?thread_id=896850
These are three examples from the first page of Model Colloquy which feature photographers talking down to models in general. I did not have to look very hard for them, and I honestly don't feel like looking harder right now. The "best" examples do eventually get locked, of course, but you can pretty much guarantee you will find such behavior in any thread in Colloquy or general that goes beyond 4 pages. I will not link to specific comments or name frequent offenders because that is outing.
Model
Dekilah
Posts: 5236
Dearborn, Michigan, US
I will agree with those that have said they have booked work, especially paid work, due to a forum presence. When I was modeling more a lot of people traveled to my area (East TN at that time) and I got offered paid shoots specifically because of my positive forum presence, or at least that is what I was told. I would hope that my look and skills as a model factored in as well ^_~ Similarly, there are people I sought out to work with when I moved because I met them on the forums. And on the other side there have been people who were local to me, or otherwise convenient to shoot with, who I declined shooting with because of their negative presence here on the forums, so it does work both ways.
Model
JoJo
Posts: 26560
Clearwater, Florida, US
Select Models wrote:
ATTENTION MODELS!... have you just been lurking out there and not participating in this forum?... and if so... WHY? Do you not realize just how much more exposure your MM port and bio page can receive if you just jump in here (or on any other forum) once in awhile and say HI?
I know we'll see loads of 'the regulars' posting their reasons why the newbies or some of the 'long timers' don't or won't participate... and I'd like to hear those reasons... BUT... I'm rolling out the red carpet for first time model posters here. If you've never chimed in before... LET'S HEAR FROM YA! Hoping to see some shiney new faces here on this thread!... Why? Newbies ask newbie questions - stuff like pay, escorts, image rights, ripped off from the last shoot, the normal 'top 10 newbie questions'.
The newest newbies see how some of the more vocal members (the 'usual subjects') take absolute delight in eviscerating and humiliating other newbies for the slightest faux pas.
If the 'usual suspects' would back off and maybe even be the slightest helpful to newbies then the newbies wouldn't be scared to death to enter the forums.
Photographer
Worlds Of Water
Posts: 37732
Rancho Cucamonga, California, US
Dekilah wrote:
I will agree with those that have said they have booked work, especially paid work, due to a forum presence. When I was modeling more a lot of people traveled to my area (East TN at that time) and I got offered paid shoots specifically because of my positive forum presence, or at least that is what I was told. I would hope that my look and skills as a model factored in as well ^_~ Similarly, there are people I sought out to work with when I moved because I met them on the forums. Cool... in my ever so humble opinion, it's much easier to pickup on an individual's 'personality' in a forum than trying to read into it on their profiles...
Model
Elizabeta Rosandic
Posts: 953
Santa Fe, New Mexico, US
Select Models wrote:
Hey VikyL... hope you're feelin better soon. I use emoticons on every comment I make... and YES... definitely interested in seeing your links to all these 'expressed ugliness, toxic vibes and enragingly incorrect advice'... cause I haven't been seeing this stuff... What forum have you been on? This happens all the time.
Photographer
Worlds Of Water
Posts: 37732
Rancho Cucamonga, California, US
Elizabeta Rosandic wrote:
What forum have you been on? This happens all the time. I mostly participate in the 'Events Forum'... primarily because of what I do (hosting events)... but I pop in and out of this forum sparatically to see 'whazsup'...
Photographer
Nelia
Posts: 2166
San Francisco, California, US
Select Models wrote:
OK... I'm gonna call your bluff on this one girlfren... cause from the huge amount threads I've participated in, I'm not seeing all this 'expressed ugliness, toxic vibes and enragingly incorrect advice'. Can you post a link to just one of those samples for me?... Here is an example of a recent post that I felt was particularly insulting to not only "Newbie" Models but also to Amateur / Hobbyist Photographers as well. You know, if you are not a "Professional" Photographer like me then you must be a perverted "GWC" and you have no skills or talents so of course you work sucks!
https://www.modelmayhem.com/po.php?thread_id=898162
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