Irish dance pics - misc is really great, isn't it? I love loking at all the new pictures - to see if there's any really outrageous new dresses, or some cool perspective shots of dancers, or just to see some happy faces with big trophies. I'm sure many of you agree. I also love the fact that we have archives - so we can find a lost picture, and have a look to see if that must-see picture has already been posted.

But, there are times when this board is really more annoying than interesting.

There are only so many spaces for pictures on the first page. If a new one is added, then the one at the bottom gets bumped into the archive. *Sniff*. Now that's okay if said picture has been around for a while and everyone has seen it. In that case, the picture doesn't mind retiring to archive two. But it's not fair when an old picture gets promoted from archive 2 or 3 back to the front page. It had it's chance! And if you post a reply to that picture - that's exactly what happens. It gets "bumped" back onto the first page, meaning that *double sniff* a new picture will be relegated to page 2. Not a lot of folks bother looking on page 2. Poor picture! And it's even worse when lots of pictures get bumped back...even pictures with 0 replies end up, unseen, on page 2. Yes, *triple sniff*!

But, dear DDN members, you can solve this problem and end the agony of the unloved and relegated Irish Dance Photograph. Here are some hints which I and the photos feel are sensible and fair:

1) Use the archives sensibly. Have a quick scan through to see if the picture you want to add has already been posted. If it has, your thread will probably just be locked by the moderators anyway, so it's a waste of a post. Pick another...um, pic.

2) If you feel the need to post a reply to a picture in the archives - think for a second. Why are you replying? Are you saying something like "Yeah, cool pic", or "I like it too", or "well done"? Comments like that are welcome on new picture posts, but on archived posts it's probably not worth it, and a bit unfair to pictures who haven't had their day in the sun. Leave the old pictures to retire in peace. But....

3) If you wanted to reply to defend someone that you think had been insulted, or to clear up some confusion about the owner of a dress/photo, or provide some useful information that someone had asked for - that's great. Nobody has a problem with that.

4) Reply with tact. If you don't like a dress that's fine because you're entitled to your opinion. Type out your message, but don't press send just yet. Read it aloud. Can you imagine saying your opinions to the face of the girl who owns the dress? No? Better to keep it to yourself then - or rephrase it as constructive criticism, or emphasise that it's just your personal taste. Something like:

<B>"That dress is tacky, the colours clash and the person who bought it has more money than sense - what an idiot!" </b> ...is clearly not polite at all and most people would never dream of being that obnoxious in person. Try this:
<B>"I wouldn't have chosen those colours for myself but you/she seems really happy and that's great!" </b>. Or pick out one aspect of the dress you DO like and ignore the ones you don't, eg: <B> "I really like that design on the side panels!" </B>

See the difference?

Please let retired photos rest in peace. Please let new photos enjoy their time on Page One with us to the fullest extent. ID Photos of DDN salute those who heed this advice!!

Louise

Great post Weezy; so true!! Especially the part about keeping comments kind; it makes a difference! Thanks for reminding us!

You'd think that after 10,000 posts on the same subject everyone would get the idea, but I'm afraid not.

O well, keep drilling it in and maybe they'll respond.

People don't have the kind of infinitous memory that I do and need to be gently cattle-prodded from time to time.

Not with full udders though.

Louise

Screw the cattle-prodder, let's go directly to the branding tool. That will get the message across.

I like your style. Now, to pick a word to brand them with...

Louise

Something random across the back of their neck. Spatula came to mind.

That way they'll look rediculous, but at the same time remember the pain that was inflicted on them because they didn't listen to Louise and Katie.

That way we end up with nice DDN members who look funny. *giggle*

You two are hilarious....good post weezy.
(You're just trying to busily distract yourself from the thought of that Bailey's aren't you?)
Have I mentioned I love the pic? I LOVE THE PIC!

This should be made sticky!

The guy in your picture scares me. No idea why, he just does. Is that a picture from a school play or something?

Be patient--we're going to have to have 10,000 posts on this as long as n00bkind still flourishes--which is ad nauseum, I'm afraid. So sit back, relax, and squeeze some milk from Weezy's cow's udders. Not only will having something to drink calm you down, udder-squeezing is also a known stress reliever.

Dani

No, I googled "please".

I LOVE Google image search.

Louise

Hey thanks for the really informative post. I'm kinda new to this site and i was wondering why the order of the pics always changed whenever i replyed to something. I will deffinately keep this post in mind!

This should definitely be made a sticky! We need a message like that on the Highland board as well!

this should be made a sticky.

Thanks for the comments. Personally I think all my posts should be made sticky, but there you go.

Here is a new please photo for you...



Louise

Weezy, well said, looks like a school play...is it? I like the great new photo of please you just posted by Kevin Thom. nice. A sticky this may be, yet if we get too many stickys, we won't have any photos on the first page......

I am not being hypocritical by bumping this. I'm just not. Anyway - a renewed plea.



Louise

Good lighting on the picture, and an interesting picture. What is it for? Looks like a playbill before the wording is added.

I have absolutely no idea. I didn't take it.

Louise

Weeezy, congrats on your Sticky!