pjm1
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- Paul
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Maybe it should be fora, but I'm not going to dwell on that.
Another thread on this site has made me wonder about children participating in (or, at the least, reading) internet forums where the average contributor is an adult and probably presumes others are, too.
Now, I am not for a minute suggesting that it's wrong, because it's not - children should be welcomed and, indeed, actively encouraged to join and contribute. But, when 95+% of the users are adults, it is probably not surprising that many of us make the simplifying assumption that whomever we're conversing with is an adult. Does this mean we respond differently? Probably. When I'm talking to kids, I would never presume they have the same emotional intelligence of an average adult and I would never wish to admonish for asking questions... an inquiring young mind is the most amazing thing and very definitely to be encouraged and nurtured. Consider the following question asked by a (perhaps relatively young) adult:
"Hi I'm new to photography and have actually just been given my first SLR camera and lens. I like to take photographs of friends and perhaps of my rugby team when I'm not playing of course. I've got just over £500 in savings so I want to buy the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 because I've read it's the best lens out there and I'd really like my pictures to look a bit more professional."
Now I'd like to think this sort of question would receive some very constructive suggestions but I wouldn't be surprised if a few comments were, shall we say, a little more pointed? What if the following were asked?
"Hi I'm 14 and mum and dad bought me a second hand Nikon D3100 for my birthday and I'm just starting to learn how to use it. It came with a lens so I've been able to take some pictures already and I'm really enjoying taking portraits and also some action shots of my school team. I've been doing odd jobs and have managed to save up £250 which mum and dad have said they'll double to £500 if I do well in my exams. I've been reading about the new Sigma Art lenses and the 18-35mm gets good reviews. I'd really like to buy it because it should make my photos look even better."
Now this is basically the same question but with context and immediately all of us realise we're conversing with a teenager... I'd be shocked and very disappointed if there were any "negative" responses and I'm sure all the regulars would enjoy chipping in and encouraging "young Jimmy (or Jemima)" to go slowly, save his money, perhaps look at 2nd hand lenses, old manual ones etc. etc. Indeed, I'm sure anyone who took a more confrontational tone would be heckled out of the place!
Does this mean that children should be "announced" as such? I'd expect anyone who thinks they're speaking to an adult only to find out it's a young kid who've they've just upset because of their tone/aggression etc. would honestly be devastated.
What can/should we do to avoid falling into the trap of assuming the person on the other end of the keyboard is an adult with adult sensibilities and maturity? Especially when the vast, vast majority are?
Or is it a case of "caveat scriptor"... if you're joining then expect to be treated as anyone else? Which I'd think would be sad and might actively discourage children from joining what is a vibrant and hugely informative photography website and forum.
Another thread on this site has made me wonder about children participating in (or, at the least, reading) internet forums where the average contributor is an adult and probably presumes others are, too.
Now, I am not for a minute suggesting that it's wrong, because it's not - children should be welcomed and, indeed, actively encouraged to join and contribute. But, when 95+% of the users are adults, it is probably not surprising that many of us make the simplifying assumption that whomever we're conversing with is an adult. Does this mean we respond differently? Probably. When I'm talking to kids, I would never presume they have the same emotional intelligence of an average adult and I would never wish to admonish for asking questions... an inquiring young mind is the most amazing thing and very definitely to be encouraged and nurtured. Consider the following question asked by a (perhaps relatively young) adult:
"Hi I'm new to photography and have actually just been given my first SLR camera and lens. I like to take photographs of friends and perhaps of my rugby team when I'm not playing of course. I've got just over £500 in savings so I want to buy the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 because I've read it's the best lens out there and I'd really like my pictures to look a bit more professional."
Now I'd like to think this sort of question would receive some very constructive suggestions but I wouldn't be surprised if a few comments were, shall we say, a little more pointed? What if the following were asked?
"Hi I'm 14 and mum and dad bought me a second hand Nikon D3100 for my birthday and I'm just starting to learn how to use it. It came with a lens so I've been able to take some pictures already and I'm really enjoying taking portraits and also some action shots of my school team. I've been doing odd jobs and have managed to save up £250 which mum and dad have said they'll double to £500 if I do well in my exams. I've been reading about the new Sigma Art lenses and the 18-35mm gets good reviews. I'd really like to buy it because it should make my photos look even better."
Now this is basically the same question but with context and immediately all of us realise we're conversing with a teenager... I'd be shocked and very disappointed if there were any "negative" responses and I'm sure all the regulars would enjoy chipping in and encouraging "young Jimmy (or Jemima)" to go slowly, save his money, perhaps look at 2nd hand lenses, old manual ones etc. etc. Indeed, I'm sure anyone who took a more confrontational tone would be heckled out of the place!
Does this mean that children should be "announced" as such? I'd expect anyone who thinks they're speaking to an adult only to find out it's a young kid who've they've just upset because of their tone/aggression etc. would honestly be devastated.
What can/should we do to avoid falling into the trap of assuming the person on the other end of the keyboard is an adult with adult sensibilities and maturity? Especially when the vast, vast majority are?
Or is it a case of "caveat scriptor"... if you're joining then expect to be treated as anyone else? Which I'd think would be sad and might actively discourage children from joining what is a vibrant and hugely informative photography website and forum.
