Maybe one solution is to have a sub-forum for "absolute beginners". I think the issue is not "dumb" questions - the issue is asking questions that could easily be and should be answered by actually reading the relevant handbooks that come with the respective cameras.
There is however a secondary problem - namely that a user interprets a problem arising out of their inability to use or infamilarity with their camera as being evidence of a systemic problem with the camera and/or brand in its own right.
Maybe there is a place for those who have deep levels of expertise and passion for the extreme technical aspects or almost laboratory engineering level discussions, which, is well over the heads of many or most people. That's great to be like that, but it does often isolate others who do the smart thing and simply pass over it, or if there is to much of it sadly they may move onto a more user friendly forum.
People look for or participate in those forums or channels that they are interested in, understand, and get helps or advice from above all don't feel overwhelmed in.
Is having a level or grade for expertise say grade 1, 2, 3, a good idea or option who knows, i don't know what the answer is...........yet.
Or is there even an issue - concern, or is it just a perception.
Maybe if one wants to dance in supper sophisticated technical aspects the brilliant Thom Hogan is a good fit LOL.
The only real risk say in this forum is if its all to scientific or super technical it may drive or keep some potentially new people away, maybe not ?
There are always problems - challenges of understanding or learning to deal with change.
Lets face it at the moment or recently we are all experiencing significant change with steep learning curves for the majority of people, for some its a walk in the park, added to that we have had to deal with some real manufacturer quality reliability issues to boot.
People look mostly for help, understating, assurance, guidance, be it technique, settings, options, gear choices, photography tips and tricks, solutions.
I think the forum is great the way it is and the more i reflect, encouraging new comers is very important.
The golden rule is if you don't like something pass it by, I do when i see the depth of video science discussions that don't interest me, but i don't call for mediation or complain.
I look at the galleries
of some photographers who have all the exotic gear and technical expertise and all the access to quality subjects, yet the photographs are basically record snap shots.
Have a look at Brad Hills Gallery of nature and wild life photography
http://www.naturalart.ca/galleries/animalscapes/index.html that's what it should be more about, did he use a D3s D4 D5 D6 Z9 ? all are consistent evocative meaningful photographs, something many of us could learn from.
In our club and some others i visit we are seeing some B Grade new members killing some of the A grade expert members, and their in cases doing it with a D300 D700 150-600 Sigma and such, they have done it with composition and light, they haven't been caught up in the GAS, thankfully.
Only an opinion
Only an opinion
