I was just reading the most recent Digital Dogbowl. In response to an e-mail he received, Rob Provencher stated:



I disagree. Although the downloads and resources are one of the aspects to to membership, I do not think it is near the biggest.

The community is the biggest asset to membership. The step by step critiques from other members are one of the biggest assets to membership.

The photo gallery full of ideas is a big asset to membership. Want to know how a photo was lit? Ask the person posting. Want to second shoot at a wedding? Post in the Photographer's Assistant forum and see if anyone is in your area.

The downloads do help to apply the concepts of of lighting and photoshop, but it comes in third or fourth to the benefits received from the members willingness to help others on this forum, which is the biggest asset of membership.

I do not have a studio. I do not want a studio. I am a hobbyist that does not want my hobby to become a job. After joining NoBS, I now know that if I decide to go into business, I have the full support and knowledge base behind me.

In my opinion, if you are joining just for the downloads, you are missing the big picture.

I must admit that it was the reason I joined NOBS (the downloads) but honestly, I've downloaded so little and have gained much more from the questions and things that go on in the forums.

I also did not join for the downloads, I joined for the sense of community and family. I can help and also receive help for what ever is going on in my life or my business.

It is because of the relationships that I have at NO BS that I have grown so much.

I love you guys !

I didn't join for the downloads, either. In fact, I BOUGHT the downloads before NoBS went to a subscription based site ($200 if I remember correctly), but I stayed on precisely because of the reasons these other members have mentioned... the COMMUNITY!

There's a ton of information available at your fingertips here, and if you need a little more personal attention, members and mentors are always available through the PM (Private Message) system. This site is a great mix of newbies and veterans, and EVERYBODY can learn some new tricks for their digital photography business or hobby because of it.

All you've gotta do is post!

Neil

I joined NoBS for the downloads, and because I was sold on the approach to photography that Rob & James show....I loved it, and could not wait to join. It was definitely the wisest photography purchase I've ever made, and I will continue to be a member until I take my last shot.
-Rob D.

I got roped in to joining because of the little videos on post-processing, then I got a newsletter, then I got ticked because they kept using the Softar and Hodgysoft actions so I could only practice sofar on my image examples.

Once I got in here the biggest reason for staying was all the great posts with peoples trials, tribulations, stories, jokes, and videos and on and on.

I was skeptical at first, the info on the pages looked a little cheesy, not a internet shopper so everything looks cheesy to me.

Then I thought hmm why would someone go to the trouble of making those videos if they weren't honest, then I noticed they were Canadian and that helped my decide to join.

This is one of the best internet purchases I have made That and the time I ordered one sensor cleaning kit and ended up with 3 being shipped.

I was here before it was a pay-site, and am so glad I did take the jump to the pay side. The videos are awsome, although I've only watched a handful.

The community is what I enjoy the most. Luv you guys/gals, you are the best and truly helping me along my path.

A.