08.03.2004 The Flame's Out by Ian Chappell

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The Flame's Out


08-MAR-2004

08.03.2004
The Flame's Out

What it's like to be Mr Popular!

Well I'm sure most of you enjoyed participating and watching me and my antics in the race to be top of the popular galleries. And I guess there were many of you that did not but kept yourselves to yourselves knowing that I would soon be replaced by a much worthy contender... Then we have one individual that did his own thing. Not satisfied by leaving negative comments about my photographs this person has thought it big and clever to start leaving personal comments directed at me and my family on my pictures and guest book. This has been occurring on a daily basis for approximately three weeks and whilst I can take any amount of constructive negative feedback on my images I am not prepared to accept comments of a personal nature directed at me or my family. I have there felt it necessary to remove many images and galleries from public view.

I apologise to everyone that enjoys my photography for this action but I really thought this act of mindless vandalism to my galleries and photographs would simply go away. It has not.

The perpetrator is also a coward as the comments are left anonymously without a valid email address or link to their galleries. I wonder why the person feels it necessary to do that.

Ever since I started posting images to Pbase I have embedded a tracker into each of my galleries as I was interested in seeing where my visitors were coming from. This is relatively simple and I've seen the same thing on many other pages. This is very interesting as I've been keeping a note of the times of the comments received against the times and names of the visitors to my galleries. I've noticed a trend forming over the past weeks that minutes after someone with a link to SHAW FIBRELINK visits I receive one of the annonymous comments. I'd really like to think this a coincidence.

So unless the comments stop, I receive an apology or someone can explain the link with SHAW FIBRELINK I feel there is little point in me continuing to post any further images on Pbase.

The flames out... who want's to relight my fire??

Canon EOS 10D ,Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
1/200s f/11.0 at 100.0mm iso200 with Flash full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto

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Guest		12-Jun-2004 04:02
Hey, Ian. I didn't know that was going on:( Did you find the jerk? Good pic BTW!

Guest		28-Apr-2004 15:17
Ian, I hope all the positvie messages below have rekindled your fire. Although not a PAD member due to lack of time, I often stop in to see what's happening, and your work always jumps right out. As others have said, ignore the jerk (easier said than done, I know), and keep wowing us with your brilliant images. Cheers - Tracy!

Guest		19-Mar-2004 17:58
Wow - I had no idea all this was going on behind the scenes. Ian - I didn't leave many comments on your pics (you never seemed to be lacking for fans), but I always enjoyed your humor, coupled with truly excellent photography. You are creative - don't let the destroyers get you down.

Bill P		14-Mar-2004 12:14
Very nice shot. It got my vote. And keep posting, don't let anyone stop you.

Anna Yu		14-Mar-2004 06:33
I really hate anonymous messages and am glad to see that you chose to ignore this sick person. /Anna

Mary Beamond		13-Mar-2004 12:08
Dear Ian, You have been in my favourites list for ages. I love your images. You gave me a lot of pleasure at Christmas time with your tree decorations :o) I hope you are able to return. All the very best to you and your familt, Mary

Guest		11-Mar-2004 22:19
Wow, where have I been. I have just been reading about your problem and need to agree with not letting that piece of .... win. Hopefully we will soon be again blessed with your images. Deleting the comments as they appear may be the only way to stop this person. They only enjoy this type of thing if others know about it. The more who see the comments the more joy this type of person has. smokem if you gottem

Linda Vich		09-Mar-2004 22:37
Oh, please stay, Ian! I feel so bad that some coward's thoughtless comments could drive you away. You have such great shots (this one included) and I would hate to think that someone I can learn from will no longer be part of PAD! Linda V.

bela45		09-Mar-2004 11:15
Hi Ian I have had lots of work and not much time to comment, and only now I read with sadness what has happened to you. As many others have already said, IGNORE! Keep inspiring those who love and enjoy your work, please stay:-)

Guest		09-Mar-2004 08:25
Ian mate - great image!! As for the other shit then don't give in to them? If you give in now, they win? Funny how such can't leave their contact details and guess that's how they live their silly little lives - down a rat hole? Mate - delete and move on and sure no one takes the least bit of notice what the troll writes??

Guest		09-Mar-2004 06:01
Do not stop, I support you and do not let them win! I like your great pictures!

RodTO		09-Mar-2004 05:59
I am sorry to hear that, IAN. There are some jealous, petty, and stupid people out there. I hope that soon we can go back to enjoying your pictures. As Mark mentioned, shaw is a Canadian cable provider, I think there are parts in Ontario that is covered by Shaw as well as British Columbia. Also, some customers of Rogers Cable (www.rogers.ca) could still be under Shaw because Shaw and Rogers exchanged some of their markets in Ontario.

Guest		09-Mar-2004 05:17
Excellent shot. Don't let 'em win!

Franziska Lang		09-Mar-2004 04:21
Ian, let me just add my voice to the many comments you have alrady received. Your work is absolutely excellent and very worthy of leading the popular galleries. I've myself received some terrible comments on my galleries at some point (accusing me of stealing other people's photos, which of course, I did not), and I know how terrible this can be. Don't give in. I'm there with Steven M's suggestion ... erase the comments. I haven't yet checked out Jeanne's suggestion (will do that next), don't let someone who leaves inappropriate and hurtful comments make you stop. Best Regards, Franziska.

Guest		09-Mar-2004 03:58
Oh this is so sad to hear!! :( It's such a shame that it has come to this. I just wanted to echo everyone else by saying it is a loss for our pad community to have you go. I've enjoyed looking at your photographs, you are a very talented photographer. It's just too bad that there is unnecessary rudeness in people today. I hope you come back soon!!

Jvan Photography		09-Mar-2004 01:02
Ian, Karen Nichols had this same problem. She had a PAD gallery for 2 years. When she tried to delete his comments they got worse. So finally she just ignored them and he went away. I don't think they were against her family just her pictures. I am sorry this had to happen to you. Jacquie

Guest		09-Mar-2004 00:52
Ian... I'm so sorry someone has dampened your enjoyment of the PAD experience. Your images have inspired and instructed me as I've been exploring my new found interest in photography. I hope things settle out in someway that you can once again feel comfortable here... you leaving would be a real loss to the PAD community.

Jim May		08-Mar-2004 23:27
Ian, I'm greatly saddened to hear what has happened, I have enjoyed you photo's very much and they have been a great source of insperation in my own photographs. I hope everything works out and it sounds like whoever has been making these comments has no true tallent and is expressing it in this unfortunate way. Anyway thanks for all the enjoyable photos!

Chris Brooker		08-Mar-2004 22:49
You have put up a beautiful photo, so congratulations on that. I feel very sad to hear what has happened and wish there was something I could do to help. All I can say is “Chin up” you are amongst friends.

Guest		08-Mar-2004 22:00
Ian - Don't let the BAS&%RD get you down! I love looking at your photos and found your quest for the no 1 spot great fun (and I did vote for you!). Whoever is doing this is completely sick and doesn't deserve recognition. Surely after Jeanne started the messages in the features forum Slug must take note. Your public need you!!!

Lara S		08-Mar-2004 20:56
I agree with David. Don't let the ****** bring you down. And Bravo for speaking up. I would hope you continue in our PBase adventure. We have all become friends and it would be a shame to lose one of us to someone's petty, immature behaviour.

David Mingay		08-Mar-2004 20:26
Stop posting and let 'them' win? Not an option surely. Slug - enable Jeanne's feature request so Ian can keep going!

Guest		08-Mar-2004 20:10
Ermmm, I don't think I would even give them the satisfaction of putting this up, Ian - it would probably only add "fuel to the fire". It's not me!! I think most of us have had negative or spiteful comments at some stage, myself included (and they are cowardly too, they never leave their name), and I think it's worth saying that it is horrible, but not worth their satisfaction of you showing your offence. The most important thing is that you continue to do something you enjoy, regardless of what anyone else says or thinks about you! Look forward to seeing more xx

Guest		08-Mar-2004 19:26
Ian, All you have to do is look below this message and see the kind comments from friends, friends that love your photographic talent. The person, or persons that may be posting such useless filth are just JELOUS and should NOT post such hurtful comments. I hope that you haven't taken this personally. The link seems to be an ISP, if you get an IP then you could pass that onto Slug or try tracing it yourself. BTW great image! (may it not be the last)

Guest		08-Mar-2004 19:22
Ian, I'm so sorry to hear about the abusive comments you've been getting. The one which hides behind its keyboard and try to annoy you by sending anonymous comments, does not know that stupidity was never a talent. Please don’t leave us. You all support you and respect your talent.

Guest		08-Mar-2004 19:14
Ian I want to join others in saying how very, very saddened I am to read this news. Your wonderful galleries have been a regular inspiration to me. This 'flame is out' photo is quite outstanding. Keep up the enthusiasm Ian. Many, many people will be sorry indeed if you feel permanently unable to share with the PBase community. May your joy in photography continue to abound ... wherever the results are exhibited. Simon :)

robin statfeld		08-Mar-2004 19:14
Ian, I'm so sorry to hear about the abusive comments you've been getting. But please don't let it get the best of you. Unfortunately the bad of the internet occasionally comes along with the good. I hope you'll agree that the good is worth sticking around for : )

Guest		08-Mar-2004 19:07
I'm new to the PaD and have really enjoyed your images, I'd be very sorry to see you go. I think generally this kind of creep doesnt have a lot of staying power....can you try and hang in there a bit more. Change PaD gallery sites to throw them off the scent. Anyhow, good luck whatever you decide!

Guest		08-Mar-2004 18:52
Ian, please, don't leave us. Like many others have said, you can't let this person win. You are so talented and you have so much to share, I hope you continue on, head held high. Like someone told me a while back... "That is the mark of a truly successful artist. Only when your work is truly great will jealousy rear its head and let the self-styled artists and poseurs pounce from their shadows of mediocrity." -- Bertrand Laurent .. Please stay. Please.

A Reid		08-Mar-2004 18:44
Ian...as we all know, there are jerks on EVERY site. It's unfortunate but they feel the only way to get attention is by acting that way. On the positive side you must realize that you have an army of friends here at PBASE that will always be here for you and each other. Keep the good images coming!

Ray :)		08-Mar-2004 18:44
Another great image, Ian. I'm sorry that some sicko saddo has forced you to do what you've done, but you must protect the ones you love as well as yourself. And I hope this match is not responsible for the "LD" in BCLD!! We will see what slug can do following all our comments in the forum.

Geoff Delderfield Photography		08-Mar-2004 18:33
Increadible image Ian. Don't let one individual ruin a great place for all of us. If it weren't for you I wouldn't have started my PAD. Regards, Geoff.

Guest		08-Mar-2004 18:25
Hey Chuck, this has made me very sad...and angry! I have posted a note in the features forum, hoping that perhaps there will be a way PBASE can help this situation. Please have a look here to add your thoughts everyone!!! Sending a huge sunbeam your way, Ian!!

Pall Gudjonsson		08-Mar-2004 17:30
An excellent picture here Ian - I sure hope that this was not the last match in your box !

Guest		08-Mar-2004 17:17
Ian, I wanted to add that, although I understand how annoying and even hurtful personal attacks can be, consider focusing on the positive interactions and relationships you've built here. It would be a shame to give some cretin a victory by being driven away.

brother_mark		08-Mar-2004 17:15
If I could light your fire Ian I'd give it a try, but I'm hardly your type. :) Another stellar image Ian. Shaw Communications, Calgary, Canada, 403-750-4500, 403-750-4501 (fax) Provides internet access from Ontario west to B.C.http://www.shaw.ca If you have any comments of a threatening nature or that might be illegal, perhaps they can help you track it to the individual and file charges in Canada. With your data, pbase's data and Shaw's they probably could identify the individual. Will Shaw's play?

Guest		08-Mar-2004 17:04
I imagine you've contacted slug over this? Is there nothing he can do? All I can find about Shaw Fibrelink is that they appear to be an ISP in Canada. I'd hate to see you go Ian.

virginiacoastline		08-Mar-2004 17:02
There are always small minds with other small body parts that have a jealousy of flair & inventiveness. Unfortunately instead of enjoying the talent of others, because of their own low self worth, feel it raises them up if they abuse others. It only lowers them more. And the pity & disdain that is then sent their way only adds to their desent into an abyssmal life. I understand your need to protect your family & personal character. The loss of your daily gems will be felt throughout, but until or unless there is a way to change the pettiness directed at your work, there is no need to continue here. Know that we support you & your decision & hope to see you soon, Ian. I wish you & your family well & hope for an incessant jock itch for, um, others. Pete

Si Kirk		08-Mar-2004 16:59
Re light the fire now please dont let the actions of one fool ruin some thing you enjoy, myself and others enjoy your work and would see Pbase as an empty place without you, so stand up camera in hand and SNAP! Oh and did you have to use an ND filter to get the smoke effect?

Guest		08-Mar-2004 16:58
Well...I don't think you should give up ANYTHING because of someone else's insecurities. You are GOOD at what you do and there are a lot of people who enjoy your art. We have the option to erase comments on our message board and I have taken the liberty to do that before myself. Someone said some VERY negative things about my photography and the PaD idea...did that stop me? No. Should it stop you? No. If you live with it long enough and just erase every time it happens...the person will tire of posting stupid negative remarks that are seldom seen by anyone other than you and not even getting a reaction from you. That's all it's about anyway is REACTION! Sorry I have talked so long...I am just very strongly opinionated when it comes to quitting....especialy when you are thinking of quitting BECAUSE of someone else who is OBVIOUSLY jealous of your talent and that it got you to the top! Don't give up...Just go on. Great pic today too. That was hat first got me to this page today...THE ART!

Elizabeth Glass		08-Mar-2004 16:51
I hate the thought that one creep can ruin this for you and for those of us who love your photography. Do you think you could lock down your PAD gallery for now and then post one picture a day in a seperate gallery, erasing the one before it each time? At least until the jerk goes back into his pathetic, jealousy ridden hole?? : (

Jill		08-Mar-2004 16:51
Brilliant well composed photograph Ian..as much if not all your photography. You deserved to be in the most popular. It is beyound me how some galleries are considered worthy of such a title and when voting for yours it felt good to do so because it is honest. Jealousy is such a sick emotion and to allow it's destruction of your pleasure in participating is allowing that person to win. Whatever his/her motivation is or was you are allowing them to win by not participating. A sick game played by a sick individual. I am sorry to lose you as one that I so greatly admire on PBASE.

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