I have been thinking about the whole “photo saga” for the past few days. Its really bothering me that it could spark such animosity. I felt that many PTers and I offered good advice and the comments made were meant to be helpful, to inform others that might not be aware of how hard it is to download many photos. We were met with criticism, and then sarcasm reigned for two subsequent days in Dog General. We merely offered thoughtful suggestions that were geared to help EVERYONE enjoy PT equally. Instead it created a divide of those that want to do what they enjoy and those that can’t.
I NEVER stated that people have to stop posting pictures... I merely stated that it was frustrating to have to download many photographs, and suggested what a “doable” number was for people with dial-up internet service. People spoke up honestly and peacefully, then were seen as a tyrant who wants to rain on someone’s PT parade.
As for the concept of not looking at the threads... well that’s what I HAVE been doing. I would LOVE to get to know all of the dogs involved in those long threads, but can’t. For as long as I have been on PT, I still do not know the majority of the dogs here on PT because their threads are so hard for me to download. That makes me sad because my enjoyment of PT is greatly reduced when I can’t get to know the dogs.
As for reducing the photos to links that I can click on... try it. Its more frustrating to wait for a new window to pop up and load.
I have to admit that the comment about merely budgeting for DSL hurt me to the core. Not that you’d especially need to know (or care), it reduced me to tears. For me, and I know many other PTers, it is not as simple as getting my haircut less often and using cheaper shampoo. Its not the same as store brand cereal vs. Kellogg’s. This year, my kids qualify for reduced lunches – we make under $36,000 a year. A family of five with a mortgage, two car loans and bills making less than $36,000 a year simply cannot switch things around to afford the luxury of DSL or cable. Yes, DSL is considered a luxury. Those of you that enjoy it, I am dying for the day I can join you. In the interim, I putter along on my slow dialup connection. I would hope that people would understand this instead of making me feel bad. I’m sorry if you felt bad about posting “too many photos” as that was not my intention. I would hope others would understand this and try to make accommodations to help those with dial up enjoy PT as much as those with DSL.
Is it fair that those with dial up get to enjoy PT more than those without? Why should DSL PTers get 100% satisfaction and dialup PTers get 70%? In a utopian society, all PTers have access to highspeed internet and could download photos ‘til their clicking finger fell numb. I only want to enjoy PT as fully as I can. I know you do too... it is all about accepting differences and acknowledging them.
If you don't see this as a chance to embrace all PTers then I am saddened by the lack of compassion. For life is about growing, changing and refining your view of others. Life is about give and take. The problems arise when people are more about take than give.
