Thursday, November 15, 2007

Your Park Is Worse Than Your Spite

How Many Metres Must I Travel To Find A Meter?

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON


I'm posting this to prove that even the most mundane sights can have an interesting visual effect for interstate and overseas readers. This shot, taken a year ago, simply shows a council sign on an old-style coin-slot parking meter. These are now a rare sight in Melbourne. Until about ten years ago, there were many of the slot machines, but now they're a rarity. Most street parking sites dictate that you put your money into a machine which gives you a ticket that you then display on your dashboard. (Remind me to tell you how the word ``dashboard'' came into existence - it's a great story.)

You see, this ordinary picture brings me to one of the really interesting things about blogging. A newspaper is read mainly by people who live in the geographical area where it is printed - and only on the day of publication. But blogs are read around the world. And I reckon everyone is keen to see what your little patch of the universe looks like. I've always encouraged bloggers to post pictures of ``everyday'' sights - because they hold interest to the wider readership that is the international blogging community.

I was also very gratified to see the amount of feedback that started cropping up in the comments section of my post Get The Picture. I'd barely published the post when the comments started rolling in. This is the best part about the interactive nature of blogs - the comments are often as entertaining as a blog itself. So if you have time, do read the comments and you'll see lots of advice as well as plenty of humour.

You'll also see a great comment from Joan, who says: ``Thanks for the advice. I am not a photographer but I just like beautiful photos and I take my little camera everywhere with me. '' That's the spirit, Joan. That's what gives a blog an extra personal touch. Take pictures. Post them on your blog. And you'll see that your photography improves as a result.

Everyone's enjoying themselves? Good, because that's my specific intention. This blog is a seven-day-a-week party, so just roll up, folks!

17 comments:

Casdok said...

Thank you! Im enjoying the party! (Well... i dont get out much!)

Anonymous said...

Hi David. I am no photographer but I am "snap happy". I do agree that it photographs spice up a blog, I love to publish them alongside what I write, just for the world to see a little side of my paradise.

Best wishes, Crystal xx

david mcmahon said...

Hi Casdok,

C gets the V-VIP seat at my blog party.

No question about that.

Keep smiling

David

david mcmahon said...

Hi Crystal,

That's great to hear. We all like to see each other's slice of paradise.

Do keep in touch

Keep smiling

David

Sam said...

ah!! one your favourite points David... well.. i try to follow it but have a hell lot of trouble implementing it.. technical probs.. and teh pics i have...well.. i dunno the source and i remember your advice on teh copyright thing.. so can't post them either... simply stuck!! :|
anywyz...

david mcmahon said...

Hi Sam,

Great to hear from you.

I'd hate fellow bloggers to get big bills from photographers/ agencies/ websites claiming dues for copyright images that were used without permission.

Just protecting the wallets of good bloggers ....

Cheers

David

Lee said...

Maybe I should break out my old camera. More of a computerized vacation camera than a good SLR. Longing for one of those again. :)

That parking meter shot reminds me of the parking problems on my college campus. Four years ago there was plenty of parking, huge lots and metered parking if you didn't have a pass. Now there are only 15 paid spaces, 3 major lots have disappeared, and they are shuttling students from 3 blocks away. All in the name of progress.

Peace!

Unknown said...

Thanks David! I love parties and I'll keep taking my little camera where ever I go!

smilnsigh said...

I especially like your advice of... take camera everywhere... see something which catches your eye, snap it. Like that a lot.

Mari-Nanci

Misty DawnS said...

It always amazes me when I post a photo of a butterfly or a bird, and receive comments thanking me for posting it, because the commenter doesn't see that species in his/her area. It has also made me realize how I take some of nature's gifts for granted because I see them every day.

Now, could you please pass me some more party punch?

orneryswife said...

And what a host you are, David! I enjoy dropping in on your party often, and always find some good tid-bit to take with me.
TM

Mona said...

The comment box is an essential must read I believe because it offers the various points of views. I always enjoy reading comments as they may take offer interesting discussions at times!

indicaspecies said...

At this Outback Cafe, the menu is different everyday!

Now, what's the story of the 'dashboard' David?

Anonymous said...

Party? Let's Dance!

I have my Canon PowerShot in a small case I wear on my belt or carry in my bag. Lots of times I just forget I have it with me. Oops!

San said...

Nobody knows how to get down like bloggers.

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

I've never found an online party more welcoming and helpful than this one. Thanks David!

katherine. said...

David - the bloggin dynamic is amazing isn't it? (and not well understood by those not involved...laughing)