Hi--it's me. :) New rules...

Hey everyone.

I am back. Hopefully back for good now.

I am sorry it's been a rough summer. I could excuse my life away, but it doesn't take away from the fact that things have been really down here..and down out there too with many of you. I am aware. And it breaks my heart. I wish things could be better for everyone...in an instant.

But, we're here to talk about this blog. So let's all take a deep breath and start over fresh, deal?

Over the past few weeks I have been trying and trying to figure out how to make this blog good for everyone. I have listened to suggestions (some that I found quite hurtful), reworked things, shuffled here and there...and still, no matter what I did, there was STILL someone who wasn't happy.

I have come to the conclusion that ultimately, this is my blog. This is my baby...you know? And if I can't make everyone happy, I should at least make myself happy.

SO, FROM NOW ON...NEW RULES.

Yes, new rules.

We're going back to the roots of this challenge.

24 HOURS. You take the picture. You post. You leave comments for people. You encourage and help each other to be better photographers. You inspire...you feel inspired.

That's what this blog was supposed to be about.

And busy or not, I feel like we need to stay true to the integrity of this blog. Get your mission, submit your picture by the next day.

Period.

Another change?

We are going to stop voting.

I know this will probably ruffle a lot of feathers...I understand that. It is something I have debated over for months now. And ultimately I think that it will be good to put it to rest.

WHY???? I know you are probably dying to know the answer to that one.

Here's my logic.

I have seen a pattern lately where comments on pictures are so scarce, and then all of a sudden when it comes to voting, people pop in and leave their opinions. I am always so surprised because it seems to me that those thoughts and comments would be really helpful if applied to their actual post. I cannot tell you how many people have said how much they WANTED to receive HELP with their photography...CC... ya know? But yet they often hear nothing from anyone.

And that's where I think we need to get back to.

--HELPING each other improve

--ENCOURAGING through words and comments

--GETTING TO KNOW each other by making others posts matter to US.

That's it. That's how I see it. And that's how I think it should be right now.

I am SO glad to have so many wonderful people be a part of this blog. I really hope I can refocus my attentions to meeting each of you and learning something from you. I know, no matter what our level of photography, that we each do have something to share.

Be ready for a new challenge...it's coming tomorrow...just a heads up. :)