American Coot standing on thin ice
Anyone who has worked on their own web site that allows comments knows that there are times you get comments that make you scratch your head. Some times they are just spam bots and they get deleted if they even make it through the spam filter. I really don’t know what the reason is for the people running those spam bots, they are simply annoying and fortunately I have plugins and applications that deal with those.
Strange Comment from “NatureGuy”
But then there are comments that make you go hmmm. I woke up two mornings ago and found this comment waiting for approval from someone using the name NatureGuy who must be a real person because they know I post “even when on vacation” so I’d like to say hi NatureGuy, thanks for following my blog? But I’d also like to add my own two cents to your comment.
I have never found any blog on the entire www except for this one, where posts show up every day; even when you’re on vacation.
I guess maybe you don’t view many blogs on line? I have some sites I follow that not only post everyday but sometimes make several posts a day. I can honestly say that I have never felt compelled to write to the author and comment on how many times a day they post on their blog. It is their business, not mine.
“Even when you’re on vacation”. Well I do go on extended photo trips if that is what you mean by “vacation” but for me they aren’t really vacations. They are enjoyable, I get to see new locations, photograph the the things I love in nature and relax.
My journeys into the field each and every time are because I am following my passion whether they are close to home or far away.
I find that a bit sad.
Well, alrighty then. But you should know that when I am away I schedule my posts to be published ahead of time? I don’t always sit at my lap top in the middle of a great wilderness area writing posts. Mostly I’m out enjoying the birds, the grand views, the fresh air, the stars in the sky and embracing the wonderful world around me.
Sure, once in awhile I’ll post from my phone or by using my lap top from the campsite but really… what is so “sad” about that?
It is my life you know.
Even if I wanted to publish posts everyday while on “vacation” I don’t see why this should ever concern you or anyone else.
I’m not the least bit sad about living my life the way I want to.
Do you truly photograph for yourself?
It would appear that is not the case.
I’m not even sure how to answer this last bit but I’ll try.
I photograph because I love my subjects and I love what I do. I love being out in nature. I photograph because I am following my passion. I photograph because it brings me joy.
Do I share what I photograph? Of course I do. Other people enjoy seeing birds & wildlife images. Some people might never see what I see in my journeys and if I want to share with them, isn’t that my choice? I share my techs (except for this post because it really isn’t about the images today, is it?) and I get emails from people thanking me for that because they want to learn. I share my journeys because I want to.
Yes, I photograph for myself. And I share it, so what?
Double-crested Cormorant Portrait
Thanks for your comment. Though I know and believe that your comment says far more about you than it does me, my work, passion or what I do with my life.
Your comment did make me think about how fortunate I am to do what I love doing.
Oh, and bless your little heart. Did your mamma have you tested? Maybe you need to be.
My life is good.
Mia
American Coot image take in Utah in December 2009. Double-crested Cormorant image taken on Anclote Key, Florida in May 2005.
I too, love your work. The fact that you share it everyday is not only incredibly generous of you Mia – it must be time-consuming as well. Just wanted to say I agree with the general consensus. That post is definitely odd and not worth worrying about. Your response was perfect though – love the coot btw 🙂
Mia your reply perfectly stated. This guy should just be ignored for such ignorance! Don’t give him the time of day.
Hi Mia, sometimes it’s hard not to let the “noise” affect us. We want to dismiss it and never think about it again, but at times it creeps back into our thoughts. To me, that’s the really sad thing about your poster’s offensive comment. Here you are, generously sharing your thoughts, vision and positive energy, and this person comes along attempting to use that as a springboard to spread negativity and hateful thoughts.
I’m truly grateful for your daily posts. They are inspirational and educational and help me to remember that “life is good.” Thank you.
Huhhhhhh….not sure why he would draw the conclusion that you do not photograph all these images yourself?!
I’d chalk it up to some kind of weird jealousy thing. 🙂
I just started following your blog, and the more you post, the better, IMO!
Thank you Mia for what you share because I have learned from you and you have been most gracious in sharing about equipment and settings. .I can’t keep up a daily blog but the practice has helped me tremendously and helps me try new ways of seeing and expressing. I see that it works for you..Yes, life is good.
Thank you all for the supportive comments. I’m not going to allow this person to affect me, my blog, my life or my photography. He is a tiny little blip in my life’s journey and I have so much more to do, see and photograph.
I appreciate you all!
Strangeness happens. Love the cormorant portrait.
You go Mia. Please ignore this guy’s remarks..not worth your time.
“Some people might never see what I see in my journeys and if I want to share with them, isn’t that my choice? I share my techs (except for this post because it really isn’t about the images today, is it?) and I get emails from people thanking me for that because they want to learn.”
Amen to both the above, Mia. I for one look forward to those quiet mornings with my hot cup of coffee and you and your adventures. I think, based on your amazing following, a lot of other people feel the same way. Mia, you may be doing this mostly for yourself, but I’m pretty sure you are adding a lot of smiles to a lot of faces … every … single … day. And I for one thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!
What a bizarre comment. I know of another blog right off the top of my head, another pro bird photographer that posts everyday. Don’t think Natureguy gets around on the web much. And anyone that is passionate about their work is very happy working everyday. I post my photos daily on FB. I think he needs to look in the mirror. What is up with his life? We all enjoy your daily blog!
After reading all the other comments posted so far, I have to agree with every, single one of them! I doubt if that poor guy does much of anything, especially wildlife photography, that he feels good or passionate about. I think he may be adrift and I wish him luck finding his way…sounds like a teenager, so there’s time if he gets help somewhere and can find a positive sense of direction…but, then, maybe he’s just another “black hole”, taking up space, using up resources and energy….
Nature Boy must be a strange, lonely person. For example, for some weird reason he thinks daily posting is “sad”, but the only way he’d know is by watching everyday….like most of us do. To even post such strange comments indicate someone with problems. Jorge Oliviera said it best. Don’t waste your time or energy on the illogical. Let them bark and keep moving. Don’t even question what you do. It’s what you’re meant to do and what you (and the rest of us) love and appreciate.
What an odd comment. Maybe the guy was just having a bad day so he wanted to infect someone else with his mood. That is one of the pitfalls of the internet, it’s easy for people to try to do that.
But one of the great things about the internet is sites like yours. I love your pictures, they are a highlight in my day when I come to see them.
That commenter leaves me shaking my head. I think that Alex (stu) is dead on about the person being deceitful. When I was thinking about it I found myself wondering about why you would post photos with your logo on them if they weren’t yours. That should say something about who took them. I have been known to post comments expressing an opinion that disagrees with what I’m reading in a blog – when the material is about subjects where such discussion is appropriate. Can’t see how that applies to a blog like yours, though.
I love the photo of the Double Crested Cormorant – those incredible green eyes are just like the eyes of the Cape Cormorants that we saw in Namibia. And I, too, am happy to see your posts, because I love being able to connect with nature in ways that I can’t in my daily life.
Mia I normally don!t respond to comments but I have to this time. I can!t but agree that this guy has the right to voice his opinion, that is what this country was built on but it is also your right to post what you love and what we as fellow nature lovers enjoy seeing. If I didn!t have to work and could afford the needed equipment, I would be out there doing the same things you are doing. Please don!t worry about one persons comments and keep your blogs coming.
I am a potter and do art shows, and some remarks I get are just strange. Sometimes I think people just have to say something. I enjoy your pics, even if I don’t comment or even look everyday. I do not blog but during flower season I usually post to several sites every day.
Jo
Way to go, Mia! I look forward to you photos for the pleasure of looking at them but also to learn. And I thank you for sharing. I think NatureGuy needs to “get a life”. How sad for him.
In my country there is an old saying that goes like this ” Os cães ladram e a caravana passa”.
On a free translation that means “dogs bark and the caravan goes on.”
Don’t bother.
You are precious.
I love that expression “Dogs Bark and the caravan goes on” … and I know I will use for many years to come. I also liked your “Well Alrighty” reply to our intrepid poster too !… a phrase tinged with humor ( or humour for me) that I often use myself
which country btw?
The IP address is from the U.S.
I used to get odd comments from people .. I think because people can be odd ;).. This reminds me of ones I would get. people just are having a bad day or decide they have an issue and want to vent to others. This poster was at least not rude or vulgar, but seemed to be introspectively revealing their own issues of deceit it would seem. That person needs to look in the mirror and see the issue lies with them.
Perhaps the poster is saying you should never be allowed to post a picture of an event or location unless you are physically standing there at the time it is posted. 😉
Mia – The comment does say a lot more about the commentor than it does about you. Nature guy obviously spends little time sharing his photos, or he would know we can pre-schedule. He also must not spend time following your posts, or he would also know they are your photos. They’re magnificent! Thank you for sharing them for all of us to enjoy.
I look forward to your beautiful photos every day!
Thank you Judy!
Mia, I wanted to tell you how much I look forward to your daily posts. I am a physician, outdoor kind of girl, and an avid bird lover. I have learned so much from your passion and photography. You are the only ‘daily’ anything I follow. The pictures are inspiring and the descriptions of the birds, animals and environment are always informative. Please know that there are so many of us who are very happy to follow your adventures vicariously. I also appreciate the work that it must take to maintain a quality site. Thank you for the joy you give me at the start of every day.
Thank you Peg, I am honored that you follow me. I am honored by all those who follow me and my work.
I am also very happy that you find joy every day with my posts!
Mia, I completely agree with Mark’s comment. You have allowed me to see areas of this beautiful country and the birds I may never otherwise see. I am so glad that you are willing to share your passion, beautiful photographs and locations with us. I also look forward to your emails and love your work!
Thank you Lynn! You’ve made my day.
Mia – just a big Thank You for sharing your blog posts. Far from seeing your posts as sad I am truly grateful to you for allowing a blog follower a glimpse of your sightings in nature. I look forward each morning to get your email announcements. Keep up the good work!
Mark, thank you. You have also made my day!
I love what I do, it only makes sense to share it with like-minded, nature loving people.