Photographs

I feel some things need to be said in order to clarify some issues. I haven't read my earlier thread since my last post on April 23, because as a newcomer to this board thing I felt like most of what I was seeing was negative and worse. I'm not just talking about the attacks on me, but some of the other things were even more disturbing to me. I felt then that my time is better spent in a more positive place. However, since then, the words of support and encouragement to me from complete strangers at ball games has been both humbling and overwhelming. As a result, I decided to see what all the fuss was about, so today I read them. Very enlightening.

First of all, allow me to apologize to CanAmMan for "calling him out". I was reacting to a negative comment about me and reacted in the natural, rather than as a Christian. I am truly sorry for that.

Second, as I am new to this media, I was not aware of its real world allowances and prohibitions. I did read the primary "rules" that I saw, but in looking at some of the postings, they did not seem to me to be clearly enforced. I saw some name-calling and character assassination and questionable avatars, but never imagined this would happen to me.

Third, in this hobby that I have grown to love I am often caught in a conundrum. That is, anyone with a computer and internet access could view my photos for free anytime they want. But as my "income" from the hobby has been less than $200 a year from the sale of CD's, and my expenses far greater, I cannot afford to advertise. That's quite OK for me, because it doesn't hurt me personally or financially if no one sees my photos. However, if I cover a Concord game against an unfamiliar team, there will be photos of BOTH teams available for FREE on my site, but how would the other team even be aware of that? Then, if someone new does find my site, they will often ask me for certain prints they like. I don't run a printing service, but one is attached to my software that has nothing to do with me. As a result of requests, I started making CD's available of the original photos (not the compressed internet versions). Since I started doing that I have given away more than I have sold because I give them to schools and coaches that request them for annuals and scrapbooks and such. I am a special-education school teacher and cannot afford to give everyone a free disc, but I do what I can.

My photos have been used by several newspapers, Rivals.com website, and others absolutely free of charge. They asked permission and I freely gave it. As for this forum, I sincerely did not know that you would allow or even want photos posted here.

Whether you want to believe it or not, my number one priority for this hobby is to make the girls who play this great sport (including my daughter), be able to see themselves in action for years to come. If I never make a dime that is ok too, because I get paid every time a player or coach or family member or just a fan thanks me for my efforts. It is there for FREE anytime for anybody. If you don't care to partake, of course you have that freedom too.

As for this site, if you are serious about wanting to use my photos, you have my permission. If there is any photo on my site that embarrasses a player, coach, or umpire, let me know and I will delete it. I will come back more often if for no other reason than to thicken my skin. Monte told me I need to live in a shark tank. (had to turn this into a CC thread for anyone who reads all this). God Bless you all. Roger

 

I believe that you are sincere and enjoy looking at your photos very much. Keep on posting them. If some jerk thinks you are advertising then so be it. It hasn't stopped others from advertising. You are not forcing anyone to buy anything. Someone might miss a great picture of their daughter if you don't tell them about it. You are doing a good thing. Keep on doing what you are doing.

 

BR.......carry on!!

 

Wonderful pictures

BigRoj,This is Todd Peeler, Morgans dad, the pitcher for East Rowan.I talked with you a good bit at the ball game.I just want to thank you for all the wonderful pics you took at the game.You possess a great talent in what you do, & the girls are very lucky to be able to go online & see some awesome action shots.Thank you,& please continue doing this for the girls!Check your PM ,Thanks abunch, Todd

 

Roj
Keep up thr good work please post that site again.

 

What's the website address?

 

The website address is www.upperattic.com. Click on whichever page on the left that you're interested in and when that page opens, click on any of the hypertext links to get to my gallery of photos. Right now there are about 80 slideshows on there with approx. 11,000 photos. You can view any slideshow, any individual photo, or in groups of 9 at a time. You may also write a comment under the photos, and I ask only that the comment be informative and not abusive. My rule is: don't write anything I wouldn't want my momma to see.

I try very hard to get my slideshows up the same night as the game, but that isn't always possible. Also, though I mostly cover Concord and Central Cabarrus, I will also do other games of interest when those two are not playing.

Again, my website is free and viewing of the photos is free 24/7. Thank you so much for your kind words. It proves that MOST fans and softball people I have met are top-notch. They spend alot of money and time and hard work promoting their girl's efforts on the field. If I can help them and especially the players to enjoy it just a little more with my photos, I will have been a success.

Roger Williams: [email protected]