Featured Photos?

[Ken Darga]

Hmmmm---

A power boat???

What's next OLD SHOES?

What's with the photos of objects that have nothing to do with wood-working, skill building, or the use of KREG tools to build a product?

GEEZ---what's this community sight turning in to?

A popularity contest?

[Jay Boutwell]

Well I have begun to think the same thing.  You belong to a woodworking site with the intent of seeing woodworking photos and what do you get.  Then it is a featured photo again,  I have a photo of a garbage can that maybe I should post.  At least I could photo it to have wood scraps in it.

[Ken Darga]

I've got a huge pile of lumber and timbers, in my storage.

Also, several barrels of cut-offs.

I just cleaned up a pile of chain-saw chips---

shoulda took a pic of that, before it was cleaned up and hauled away.

[KregRep]

The boat, while a very cool item made of wood and a famous wood race boat, is not necessarily a "feature." Agreed. Had someone helping out today and they featured it. Took it off the features list.

We try to feature interesting, inspirational projects built with a variety of techniques by a variety of builders. When possible, we love it if they have multiple photos of the process or if they have plans, but sometimes we show a photo that is simply inspiring.

We'll continue to evaluate what we feature, since it seems to be an issue of contention lately. So, let's have a friendly discussion about it. Ken and Jay, I appreciate the thoughts you've shared. What does everyone think a photo or project should be to be worthy of being featured?

KregRep

[Jay Boutwell]

Any photo that shows a skill they have and are in the process of achieving skills from working wood and using Kreg Tools and other tools that includes the use of the kreg screw technology.   I believe that photo is worthy of being posted in the photos.  However to be called a "featured item " it should be something that shows an extra amount of skills planning and craftsmanship were put into the project.  Not something that is a "thrown together project"  that really does not even show the process of building it.  This does not mean that it has to be a professional looking job but should be one that shows a growth in the learning process of woodworking.

 I believe that this is what the community was formed for and that it should remain as that.  After all that should be the reason members are here,  to aid and help and instruct others into becoming a better woodworker.  To me that would be the interesting part as learning and the reason to want to work wood.  Every woodworker should want to learn additional skills and not just to show off a project.  They should be showing their skills and acheivements with the addition of learinging more skills. 

This community is full of very skilled  individuals who could be of great value to those learning woodworking however most are limited at giving out this knowledge as most learning seem not to want to take advantage of that resourse.

Every one who joins the commuity should understand that in order to get their photos posted in the "Feature" page  should expect to show an improvement in their learning and it should be something as a challange to get their photos placed there. They should know that every photo does not get there.  Look at it this way, it is like a graduation from a few skills to a multiple use of several skills.  It is not beyond reach as we all start at the bottom when we start the interest in woodworking and gain one skill after another until we are able to build something out of the normal.   

Kreg Tools has for better that a quarter of a century enjoyed the name association as being one of the leading woodworking tool building company in the world.  Associated with that name is the pocket hole used in building.  In most homes that contain a woodworker the name Kreg Jig and or Kreg tools is common vocabulary and everyone associated with the woodworker will know who Kreg Tools is and what it stands for.  I would sincerely be discouraged to see this community web site become one of which  becomes a site of which any and everything is posted. 

In my opinion, when a person opens this site it is because of  an interest in woodworking and they expect to see something related to the construction of or a completed project where the use of pocket holes and the manner of its construction were used  it should  not an something like a pot of boiling water on a stove or some other item unrelated to woodworking.  I agree with you in that although this is a famous wooden boat it has no inspiration to me as a woodworker as it does not show the relationship of how it was made and in fact has no mention of it being made of wood.   The above is  my opinions on this subject.

 Thank you Kreg Rep for allowing me to voice my thinking on this subject. 

 

KregRep said:

The boat, while a very cool item made of wood and a famous wood race boat, is not necessarily a "feature." Agreed. Had someone helping out today and they featured it. Took it off the features list.

We try to feature interesting, inspirational projects built with a variety of techniques by a variety of builders. When possible, we love it if they have multiple photos of the process or if they have plans, but sometimes we show a photo that is simply inspiring.

We'll continue to evaluate what we feature, since it seems to be an issue of contention lately. So, lets have a friendly discussion about it. Ken and Jay, I appreciate the thoughts you've shared. What does everyone think a photo or project should be to be worthy of being featured?

KregRep

[KregRep]

Thanks Jay!

KregRep

[Ken Darga]

Well said, Jay.

My sentiments exactly.

Showing joinery methods used in a project build, is helpful to many.

This provides insight for the beginner, and novice alike, as to the joinery method used, to achieve their desired goals.

It also gives the opportunity for the experienced craftsman to offer suggestions for product improvements, in future builds.  Such as the selection of choice the preferred joinery for a specific task.

I've seen many hand-cut or shaped joinery methods, that are inspirational, in the end product.

Some of them can only be achieved by the hand-cut method.

[KregRep]

Thanks Ken! I'll look forward to any other comments that come in, as well.

KregRep

[Jay Boutwell]

Thanks Ken, I am glad to see some responses as I do not wish to see only a few who give opinions.  It is important to all of us as.  Opinions do help the Kreg Rep as I recognize that in trying to control this site is like fishing for a certain type of fish in the dark in attempts to satisfy all.
 
Ken Darga said:

Well said, Jay.

My sentiments exactly.

Showing joinery methods used in a project build, is helpful to many.

This provides insight for the beginner, and novice alike, as to the joinery method used, to achieve their desired goals.

It also gives the opportunity for the experienced craftsman to offer suggestions for product improvements, in future builds.  Such as the selection of choice the preferred joinery for a specific task.

I've seen many hand-cut or shaped joinery methods, that are inspirational, in the end product.

Some of them can only be achieved by the hand-cut method.

[james wilhelm]

I agree with Jay and Ken , this site is not a popularity contest , it is a place for wood worker,s to show  what they have built , how they built it  and to learn from other wood workers about their project,s !!  One needs to earn their way to the featured page , by improving their skills in their project,s , asking questions and helping others !!!   I do show some of my projects , but never expect them to go right to the featured page , I do it because  I like to share my way of country builds , the use  of the burnt look  and also the use of crate boards !!!  Most of my projects are not big or great , but I do design and build them on my own !!  I also would like to see more members get involved , give their opinion and comment on the projects by other wood worker,s , it is your site , let,s all try to make it better , JIM !!!

[Jay Boutwell]

Jim I agree with your describtion of what we as a woodworker should stive for.  it is so nice to see everyone's project and how it is built.  It is a testimony as to the arts and craftsmanship of the woodworker.  I too like to help others in their questions and hope to help build their skill level to the highest that they can acheive.  I also agree that more should become involved and not just sit on the side lines.  After all it is a chance to develop something that is no longer taught in most highschools anymore.  With everyone doing their share then together as a group  can help build a woodworking site that will be second to none.  I do appreciate everyone who gets involved and as always I am willing to help when I can and  look forward to seeing your projects.  I very much like to see photos of the construction and how it is done as that is not only inspiring but also educational to everyone who see them.  

james wilhelm said:

I agree with Jay and Ken , this site is not a popularity contest , it is a place for wood worker,s to show  what they have built , how they built it  and to learn from other wood workers about their project,s !!  One needs to earn their way to the featured page , by improving their skills in their project,s , asking questions and helping others !!!   I do show some of my projects , but never expect them to go right to the featured page , I do it because  I like to share my way of country builds , the use  of the burnt look  and also the use of crate boards !!!  Most of my projects are not big or great , but I do design and build them on my own !!  I also would like to see more members get involved , give their opinion and comment on the projects by other wood worker,s , it is your site , let,s all try to make it better , JIM !!!

[Rita B.]

I wish that we would see more folks involved in the discussions themselves over simply posting a photo.  In that regard, Kreg reps have a tough job to accomplish.   I've assumed the featured photo was a means to recognize individuals and gain a more active community which in turn would increase their word of mouth capabilities.   I thought the recent contest was a effort to build the forum by having folks comment to place their entry.  I do not know what the solution is but I am certain there is a fine line to recognize individual achievements and not to offend those just starting out.   That being said,  I do enjoy seeing the works of others that post and the variety of beginner, intermediate and the advanced valued wood workers.   Many thanks to all that have helped me as I grow my skills.

[michael evans]

You have a great skill base Rita ,I have seen your beautiful desk .
 
Rita B. said:

I wish that we would see more folks involved in the discussions themselves over simply posting a photo.  In that regard, Kreg reps have a tough job to accomplish.   I've assumed the featured photo was a means to recognize individuals and gain a more active community which in turn would increase their word of mouth capabilities.   I thought the recent contest was a effort to build the forum by having folks comment to place their entry.  I do not know what the solution is but I am certain there is a fine line to recognize individual achievements and not to offend those just starting out.   That being said,  I do enjoy seeing the works of others that post and the variety of beginner, intermediate and the advanced valued wood workers.   Many thanks to all that have helped me as I grow my skills.