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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Free Photo Restoration & Date Old Photographs => Topic started by: Treetotal on Friday 02 January 15 19:23 GMT (UK)

Title: Is it worth it?
Post by: Treetotal on Friday 02 January 15 19:23 GMT (UK): After seven years of patiently repairing damaged photos and applying colour to sepia photos I am now beginning to ask myself if it is worth the hours of effort that I put in to repairing photos.

I am so tired of people putting up their photos for repair..only for the poster to come online to view the work then go offline without response and getting a late "Thanks Everyone" days later when a shedload of restores have been produced. It takes on average two hours to carry out a good repair...or three or four hours to also add colour and.....roughly two minutes to type a thank you.

There are real, dedicated people behind these restores and colourings and we give our time and expertise for free. I am now feeling taken for granted...what used to be a pleasurable hobby
has now become soul destroying and leaves me feeling taken for granted :-\

Although I speak only for myself...I know I am not the only one to feel this way...many very good restorers have left the board for the reasons I have mentioned.

Maybe it's time to move on and find a more rewarding hobby.
Enough said.

A very disillusioned.

Carol
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: Finley 1 on Friday 02 January 15 19:51 GMT (UK): Carol

You are a great Rootschatter and I totally understand where you are coming from. BUT please dont feel disillusioned regarding your work, it has always been really excellent - and I will say thank you to you - for the pleasure of seeing your restores, and your encouragement to me in the early days, remember when we had a laugh on the restore pages. Sadly my old eyes wont allow me to work on them now.

So from me I would ask you to continue - you and all the restorers are appreciated very much so... :-* :-*xin
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: Treetotal on Friday 02 January 15 21:35 GMT (UK): Hi Xin...Thanks for your support and your kind words which are very much appreciated :-* It's a long standing problem that I don't see changing any time soon unfortunately. It's a question of put up or shut up...or get the hell out of it and I feel better for having said my piece.
But...we live in hope ;)
Carol
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: dss311 on Friday 02 January 15 22:42 GMT (UK): Speaking for myself, All I can say is I am appreciative beyond words. I understand the value of the restorers time and skills and nothing I could say on this forum would reflect my true appreciation. Your talents and valuable time (and all restorers!) have brought joy to our family photos. I hope you and everyone else helping out here realize the true value you are providing. I would hate to see any restorer leave the forum because of these reasons.

I will say it again.....THANK YOU EVERYONE for your contributions!!!!

PS.....I am probably thanking all of you for all the generations to come........
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: spices on Friday 02 January 15 22:52 GMT (UK): I have not had anything restored on RC however I do enjoy looking at your work.

The restoration on the photo Baby Norm was amazing.
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: atmartinas on Friday 02 January 15 23:17 GMT (UK): Oh Carol it is so sad to read your post. It is unforgivable that you or any of your fellow restorers on RC feel unappreciated. When I found this board I just couldn't believe the generosity of the rootschat restorers. I have had fabulous results on the photos I posted and have been very grateful for the restores done for me. You are absolutly brilliant, talented and generous to provide this service to people.
I would like to encourage you to continue but I think its more important that you enjoy your hobby so if you need a break those of us that appreciate the time and effort you put in will understand and hope you return, perhaps if you see people showing proper appreciation, I hope we do.
Thank you
M
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: Jool on Friday 02 January 15 23:22 GMT (UK): Hi Carol, please don't get disillusioned. The majority of Rootschatters truly appreciate the time and work that goes into the restores. I am not a restorer but I too feel angry when I see the beautiful work produced on this board and you get no acknowledgement at all or just a casual "thanks". I feel like posting "Is that all you've got to say!"

Every time I see a new photo go up for restore I follow the thread in amazement at what the restorers can do. You all get a HUGE THANK YOU from me :)

As you can see from my avatar, I do like to acknowledge people who have brought back to life a treasured photo.
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: JJ Girl on Saturday 03 January 15 07:32 GMT (UK): Hi Carol,

I'm only a relative newbie on Rootschat, but the team of talented restorers have done such amazing work on some of our precious family treasures (your lovely self included). I just want you to know how important what you do is. This Christmas I gave my Mother-in-Law a restored photograph of her Grandmother and mother (as a child) all framed up and gorgeous - she cried. Then I gave my precious Step-Father a restored photo of his mother - he cried. Finally I gave my Father-in-Law a stunning restored photograph of his Great Grandmother - you guessed it - he cried too. So the work you do is truly special.

I try very hard to thank everyone who gives up their time and uses their talents to restore a photograph for a complete stranger - sometimes the thank you is a bit slow living on the other side of the world but I feel it's really important to acknowledge all work done. Unfortunately not everyone has good manners when it comes to saying thanks and often people are worse at it when online. Please don't let this cause you grief as there are many, many of us who are truly grateful (& impressed) by the work you (& all other restorers) do.

Thanks again....and Happy New Year!

JJ xx
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: cazza59 on Saturday 03 January 15 09:27 GMT (UK): In a word Carol, yes it is worth it, simply because of all the joy your work, other restorers work and hopefully mine brings to people. Having said that, you know I feel exactly the same as you and back you 100% percent.

There is nothing more disheartening than putting your heart and soul into a restore, to give up several hours of your time, only for all your efforts to be summarily dismissed with a "thanks everyone". Yes, we do it because we enjoy it, and nobody is forcing us to give up our time, but that's not the spirit of the board..we do it because we like to give to people, because of the immense pleasure people get from seeing their loved ones "brought back to life". Like JJ has said, I've had people tell me they have cried at having their pics restored (hopefully in a good way :o :) ), and I've spent the entire day feeling warm and fuzzy because I've done something nice for someone and they have appreciated it.

So all that the restorers are asking in return is a bit of individual attention for their efforts. "Thanks everyone" doesn't cut it. Take the time, thank each individual whether novice or old timers ( :o :) ), whether you hate it or love it, because simply put, everyone likes to feel appreciated, it was done out of the goodness of our hearts to do you a favour, and most of all, manners do not cost a thing, only a bit of your time in return for ours.

Sermon over. ;)

Caz
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: Seoras on Saturday 03 January 15 10:25 GMT (UK): Carol, I can see where you are coming from. I haven't had much restored lately but do pop in to see the restores. Sometimes there is genuine heartfelt thanks expressed and at others barely a grunt. There also seems to be some cases of folks being on RC purely to get a free restore. Maybe I am just being cynical but I think not. However gal, stick with it and maybe be selective, I can assure you, your talents are very much appreciated. To those who have had their photos restored I would say heed Cazza, it takes no time at all to send the restorer a personal message of thanks. It is the very least they deserve.
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: spices on Saturday 03 January 15 10:50 GMT (UK): I keep going back to the work that so many restorers did on " Baby Norm"

Carols comment - Hi Lynnette...One from me too....I gave him a bath and a cuddle :D
Carol
keeps resonating
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: RecycledHippy on Saturday 03 January 15 10:55 GMT (UK): Carol
I finding that other restorers are having feelings very similar to the way I do
I find that I am doing less and less

People ask for restores, but cannot take the time to read the basic instruction such as dpi, photo sizes allowed ( things that make restorers life easier ) etc

So, Carol, you are not alone in wondering if is worth carrying on

Hippy :) :) :) :-\ :-\

Hope you have had a good Christmas and New Year
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: Nettie on Saturday 03 January 15 11:12 GMT (UK): Hi Carol,
I, for one, truly appreciate the work you and other restorers do not only on my photos but on other people's as well. Scrolling through the thread, I am often brought to tears seeing what can be done for a faded/damaged image. You are bringing the past to life and that's what we are all about.

Given that you and all restorers possess skills that we don't, we probably don't truly appreciate the complexity of the work you do. Having said that, there is no excuse for poor manners. I have seen more than a few 'requests' (using the term lightly) which read more like demands and then when the work is done the efforts are brushed aside. It happens across the board and it very frustrating to see as it puts people off helping and then genuine people miss out.

You, Carol, need to do whatever you feel is best for you. I will definitely miss your contributions should you choose not to continue here but this is a hobby and it should be a positive experience for you.

Take care.
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: stevew101 on Saturday 03 January 15 11:20 GMT (UK): I have to admit that Carol is right. I find that I am doing less restores now. I learned some time ago that some people say thank you and others don't bother. For those people that appreciate the time and effort, I continue to do restores for them. and hope that they enjoy the improvements to their treasured pictures. The "Thank You" always means a lot.

For those that don't even give so much as a thank you, I don't do second requests. Sometimes I see a picture I would love to work on, but decide against it, as the poster has previously not even said thank you. Looking in my message box, I have well over a 100 personal messages of thanks... They do mean a lot as they show what the restoration means to the poster. On the other hand, there are people who do not even say a thank you on the board.

The cost of a basic restoration commercially is now in the region of £40, and for colouring..... Well, you don't want to know the cost. How much does a thank you cost?

I hope that you continue with your excellent restoration work Carol.

Steve
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: Treetotal on Saturday 03 January 15 12:48 GMT (UK): I have to say how overwhelmed I am at the support and kind comments in response to my post and I am very touched that people took the time to show how much they appreciate and value the work we do here.
Many of the people who post their photos for repair have little concept of the work involved or the time it takes to bring their damaged photos back to life in order to preserve people's precious photographic memories and it is always a joy to see everyone's take on an old faded and damaged photo.

The problem isn't a new one...there have been many offline grumbles over time about this issue and Caz and I could fill a book that would make interesting reading with a few deletive expletives :o

There will always be givers and takers in this world...it's when the number of takers outweighs the number of givers that the balance of fairness becomes upset.
Thank you also to those who have shown support both in PMs and emails...you know who you are.
Long may the board continue to bring joy and pleasure to those whose treasured photos are preserved by the dedicated team of restorers.

Special thanks to Caz :-* for listening to my rants and to Sarah :-* for her care and concern.

Once again thank you all especially the restorers who lent their support to my concerns :-*

I won't get my coat just yet :P ;D ;D ;D

Carol :-* :-*
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: Finley 1 on Saturday 03 January 15 13:07 GMT (UK): Great -- :)

xin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJdvoDHLBdY
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: jess5athome on Saturday 03 January 15 13:12 GMT (UK): Hi, :) please don't be disheartened, I am not a restorer but have had a couple of photo's "Touched up / Enhanced" etc in the past and have always said Thank you for the work, after all, good manners cost nothing.
I think the problem in part is that a lot of people do not understand the vast amount of work and skill involved in restoring someones treasured photograph and as you say just take it for granted.
I am in awe of the work carried out on this board and think all restorer's are fantastic, I have seen photo's put on for repair with statements along the line of

"I think this is beyond repair"

And smile to myself thinking, "Ha! wait till you return and see the things that these people can do"
Take heart from the fact that you and your fellow restorer's bring so much joy into someones life with your skills and take it from me and all the other chatter's that you are truly valued.

:) :) :) :) THANK YOU :) THANK YOU :) THANK YOU :) :) :) :)

Regards and thanks always
Frank.
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: atmartinas on Saturday 03 January 15 17:21 GMT (UK): Quote from: Treetotal on Saturday 03 January 15 12:48 GMT (UK)

I won't get my coat just yet :P ;D ;D ;D

Carol :-* :-*

Now that is very good news, Happy New Year
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: rinnan on Saturday 03 January 15 17:56 GMT (UK): I am so sorry that you feel this way. I too think you all have done wonderful work. I have yet to see any place people help out this much. Sorry to say that I had lost all connection with the site. It is hard to believe how fast time flies. It seems like yesterday I was here and yet it has been almost a year.

Please to not feel "taken advantage of " I know I speak for many that may not seem to show their appreciation so straight forward , but I am sure their heart skipped a beat when they saw your wonderful work on a picture that they thought was lost forever. I did at least last time. ! So please on behalf of those , you helped out , I want to say keep up the great work. You have brought joy into many lives. Louisa Rinnan
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: Wiggy on Sunday 04 January 15 00:24 GMT (UK): I've thought for a long time about whether to say anything on this thread, and this is the result of my thinking . . . .

I agree with Carol. :)

Yes, we all like acknowledgement and it is super nice when people are pleased and happy with what the restorers do.

But, having said that, I do any restorations for fun, my own gratification, and to learn a bit more of the art. ;)

I don't have to do any - and those I do do aren't brilliant, but it is fun trying to clean up a damaged photo and I've learnt a lot along the way.

If we, as restorers, aren't happy with the response of those for whom we do restores, the answer seems easy to me - just don't do any more for those people.

And if the photos put up are very bad scans or too small etc, just don't do them - we can ask for better scans if possible.
I just won't touch tiny photos of really poor scans - my eyes are worth more than to strain trying to do them, so . . . . I just don't.

But in the end it is up to us if we do anything - we aren't being paid, and there is no compulsion.

And it is great fun trying. :D :)

Hope I'm not standing on anyone's toes here

Happy New Year! ;)

(Really just reiterating what Caz said on the first page. ;))
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: Brit2015 on Sunday 04 January 15 03:59 GMT (UK): Just to add my two pennies worth ... I feel at the beginning this was great fun and I was learning and this was a great arena to practice. But the same feelings came in when you see the same names wanting a procession of photos done, someone submits one after you and they get the thanks. Is it worth it, yes, when you look at it as ... my hobby, my fun, my drawing needs are satisfied !!!!!

Brenda - Brit2015 - Phoenix, Arizona US
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: dobfarm on Sunday 04 January 15 05:25 GMT (UK): I used to do ancestry look ups one after another, many members never even replied, others use to argue the toss of something I had found, that disproved their theories. Some members, that if I found something in the county archives or a graveyard inscription for them, instead of a plain thank you, I would get a long list of other things to look up for them by PM and talked too as if I was a servant worker in an office by the boss. These days I'm more selectable with posts, doing only a few odd post look ups that have been left undone as challenge brickwall, doing a better job of researching them and taking longer breaks away from ancestry in between.

Thus be more picky or selective, if you only pick a photo that you think you could do a really good job of perfection on by spending more time on and post days later with real quality to enjoy and show your talent. Above all, have breaks outside of the virtual computer world.
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: PhotoRepair on Sunday 04 January 15 10:51 GMT (UK): It now appears that its rife over on Reddit where this goes on exactly the same way. Many requests, little or no thanks.
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: IgorStrav on Sunday 04 January 15 12:34 GMT (UK): The pleasure I get from reading the threads on this board is immense, and I'm always recommending people to join Rootschat for this alone.

The quality of the restores is overwhelming - I have some myself, and if anyone didn't feel duly thanked for them at the time, please may I remedy this now once more. :) :) :)

One question, was it the right thing to change the name of the board to FREE Restoration and Dating?
I know it is free, and the service given by the wonderful people on the board, but does it make it sound less expert, less time-consuming? It did change, didn't it, I'm not inventing that?
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: relatedtoturnips on Sunday 04 January 15 13:45 GMT (UK): I dont think some people appreciate how much time and effort it takes. Therefore when a person just says "restore please", and when its done they vanish. Its a bit selfish on their part.

Also i notice that a lot of the photos are not even scanned first, this making a good detail restore almost impossible. Surely its worth getting the photo scanned, and upload it to a photo sharing service. That way a restorer has the best resolution to work with.

I know not all are technology experts, hence some do not have scanners etc. But if a picture is worth keeping, a little bit of effort it worth it to scan it.

All the best.
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: terry h on Monday 05 January 15 10:17 GMT (UK): Quote from: IgorStrav on Sunday 04 January 15 12:34 GMT (UK)
One question, was it the right thing to change the name of the board to FREE Restoration and Dating?
I know it is free, and the service given by the wonderful people on the board, but does it make it sound less expert, less time-consuming? It did change, didn't it, I'm not inventing that?

You are correct Igor and I have often thought 'why did they put the free there' but I guess I know the answer to that one :-\

Totally agree with you Carol, it is very disheartening. I don't do so many now and when I do they are sometimes a bit later than the others and they are not even acknowledged..............don't people check their replies ::)

Enough said :o

Terry
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: cazza59 on Monday 05 January 15 10:32 GMT (UK): I would have thought that it would have had the opposite affect and people would be even more grateful. Where else can you get photos restored for free, documents deciphered, and an army of volunteers willing to knock down your brick walls for you, all for FREE? :o :o

If I ever make requests for look ups or whatever, I make it a point to thank everyone that has helped me, as I'm well aware that everyone's time is precious and their skills whatever they may be, should be appreciated. I just expect the same courtesy as do all the restorers, researchers etc!

All I can say is God Bless Rootschat and all who sail in her! :P :P :P ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ::) ::) ::)

Caz

PS I sooo miss the Christmas smilies! :'(
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: Aladdin on Monday 05 January 15 14:20 GMT (UK): I have restored and colourised some photo's for posters on this site. They do take a long time to do and I must say I agree with Carol. There are some who barely acknowledge the work that has been done for them, let alone say thanks. Which has put me off doing any more really. That being said there are others who say thank you in the most sincere and pleasant way, which makes it worth the time and effort. So its not all bad. However I have to say I am spending less time on here now and much less inclined to do restores for people. Surely if someone has an old photo they treasure enough to get restored they can get a decent scan done so at least there is a fighting chance of a good result. As has been said by others in this thread, I will be very selective about which pictures I restore for free, and for who.
Perhaps there should be some do's and don't for posters given at the top of the page? Certainly those who wave a mobile phone somewhere in the vicinity of a pic of granny in its frame, at an oblique angle on the sideboard and then post that, and say Restore please. Thats really not going to work is it.
So, yes Carol I agree with you completely.
I should add that there are some restorers on here doing great work. The minimum they deserve is a Thank you.
nuff said :)
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: HOUSE2000 on Monday 05 January 15 16:38 GMT (UK): I always appreciate the amazing work which all the restorers do. You all do a fantastic job of restoring often poor and damaged originals. I can spend ages looking at the work you do and I hope you will continue your time consuming restorations which me and lots of others appreciate very much. Thank you.
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: chelle 5 on Monday 05 January 15 16:45 GMT (UK): I haven`t posted any photographs for a while but I must say I appreciate all the work you people put in and that I have always been impressed with the skills you have,please continue with your excellent work. For those that have no breeding or manners I will say a little thank you goes a long way.
forever a fan of your work
Michelle
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: PhotoFX on Monday 05 January 15 19:33 GMT (UK): Oh dear, what a shame that so many share this opinion, but I can understand where you are coming from.

Due to ill health earlier this year I needed to find a relaxing and not too strenuous pastime so I dug out my Photoshop notes and started to practice again.

Since then I have done a handful of restores on RootsChat and joined a couple of Facebook groups that also offer free restorations to members. I also joined Operation Photo Rescue (OPR) to watch their progress and have looked around the internet (Flickr etc) for other places where my limited skills may be appreciated. I do not, and never will, want to make money from this hobby, like all restorers I just like a “thank you” at the end of my efforts.
For what it’s worth I think RootsChat is one the best.

Carol, there are half a dozen or so active restorers, you are one of them, that I love to compare my work with, that I aspire to equal, one day. You must remember that it is not only the requesters but also the other restorers that will be appreciating what you do.

Maybe that’s what wanted, more interaction between restorers. Maybe we should post when we start a restore so that we all know how many are spending time on any one image in particular. Maybe we should not be so quick with posting back the restores, waiting a bit longer will help requesters appreciate the time we spend. What about restorers putting the length of time spent when they post back?

Admins. How about a specific sticky thread that only RESTORERS add to in order to introduce themselves and another sticky thread that restorers can compare notes with and share hints and tips.

Enough rambling, just a few ideas which I think may allow restorers to feel a little bit more of a team/community. I’m sure some of you have other ideas?

Carol, please don’t give up just yet, 2015 promises to be a good year !! ;D :D

Richard (PhotoFX)
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: Wiggy on Monday 05 January 15 20:33 GMT (UK): Quote from Aladdin

Quote
Perhaps there should be some do's and don't for posters given at the top of the page?

There are! - people just don't read them! ;)
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: Gadget on Monday 05 January 15 20:43 GMT (UK): Quote from: Wiggy on Monday 05 January 15 20:33 GMT (UK)
Quote from Aladdin

Quote
Perhaps there should be some do's and don't for posters given at the top of the page?

There are! - people just don't read them! ;)

As Wiggy says, we've been trying to get people to post good quality scans, etc. for years - Cazza did a tutorial in the olden days (still stickied at the top of the board) - I remember Polldoll and I receiving drafts from Caz for us to comment on. Those were the days :)

I even got Wiggy to learn to scan properly when she was a newby - it took a whole thread ;D ;D ;D

I used to do lots of restores but only do the odd one nowadays - for all the reasons that people have said on this thread. I now mainly restore for myself, friends, etc. and for pleasure/fun.

Recently, I've started to do a few more again on here but have been very saddened by the quality of many the scans.

Gadget

PS - I've also wondered about the 'Free', given that all our look ups, etc. are also free :-\
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: silvery on Monday 05 January 15 21:13 GMT (UK): You are all brilliant.

Just don't do the bad scans, low pixels etc etc. Put a message saying the scan is bad, pixels too low - can't do it. I know you've said it time and time again, but there's always someone who will have a go on a really small, bad photo. Sometimes I can't believe it.

I love looking at this board and seeing what miracles you work. I often want to tell someone off for the quality of their posted pictures. But you are all wonderful, and very appreciated.
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: Jomot on Monday 05 January 15 22:05 GMT (UK): I've not had any restores done but like many others I do love to look at them - some bring tears to my eyes they are so beautifully done - so thank you for that alone.

As others have said, if the rude and ungrateful have taken away the pleasure for you then please stop as no-one wants you to lose the enjoyment, but boy would some of us 'peepers' miss it if you did. x
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: cazza59 on Tuesday 06 January 15 00:03 GMT (UK): Quote from: silvery on Monday 05 January 15 21:13 GMT (UK)
You are all brilliant.

Just don't do the bad scans, low pixels etc etc. Put a message saying the scan is bad, pixels too low - can't do it. I know you've said it time and time again, but there's always someone who will have a go on a really small, bad photo. Sometimes I can't believe it.

I love looking at this board and seeing what miracles you work. I often want to tell someone off for the quality of their posted pictures. But you are all wonderful, and very appreciated.

This frustrates me the most, but I have been guilty of not even bothering to look at size of the photo myself simply because seven years of asking for better scans has taken it's toll and people simply do not read instructions or understand the importance of a good scan. I realise it's new posters all the time, but it would help if people took the time to read the instructions on scanning and posting beforehand, or simply ask for help.

As you say, it would also help if restorers didn't wade in on these poor scans because it sends the wrong message and people accept what they are given, when they could end up with a much better result with a decent scan, and the restorers wouldn't have to work so hard.

What would also help (and I have noticed a lot more people doing this lately), is if people state up front that this is the best copy they can provide for us, so then we know not to ask for a better scan and make do with what has been posted.

On the other side of the coin, if you have the original photo and are having issues trying to get a good scan, if my scanning tut doesn't help, then please feel free to PM a restorer for assistance. You will be amazed at the difference in the quality of the restores based on the quality of the scan (and obviously the skill level of the restorer, but we all have to start somewhere).

Must say it's really nice to see the outpouring of appreciation for the work done on this board, it's nice to know how much pleasure the restores provide all around. :) :) :)

Caz
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: Maggie. on Wednesday 07 January 15 18:12 GMT (UK): Carol - I've only just spotted this thread, the reason being I'm a Restorer Who Walked Away for the reasons you touch upon. In the past I have restored one or two pictures, and occasionally I have attempted to colour them. If I have any ability at all it is because it has been learnt on RootsChat, and for this opportunity to practice such a wonderful hobby I'm eternally grateful. The help I have received whilst learning has been generously given by yourself and others and, as mentioned earlier with Wiggy, I do remember Gadget patiently explaining to me also how to scan properly. ;)

I have recently been paying more attention to the photo board, looking for a tempting photo to entice me back in and have been somewhat alarmed by the whole feeling of the board these days, which now bears little resemblance to the friendly board I enthusiastically joined around 5 years ago. It now seems a rather soul-less place and lacking in humour, where friendly conversations are discouraged resulting in truncated comments posted with the restorations and an abrupt minimal 'thanks' from the Poster, if any thanks at all. I would speculate that some of this is to do with the introduction of the word 'Free' to describe the board as I suspect it sends the wrong message as to what we do and how long it takes.

Of course there are still plenty of kind posters who fully appreciate the work and time taken to make their pictures beautiful again. They make such a difference and I used to feel such a lovely warm glow in feeling that I had gone some way to enrich a precious memory for that appreciative someone. It really does make it so worthwhile to receive such thanks, but I have to say that these days such thanks is more often than not unforthcoming.

The board needs you Carol - please don't go.

Maggie :)
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: Finley 1 on Wednesday 07 January 15 18:24 GMT (UK): Yes Maggie, we did have such fun times on the board :(
remember 'Rabbit b' :) :) bless her

xin
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: Maggie. on Wednesday 07 January 15 18:36 GMT (UK): Rabbit used to keep us all in order didn't she? She livened up the board no end with her comments. So sad she is no longer with us. She used to drag in unappreciative posters so they could thank us properly as well. :)
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: jennywren001 on Wednesday 07 January 15 19:54 GMT (UK): Can I start by saying the only photo I couldn't scan for a restore is a picture of my father standing with his brother and his mother and father. This is the only photo of my grandparents I have and the only one of my father as a boy. It was restored here on Rootschat from an iphone photo my brother sent from the other side of the Atlantic and it is totally precious to me. So, please don't go Carol - the work you do is truly appreciated.
Jen

Oh, and must ask xin - is that ginger tom only eating the orange smarties?
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: Maggie. on Wednesday 07 January 15 20:35 GMT (UK): How wonderful Jenny that such a precious photo was restored - this is what it is all about and in circumstances where all you've got is an iphone photo of a precious photo then it will be improved with pleasure on here. The difficulty the restorers have is when it is assumed that a q
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: Maggie. on Wednesday 07 January 15 20:41 GMT (UK): How wonderful Jenny that such a precious photo was restored - this is what it is all about and in circumstances where all you've got is an iphone photo of a precious photo then it will be improved with absolute pleasure on here. Nothing is more rewarding to a restorer, doubly so when, as with you, the intensive work that goes into it is acknowledged and appreciated.

The difficulty the restorers have is when it is assumed that a quick out of focus snap of a photo in a frame taken when casually visiting Auntie Flo can micarulously be brought back to a pristine condition with just a click of a few buttons.

(Sorry - don't know what happened there ......... please ignore previous post). :-\
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: groom on Wednesday 07 January 15 20:48 GMT (UK): I've just been pointed towards this thread and really feel for those restorers who give their time and expertise and receive little or no thanks from some people. You all do a fantastic job and I stand in awe of you. As someone said, it takes a couple of minutes to say thank you and those two words mean a lot.

I sometimes wonder reading the requests, whether newcomers to the forum realise that everyone here is a volunteer and they do it out of the kindness of their heart. Often requests appear to be more a demand and are quite blunt in the way they are asked.

As a watcher of this board I have noticed that a lot of the older (in experience not age!) people don't restore as much as they used to and this is a shame, but I can understand why.

We do appreciate your work, Carol and others, and I hope that you wont give up completely.
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: Greensleeves on Wednesday 07 January 15 21:07 GMT (UK): I'm sorry too, to hear that you are thinking of giving up Carol, but I can totally understand why. I used to do a lot of work for this board but gave up some months back because I got fed up with lack of thanks or acknowledgement. I don't mean everyone was like that because many people were very generous with both thanks and praise.

However it does seem that people's attitudes to the restorers have changed and I think Jan is right when she says that many newer RC members don't appreciate that the restorers are RC members just like everyone else and are not paid staff. They give freely of their time and skills and it is in all senses a thankless task when hours are spent restoring something and no acknowledgement is received.

I also resent the way some people demand - rather than ask - for restores. I always used to check for the 'please' and 'thank'you' on the initial request before I decided whether or not to undertake a restore.

I remember when I first submitted a restore (I had been gazing in admiration at the work of others on here for months) I was delighted with the fact that experienced restorers PMd me giving me tips and encouragement; it was lovely that they so freely shared their advice and skills and helped me to improve my work. I still look at the Restores board and see what the restorers are doing and occasionally I submit something - and the last time I did I was delighted to receive not only thanks but a 'welcome back' from fellow restorers. So there clearly is still a huge fund of goodwill on the board, if only we could harness it and make it a positive experience for everyone.
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: Trishanne on Wednesday 07 January 15 22:13 GMT (UK): The only reason I am not active on here at the moment is because my computer is sick (I am on a borrowed one now, which has no programme for restorations).
I, too get disheartened sometimes when I have spent several hours restoring or colouring a photo to get either no acknowledgement or just a communal 'thanks'.
I am a complete amateur at restoration, which I took up after my husband died, to keep my brain and fingers active in my old age. I enjoy the feeling of satisfaction when restoring a really poor, creased image into a reasonable photo again. When you get a warm, appreciative thank you it really helps, makes it all worth while, even when I know there are some far better restorations, than mine.
What I find disheartening is when you have spent hours trying to restore a very poor image and all you get is a reply on the lines of, 'I thought this might be a problem' - no thanks for trying, it's certainly an improvement etc.
I will continue, when I can, because I love doing these restorations. I find the work therapeutic, because I am unable to walk very far and it gives me something to do when confined to my chair.
Pat
Title: Re: Is it worth it?
Post by: Finley 1 on Wednesday 07 January 15 23:34 GMT (UK): Yes - Rabbit and her horses :) wonderful

Quote from: jennywren001 on Wednesday 07 January 15 19:54 GMT (UK)
Jen

Oh, and must ask xin - is that ginger tom only eating the orange smarties?

hello Jen

that Ginger tom ! is a beautiful Queen -- She believe it or not is a little tinker and really not as ginger as that pic portrays - more of an orange :) and they are Dreamies - special cat treats, that she is stealing. :)

xin

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