I've noticed that some users post their SOTD as text alone vs picture or picture and text and noted that I don't look or read at posting within SOTD unless they are accompanied with a picture. SOTD is mostly about the pictures for me. Giving me insight to what others are using and doing as part of their daily shaving routines. I ask myself do I like that, do I want that and mostly I get entertained with the many artful and well setup photos. In short I don't read or look at SOTD without a picture and frankly find them a waste of space in the SOTD section as I believe that's in another thread. I prefer pictures with text of items explained in pictures and product experience but not without pictures in this case. (Maybe too brutally honest here but felt content to vent or maybe the neck vertebrae pain meds ) Like to add that many may argue differently but the proof is in the "likes", picture with text vs just pictures or just text. The user replies with pictures with text greatly outnumber just text or picture alone.
I like the SOTD pics, too. And some are really getting close to art. That being said, I also like to read the opinions about the various hardware and software. That gives me a bit of insight and may lead to a future product purchase. I guess some are more visual than others. Maybe as an accountant I tend to be less visual and more "black and white".
Let me fix this for you: I really appreciate all of the efforts of those who produce great photos each day on SOTD. The thread is rich with pictures and is always so entertaining. I know there are some who like the reviews, and they're great too, but for me...keep the beautiful photos coming!!!
I like to read what people think of the products they use in their SOTD. I greatly enjoy the photos and the effort many put into the them.
I wish we could cut back some on the extraneous comments. They get to the point they out number the SOTD's.
There are a couple of issues with it this 1) "some are really getting close to art" - exactly, and the others aren't appreciated as much. I know I certainly appreciate some of the higher end photographs but we don't all possess those skills, nor the equipment, both in photographic and shaving. There are some people with serious skills and serious collections. I actually like being in the lowly "text only" realm. Do we "need" to post pictures, I mean is it the law? 2) Does "shave of the day" really necessitate photos? I mean it's a diary, right? I use it as such and include many snippets of hopefully helpful information that a photograph simply could never convey. What am I learning from a beautiful picture, other than "aspire" to own such items? I know I for one read most of the postings in the hope of gleaning something from it, otherwise what is the point? I guarantee I spend a lot more time on the text posts than I do the picture posts. I appreciate the forums because of the text, not the pictures.
As I don't yet know the art of doing the pictures(my nephew could show me in minutes, but he's in college, learning things)I at times will "summarize" my list at the bottom OF the list, or will just describe it in sentence form.
I am partial to visuals accompanying text vs text only postings. But that's me. I agree with Kerry's point there is good information to be gleaned from the experience of others when it comes to shaving gear. Photos enhance the experience but are not essential in sharing our daily experiences. There is another popular thread in the SR section entitled, "What straight razor did you use today?" which is predominantly photo driven as it lends itself more towards razor eye-candy as opposed to the item listings in the SOTD threads.
The web lends itself to imagery, but a well written, text only SOTD post is every bit as "good" as anything else. I appreciate everyone who shares their daily shave. A simple pic of the gear with no commentary is indeed a concise diary entry and record of one's daily SOTD, as is a simple list with minimal commentary. Every post was an effort by someone to participate in our community, for that I am grateful. SOTD is a vital thread in the TSD community, and all post formats should be welcomed.
I think this just points out the...and I hate to use this overused term...diversity on TSD. It's what makes this a great forum.
Both great comments. I tend to post a picture only in the SOTD thread and post a picture and written comments in the 30 day thread.
Photo's without text don't do justice either to the complete "picture". I like to read what's in the pictures and the user evaluations but text alone and I move on. That maybe just me but we are visual first and foremost visual. SOTD is the one thread that I like to have both a picture and shave experience. Most other threads are text only. I expect both in the SOTD thread. Then again that YMMV. Want to clarify I'm not stating don't post without pictures, (by no means) I'm solely stating my take on the SOTD thread. The opposite is also true here for me. Too many individual pictures on the same user thread and I move on. One complete photo paints the perfect picture IMO.
It baffles me why anyone would restrict himself (herself) to just one medium. There is value in both. I prefer a photo and at least some text to flesh out your experience. For a long time I just didn`t have the ability to produce a photo. I`m pretty sure there are some out there in the same predicament. Let`s welcome all. Of course " to each his own". Bill
I really like both best. Have to say though that while I'll look at a picture without text, I likely won't read without a picture. Also, I notice I make my entries different from most in that they are more like a journal entry. I've switched over to 30 day focus thread for the most part.
This reminds me of Theodore Roosevelt - "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." If you can and want to post pictures, then go for it! If it's not feasible for pictures or you don't want to then post text only. Regardless of the type of post we are all here to share our experiences, learn from one another, and enjoy our hobby. I read the SOTD posts regardless of their type and can attribute much of my DE conversion and subsequent interest to that thread.
