My First Week as a MobiTogger

jpclicks

jpclicks

MobiPassionista
Real Name
Jeff Pankin
Device
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Onsite
Project Page
tl;dr I learned a lot this week. I'm feeling more comfortable as a Newbie. You guys are great.

There is a definite progression Newbies make. The week began with me trying to learn the basics - how to create a thread, post a photo, and learn a new system. The level of activity was often frantic, desperately trying to keep up with all the nice posts from my new fellow Toggers. I kept a list questions which grew daily, but I also got answers daily. The question file morphed into reflections which I’m sharing here.

Getting Comfortable With the System
  • At the beginning you get a lot of attention. That is a good thing because it forces you to jump in with both feet.
  • There is SO much to explore. The first few days, I spent most of my time in the 2 Threads I created since there were so many Replies and Likes. As a Newbie I didn’t want to inadvertently ignore anyone’s comment.
  • Bookmarks are so helpful - by mid week I starting using the browser bookmarks.
  • As the week progressed I became more familiar with some helpful tools like the My Alerts on my Account page (easier than the Bell menu). I later discovered the New Posts and New Media menus which really moved me along.
  • I think initially I filtered my New Posts list to only show my Threads. I removed that filter yesterday so I see there is lots of activity which doesn’t center on me :lol:
The Community
  • You’re an incredibly welcoming and supportive community. It feels like I’ve moved to a new neighborhood and popped into a local coffee shop where a group of old friends are having a good time. They notice me and invite me over to join them. They obviously enjoy each each other’s talents, families, and good humor. I’m mostly quiet but I’m getting good vibes.
  • I had more direct interaction and conversations with people in the first 2 days here than I did in 16 years on Flickr. MobiTog is not Flickr.
  • But that makes Mobitog addictive - in a good way! I logged on to simply post a picture and an hour of my life blew by. My coffee was cold.
  • Where else would I learn about coffee drinking habits in the UK, enjoy pictures of grandchildren I don’t even know, or get some awesome Procreate resources.
  • There seems to be dozen or so regulars with whom I have interacted. Where’s everyone else? I need to explore more and meet more people.
So it’s on to week 2. I still have a lot of questions but I’m feeling cautiously comfortable and I’m so glad I joined!
 
jpclicks said:
tl;dr I learned a lot this week. I'm feeling more comfortable as a Newbie. You guys are great.

There is a definite progression Newbies make. The week began with me trying to learn the basics - how to create a thread, post a photo, and learn a new system. The level of activity was often frantic, desperately trying to keep up with all the nice posts from my new fellow Toggers. I kept a list questions which grew daily, but I also got answers daily. The question file morphed into reflections which I’m sharing here.

Getting Comfortable With the System
  • At the beginning you get a lot of attention. That is a good thing because it forces you to jump in with both feet.
  • There is SO much to explore. The first few days, I spent most of my time in the 2 Threads I created since there were so many Replies and Likes. As a Newbie I didn’t want to inadvertently ignore anyone’s comment.
  • Bookmarks are so helpful - by mid week I starting using the browser bookmarks.
  • As the week progressed I became more familiar with some helpful tools like the My Alerts on my Account page (easier than the Bell menu). I later discovered the New Posts and New Media menus which really moved me along.
  • I think initially I filtered my New Posts list to only show my Threads. I removed that filter yesterday so I see there is lots of activity which doesn’t center on me :lol:
The Community
  • You’re an incredibly welcoming and supportive community. It feels like I’ve moved to a new neighborhood and popped into a local coffee shop where a group of old friends are having a good time. They notice me and invite me over to join them. They obviously enjoy each each other’s talents, families, and good humor. I’m mostly quiet but I’m getting good vibes.
  • I had more direct interaction and conversations with people in the first 2 days here than I did in 16 years on Flickr. MobiTog is not Flickr.
  • But that makes Mobitog addictive - in a good way! I logged on to simply post a picture and an hour of my life blew by. My coffee was cold.
  • Where else would I learn about coffee drinking habits in the UK, enjoy pictures of grandchildren I don’t even know, or get some awesome Procreate resources.
  • There seems to be dozen or so regulars with whom I have interacted. Where’s everyone else? I need to explore more and meet more people.
So it’s on to week 2. I still have a lot of questions but I’m feeling cautiously comfortable and I’m so glad I joined!
Click to expand...
Bravo !!
 
jpclicks said:
tl;dr I learned a lot this week. I'm feeling more comfortable as a Newbie. You guys are great.

There is a definite progression Newbies make. The week began with me trying to learn the basics - how to create a thread, post a photo, and learn a new system. The level of activity was often frantic, desperately trying to keep up with all the nice posts from my new fellow Toggers. I kept a list questions which grew daily, but I also got answers daily. The question file morphed into reflections which I’m sharing here.

Getting Comfortable With the System
  • At the beginning you get a lot of attention. That is a good thing because it forces you to jump in with both feet.
  • There is SO much to explore. The first few days, I spent most of my time in the 2 Threads I created since there were so many Replies and Likes. As a Newbie I didn’t want to inadvertently ignore anyone’s comment.
  • Bookmarks are so helpful - by mid week I starting using the browser bookmarks.
  • As the week progressed I became more familiar with some helpful tools like the My Alerts on my Account page (easier than the Bell menu). I later discovered the New Posts and New Media menus which really moved me along.
  • I think initially I filtered my New Posts list to only show my Threads. I removed that filter yesterday so I see there is lots of activity which doesn’t center on me :lol:
The Community
  • You’re an incredibly welcoming and supportive community. It feels like I’ve moved to a new neighborhood and popped into a local coffee shop where a group of old friends are having a good time. They notice me and invite me over to join them. They obviously enjoy each each other’s talents, families, and good humor. I’m mostly quiet but I’m getting good vibes.
  • I had more direct interaction and conversations with people in the first 2 days here than I did in 16 years on Flickr. MobiTog is not Flickr.
  • But that makes Mobitog addictive - in a good way! I logged on to simply post a picture and an hour of my life blew by. My coffee was cold.
  • Where else would I learn about coffee drinking habits in the UK, enjoy pictures of grandchildren I don’t even know, or get some awesome Procreate resources.
  • There seems to be dozen or so regulars with whom I have interacted. Where’s everyone else? I need to explore more and meet more people.
So it’s on to week 2. I still have a lot of questions but I’m feeling cautiously comfortable and I’m so glad I joined!
Click to expand...
We have an incredible international group here. I’m always learning things. Even from newbies. I’m off to check out the alerts on my account page!
 
I think you end end finding your own style of viewing and interacting on MobiTog, there is no right or wrong way to do things.
We've had similar discussions here before about how people look at MobiTog and I'm going whoa no that can't be right, I don't do that!! :lol:
 
sinnerjohn said:
I think you end end finding your own style of viewing and interacting on MobiTog, there is no right or wrong way to do things.
We've had similar discussions here before about how people look at MobiTog and I'm going whoa no that can't be right, I don't do that!! :lol:
Click to expand...
I think that’s very true. But first you have to find the tools. Then you can figure out which ones work for your style.
 
jpclicks said:
tl;dr I learned a lot this week. I'm feeling more comfortable as a Newbie. You guys are great.

There is a definite progression Newbies make. The week began with me trying to learn the basics - how to create a thread, post a photo, and learn a new system. The level of activity was often frantic, desperately trying to keep up with all the nice posts from my new fellow Toggers. I kept a list questions which grew daily, but I also got answers daily. The question file morphed into reflections which I’m sharing here.

Getting Comfortable With the System
  • At the beginning you get a lot of attention. That is a good thing because it forces you to jump in with both feet.
  • There is SO much to explore. The first few days, I spent most of my time in the 2 Threads I created since there were so many Replies and Likes. As a Newbie I didn’t want to inadvertently ignore anyone’s comment.
  • Bookmarks are so helpful - by mid week I starting using the browser bookmarks.
  • As the week progressed I became more familiar with some helpful tools like the My Alerts on my Account page (easier than the Bell menu). I later discovered the New Posts and New Media menus which really moved me along.
  • I think initially I filtered my New Posts list to only show my Threads. I removed that filter yesterday so I see there is lots of activity which doesn’t center on me :lol:
The Community
  • You’re an incredibly welcoming and supportive community. It feels like I’ve moved to a new neighborhood and popped into a local coffee shop where a group of old friends are having a good time. They notice me and invite me over to join them. They obviously enjoy each each other’s talents, families, and good humor. I’m mostly quiet but I’m getting good vibes.
  • I had more direct interaction and conversations with people in the first 2 days here than I did in 16 years on Flickr. MobiTog is not Flickr.
  • But that makes Mobitog addictive - in a good way! I logged on to simply post a picture and an hour of my life blew by. My coffee was cold.
  • Where else would I learn about coffee drinking habits in the UK, enjoy pictures of grandchildren I don’t even know, or get some awesome Procreate resources.
  • There seems to be dozen or so regulars with whom I have interacted. Where’s everyone else? I need to explore more and meet more people.
So it’s on to week 2. I still have a lot of questions but I’m feeling cautiously comfortable and I’m so glad I joined!
Click to expand...
How lovely of you to take time to do this. I don’t think we’ve ever had anyone do this before. I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say it’s great to have you here and participating so fully.:notworthy:
 
JillyG said:
How lovely of you to take time to do this. I don’t think we’ve ever had anyone do this before. I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say it’s great to have you here and participating so fully.:notworthy:
Click to expand...
Thanks JillyG! Without getting too sentimental I feel like I’ve gotten back from this community more than I have given :thumbs:
 
jpclicks said:
tl;dr I learned a lot this week. I'm feeling more comfortable as a Newbie. You guys are great.

There is a definite progression Newbies make. The week began with me trying to learn the basics - how to create a thread, post a photo, and learn a new system. The level of activity was often frantic, desperately trying to keep up with all the nice posts from my new fellow Toggers. I kept a list questions which grew daily, but I also got answers daily. The question file morphed into reflections which I’m sharing here.

Getting Comfortable With the System
  • At the beginning you get a lot of attention. That is a good thing because it forces you to jump in with both feet.
  • There is SO much to explore. The first few days, I spent most of my time in the 2 Threads I created since there were so many Replies and Likes. As a Newbie I didn’t want to inadvertently ignore anyone’s comment.
  • Bookmarks are so helpful - by mid week I starting using the browser bookmarks.
  • As the week progressed I became more familiar with some helpful tools like the My Alerts on my Account page (easier than the Bell menu). I later discovered the New Posts and New Media menus which really moved me along.
  • I think initially I filtered my New Posts list to only show my Threads. I removed that filter yesterday so I see there is lots of activity which doesn’t center on me :lol:
The Community
  • You’re an incredibly welcoming and supportive community. It feels like I’ve moved to a new neighborhood and popped into a local coffee shop where a group of old friends are having a good time. They notice me and invite me over to join them. They obviously enjoy each each other’s talents, families, and good humor. I’m mostly quiet but I’m getting good vibes.
  • I had more direct interaction and conversations with people in the first 2 days here than I did in 16 years on Flickr. MobiTog is not Flickr.
  • But that makes Mobitog addictive - in a good way! I logged on to simply post a picture and an hour of my life blew by. My coffee was cold.
  • Where else would I learn about coffee drinking habits in the UK, enjoy pictures of grandchildren I don’t even know, or get some awesome Procreate resources.
  • There seems to be dozen or so regulars with whom I have interacted. Where’s everyone else? I need to explore more and meet more people.
So it’s on to week 2. I still have a lot of questions but I’m feeling cautiously comfortable and I’m so glad I joined!
Click to expand...
Great to have you around!

We get lots of people who put their toe in the water and disappear after a couple of posts. We really enjoy it when we get a new person on board who ‘gets us’. You‘re already right at home! What I like is that you don’t always feel you have to post a perfect photo and the 365s feel like a peak into a different world/culture which is fascinating to me. We also love a good technical discussion and quality images will definitely be recognised.

People come and go. Some are around for a long time and then disappear and then maybe come back a year later or not at all.

Don’t feel you have to get involved in everything if you don’t want. It can be very time consuming!

I think there is a group of about 15 of us who post regularly although some will mostly post on their 365 or 52 project with an occasional dip in BW or Colour Challenge and some who are interested in specialised areas such as Hipstamatic. Some who make an appearance when a new iphone comes out. I think quite a few people lurk without ever posting.

There have been some pretty in-depth discussions on macro, image stacking, raw, slow shutter, long exposure, intentional camera movement and loads of apps. Do keep on asking questions we love a good discussion.
 
ImageArt said:
Don’t feel you have to get involved in everything if you don’t want. It can be very time consuming!


There have been some pretty in-depth discussions on macro, image stacking, raw, slow shutter, long exposure, intentional camera movement and loads of apps. Do keep on asking questions we love a good discussion.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the good advice ImageArt. I‘m sure I’ll settle in to a routine visiting the areas which interest me. Right now I’m like a kid in a candy shop. I look forward to delving into some of the discussions about technique.
 
Last edited:
jpclicks said:
tl;dr I learned a lot this week. I'm feeling more comfortable as a Newbie. You guys are great.

There is a definite progression Newbies make. The week began with me trying to learn the basics - how to create a thread, post a photo, and learn a new system. The level of activity was often frantic, desperately trying to keep up with all the nice posts from my new fellow Toggers. I kept a list questions which grew daily, but I also got answers daily. The question file morphed into reflections which I’m sharing here.

Getting Comfortable With the System
  • At the beginning you get a lot of attention. That is a good thing because it forces you to jump in with both feet.
  • There is SO much to explore. The first few days, I spent most of my time in the 2 Threads I created since there were so many Replies and Likes. As a Newbie I didn’t want to inadvertently ignore anyone’s comment.
  • Bookmarks are so helpful - by mid week I starting using the browser bookmarks.
  • As the week progressed I became more familiar with some helpful tools like the My Alerts on my Account page (easier than the Bell menu). I later discovered the New Posts and New Media menus which really moved me along.
  • I think initially I filtered my New Posts list to only show my Threads. I removed that filter yesterday so I see there is lots of activity which doesn’t center on me :lol:
The Community
  • You’re an incredibly welcoming and supportive community. It feels like I’ve moved to a new neighborhood and popped into a local coffee shop where a group of old friends are having a good time. They notice me and invite me over to join them. They obviously enjoy each each other’s talents, families, and good humor. I’m mostly quiet but I’m getting good vibes.
  • I had more direct interaction and conversations with people in the first 2 days here than I did in 16 years on Flickr. MobiTog is not Flickr.
  • But that makes Mobitog addictive - in a good way! I logged on to simply post a picture and an hour of my life blew by. My coffee was cold.
  • Where else would I learn about coffee drinking habits in the UK, enjoy pictures of grandchildren I don’t even know, or get some awesome Procreate resources.
  • There seems to be dozen or so regulars with whom I have interacted. Where’s everyone else? I need to explore more and meet more people.
So it’s on to week 2. I still have a lot of questions but I’m feeling cautiously comfortable and I’m so glad I joined!
Click to expand...
Wow! :inlove: Jeff, this was wonderful to read, and I must say, pulled at my heartstrings a bit. (But I’ll be the first to admit I’m super sappy and cry at commercials…. so, there’s that… :rolleyes: :lol: ) Agree with JillyG Jilly that I don’t think anyone has ever written something like this. In such a short time you’ve managed to really get this community, and I’m so glad you’re here!

Everything you said.

Your cafe analogy really struck me, as I’ve thought that same thing. That vibe, and the people, is what’s kept me here all these years, and what separates MobiTog from FB, IG, Flickr… all of them. Another thing that is beautiful is how many of us have met in real life - we’ve had two MobiMeetups, here and here. Some of my dearest friends are MobiToggers I met in real life, and some who I’ve never met in person (yet). :inlove:

As our dear zenjenny Jen would say, welcome to this bunch of fruitloops!! You’re gonna fit in perfectly. :)
 
RoseCat said:
Wow! :inlove: Jeff, this was wonderful to read, and I must say, pulled at my heartstrings a bit. (But I’ll be the first to admit I’m super sappy and cry at commercials…. so, there’s that… :rolleyes: :lol: ) Agree with JillyG Jilly that I don’t think anyone has ever written something like this. In such a short time you’ve managed to really get this community, and I’m so glad you’re here!

Everything you said.

Your cafe analogy really struck me, as I’ve thought that same thing. That vibe, and the people, is what’s kept me here all these years, and what separates MobiTog from FB, IG, Flickr… all of them. Another thing that is beautiful is how many of us have met in real life - we’ve had two MobiMeetups, here and here. Some of my dearest friends are MobiToggers I met in real life, and some who I’ve never met in person (yet). :inlove:

As our dear zenjenny Jen would say, welcome to this bunch of fruitloops!! You’re gonna fit in perfectly. :)
Click to expand...


Thanks RoseCat. And thanks for the links to the meetups - looks like everyone had fun. (Is there a way to view only the media in a thread instead of having to scroll through all those pages? :disappointed:)

Fruitloops, eh? Something to aspire to. :smile:
 
jpclicks said:
tl;dr I learned a lot this week. I'm feeling more comfortable as a Newbie. You guys are great.

There is a definite progression Newbies make. The week began with me trying to learn the basics - how to create a thread, post a photo, and learn a new system. The level of activity was often frantic, desperately trying to keep up with all the nice posts from my new fellow Toggers. I kept a list questions which grew daily, but I also got answers daily. The question file morphed into reflections which I’m sharing here.

Getting Comfortable With the System
  • At the beginning you get a lot of attention. That is a good thing because it forces you to jump in with both feet.
  • There is SO much to explore. The first few days, I spent most of my time in the 2 Threads I created since there were so many Replies and Likes. As a Newbie I didn’t want to inadvertently ignore anyone’s comment.
  • Bookmarks are so helpful - by mid week I starting using the browser bookmarks.
  • As the week progressed I became more familiar with some helpful tools like the My Alerts on my Account page (easier than the Bell menu). I later discovered the New Posts and New Media menus which really moved me along.
  • I think initially I filtered my New Posts list to only show my Threads. I removed that filter yesterday so I see there is lots of activity which doesn’t center on me :lol:
The Community
  • You’re an incredibly welcoming and supportive community. It feels like I’ve moved to a new neighborhood and popped into a local coffee shop where a group of old friends are having a good time. They notice me and invite me over to join them. They obviously enjoy each each other’s talents, families, and good humor. I’m mostly quiet but I’m getting good vibes.
  • I had more direct interaction and conversations with people in the first 2 days here than I did in 16 years on Flickr. MobiTog is not Flickr.
  • But that makes Mobitog addictive - in a good way! I logged on to simply post a picture and an hour of my life blew by. My coffee was cold.
  • Where else would I learn about coffee drinking habits in the UK, enjoy pictures of grandchildren I don’t even know, or get some awesome Procreate resources.
  • There seems to be dozen or so regulars with whom I have interacted. Where’s everyone else? I need to explore more and meet more people.
So it’s on to week 2. I still have a lot of questions but I’m feeling cautiously comfortable and I’m so glad I joined!
Click to expand...
I've been here a while now, so everything is familiar, and I've completely forgotten how it all was when I was new. It's fascinating to read your comments and makes me wonder (once again) what would be helpful for a new member to figure out how things work and where the good stuff is. Any tips while it's still fresh in your head?
 
terse said:
I've been here a while now, so everything is familiar, and I've completely forgotten how it all was when I was new. It's fascinating to read your comments and makes me wonder (once again) what would be helpful for a new member to figure out how things work and where the good stuff is. Any tips while it's still fresh in your head?
Click to expand...

Thanks for asking terse. This was my experience but everyone is a little different. After joining and completing my Profile info, what I needed to know initially was:
  • how to create a Thread (understanding the hierarchy Forum/Thread/Post)
  • the ins and outs of Replying (that's a bundle of things)
  • how and where to post an image
  • how to keep track of Replies (discovered the Replies page in My Account)
After a few days of intense replying :lol:, I was ready to:
  • set up a Gallery to keep my photos in one place
  • link to a photo in a Gallery from a Post (not everyone wants to do this)
  • follow New Threads, Posts, and Media (not just the ones related to my threads or posts)
  • branch out to explore all the Forums
Other things which might be helpful:
  • bookmarking MobiTog pages in your browser
  • searching and filtering

The initial Welcome Posts point to the Help pages (which are comprehensive) and the How Do I Forum (which is a bit hit or miss). Maybe some targeted help for Newbies would be useful.

Sorry for such a long winded response to a guy who’s screen name is terse :lol:
 
jpclicks said:
Thanks for asking terse. This was my experience but everyone is a little different. After joining and completing my Profile info, what I needed to know initially was:
  • how to create a Thread (understanding the hierarchy Forum/Thread/Post)
  • the ins and outs of Replying (that's a bundle of things)
  • how and where to post an image
  • how to keep track of Replies (discovered the Replies page in My Account)
After a few days of intense replying :lol:, I was ready to:
  • set up a Gallery to keep my photos in one place
  • link to a photo in a Gallery from a Post (not everyone wants to do this)
  • follow New Threads, Posts, and Media (not just the ones related to my threads or posts)
  • branch out to explore all the Forums
Other things which might be helpful:
  • bookmarking MobiTog pages in your browser
  • searching and filtering

The initial Welcome Posts point to the Help pages (which are comprehensive) and the How Do I Forum (which is a bit hit or miss). Maybe some targeted help for Newbies would be useful.

Sorry for such a long winded response to a guy who’s screen name is terse :lol:
Click to expand...
This is very informative. We should use your observations in an updated welcome. Nice work.
 
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