NoBs Digital Dogbowl

Why NoBS Is Like No Other by James Hodgins

It seems to us that we've covered this, but it merits repeating every so often, especially since a naysayer and a critic are born every minute. Take a moment and think about why you joined NoBS. Was your business not where you wanted it to be? Were you finding it difficult, if not impossible, to find a one-stop shop website dedicated to developing well-rounded photographers without all the fluff? Yes? It's really not surprising. We've got something very special here and only a lucky few of you know it.

I try to keep up to date with what is happening in the world of digital photography so that NoBS is always on the cutting edge. I do this by surfing the net when I can, reading emails from photographers looking to join our beautiful community who, in turn, send me links to other posts in other places. I also read a lot about what our members like and dislike about this place. Now, we know we can't make everybody happy all the time, and, the fact is, the bigger you grow, the more potshots people and critics will take at you. However, the one thing that gets to me is when we are unfairly compared to other sites. In a sense, it suggests we are all the same.

I feel very strongly about this: there is, in my humble opinion, no other site with as much information out there today as NoBS. I am not saying this because of some egomaniacally-driven, self-centered neurosis. I simply know this to be true. If some don't get it, it's because they don't get it and haven't "looked."

The number one question people have is, 'What do I get with NoBS?' Ninety percent of the time the reply is, 'Oh, you get actions, photoshop tutorials, and videos.'

Really? That's it? That's all you think you get with NoBS? I see A LOT more than just that when I read the open letter here: letter

There are a lot of other forums which claim to have the same information. I've read other people saying that the other forums have the exact same information, but you know what? I couldn't find it. Not in one place. Where else can you get, yes, photoshop actions, hundreds of tutorials, video downloads on actual photo sessions, monthly success interviews from successful photographers, studio tours where you actually see inside the photographers studio, discounts on 3-day seminars and products, discounts from photographic vendors, answers to 99% of your questions, support from fellow photographers where the main goal is to see YOUR business improve along with their own, live chats with other members and other photographers, information on building your business, marketing your business, and making $ from your business?

And let's not get started with the fact that I answer my personal cell phone live most times. Most members know I'm a busy photographer, but it always amazes those people who do call that, lo and behold, a real live person answers. And not only that, but it's the owner and founder.

See if you can get that anywhere else.

The other day I received a call from a guy who just wanted to see if we were "legit". He was surprised that I even answered the phone. We talked for quite a long time about his business and what NoBS could do for it. Then, after that, we just talked shop. That's what the forum is like; sitting around the table at photography summer camp and just chatting it up. It is where you get the most useful information. NoBS is like Photography Summer Camp. He signed up.

You may be thinking, "How can James answer all those calls and run his 'busy' photography business?" The fact is I only get a few calls every month. But I am there for our members. If the phone rings and I'm busy on a shoot, I will return the call often within the hour.

You see, I love what I do! This is not a PITA (pain in the *ss). And I share this through the forum. It's a passion, and it inspires me every day, every minute. And when I chat with other photographers, it is simply another dimension to this passion and to my life. I learn and grow when I help others learn and grow.

If you still think that NoBS is just a forum, then you're missing the point. NoBS is geared to creating a better life for you with your photography. It's aimed at giving you the information, confidence, and skills to take your photography to a new level, a level that will give you the life you want.

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