... farewell for now ...

priceless!

© All rights reserved
Kris Kros Photography

I took this shot while they were dropping fast. They were really screaming and enjoying at the same time.

BYE BYE FOR NOW!!!

Thanks to everyone. This will be my last picture for awhile. I will be going away from all the Flickr fun, addiction and madness.

Hence, my visits to your photostreams will be limited. Temporarily, I will vanish from Flickr existence. LaWatha will handle the KKC affairs and Jude will be responsible for the ExploreTop20 group.

As I've said, this is temporary. I just need a break.

I hope you will still continue posting your pictures to Kris Kros Contacts and Explore Top 20.

All of you had been an inspiration to me. You made me better and wiser.

And hopefully, I'll be back!!!

You may still contact me via Flickr mail or my gmail account (kkros2k).

I'LL MISS YOU ALL!!!

-------------
MY INTERESTINGNESS DROPPED FAST AND FURIOUS

I hate to say this before I go but nevertheless, what the heck.

I'm deeply disappointed with what Flickr did to my photos' interestingness. From the hundreds, my count dropped to 15 or less based on what the Scout Monitor reported. Flickr does not even provide an easy way to show the rankings of our photos and we have to rely on third party sites. Flickr wants us to click and click so their site will be more famous through our efforts of finding whether our pictures are in the Top 500 or not. They're using us for their own business gain.

They're putting a lot of effort on tweaking on a periodic basis the algorithm of Explore while the services suck. Contacts administration, groups administration, uploading services, mail administration and other important functions geared towards members' satisfaction are not being attended.

And so, I just wanted to leave this craziness on Flickr and Explore.

Maybe, it will be good to my health as well. Will have more time to sleep.

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Comments

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(164 comments)

Kris Kros says:

...
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

josstyk says:

Oh - sorry to hear that. But, I do know that I often end up feeling like I need an intervention to get off this site. I may need a break soon.

I look forward to seeing your updates when you return. Happy holiday.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

BB (O.ö) says:

Kris.. Take your time.... We all need to rest for a while and focus in another things... Thanks for sharing with us all this..
HOPE TO SEE YOU VERY SOON!

You're an inspiration for a lot of us...

Hugs and Kissess

BB
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Tomasz Nowak says:

So thanks for your photos so far and have a nice break! Looking forward to see you again.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

josstyk says:

BTW, nice photo selection to announce your "drop out" :-)
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

fuguito says:

haha, great shot, i like their faces.
Good work Joe!
have a nice time, i will surely miss your shots but it's good to have a break from time to time.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

megafill says:

cheerio joe.......time for a recharge of the batteries, i guess !!

see you lata :O)
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

CarlosBravo says:

Buena suerte, te estaremos esperando. We'll be waiting.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

pfflyers1 says:

Loud and clear, My Brother
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

pericoterrades says:

Preciosa y divertida
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Stevacek says:

Well this is a super monster pic, way way way above average and I love it ;)))) Will be very sorry to see you go for a while and the photos from my contacts will be missing a certain amount of colour and zing while you're gone.

Take care Joe and we look forward to seeing you back again soon !
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

isolano. says:

I can feel their fun!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Scorpio Knight says:

Joe, this is not acceptable. You sleep and then, give yourself a quick break. 24hours is all you got. You need to post again tomorrow.

LOL. Just kidding. Enjoy your vacation. But don't make it too long. We need to see more of your talent and your great shots.

sk
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

L.B says:

Have a good break Joe. Yeah - Flickr did a major wipeout there - and all because of groups that force votes. I kinda understand, but it also sucks. They need to sort out how many comments and views a picture gets and take away the comments with links in, not just ignore the picture with links in.

It doesn't matter though - we all know that you are the real top guy around these Flickr parts.

Don't stay away too long.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

suesue2 says:

Oh Joe .... you will be greatly missed.
That Scout monitor thing just does not make sense, but I understand your feelings about it...I share them !!!
Take care buddy ;-))
BTW ... great shot here. I love the 2 girls on the rights faces !
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

twentyeight says:

Amazing shot, full of action and fun.

Have a great time!!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Baron von Beerfest says:

Great timing! I can almost hear their screams!

Take care, Joe. You will be greatly missed.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

*Rosemea says:

Wonderful!!!!
Great treatment!
Rest and come back!
Take care!!
XOXOXOX
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

AdeleS [deleted] says:

Take care Joe!!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Abo - Julien Robitaille says:

I love the beautiful treatment you did to that pic, great work !!

Take care of you Joe, your health is more important than anything else, have a good break, wish you all the best for the future !!

You are a great Artist !!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Imapix says:

Great fun and emotions really well captured!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Philippe Sainte-Laudy says:

Gorgeous composition. I love the angle here. Your post processing is superb.
Have a nice day my friend;)
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Pierpol says:

I understand so well your disappointment... i have got the same :-(
I decided so to be less on flickr, to focus on my creativy enjoyment and on the deep feed back i could have with it...

--
Seen on your photo stream. (?)
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Leley says:

The drop of horror for me.
I get sick.
But the composition is superb..
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Alan Jordan says:

Great treatment!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

alonsodr says:

Excellent timing, my friend!!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Dale73 says:

Will miss your wonderful photos, hope you come back soon. I thought it was just me that Explore had dumped. Funnily enough, i went from in the 30s down to 8 overnight, but what i don't get is that all my portraits stayed in and all my landscapes, every one, got dumped. So i guess it is some landscape groups that got targeted, anyone know which ones? Anyway i should take a flickr break too, get some more sleep! Take care.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

HeBeDeBe says:

Only yesterday you put me on your contacts list and now you're leaving us - What did I do? Only kidding of course. Flickr does take over your life and a little perspective will be valuable. I was looking at this shot thinking what fantastic colours and how do you do it? guess I'll have to do a lot of experimenting. Enjoy your break. Do come back as you are an inspiration to so many people.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

WayneWho? says:

Dude...I have GREAT respect for your work and you for that matter. But, you will have to take the time to refocus to why you came here to begin with. You were never about the 'views', bro. So it was odd to read your text talking about just that. Take the break and fall in love with your work all over again. It is easy to do. The fact that you introduced HDR to hundred's of thousands of people doesn't count anymore for you?

Well.....I am one of those people. Does that count?

You may not have pioneered this....but, my friend, you've mastered it. Move to your next plateau.

.....you got the audience.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Kris Kros says:

Wayne, I definitely love all my friends and contacts on Flickr. Without you and the rest of the gang, I was gone much much earlier.

All I'm saying is that Flickr is trying to use us for their own benefits. When people use me or my friends, that's what irked me most. Anyway, it's principle and nothing else.

As I've said, I need to take a break, refocus, refresh and will be back hopefully invigorated and more inspiring. Love the interaction most and Explore is not everything for me right now.

What I've said was focused not just on Explore but on Flickr services as a whole.

I hope I set the record straight this time.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Steve Stone says:

I understand the need for a break Joe - I hope you will take a good break and come back refreshed - you have been such an inspiration to many of us. Just make sure you come back in love with your camera and photography.
--
Seen in my contacts' photos. (?)
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Kris Kros says:

Thanks Steve. Let me assured you that I still love my camera, my photography, my art, my Flickr friends. Those never changed.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

CarlosBravo says:

This is what Kris Kros said in spanish:

----------------------------------------
MIS INTERESANTES CAYERON DE MANERA RÁPIDA Y FURIOSA

Odio decir esto antes de irme pero...que importa.
Estoy profundamente insatisfecho con lo que Flickr hizo con mis fotos en las interesantes. De cientos, mi cuenta cayó a 15 o menos
basado en lo que el monitor "Scout" reporta. Flickr ni siquiera cuenta con el servicio de mostrarnos el ranking de nuestras fotos y tenemos que confiar en un sitio adicional.

Flickr quiere que estemos click y click para que su sitio sea mas famoso a través de nuestros esfuerzos por buscar si nuestras fotos estan entre las primeras 500 o no. Estan usandonos para sus propias ganancias comerciales.

Estan poniendo mucho esfuerzo en retorcer de forma periódica el algoritmo para el Explorer mientras el servicio es una mierda. La administración de contactos, la administración de los grupos, los servicios para subir fotos, la administración de los correos y otras funciones importantes dirigidas a la satisfacción de los clientes no son atendidas.

Así, solo quiero dejar esta locura acerca de Flickr y el Explore.
Quizas, sea bueno para mi salud también. Y tendre más tiempo para dormir.
------------------------

I just want to add these October statistics:

Users in Explore: 68311
Average photos/user: 5.8
Users with exactly 1 photo: 28355 (41.51%)
Users with >1: 39956 (58.49%)
Users with >10: 9085 (13.30%)
Users with >25: 2905 (4.25%)
Users with >50: 877 (1.28%)
Users with >75: 380 (0.56%)
Users with >100: 184 (0.27%)
Users with >250: 13 (0.02%)
Users with >500: 0 (0.00%)

Now is called "The Socialist Flickr"....everyone has 1-10 photos on the new algoritm.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

lensjunkieBR [deleted] says:

My name is Dave... and I'm a flickraholic....

Damn I'm going to miss your work! Agreed on the Explore issue, from 12 to 0 in one day. Oh well, I guess that's like life, one day you're on top of the world, the next day your picking up garbage in the park. Take care Joe, see you back soon.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

ImageInnovation Photography says:

Joe, I share your disappointment in the recent changes in Explore and Interestingness, which perversely seem designed to target and penalize the very people who put a great deal of effort and care into their Flickr participation. I'm mulling over what to do about it myself. I hope you enjoy your break.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Kris Kros says:

Thanks Carlos for the translation.

I think most of us need Dr. Phil right now. What do you think? ^_^
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Dean Forbes says:

I will miss you greatly Joe. I know that I haven't always commented on your work but I want you to know that you have a singular talent. I'm not a big fan of HDR but you have created a unique graphical look with it that no one can duplicate, hence your images of everyday life have a unique appeal.

I understand your need for a break. However, if I can be blunt, it sounds like you have put a lot of ego stock into Explore. It is not a measure of quality and you need to look at it that way. If you can, then I think you will feel better about flickr, service issues notwithstanding.
No one except flickr understands the how and why of Explore. Ignore it as a measure of quality and enjoy it when it randomly chooses one of your images for exhibition.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

CarlosBravo says:

Joe, the truth is that with the new algorithm, nobody is looking at the explore page. Now you'll find a Korn Flakes photo, a text design saying "I love you", a "google earth" screencopy, etc. If one of your photos, one of Jeff Clow, Alonsodr, Imapix, are now on the 45, 46 page....then the new algorithm was a stupid idea. There is no competitiveness....

The new algorithm is an award for the mediocrity.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Kris Kros says:

Dean, thanks so much for your kind appreciation of my work and I listened to you as if you are my brother.

No, I am not focused so much on Explore. Actually I stopped looking at Explore and concentrated more on interaction with my friends via comments, emails, chats and personal meetings.

I'm just a Curious George on why Flickr is too aggressive on Explore Interestingness and working all the way back to history and keep on changing interestingness history. Someone even pointed out that interestingness changes in due time. I don't believe that in a second.

A 9/11 picture on 9/11/01 should retain the position whether it's been a month or a decade had passed. And why bother changing the interestingness of previous years when there's so much activity at present. It's such a big load on the flickr servers to keep tracking the interestingness of previous. I can't understand the validity of changing the interestingness of history. How many people really affect the interestingness of previous years? It's illogical.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Kris Kros says:

Carlos, I totally concur.

The sad part of this insane Explore tweaking is the penalty levied on popular Flickrites. Why favor certain group and ignore the others? We are all paying the same amount of annual memberships, aren't we?

So, I'm saying this to make a point.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

CarlosBravo says:

They sacrifice Kris Kros with 150 photos, and made 15 new users happy.....the new algorithm has everyone with 10 photos...Socialism.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Bill Strong says:

Joe, I am going to miss seeing new photos in your stream. You are an inspiration, as most will agree. I check your stream daily.

All the best to you - hope you enjoy your "break" and lI'm ooking forward to seeing you return refreshed and inspired.

Great departing pic, btw. It's a fave for me. Hope it makes it to Explore!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Bill Strong says:

A Big Fave
You are invited to add this image to www.flickr.com/groups/bigfave
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

frankayran says:

I will be waiting for your return Joe. If you decided to set up a site please let me know and the rest of your contacts, I am sure they would be happy. I know you have a lot of followers and they including me admire your superior works....
You have a good time and enjoy the time off for awhile..
later my friend.....frankayran@usa.net
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

kellislose says:

Will miss you Joe!! I understand the need to get away and focus on other things......health is of the utmost importance!! Hope to see you and your wonderful work in the near future, Take care my friend!!!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

mischy_eva says:

Ohhh I will miss you Joe hope your break don't will be so long.
I love to come here and see your great work.
Hmmm this will feel like a big hole in flickr.
Take care of yourself and your beautiful family.
Big big hug to you my friend.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

paulpablopawel says:

I am sorry that you are leaving, even temporarily --- good luck, good health and much happiness. Please know that I very much enjoyed your art.
Hope to see you soon, again.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Svjetlost says:

Joe! take your time and rest good... to find out that these things are so less important than living in real world... loving...
and come back to us...
xox

--
Seen in Kris Kros Contacts (QUALITY & Comment on any 2) (?)
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

mimbrava says:

Joe, as you know from comments I've made in threads and in e-mails to you, the latest tweak to the algorithm has unleveled the playing field for the photographers who have helped make Flickr what it is, and many of them (us) have been disappointed to see our rankings plummet and our shots generally relegated to the lower end of the Top 500, if we get on it at all. To make the Explore page is still, to me, admittedly a cool thing. But to be on Explore or in the higher ranks these days seems a factor more of the randomness of the algorithm now than of quality or of fave-to-viewed ratios, etc.

That said, the value to Flickr to me, as I've said before, has always been the interpersonal contacts with real, live people, fine photographers whom I emulate or less experienced photographers who find inspiration in my own and others' work.

I hope you will come back refreshed and continue to be a huge inspiration for all your old and new fans. As Dean said, some of us are not great admirers of HDR, but you have brought the technique to the highest level of an art form and are making converts out of non-believers.

Hugs to you, dear Joe. Stay in touch and don't stay away too long.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Don_Gato (LoFi Photography) says:

Sometimes it is needed to think a rest to return with new forces, I hope that this rest obtains my friend, be in mind a thing, for all that we visit you to diary, each of your photos, and they are more of hundreds be in ours particular explores. I hope to return to see your images here,
king regards my friend!!

PD: One time you say me, Explore is not important, and you are reason!!
your work is important!!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

lawatha says:

Joe, I understand completely your need to take a break from Flickr. There is far more to life than whether your photos hit Explore. Just remember that no matter what Flickr does to the algorithim for Explore, it has no bearing on the quality of your photography. For a true look at how others feel about your images, all you need do is take a look at the comments and faves. You have a tremendous fan base, and rightly so. Whether you have 200 or 2 photos in Explore is irrelevant. (Though I must admit I still get a thrill when one of mine pops in to Explore- and pout a bit when it pops back out just as quickly).

Enjoy your break. Have you tried PBase? (pbase.com)
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

jot.de says:

excellent timing, I love their expressions!!!!

have a good time Joe!!!!!!! What you are doing is great, explore or not!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

J-a-x says:

Explore never did and probably never will make sense to me, so I don't worry about it too much. I don't even expect my "old" photos that made explore to stay on explore. It just doesn't happen.

My best photo, which has thousands of views and hundreds of favs isn't even on explore right now while another one that has 10 favorites and only 300 views is #16 or something. Weird! But in the end who really cares?

Oh yeah and those stats were from Flickr Scout...
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Chris W. Hart [deleted] says:

Just keep taking pics Joe. Do what you love and those who love what you do will follow you. Flickr tries to fulfill everyones desire for fame..... being really "good" at photography isn't that important here but boosting the ego's of those who aren't so good is the prime directive. You are a professional and in a different league. I take a break once in a while too and then I miss the wonderful people I have met here and continue to talk with daily and many times we arent even discussing flickr or photos.

Its about conversations with those with similar interests... there cant be anything wrong with that and if you are feeling unsatisfied with it then you must remember that you are taking pics for you and no one else.

Take care Joe. You're a great addition to the experience here.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

BOCTAOE says:

Wow, Joe, I do hope that you keep on taking great photos, and if you post them someplace other than here, please let us know. I haven't been a frequent commenter on your pics, but I have been following your posts in My Contacts Photos. You are a very talented, creative individual and I would hate to see that go to waste.

Me personally, I pay no attention to Explore/Interestingness other than to see which of my friends gets posted. It's nice when your photo shows up there, but my reason for being here is to learn from folks like you, to make good friends, and to just have a good time. I hope to see you back here again soon, but I totally understand where you're coming from. Best of luck in the meantime, and please keep us posted......

Bill S.

Oh, just wanted to add one last thing:
Joe, you said:
"A 9/11 pictures on 9/11/01 should retain the position whether it's been a month or a decade had passed."

Yup. I agree 100000%. History is history - shouldn't change.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

dianabog  says:

I agree with you 100% Joe, My pics have dropped from up to 11 (not near as large as your pool) to down to 1 or 0 overnight. If someone else comes up with an alternative site for posting , that would be great OR if there is a way of complaining to the powers that be on flickr....There are many things I like about flickr, but I agree with your perception on explore. Glad to hear someone else has seen this trend.

This photo is great by the way!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

hialoakapua says:

ah the bow of a sailboat heading out to the Pacific ( with out a camera) might be the ticket ........ I keep a full supply of watercolor paints and paper onboard .... painting has been my way out of many "projects" in my lfe ... "it works" mixing color with water means the ultimate """flow"""
but one must know when to stop or all you have is color the flavor of mud............
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Christian Wilt says:

great picture
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Christine Lebrasseur says:

See you soon Joe...
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

PhotoSmiths (Teresa) says:

Joe, you're a valued, talented soul with or without Scout's Explore/Interestingness! I hope you get some rest and some good "distraction" on your break. Changes are always happening, and perhaps there is something on the horizon for you that you'd not see for your time invested in Flickr and Scout............just a gut feeling - but there are good things in store for you ! Stay positive and please don't make your leave a permanent or long stay away.......you & your uploads will be missed while you're gone !!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Viorica G says:

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH WONDERFUL SHOT !!!!!!!!!!
HUGS and fave
HAVE A LOVELY VACANTION MY FRIEND I WILL MISS YOU :))))))))))
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

KaptainKaveman says:

You'll be back up there, no sweat, :)).
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Tut99 (Roger) says:

Joe, we will miss you!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

jon fobes says:

This whole topic of the Flickr headgame is really fascinating to me.

We start by posting a photo and are amazed that 5 people look at it and that someone even makes a nice comment. What a joy it is!

Then two months later we feel upset if it doesn't get 50 views and 10 faves. Then a year later, only 100 views will do the trick and a spot on Explore, first or second page, of course!

The same person who's thrilled to have 5,000 views doesn't even mark the 50,000-view milestone because he realizes there are people with 5 or 10 times more, so why get all excited! The person who was thrilled to get on Explore once a month now only makes mention of it if he's featured 4 days in a row.

It's hard to sort through all these shifting thoughts and expectations! It's hard to remember that it's supposed to be fun, that we should post images WE like, not necessarily the ones that will get a jillion views and make Page One of Explore.

We must learn not to ruin things for ourselves, in regards Flickr and most other things in life. It's more about personal intention than group attention. But I am stating the obvious!

Have a good break, Joe. Clear your head. Rewire your expectations. And tell Flickr your concerns: They should listen to you, since you are one of their star members. Maybe it will be better for all of us who are using Flickr for artistic expression, not just a place to store snapshots (maybe they need to split the site).

And we'll be here when you get back!

Jon
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

NY_Doll says:

hey joe.. what an image to go OUT with! i love the shot and truthfully, i dont take much stock in the Explore/Interestingness thing on flickr, although i DO occasionally check it out and see some amazing photos on there.. as a number of people have said above, you're a GREAT photographer and i hope that you get inspired during your break!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Jo Ann 315 says:

Wow awesome hdr. Wonderful shot.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Faborito says:

Will be waiting right here Joe!! Take care my friend! Wish you all the best!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

TINA BEAN2 says:

Ok, Joe I have a reason for taking a break, I'm packing and moving after living in this house for nine years so I am busy. I only hope that when I return you will be back. Who will I give a trophy to? It does take a lot of your time, maybe you can just comment once in a while and post once in a while that way you can still see what's going on.
I love this photo, looks like fun.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

shrike1964 says:

So long Joe, hope to see you back here before too long. The whole Interestedness/Explore thing is a total mystery to me. Why the number of pictures I have on there changes from day to day (especially when there aren't any big changes in where the pictures have been ranked) doesn't make any sense. I admit that its fun to see my pictures up there, but what really keeps me coming back is seeing what my contacts have put up for pictures, and to see what (if anything) people have to say about the pictures I've chosen to put up on Flickr. I've really enjoyed your work, and have definitely been inspired by your work. Hope to see you back at it again soon.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

catmadogma [deleted] says:

You know that was what happened to me. When I lost the prize I lost something that sparked me, the carrot, and I realized how meaningless it was and then sigh, I stopped posting to groups and just gave up, Then a fellow chaser and fine photographer, Bob Miller, and I decided that what this place needed was a new standard of Excellence and that is Magic Donkey. He kicked me out as an admin, and then he kicks out something if it is not up to his standards. I think I have 3 in there. It is a challenge again and he is still refining it. He will not put his work in it, it is for the ones like me who want to figure it out and it means something to make it. He has a blog and is getting things moving. Check it out, there are some wonderful photos in that group.

Joe I moped about but I am back on the hunt and trying for Magic Donkey, when you are rested give it a look see.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

mliebenberg says:

Joe... I'm going to miss you bud. I hope you have a good rest. Health and family are more important than Flickr. God bless my friend .... see you on the rebound!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

CountryDreaming says:

What a scary thrill ride photo, with the emotion captured so well!

As for your taking a break, you'll be missed while away, and welcomed back when you return. Go from "Explore" to EXPLORE ... from the virtual Flickr world to the real wide world. I think you'll find the trip is a short one for you, and you may soon find yourself of a mind not to come back here, because you can do so much better elsewhere. Wherever you may go, whether it be there and back again, or simply down the road that goes ever on and on, best wishes! :-)

Count me among those who hope you'll come back ... but will understand whatever your decision.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

skawalker says:

Hey Joe - where you going to go with that camera in your hand.

Thanks for the energy and be free.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

-renato [deleted] says:

Yo Joe!

Take your time, and relax from everything!

From Explore, tops 10, 20, 500, yet from Photography (if it is necessary, do that!). Everybody needs time, everybody needs new things... Time and new things expand our mind to see (and understand) the things around us in a different and better way; this can be expanded to Photography!

I started to flickr because I needed a farewell from another photo sharing site. You are not alone… I am very happy here, besides I cannot understand Interestingness. Who can? LOL

When first I saw this shot (on the thumbnails, without read the about and the other comments) the first word that came to my head was: fun! So, my friend, go outside (from the explore) and have fun, fun, fun!

Take care! We look forward to seeing you back again soon!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

-renato [deleted] says:

ah! forgot to say that I still prefer my feet on the ground! :)
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

elee1147 says:

Hello Joe....

I recently joined your growing up of fans....and will miss your new additions....however, I will continue to review and learn from your existing photostream until your return.

Take care and enjoy your much needed time to rejuvenate body, mind, spirit and creative passion.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

KaroliK says:

Joe,

I think a break, no matter what the reason, sparks creativity and gets things going again. I'm sorry it's disappointment with Flickr policies that has sparked it, but I think in the long run it will be of benefit to you.

The problem, of course, is that it will be of detriment to us because your images always offer inspiration and a smile whether they're on Explore or not.

Cream rises to the top, no matter what the algorithm, so I know I'll be seeing your images featured somewhere sometime soon.

In the meantime, take care and get inspired. This image definitely inspires me!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Flixos ;) says:

what can i say, my friend...i hope you will enjoy your time out of flickr; and, of course, i hope you´ll be back early. My best wishes for you ;)
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

[Studio] Leo Liao * says:

I hope to see you again! :)
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

DELPHINES says:

I'm so sorry to hear that...
I understand your disappointment...
I think that we purely love photograph.
And,we just want to be evaluated duly.
However, I want to say that
your picture is absolutely wonderful!!!
And I believe your picture and human nature.
You're my dearest friend!!
I think of you always!
I miss you so much!
Please come back ASAP!
I'll come back ASAP too!
I'm looking forwards to seeing your new photo!
Big big hug!!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

bratan says:

Hope you will be back soon!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Antani77 says:

Stupenda: a partire dalle espressioni delle persone, fino al solito arrangiamento che le rende sempre inimitabili!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

*Wajanek says:

Please add this photo to
Photo Fans
www.flickr.com/groups/Photo_Fans
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Isabelle Ann says:

You will be sorely missed and I wish you a good hiatus.

I agree with much of what jon fobes says above. It took a while for me to even become aware of Explore, etc. and then to realize that it was recognition of some sort (never did understand the algorithm thing, which apparently changes)--and then, of course, that I had never made Explore and probably never will. After feeling bad (and inadequate) I decided to just keep on keeping on in hopes of getting feedback from those kind enough to visit me and to take the time to comment.... and to enjoy and learn from work like yours and other outstanding flickr talents of your caliber. And enjoy and learn I have.

I am very disappointed that flickr is not sophisticated enough to recognize (and be consistent in recognizing and rewarding) excellence and spirit like yours. You're extraordinarily supportive, optimistic, and giving, and it has always amazed me that this was true despite the workload involved in being as productive as you are. It takes a lot to disillusion someone with those attributes--but sadly flickr has managed to do just that.

I hope you won't be away too long and that flickr rethinks the tweaking that resulted in losing one of its most admired members.

Having said all that, I agree with NY Doll--what an image to go out with! Exhuberant and wonderful.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

creativik67 says:

Ciao Kris Kros!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

lifefreezer says:

Your artistry will be missed, and I do hope that I will again profit from your most excellent talent. I think the flickr site and all it's politics, are secondary to the many wonderful photographers that make it so worthwhile...I understand your concerns, and will be intersted to see what happens down the road. Please don't let this dampen your spirit...and do come back...in some way.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Johny Day says:

Yo Kriss Kross , to do what you do takes a lot of passion , a passion that you passed on to alot of wannabe artist here on Flicrk , so no Mather where you go you will have fans , Hell I want to be as good as you one day so I ain't letting you go that easily ,, I'll just Google ya....
Take care my man
Johny D.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

cuellar says:

Joe, I will miss your photos, your comments and your inspiration.

My feeling about explore is the same as yours and CarlosBravo. I dropped too from 100s, so I decided to ignore it. In fact as flickr staff people say, explore is a place for finding interesting photos. What is an interesting photo? Well, that's a very subjective question and it depends on the photo revisor. Do you remember the days of the cats invasion on explore? Really delirant.

I don't see explore as a ranking. If it was a ranking, then many of us know that fist places were for you, and imapix, and T Glow, and alonsodr, and CarlosBravo, and RCastro, and solea, and rebekka, and Dean Forbes, and Thomas Hawk, and so on.

The list of names of great photographers is what I consider the most valuable thing I got from flickr. The interaction with many new friends and pasionate photographers. I know were I can see really interesting photos: in all of your streams.

And after all I think flickr is the best photography tutorial in some way.

I hope you come back after your break or at least, send us your photolog url ;)

Take care,

Jose Maria.

--
Seen on your photo stream. (?)
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Imapix says:

Me again!

I am sorry, in my first comment, I did not realize that you were taking a break!

First let me say that I agree 100% with you concerning the management of the Explore/Interestingness business.....this is bad marketing!

Secondly I wish that you will keep your passion for photography intact!.....you are talented and creative and we will miss you!

Take care Joe......be back soon!

Gaëtan
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

pop500km says:

wowow！wonderful！！
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Harpersbizarre says:

This is too fantastic for words!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

digicla says:

Interestingness, Explorer....let it go...let it loose.
They're just numbers. Ok...it's nice when you're (high) on the list but nothing more than nice.
For me its the fun and friendship with others. Now I've got friends/contacts all over the World...including you Joe!

You get hughes big fat best wishes from me. Take your time and more.
Greetings
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

noahg. says:

Like others have said, you're one of the best photographers on Flickr, no matter if they make Explore or not.

See ya!

--
Seen on your photo stream. (?)
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Damn Yankee says:

Joe,

You take enormous pride in the excellence of your work, which is fully justified and widely substantiated by us all. Do not be offended by the selections of some algorithm formulated by an artistically-challenged marketing mentality. You are an artist first and foremost and your talents are way beyond such trivial pursuits as Explore and Scout Monitor's critical judgments.

You have many talents and photography is but one of a number of outlets for your artistic expression. Your imaginative graphical aesthetic and mastery of post production (Photoshop) astonish me. Perhaps in this photographic community (flickr), most appreciated are your creative skills with HDR and inventive use of color -- and rightly so because in both respects, you are world class.

You would know better than I, but I believe an artist's creative energies are a compelling force that pushes constantly to expand and grow, and confining those energies would be physically, psychologically and emotionally unhealthy, and may ultimately stifle creatively.

I think you are wise to step away from flickr at this juncture to take the time to rethink what you want to do with your creative talents and professional life. Of course, I selfishly want you to return soon so I can again see and marvel at your daily creations. But don't feel you have any obligations to me or any others here to continue in the future as you have in the past. Free yourself to think unencumbered about moving on if that will encourage you. On the other hand, if our appreciation of your talents sufficiently encourages you, and daily postings aren't too burdensome, please come back soon!

Whatever path you choose -- to return, move on, or both -- I wish you well.

Regards,

Howard
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

ajpscs says:

take care and see you soon!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

ladyloneranger says:

Joe......I truly hope that you will enjoy your respite. So sorry to see you go, however, I do understand that one needs a change from time to time. My wish for you is that you will be filled with new inspiration as an artist of great talent. As one of the mainstays of flickr you will be sorely missed. Marcia
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

astrocruzan says:

feel better soon. enjoy your vacation!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

mykl mabalay says:

pare ko, magpakasaya ka sa bakasyon mo sa flickr. alam ko namang tuloy-tuloy ka pa rin sa paggawa ng matitindi mong obra. sigurado akong sisindakin mo ang mundo ng flickr sa pagbabalik mo.

ingat at email mo lang ako kung may maitutulong ako.

:)
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

pixability says:

I'll be here, waiting, with baited breath to see you rejuvinated postings one day. If your first posting does not break into explore, no worries, know that many of us will appreciate it, and find it interesting.

I am with you on how disheartening changing expectations can be. I gradually increased the number of images in explore reaching up to 70, to have it drop to 9. I realized quickly that the affirmnation explore provided was an illussion and now find more weight in individual, and heartflet, comments from others.

Take care and have fun...you'll have alot more time.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

!Kengaroo says:

Well it SUX to see you go Joe,let me just say although I am a nobody you have inspired me into the world of HDR and I can't THANK you enough.Not only me but 1,000's of others with your work. Goodluck with whatever you do & deside and I will admit there will be lots who miss your fantastic images. Take care mate,if you ever come downunder I would love to show you the sights.Enjoy the extra sleep.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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