I’ve morphed into the person I am today out of sheer desperation. You may think that this post is reckless, rash, and foolhardy, but it has taken guts to write. Last time I said what I thought, I lost several subscriptions and was banned on a couple of sites for being honest and speaking my mind.
What is happening to the hobby I enjoyed and loved so much?
In the past I have mentioned the quality of photographs of finds put up for identification – more about that later. And the ‘palm shot’ discussed ad nauseam in previous posts. Regular readers will know that I love coins on the palm of the hand pictures, simply because I can hone up on my fortune telling abilities. The hand, always in focus, often with gross finger nails but the palm pin-sharp.
Now its endless pictures of detectors resting on a spade in a field devoid of life that gets my goat. But, let’s be fair. The creative swinger might include a rainbow or a lost lonesome sheep.
There are literally thousands of metal detecting sites on FaceAche via YouTube, all vying for your attention and offering freebies if you ‘LIKE’ the metal detecting videos. You might say that I don’t have to watch them – and I don’t any more! Most of them are far too long. Consider making your epics lasting 3-4 minutes; skip long intros, hole digging and long sifting footage-they are not interesting. Just pause the video and restart it with the hole open.
When I started in the hobby there were few forums, no videos, FB or pin-pointers. Happy days. We were metal detectorists, not bliddy film makers. Surely I am not the only one who thinks that 90% of videos are tedious to watch. Nowadays it is essential for many-especially newcomers-to think that a means of recording your boring exploits is infra-dig (sic). If I was detecting today, I would certainly add a pin-pointer to my arsenal.
I once held a competition for a different, innovative picture. The catalyst was Michael Lander, detectorist and Swedish guy, whose pictures had featured on several editions of The Searcher magazine. I invited readers to try to produce a similar or other innovative detecting shot and said that The Searcher would award a Minelab Pro-Find to the person sending in the best overall picture.
The shot of a beaming Alan Loftus holding a George V penny is crisp and a good example of the genre. He looks very happy as you do when finding a coin. The colours are vibrant and the blue sky enhances the image. This was a popular first choice and Alan was the winner of the Minelab Pro-Find.
When I was an administrator on a detecting forum, I wrote the following:
I think that most members (of this forum) are pleased to see the finds of others and also to share in their excitement. Alas, unfortunately and downright irritating, artefacts and coins are often presented in such a way that a positive identification is almost impossible. You know what I mean. Pitiful, blurred and often dark ‘pictures’ taken on a phone showing 90% of unnecessary background. Some members on here provide excellent service and they need as much information as possible. Please help them to help you.
I know that many of you may struggle with the technical side of taking pictures, and showing them in a forum post. Your ‘great’ find is special to you and it should be as equally interesting to us. The least you can do is present it in the best way you can? Do something about it. People are not keen on advising you on how a crappy picture can be improved so you don’t learn and always give a ‘well done’ or ‘awesome ‘ type comment.
Remember that you will always get a better service if you supply all the information. Always supply at least TWO good sized, but not too large, CLEAR photographs. Show an indication of size by placing them next to a scale or ruler. Some people may use a small coin familiar to all of us. Please don’t have more background than the article you wish to be identified.
Tell us any information you already know – like the legend around a coin. Information about where the item was found or your detecting day, type of land, machine used etcetera always adds ‘colour’ and makes your post interesting.
Remember
You will always get a better ID if you can supply more information! Be prepared to take constructive criticism. Learn by your mistakes.
JOHN’S METAL DETECTING BLOG 