Articles from Jim Boynton

Aunt Sally & Uncle Bob

nobody@ipernity.com (Jim Boynton) — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 19:22:46 +0000

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Who here doesn't have relatives who don't get along with each other. Every wedding or family reunion results in different family members having to be seated so as not to come in contact with someone else.

In my family it was my two Grandmothers. My dads mom was the perfect example of a proper English lady while my moms mom was a tough woman with little schooling and a hard life working since she was 14 who could make a sailor blush. I learned most of my bad language and dirty jokes from her. Put these two women close to each other and sparks would fly...and sometimes almost fists.

BUT...they both had a love for their families even though they themselves hated each other and I could sometimes see them trying unsuccessfully to get along for the sake of their children and grandchildren.

Why do I type this? I am here on ipernity to have fun, share my photos and perhaps learn from those shots that I see here. The argument about comment codes is still raging and both sides of the argument have acted badly towards each other. I recently found out that people have blocked me for allowing comment codes on my photos. They of course have that right and I would never refuse someone the right to do so, but I was curious as to why. Since then I have been unblocked and have discussed our different opinions without rancor or ill words...boggles the mind!

Will the two sides ever meet? Doubtful, but this recent exchange has given me hope that perhaps, maybe, possibly we can start to get along...even a teeny-weeny bit.

So, I will continue to visit people and comment on their shots that I like no matter what side of the argument they are on. And I will continue to allow any (within reason and good taste) comments on my photos. If you don't wish to see my shots because I may have so-called 'spam' in the comments or you feel that maybe I shouldn't be commenting on anti-'spammer' pages (associating with the enemy to some) that is your choice and I respect that although I don't agree.

Let's just start having fun, respect the wishes of each persons pages, and try to get along. That's why I am here and why I take photos...to have fun!

R.I.P. Mr. Mandela

nobody@ipernity.com (Jim Boynton) — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 00:49:15 +0000

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You have left shoes that may never be filled again. You will be missed.

God Bless You!

A New Name On An Anniversary

nobody@ipernity.com (Jim Boynton) — Sun, 17 Nov 2013 17:18:31 +0000

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November 15, 2012 was the day I accidently discovered flickr. I was visiting the Playstation Store on my much loved PsVita and saw a free app for flickr. Not having a clue what it was, and barely understanding what an app was (REALLY!) I downloaded it. Free is free afterall.

WOW! The BEST thing I ever downloaded! Until flickr I had only ever visited YouTube (another free app) and Playstation before. Had never used Google, Wikipedia etc (again, REALLY!) or anything else on the web. Although I quickly learned to use their actual site rather than the app to visit, I didn't have a computer to use to upload photos from my P&S, so the Vita was the only camera and the app was the only way to share my shots.

Times have changed. I discovered a love for photography I never knew I had and have since embraced a social network...something I never would have thought possible. Now because of all this I have upgraded to a DSLR, bought a laptop and gotten home internet. I have become a tech head LOL. Although I still use my PsVita for 95% of my web and ipernity usage (I find the laptop too unwieldly to use on the toilet) I no longer have to use it to take photos or upload. Thank God, whispers my old flickr contacts.

Now that I am on ipernity exclusively and enjoying it immensely I thought it was time to change my screen name. When I first joined flickr EVERY possible way to use Jim in my screen name was taken...even Jim1961...hence my initials and birthdate. I always felt sorry for first time visitors not having a clue what my name was or wondering who this WJB person was leaving comments. I decided to keep my old moniker when I came here so that anyone from flickr could find me, but I think that anyone who was going to come has already, so now by using my name maybe people who really know me may find me...don't know if that is a good thing or not. LOL.

So in closing I wish to thank flickr for introducing me to a new and wonderful experience. My time there was so much fun and I still miss it sometimes, but ipernity is my new home and all you out there my new family. Looking forward to many more years sharing our shots. Hope the name change doesn't come as a shock.

My new pet.

nobody@ipernity.com (Jim Boynton) — Sat, 07 Sep 2013 00:07:44 +0000

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He's a little shy and likes to hide behind the tv, but perhaps you can make him out...I think we will call him WiFi.

Yep, I have finally joined the 20th century (or 21st...I always mix that up) and got home internet. I got my first internet compatible computer (not counting my PsVita) this January. It's a laptop since I wanted something I could take with me to WiFi hotspots, but never got comfy with the idea of doing just that.

Without home internet I was severely limited in my online time...maybe 1 hour per day average and could never really get as involved with groups and contacts as I would have liked. Those that have gotten to know me know that I do spend a lot of time with my contacts and always try to catch up when I fall behind, but I have had a hard time meeting new contacts and establishing bonds due to my limited online time. Groups have always been a way for me to find new contacts via viewing their contributions, but I almost always interact with contacts on their stream and not on the group photos...again, lack of time and the inability to copy & paste group comment codes with my Vita (system of choice).

Hopefully I will now have unlimited online time (Margaret permitting) and can finally get more involved with groups and spend more time with my more recent contacts. I should add that I am presently sorting thru over 500 shots taken yesterday at the zoo, so it may take a couple of days to start my new ipernity experience. Groan...

Ain't this technology stuff cool! But I still REFUSE to get a cell phone.

Warning! New Toy! New Content!

nobody@ipernity.com (Jim Boynton) — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 06:38:28 +0000

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I just got my first DSLR...a Canon EOS Rebel T3 and I have so far been having a lot of fun with it. I know that those of you who have been following me these past 8 months are used to seeing mainly photos of my children. Don't worry...I have not forgotten them, but I feel that I am quite comfortable taking photos of them and wish to practice on other subjects for a time. Please don't give up on me! I promise to provide lots of cat photos soon. And I will try to utilize the note and comment photos features to keep my postings to a manageable level...I trimmed over 200 shots down to only 150 uploads and after further whittling have gotten it down to just over 100 shots to compose my postings with...NOT EASY!

My heart is filled with sadness.

nobody@ipernity.com (Jim Boynton) — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 02:05:02 +0000

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I have just learned of the deaths of 19 firefighters in Arizona. The worst loss of life since 9/11 for these brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. I cannot comprehend the devastating loss the community of Prescott is feeling at this time. I only hope that the wildfire they were fighting was caused by natural elements and not by the hand of man for that would truly be unbearable.

I had planned to go down to the lake to celebrate Canada Day tonight, but I think I will pay a visit to the local firehouse instead and say thank-you for everything they do for us.

We must never take them for granted. God bless them all!

A prayer for Mr. Mandela

nobody@ipernity.com (Jim Boynton) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 11:13:06 +0000

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I do not put many historical figures on a pedestal since almost everyone also has serious flaws as well, but along with Lincoln, Churchill, Ghandi, Kennedy, Mother Theresa and a few others, I adore & admire Nelson Mandela.

I will not list all his accomplishments here for there are too many, but like those I have mentioned above he will go down in history as one of the great leaders humanity has produced.

I fear his days are ending and although I am not a particularly religious man I just want to offer a prayer that he survives this latest health issue. The world will indeed be a lesser place without him.

God bless you Mr. Mandela!

One Week Later

nobody@ipernity.com (Jim Boynton) — Thu, 30 May 2013 01:39:49 +0000

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Well a week has now passed since I came to visit ipernity amidst the tumoil I found on flickr. Time does fly. I thought I would give my impressions of my new home so far and have a last rant about flickr before I vow to never mention it here again...I'm sure most of you are sick of the constant rehashing of a site we once loved so much.

My first thought about ipernity was how nice it looked especially after what had just assaulted my senses mere minutes earlier. The white background, each photo having a very definitve space of its own, the homepage with room for so much more including the Guestbook (a simple yet cool idea) and just the uncluttered feel it had.

My second thought, after uploading some photos, was 'Am I the only English speaking person here?!' I suffered a great feeling of culture shock at first and then realised that this provided a great opportunity to see the world thru the eyes of so many different cultures and countries. I quickly fired off an fmail to a contact on flickr asking her to check it out and perhaps we could test this new baby out together, desperate to see some familiar faces and hoping I had made the right move.

She came over (thanx Fran) and luckily she has enjoyed it here as much as I have...whew! Since then so many contacts have come to ipernity that it has started to really feel like home. I have recently spent a lot of time going over my flickr contacts that remain and have narrowed it down to 6 that I can't live without (although I will miss them all). Unfortunately Wes, aka Hairlover, will never leave due to the great investment in his groups, contacts and immense help in the HF. If these few remaining contacts come I think I would then leave flickr permanently since I can no longer navigate it as before and the fun of discovery is gone.

The reception I have received here has been tremendous. I went a week on flickr before anyone showed an interest yet here I quickly was added as a contact by ipernity members, not just fellow refugees. I have recently been asked to help administor a group, a first for me, and I am looking forward to the challenge. The invites to already existing groups here and the new ones that are springing up daily is also refreshing. It seems as if we refugees are striving to make a home here to rival what we have left. Bravo people!

So in closing I just wish to thank 'The Magnificent 7' for all their hard work and long hours to make us feel so welcome here. I really believe that ipernity is home...a good feeling.

Thank-you,

Jim

Help & Tips for Newcomers

nobody@ipernity.com (Jim Boynton) — Sun, 26 May 2013 22:37:42 +0000

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I thought I would share a little of what I have learned these past few days. You may have already discovered them yourselves but I wish I had known ahead of time.

Tips on making your account look how you want it to. All done by clicking on 'customize your homepage' on your homepage above your photo.

1. You can keep your flickr screen name if you wish and also have the option to reveal what personal info you reveal and to what level of contacts. (Profile & Privacy)

2. You can not only add a personal photo in the narrow band at the top of your homepage, but you can also change the welcome message. (Display)

3. You can change the entire layout of your homepage (so cool!) by moving the boxes around as you see fit. (Display)

4. For some reason I have found the only way to get a box for your favourites is to fav one of your own photos which will then become the main photo in the box. Wierd.

5. A box for your albums (sets) will appear after you have 5 photos in a set. I still don't know if the albums will be represented here on a random basis or not. Time will tell.

Some of the biggest new features on ipernity are:

1. The articles (which you are reading). I think it's a pretty neat feature allowing us to tell the world what's on our mind. We no longer have to change our screen name to 'off sick' or 'so far behind'. Just write an article that your contacts will see when they visit you.

2. The guestbook, on the lower right of your main page, is where people can drop by and say hi.

3. Who's online at the moment. This will pop up when your contacts are online giving you a chance to interact with them immediately.

4. Who has visited you lately is a great idea allowing you to see who has shown an interest in your stream even if they don't comment or fav. This option can be turned off so it is not 100% perfect but I think a great way to meet new contacts.

5. Docs is a way to store music (non copyrighted) but I really don't know how do use this feature.

Some of the most asked questions:

1. You can only get the HTML code for posting photos in comments after you become a member of the 'Club' (Pro status). Club status also gives you a translator that allows you to decipher all those foreign accounts. COOL!

2. The recent activity on yours and your contacts streams is in the 'News' section. To see what has happened on yours click 'Your Space' and for your contacts click 'Your History'.

3. The fav star is on the banner/flag to the right of the photo along with some logo thingies and most importantly the group icon. Clicking on this will allow you to add to a group, but only if you have already joined a group of course. You can also add to groups with the organizer by dragging photos - a faster way if you are adding multiple pics to multiple groups. The banner also contains the 'More Options' click which contains a whole heap of fun things to do.

After you have set up your home page to your liking you rarely have to come back to it. Just like your home, you mow the lawn, plant flowers and pick up any wind-strewn garbage to keep it pretty but rarely do you stand on the sidewalk and stare. Almost all your time will be spent in the 'News' page. It is here that you see who has visited you, contact uploads, recent activity and Explore. I really like how your can choose which level of contact you want to check out.

Anyways, thanx for your patience if you managed to read all this. I have probably missed a lot of important stuff, so feel free to add any other additional tips etc. in the comments below,but these are some of the things I wish I had known from the beginning.

So welcome to all us refugees...let's have fun here.

Jim

Edit:

A couple more things I have since found out:

1. You can grab the HTML code thingy from a photo on flickr & paste it on ipernity - an end-run around paying to join the 'Club'.

2. On the 'News' page when you see the box that shows contacts recent uploads it only shows a few. You must click 'See More' to view all of them. You don't want to miss out because of a click.

3. The favourites box does indeed show your own favourites of your own photos in a random order. Don't forget that when you check on your or someone elses favs you can choose to see all of them or choose which contact. A neat idea.

Will continue to add when I find something nifty.

A thank-you to the ipernity team.

nobody@ipernity.com (Jim Boynton) — Fri, 24 May 2013 05:17:03 +0000

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I was just perusing the ipernity blog and was shocked to discover that there are only 7 employees here. If you check the site blog out you will see them time and again answering inquiries and giving advice with the help of, I guess, some longtime users since their names pop up constantly. It reminds me of Wes and others on the flickr HF.

So with this in mind (7 employees!!!) I would like to thank Team ipernity for welcoming us flickr refugees with open arms and for doing what flickr no longer does...caring.

Thanx team,

Jim

Screen names can be used here too.

nobody@ipernity.com (Jim Boynton) — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:42:37 +0000

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Just thought I would point out that you can use a screen name of your choosing ie: WJB1961 as long as it is in good taste of course. You DO NOT have to ever show your real name or birthdate if you don't want to. You can change this in your account settings. I have it set to show my name and birthdate (no big secret there) to contacts only, keeping my screen name to make it easier for Flickr contacts to find me.

What happened to flickr?

nobody@ipernity.com (Jim Boynton) — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:00:21 +0000

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My first day here since flickr drastically changed their layout. So far I am quite impressed with the ease of use and the great, speedy uploader. Will still remain on flickr since it has given me great enjoyment these past few months, but I like to have a back-up plan. Looking forward to making new contacts and sharing our views on life.