...The truth is that the demographic of the industry has changed, is polarized, you have the guys at the top that are doing very well and then the silent majority comprise of newcomers and those with little experience who can't earn enough to get a meal at McDonald...
...it was once geared to professional and now the bulk of participant are at the VJ level, or out of work news guys who are now trying to make a living with their cameras, and there’s a long waiting list to get in. It isn’t only lighting anymore, although that’s the main theme, once they start asking questions the intended content of the program goes right out of the window, it becomes production in general and business workshop with lighting squeezed in.
It’s difficult for a veteran to answer or even participate in most conversations taking place here, I wouldn’t know how to answer somebody who ask what camera should he buy. If a mechanic would ask what tool to buy then he is no mechanic, if a cameramen ask what camera or light to buy then he is no cameraman...]
Nino...you have a several good points and a few I dispute.
First graph - yes, there are those at the top and the bottom...but there is also a good portion in the middle who are doing well and working hard. Maybe not living large, but enjoying working and earning money doing what they love.
Second graph - several things I beg to differ with. People out of work are still professionals...they are looking for work. VJs are professionals...just doing the job differently. The theme of b-roll is NOT lighting. It is all things video, and from the name of the site and the profession of the founder, I would say it began as a news cameraman site.
Third graph - you are oh so right about that. I've written a number of posts about choosing gear and always emphasize that I will not tell folks what to choose...I'd rather tell them their options and to select what they need, not just blindly buy what is recommended. (My favorite line when asked what the best camera is to buy? I usually reply that whoever you pose that question to will adamantly say it is theirs (camera make/model)...because they did the research and spent their own money on it.)
And forgive me if I misunderstood graph three...I took it as a reference to b-roll, although if you meant questions aimed your way it would be lighting.
You can't start a board and expect it it to stay forever the same. Members come and go...even the founder changes over time. New members have (to them) new and compelling questions...which the old members have heard way too often. But this is and should continue to be a learning board...not just for old timers and urber experienced, but also the continuing stream of future shooters, editors, lighting experts. Not every one will make it...due to lack of passion, talent, or other reasons. But those few who do should be nurtured and brought into the fold.
And I enjoy competition. It's a free market...those who can, will get the work. Those who can't will disappear. And competition forces us to be better at what we do.
I come to b-roll daily to check out the forum...to both learn, toss in my opinion, and occasionally add information. As a retired news cameraman and retired teacher I know that only a few will take the lessons offered here seriously. And I do enjoy giving as much as lurking and taking.
In conclusion...keep up the great work and this site Kevin. Just as news and video and the world are morphing, b-roll must somehow keep its focus and at the same time change to keep up with the world.