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World Climbing - Book Competition - Nov 2005

Onsight

30-Nov-2005
12:20:03 AM

Thanks also to everyone who came along to the launch last night. I'm really happy people enjoyed the evening.

On 29/11/2005 Phil Box wrote:
>Soooo, is Brisvegas going to be on the book launch circus?

Sorry Phil, no plans for the circus coming to Brisvegas at this time. I think the four shows is all I can do this year. I'm definitely keeping it in mind though.

Onsight

30-Nov-2005
12:25:24 AM

On 30/11/2005 mousey wrote:
>well done paulie! ahhh well i suppose ill just have to save up for a copy...bummer
>dude i was counting on the freeby :P

Don't worry Mousey, you did get full points for trying, and yours did make me laugh and cry at the same time… But as you said, I know you’ll just cry poor, and as you know, there’s one here with your name on it anyway (somewhere…).


Paulie

30-Nov-2005
10:34:51 AM

On 29/11/2005 Onsight wrote:
>But in the end I’d like to give the book to Paulie for his “Projects”
>Poem. Great work dude and thanks for the contribution! (Check your email).

Thanks very much Simon, only just checking emails etc now. Much appreciated, as I said in my email, I was going to buy it anyway.

That poem is true btw, those bloody things are so hard to go back to when you get spanked time and time again...at least it's been nice and cool lately so those smears have been lasting a wee bit longer.

Paul

30-Nov-2005
12:34:44 PM

Does this mean Paulie will be too busy reading to sort out Mt Pilot and Mt Stanley when he pays a visit home this summer? If it does, then I demand a recount!


Paulie

30-Nov-2005
4:36:01 PM

It's in the works BA ;)


Rock Weasel

3-Dec-2005
5:04:57 PM

I submit that the title of the book is incorrect. It should be renamed: Monique Forister: Climbing the World. As a professional photographer, I was kind of expecting that the featured photos would be based on their individual worth, rather than the presence of the photographer's significant other. Sure, Monique can climb pretty stuff, but so can Nathan Hoette, HB, etc, and even some of us mere unknowns can get up some spectacular climbs.
Nice work with the climbing in Australia book, but I don't think that I will be picking up a copy of this latest one.

Onsight

3-Dec-2005
6:40:21 PM

On 3/12/2005 Rock Weasel wrote:
>I submit that the title of the book is incorrect. It should be renamed:
>Monique Forister: Climbing the World. As a professional photographer, I
>was kind of expecting that the featured photos would be based on their
>individual worth, rather than the presence of the photographer's significant
>other. Sure, Monique can climb pretty stuff, but so can Nathan Hoette,
>HB, etc, and even some of us mere unknowns can get up some spectacular
>climbs.
>Nice work with the climbing in Australia book, but I don't think that
>I will be picking up a copy of this latest one.

Rock Weasel, have I done something to offend you? Your comments are focused entirely in the negative and I think that’s quite uncalled for.

Do you have a name? You appear to be hiding under an alias.

For your information there are photographs of over ninety different climbers in the book. I have actually gone to incredible lengths to photograph as many different climbers whilst also covering as many different places around the world as would fit in the book. There are a two or three more photos of Monique in the book than the person who appears the next most. There are photos of HB and Nathan and also dozens of “unknowns” in the book. I have certainly never claimed that the book is perfect, but I am happy with the balance I’ve achieved in this regard.

Cheers.

simey

3-Dec-2005
9:37:42 PM

On 3/12/2005 Rock Weasel wrote:
>I submit that the title of the book is incorrect. It should be renamed: Monique Forister: Climbing the World....
>Nice work with the climbing in Australia book, but I don't think that I will be picking up a copy of this latest one.

I've gotta say, I think you are talking shit Rock Weasel. I had a look at the book today and was pretty impressed. As for the number of photos of Monique... well I would have expected more given that she was travelling to most of the places with Simon. You could argue that there is a certain amount of hero worship with a predominant number of big names appearing in the photos, but given that the book needs to appeal to overseas markets I think it is a smart move to focus on well-known climbers.

I was pretty sceptical of Simon producing a book on World Climbing. I had my doubts as to whether he could do justice to such a title and also whether it will be a financial success. However the book captures a number of really interesting areas and some pretty diverse climbing. The quality of the photos, the quality of the printing, the layout, and the price ($50), make it an exceptional effort. I think it is a step-up from his Australian book.

If I had to pick a weakness, I would say that Simon's photos of Arapiles aren't as strong as they could be. However his Grampians images are terrific.

I'll be buying a copy.

duglash

3-Dec-2005
10:53:07 PM

Um.. if you were travelling around the world taking photos for such a book, do you think maybe there
might be a chance that there might end up being more than average photos of your significant other, just
by virtue of convenience? I hardly think it's a big deal, Monique's climbing speaks for itself. If anything it'll
encourage more Australian women to climb. Good.


nmonteith

5-Dec-2005
10:05:29 AM

Poor call Rock Weasel....

Moniques enthusiam, skills and perservance has given her the opportunity to be at the 'front' of female
climbing in Australia, and arguably near the forefront of world female climbing. The fact that she has also
climbed extensively around the world and has thus turned up in many of his photos should be a positive.
Remember this book is the sole work of ONE photographer - it is not a compilation of the worlds best
climbing photography - but a snapshot of Simons photo journey in the last ten years or so. He is only
human and can only take so many photos of different people. (hint: look closely in many of the photos -
monique is the belayer in many of them!). Don't let this negativity dampen yor enthusiasm Simon (and
Monique). Keep inspiring us!

sydneymatt

5-Dec-2005
12:01:50 PM

Rock Weasal, plain and simple your a dick! If you dont have anything nice to say dont say it at all! Especially under the protection of an alias. Excuse my language, ignore the hecklers, and keep up the good work Simon. Matthew File


mousey

5-Dec-2005
5:33:27 PM

its already been said, but since its shits me so bad, ROACK WEASEL YOU"RE A FARQWIT! ya claims are complete bullshit and even if ya trollin its really not a cool thing to troll about considering the shit simons copped about this very issue. i reckon he's done a fanbloodytastic job at keeping a balance of different climbers, and thats not an easy thing to do (especially when you'r etrvelling with suhc a shit-hot climber)!!

>if you dont have anything nice to say...
i reckon criticism is fine, it helps ya refine, but not BS!!!!


Rock Weasel

6-Dec-2005
10:42:18 AM

Just to reiterate, because it seems that more than a few of you just don't get it (duglash and monteith come close). My issue is that Onsight is a PROFESSIONAL photographer. This means that more is expected of his products than the average person. The average person (such as myself) does take lots of photos of my climbing partner/s, and this is to be expected. But Onsight's job necessitates the selection and publishing of the very best climbing images, not just the one's with his partner. My question is related to the professional ethics utilised in creating the book, and even the most retarded amongst you (sydneymatt and mousey) should be able to recognise this. How many photos of other climbers were left out so that more of Monique could be included? When there was a choice between images, how was that decision made?

Sorry, I guess that I disturbed that bland and lifeless discussion that pretends to be a forum these days. How dare I espouse a view different from the consensus, or criticse? This forum is only for talking about important things, like who your idol is, or promoting yourself. Remember, this topic started as a give-away of the book. $50 for all the publicity generated on this forum, now that is good business.

And by the way, this has nothing to do with the climbing of Monique. I'd bitch and moan if any other climber was over-represented in the book. I don't think that we should encourage more women (and people in general) to take up climbing. Encouraging people to belay, now that is worthwhile...

If you disagree, the best thing you can do is go and buy and enjoy the book.


PreferKnitting

6-Dec-2005
11:31:11 AM

Hey Rock Weasel,
There's nothing wrong with listing people who you admire - it might provoke discussion or it might not -
not every post needs to be contentious or slanderous, it can be just for fun or to idle away time, as is
the use of forums sometimes.

Your opinion is a valid opinion as is everyone elses, but you seem to spit it out with such venom that
people who disagree with you are going to respond accordingly. It's like you've gone straight to the
nuclear detonator button before asking questions. Now if I could be so impertinent, might I suggest a
different method of approach? Hows about: Hey Simey #1 or is it #2? Why so many shots of Monique
Forestier, now I know she's a hotie and climbs harder than me, but why so few shots of my idol Klem?
Please explain?

Now, isn't that more friendly?

Onsight

6-Dec-2005
11:49:06 AM

On 6/12/2005 Rock Weasel wrote:
>Just to reiterate, because it seems that more than a few of you just don't……….

You are questioning my ethics, my professionalism, and yet you are not even putting your name to your posts! How dare you. My ethics and my professionalism require absolutely no defending so I am not even going to respond to that.

As I said earlier, there are over 90 (yes NINETY) different climbers in the book. I am happy to have managed to photograph so many different climbers whist also trying to cover so many different areas whilst trying to produce good photography at each area. By FAR the easy option would have been to work with only one, two or even just a handful of climbers. It would have also been FAR easier not to try to cover so many areas. You obviously have no idea what has gone into producing this book. You obviously have no idea what has been left out or the decision process behind it. I do not work for you so please don’t try to tell me what my “job” is. If you don’t want to buy the book then of course no one is forcing you to. Who knows, maybe someone who appreciates the book for what it is will give it to you for Christmas!

Incidentally Rock Weasel, I’m actually quite open to constructive criticism (rare that it actually is) however I do feel your posts are a deliberate and completely unjustified attack on my work so if you wish to post to this thread again then please put your real name to your posts.

duglash

6-Dec-2005
12:42:44 PM

>Onsight is a PROFESSIONAL photographer

Yep, I see your point, but I think it's a bit unusual, a bit more work getting good climbing photos than
most sorts of photography. For one person to do this, and do it over a lot of the globe, I think is pretty
impressive. I think (and this is just my guess, which is more likely wrong than right) that putting in more
photos of Monique is probably primarily to do with having more (good) photos of her, secondarily to do
with her position as a leading Australian climber and lastly as Simon's significant other. The second and
third simply don't bother me. The book is produced by an Australian photographer - why not a bit of bias
to Australian climbers? And as to a personal bias, I just think that's sweet. What's wrong with being proud
of your lover?

>How dare I espouse a view different from the consensus, or criticse?

i know what you're saying here, sometimes the backslapping can get a bit sickening, but I think it's better
than the tall poppy syndrome Australia is characterised by. I actually prefer other photographers to
Simon, and haven't bought any of his books or calendars but I respect the persistence and hard work it's
taken for him to get where he is.

And yeah, you could phrase things more constructively, and yes I think being anonymous is just gutless
and I don't respect that.

Bob Saki

6-Dec-2005
1:05:36 PM

Simply said dudes, save the aggro
life is way too short
It's Simon's book - he can put in whoever he likes and call it whatever he likes.
It's has commercial ass on line here.
If people are usure of content then don't buy it and if the return figures are bad I'm guessing any smart cookie would change their approach to suit the market.
By all means makes any points you wish about the product but I think it's not worth questioning anyone else's integrity especially in relation to a product such as this
I mean are you going to give Ansell Adams (rip) a hard tiome as he took too many photo's of Yosemite - his publication - his call!


Iser

6-Dec-2005
1:15:37 PM

Can people please stop responding to this f*$%wit! If you have a look at his previous posts on this board, you'll see he does nothing but troll (and if he/she is not trolling, well, i feel very sorry for him/her).
Ignore it, and it will go away!


DaCrux

6-Dec-2005
1:17:09 PM

On 6/12/2005 Rock Weasel wrote:
>Just to reiterate, because it seems that more than a few of you just don't
>get it (duglash and monteith come close). My issue is that Onsight is a
>PROFESSIONAL photographer. This means that more is expected of his products
>than the average person. The average person (such as myself) does take
>lots of photos of my climbing partner/s, and this is to be expected.

So would you say that Ron Taylor was unprofessional when he was taking photos of his wife Valerie when they were photographing and researching sharks? I don't think the international community saw it that way given the number of awards he received.


kezza

6-Dec-2005
1:23:32 PM

La La Laaa
Simon's photos are pretty.

:-D

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