One for ID please

[fairplay]

Hi Brocsman,

The reason I personally haven't replied before is because I've only just caught up with you, and I've been on my computer nearly all day.

But when I click on your photo's and see the dismal quality it doesn't give me much incentive to 'have a bash' - I'm sure other 'identifiers' feel the same.

I honestly have no idea what you have there, an Agrocybe maybe, who knows ?

Neil.

P.S. Please take into account at this time of year I'm doing lots of forays, have lists to compile, unknowns to try to identify, land owners to thank and give lists to, part time work to do, cook my food, and any free time get out into the woods for my own enjoyment. Then there is articles to write for the Naturalist Society and much, much more.

[cybershot]

Originally Posted by fairplay

Hi Brocsman,

The reason I personally haven't replied before is because I've only just caught up with you, and I've been on my computer nearly all day.

But when I click on your photo's and see the dismal quality it doesn't give me much incentive to 'have a bash' - I'm sure other 'identifiers' feel the same.

I honestly have no idea what you have there, an Agrocybe maybe, who knows ?

Neil.

P.S. Please take into account at this time of year I'm doing lots of forays, have lists to compile, unknowns to try to identify, land owners to thank and give lists to, part time work to do, cook my food, and any free time get out into the woods for my own enjoyment. Then there is articles to write for the Naturalist Society and much, much more.

One of those so called experts has spoken; I suppose we should be grateful he can spare us the time

[fairplay]

David,

What has upset you mate ? Why the use of the term 'so called expert',
What do you mean by "wish to learn without being ridiculed" ??

Neil.

[BROCSMAN]

Well I accept that my initial comment was over the top, and that was intentional, to provoke a response. However I do seem to have touched a nerve or two here and there.

Apparently dismal photos don't cut it, so you may be a novice at fungi, but you'd better be a good photographer.

Thanks to all for the feedback. Live long and prosper.

[flaxton]

Originally Posted by BROCSMAN

Well I accept that my initial comment was over the top, and that was intentional, to provoke a response. However I do seem to have touched a nerve or two here and there.

Apparently dismal photos don't cut it, so you may be a novice at fungi, but you'd better be a good photographer.

Thanks to all for the feedback. Live long and prosper.

We lost two of the best people for identifying fungi on this site because of "over the top" comments and we don't want to loose anymore. The experienced people on this site will identify what they can but there are some specimens that will defy all but the best.
A photo of Amanita muscaria taken on a phone will give you a definite id but a photo taken taken by David Bailey (is he still alive) or our award winning photographer ( I am not going to mention who, he's had enough justified praise) of an inocybe or a hebeloma is less likely to. Both the inexperienced and the experienced can hone their identification skill here and should be thanked when they provide a suggestion but not "slagged off" when they don't.

Mal

[BROCSMAN]

OK. Here's a more considered view. Someone asked "where is everyone". I think it's plausible that people are put off joining in because there can be a patronising, even sneering, feel to some of the replies made by some more knowledgable people. For example I don't want to be told that my photos are
dismal if they are the best I can manage, but I'd be happy to be told they are not good enough, and I need to provide better.

I also feel that an "expert" has to decide if he or she is someone who knows more than most other people and is using this forum simply to demonstrate that, or if their contribution is aimed at helping us all get closer to their level of expertise. I don't think I'm slagging anyone off when I say that the forum should be a place where anyone can feel comfortable making a contribution, whatever their level of expertise. If that is not the case I'm in the wrong
forum.

This is not aimed at any individual, and I hope it's not over the top.

[cybershot]

The novices amongst us (fungi spotters and photographers alike) should expect non-patronizing encouragement and constructive pointers from those more accomplished and experienced. In this case I agree with JP, and furthermore I think the use of the adjective 'dismal', with regard to the quality of Brocsman's photos, was ill advised. There is dissension in the ranks once again because of an off-the-cuff remark by Neil, who, with his experience, should know better.

We must all learn to cut a bit of slack for those not versed in using the terminology of the BMS, Jordan, Phillips, etc., and are still honing their raw observation and reporting skills. Very few of us are perfect in this respect.

David

[kiltoncomp]

Originally Posted by BROCSMAN

Well I accept that my initial comment was over the top, and that was intentional, to provoke a response. However I do seem to have touched a nerve or two here and there.

Apparently dismal photos don't cut it, so you may be a novice at fungi, but you'd better be a good photographer.

Thanks to all for the feedback. Live long and prosper.

i'm pleased to see youve got over your little outburst,
dont worry about your pictures, they are as good (or bad ) as mine , we cant all be experts at everything ! ,
please dont go upsetting the guys here as we all depend on their help to id our unknowns from time to time(even the "experts" ask sometimes! ) and i for one dont want to see them withdrawing thier very essential help,

Brian

[NickCantle]

Look at you lot

I agree to an extent with what BROCSMAN is saying - That the talk of synonymy, cheilocystidia and sinuate gill attachments might scare off individuals who are just starting out.

BUT

I think we have a decent amount of regular members who are in different stages of learning about this diverse and difficult subject. We have beginners, people who know quite a bit, and then we have the couple of people that are amongst real mycology. Whoever responds to a post will respond in a way related to their level of experience.

[flaxton]

Originally Posted by NickCantle

Look at you lot

I agree to an extent with what BROCSMAN is saying - That the talk of synonymy, cheilocystidia and sinuate gill attachments might scare off individuals who are just starting out.

BUT

I think we have a decent amount of regular members who are in different stages of learning about this diverse and difficult subject. We have beginners, people who know quite a bit, and then we have the couple of people that are amongst real mycology. Whoever responds to a post will respond in a way related to their level of experience.

The voice of reason as usual.