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The Newsvine Team is thrilled to award a Random Act of Vineness to Ben Josephs for his unparalleled administration of Newsvine Photographers. This is, in our opinion, one of the best run groups on Newsvine (at least, according to one particular staff member who may or may not have threatened to never delete another spammer again unless we recognized Ben for his efforts).
Newsvine Photographers hosts what easily is the longest-running group-participation series on Newsvine, ever, with Foto-Friday, as well as putting forth monthly challenges. Ben maintains the group actively--keeps it on topic, gently and respectfully reminds users who violate the group rules and policies, takes the time to send warning emails to users who have violated the rules, and removes them if they continue to ignore the policies.
The group is easily the most well-maintained and focused group on Newsvine, and the high level of, and long-running participation by, so many Newsviners is due to Ben's time and attention and encouragement. Members of the group encourage and offer advice to each other. It's rather awesome.
The Newsvine Blog looks forward to spending a couple of hours on Friday evenings with a cocktail, perusing the photographic offerings of Newsviners participating in Foto-Friday. In fact, this may very well be the highlight of the Newsvine Blog's week.
Please join us in congratulating Ben, and to thank him for his diligence and persistence.
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Yeah Ben!
On a personal note, I've known Ben now, via Newsvine, for a few years. I'm honored to call him a friend, and so very impressed by the way he handles himself around Newsvine--what I call an Exemplary User.
I'm so happy that his efforts around here are being recognized by a Random Act of Vineness. This is the way to administer a group (in my not-so-humble opinion).
Congratulations, Ben!
PS--special mention needs to be made of all of the Newsvine users who participate in the Newsvine Photographers monthly challenges and Foto-Friday. Thanks to all of you for sharing your art on the site.
I don't really take much credit for myself, the members are who made the group what it is, I'm very lucky to be working with such people.
Oh, I forgot to add...
He's really humble too!
Aww, you're too sweet. All hail! Congrats Ben Josephs, Foto-Friday is one of my favorite RSS feeds in history. Hopefully I'll get back to contributing soon.
Fine.
I'd like to point out, much to a certain Newsviner's dismay, that I am the only one to receive the RAV twice. As soon as I get home, I'll upload and link the proof.
Say what?
It wasn't permanent, or announced, but it happened nonetheless.
Awesome. One well-connected person leads another to participate, then another, etc., so I was really happy to see those articles from you last winter. Thanks.
Proof!
LOL Ben superb!!!! a double RAV, presumably a technical hitch but that has to be a first. Well done you:-)
So that's where my RAV bud went....
You know, it's still 2 1/2 months to April Fools Day. Is this another "Prank"? I see no change in Ben Josephs' Vineacity, and their name still hasn't been added to the Wall of Vineness, even though it's been over 8 hours since the announcement.
Hell, I got proof of a RAV on my Vineacity, too. All it takes is a little Windows Paint...
Sigh. Sir Richard, when you run Newsvine, you can make sure that everything is perfect.
Congratulations to Ben! Hey Cyborg, you must have gotten some of your circuitry rusty since I left. You forgot to mention the great contributions made by Ben during Newsvine's coverage of the Republican National Convention.
Oh crap. I mean, stupid cyborg. So forgetful.
Hey Calvin! Thanks for mentioning. I wasn't gunna do.
My screen shot was the result of a glitch, or something, not editing (I only converted the .bmp to .jpg) - I wasn't the only one who received the RAV branch suddenly, the article, Random Act of Vineness?????, is not mine. I took a screen shot before it was corrected and was saving it for a special occasion (though I certainly didn't think *this* would be it). I can't seem to find Simplistic Reality's article again though. Either my memory is faulty or he removed it.
Speaking of conventions. The RNC was a freaking blast, despite there being a few scary situations (journalists strapping their gas masks during a police-protester stand off, and me without -- and pepper spray is NOT NOT NOT fun even if you don't get directly hit) and I'm hoping that Minneapolis gets the DNC in 2012 (we're currently a finalist) so that I can do it again, but if not, I hope that Newsvine will, um, at least consider sending me to wherever. I have experience... and better EQ than last time. ;-)
I was just going through some of the photos I took at the DNC. It was really an amazing experience.
I'd love to check out the RNC. And not just because it'll be in Tampa. ;)
Wow. I wasn't even aware the RNC already selected a city. I thought you were bull@!$%#ting. I presume you're going to Tampa in 2012?
Looks like the DNC is to select this month - I better set an alert. It really doesn't sound too hopeful for Minneapolis - two conventions in a row and all the other contending cities are in more politically important states. I was told that Obama is fond of Minnesota though.
congrats,ben
Thanks, Butki.
Viki Babbles Gonia -- #1.12 - Wed Jan 12, 2011 5:20 PM PST
I see they finally pinned it on this morning. I guess 12 days isn't so bad, when a guy had to wait 147 years to get his from the government....
LMAO.....too funny! But hey!
Wow I'm late to the party! I'm so happy to see a RAV has finally been giving out again. Ben is very deserving of it! Congrats Ben! :D
Me working again... I miss this kind of stuff now on the Vine. :-/
Thanks, Eric.
^ Was gonna say something on FB but for some reason couldn't pull your page up... *shrugs*
This is wonderful news! I'm so glad that the "powers of Newsvine" have recognized the value of an accomplished member. Congratulations Ben, you deserve this!
Me too! Yes! He does deserve it!
Whoa ! Go Ben. Congratulations ! You deserve it.
Thanks Elizabeth and Tedd. Everyone is way too kind.
Congratulation Ben, well done and very deserving!
Congratulations Ben! Very very pleased to see this happen.
Good job Ben -- Congratulations!
Thank you, Desertzonie!
Congratulations Ben!!!! Very cool indeed:-)
Thanks Soph. Let me know with the Chest is ready to move forward.
Will do - have had a hellishly busy week but am going to work on it at the weekend:-)
Heartfelt congratulations to Ben for this much deserved award - and thanks to the "powers of Newsvine" for recognizing his excellent contributions!
Thank you, Remote Viewer!
Riri Aroo!
Way to go, Ben. Well deserved.
It's also nice to see an RAV awarded after so long, and it couldn't go to a more deserving guy.
Note to Newsvine Blog: Please don't forget to add Ben to the Wall of Vineness.
Dennis, you might be the only one to remember Riri. It's actually sort of surprising that you would.
I remember stuff like that. It's a curse.
Oh, and just so you know, the new guy buys the drinks in the RAV lounge.
... not until I'm officially inducted into The Cabal.
I remember Riri too. Just was never sure of the connection and often wondered.
Well done Ben. A RAV's been a long time coming and it couldn't have landed on one more deserving. I lurk more than contribute on Photographers but it is easy to see the value you add to the group.
I never really intended to do anything more than read, maybe comment here and there, so I used the name from a pet forum, my primary digital hangout at the time, Aroo, and Riri, in honor of a dog recently passed. It was too silly for the purpose Newsvine became, so I changed it.
And thanks.
Oh... and I'm a bit surprised that anyone remembers Riri Aroo. I didn't think I was active enough at that time to make any sort of impression.
I remember! :)
You (as Riri Aroo) were among the first people I befriended when I arrived. Then, Riri just seemed to disappear and I was too new with the system to understand how to spot the reincarnation. It was only your comment when accepting me into NV Photographers last year that I kinda made the connection but till now had remained unsure.
I remember! I remember when you decided to go with your real name, because it was around the same time I did (I think it was, anyway).
Plus, your column domain is still ririaroo.newsvine.com.
I noticed the ririaroo as the domain name a long time ago -I was guessing pets names, too. .."aaaROOOOO" --sounds like a hound.
Yup, I remember. Everyone says among their first friends was Dennis, or Viki, but that wasn't the case for me. The article that really brought me out of the lurks was one by Pharaoh, changed to Henry IV (I have these wrong, I'm certain, but the names are fairly close) about how we'd structure a government if we owned our own island.
I went back and looked at my comments from the very beginning awhile back. Boy, did I say some stupid @!$%#. It might be interesting to go back again and see who all I interacted with early on, provided the information is still there, because I don't exactly remember.
Ford wrote an article about names and identities and such, I think gave the both of us the kick we needed to change. It's not quite my real name, but close.
Riley was a Siberian Husky, and if you said Riri high-pitched enough, he would respond with Arroooooooooooooooooooo.
Me too. Jeez, that was almost 4 years ago!
Wow! Congratulations Ben, and I agree that he is an asset to the Vine, and works hard to make NV Photographers the wonderful group that it is!
I'd clip this to NV Photographers, but there aren't any photos, so he'd delete it! LOL:)
Oops, I already did... *grins* let's see what he does, it really should stay there Ben.
Snicker -- it's a test...
There's a photo now. Just his profile pic, but it's a photo!
I noticed that my avatar photo made it's way here, though, this has to deal with the group, and 'group meta' has been deemed okay.
Another example of what a great group moderator you are!
Congratulations Ben. Let's hope they spell your name right when they add it to the page...
Give that up, will you?
Well I guess a typo wouldn't be as bad as losing Minorca to the French, but still...
Happy Happy Happy News!! Perfect choice, Newsvine.
Thank-you, Soosalah!
Ben Josephs, congratulations! I know I should have been contributing to your photo group all along. I feel like kicking myself in the rear for having procrastinated. Keep going, friend.
.. and I feel like I could learn a lot from you but haven't taken the time. No worries.
Lofty goals, I have. Going until it stops, I will.
Geez. One RAV and the guy turns into Yoda.
It ain't easy being green....
'I have lofty goals' isn't an interesting sentence to me... so it became Yoda... unintentionally... at first.
By the way, Ben, you've inspired me to start a Newsvine Videographers group. Haven't ironed out all the details yet, so haven't announced it.
'Cept I guess I just did.
Count me in Viki. May be a sleeping member with an occasional slumber-up:-)
I'm in too - I only have video on my CoolPix, but it'll do.
Cool. I'll announce it over the next couple of days.
Great. May mobilise me to start using my CoolPix again a bit more.
Thank you and congratulations. Way to go, Ben!
Without your group my group (Gates of Eden) would have less traffic then it does.
I love the nature landscapes your group members clip to Gates of Eden. Much obliged. ;-)
I'm very glad to hear that, caltha. Thank you for bringing it up.
That's awesome!! Congrats, Ben!
Thanks David. And for the congratulatory article, too.
Ben:
Gratz!!
Thanks, Jack. I'm happy to be in the ranks as you.. well, sort of, you're a much better journalist than I.
Ben:
Aw shucks, let's keep this about what a great photog you are!
Congratulations, Ben! You've certainly become the example that others should strive to emulate!
Thanks, bitemore. I do hope that folks see that group administration is important, not only to keep things neat and tidy, but that groups can be used to organize and accomplish tasks that might not otherwise be possible.
Here Here, Barkeep, set Ben up with a round of his choice on my tab! Congratulations Ben!
A good local beer please! I haven't had one of those in awhile.
Be proud Ben, its a big deal, and well deserved.BH
Thanks bore-head, keep those fisherman articles coming.
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So glad for you Ben!!!!!!!!!! Very well-deserved!!!!!!!!!!!! Whoo-hoo!!!!
What a great day for the vine! 2 awesome viners are recognized!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey mther, thank you. As you can see, I haven't gotten to the meet like I said I was going to. I'll get there, really!
Congratulations, Ben!!
Thank you VerbalBarb!
Congratulations, Ben!
Thank you Holly. And I must thank you for helping contributing to the group!
Much appreciated, Ben. The group has become one of the highlights of my participation here. You certainly deserve all the good words I'm seeing from everyone.
Congratulations, Ben!
Thanks Red Wolf!
Ben, I'm so happy for you! Everyone is right-- your Photography group is the highlight of my week! I am very lucky to have you in my life-- even if just words on a page!
Congratulations, dear Ben-- This award is very well deserved!
(((((((((((Ben))))))))) and an XO on the cheek!
You know, I've always look forward to Friday, especially in this last year, but sometimes, I go, 'I don't want to read all these articles and comments.' Yup, I read every single article... and every single comment, but the group is so well behaved that sometimes I can delay that process for a few days.
The same, Dowser, I don't remember going so much out of my way to be friends with someone. :)
Congrats Ben
Thanks cookin mama!
Congratulations BEN!!!!!! This is awesome, and certainly well deserved!
Ben is one of my fav viners and his group NV-Photographers is one reason I am still on the vine.
Thank You to the powers that be at NV for recognising and honoring a 4-star viner in Ben.
4 stars--6 branches!
Me too. Thanks PA.
I don't know you well Ben but, you do a wonderful job with your NV-Photographers Group. I'm proud to be a member. Congratulations, you earned it!!! :)
Thanks, Mrs D. I hope I see some more contributions from you, so we can get to know each other a little better.
Congratulations Ben! It's been informative and a joy to read some of your articles and comments!
And I commend you for your quality, dedicated work on the Photographers Group -- though I confess photography is only a minor sideline for me.
Please keep up your outstanding work!
It's a sideline for me too... I think. It'd be great to work for National Geographic - their photographers go through absolute hell to get their images and spend most of their time alone, independently using their own resources in foreign places. I've always had a sort of love affair with this lifestyle. However, I feel like there's something else for me... photography may turn out to be nothing, like the time I took up calligraphy.