People Matter More Than Stats

Bragging about your website's stats, or how many new members you've signed up this week, or your latest press articles is cool, right?

I'm of the opinion that a website's traffic stats and member counts don't matter much unless you change people's lives. Change people's lives and you've made a difference.

A message I received from a Fotoblur member:

Hello Lance,

I started taking pictures during my college years. I studied some rather elemental photo courses. Other that that it was just playing it by ear. I suddenly stopped and went through a 30 year drought. I've been close to art all my life, mainly theater and film.

In 2002 I directed a film with a very obscure subject. It tanked... Big. My creative life got so hurt that I decided to completely shut it. Emancipate from it. I recently purchased a Lumix and started experimenting with it. I immediately felt a connection, a sort of release. Then a good friend of mine told me about this site. I subscribed to it and started uploading pictures. It's been a trip. I've learned a lot from the feedback or simply by observing.

My heart has opened once more to art. I'm planning on filming my second movie, and now with a new photography perspective. Your work as the site founder and leader, has given me a second shot at art. A virtual gallery transports me all over the world without leaving my place. I'm heading to NY for a photographers workshop with National Geographic Expeditions, and I'm planning to meet with a couple of new friends that I've found through fotoblur. I have to thank you. I hope someday soon we can meet at the bay area or here in Mexico, should you visit. My compliments on your mission in life.

Other stories from Fotoblur: Fotoblur changed my life, You inspire me, yes you, Transcending Fotoblur's Virtuality, What's wrong with making friends, and FOTOBLURRERS IN THE TICINO.