Navigating the Lens: A Deep Dive into Cameras and Photography

You might recall back in August of 2024 when I polled site readers suggesting some significant changes I was considering. You may have also noticed that I never reported the results and there have been no alterations.

Let’s begin with that poll. Numerous votes—I concluded the survey quite rapidly when it gathered ample data to consider—indicated that 60% of you preferred me to keep the sites/books/workshops unchanged, while a quarter of you were interested in a US$5/month subscription. This largely confirmed what I had suspected. In fact, I had already devised modifications expected to satisfy most of that 85% (and no, it wasn’t a subscription per se I was contemplating). As a matter of fact, during August and September, I focused on the New byThom that I intended to announce today. However, I am not going to make that announcement now.

What I had begun to assemble was a massive expansion of my work and services, requiring investment, time, extensive travel, an upgraded office/studio, improved real-time broadcasting capabilities, and hiring assistance to ensure everything operates smoothly. You might have sensed what some of this could involve if you were in LA on Black Friday, but what you witnessed there was merely the surface of the New byThom projected iceberg.

The results of the US Presidential election and the turbulence that followed as our new President introduced the candidates for Celebrity Cabinet Season 2—who will ultimately resign or be dismissed; you’re familiar with this show’s format—dissuaded me from proceeding with that investment and any of the proposed alterations. I won’t delve into specifics regarding why that is, as it pertains to both a political and economic dialogue far beyond my site’s focus. I’d prefer to concentrate on teaching and elucidating what’s occurring in photography, thank you. Nevertheless, I must mention that I’m not solitary in my reluctance for business expansion in this currently volatile market. Populists have no history of fostering a reliable and predictable business landscape.

Thus, rather than significantly broadening my offerings, I’m opting to ease off the accelerator and take it slow. I will allocate less time to byThom and utilize that time to engage in other pursuits I’ve delayed.

Interestingly, back in September, I received another proposal to purchase my websites, reaching well into the six figures. If monetary gain were my priority, I would have chosen the Path of the Greenback long ago. Throughout the years, I have scarcely made any effort to boost the return from my work; no marketing, no focused SEO (search engine optimization), no promotions, no sales, a reduction in affiliate links, no surplus of ads, nothing at all. I must admit I was tempted to sell, as it would resolve a challenge for my eventual executor.

The most fascinating aspect of my August 2024 poll was the overwhelming number of emails I received related to it, most rather extensive and detailed. I appreciate those who took the time to clarify your opinions or offer suggestions. I couldn’t respond to each of your replies, but I did read every one thoroughly and contemplated their significance in the broader context.

So, where do we stand, and where are we headed?

I am implementing some modifications to my sites starting today. Let’s commence with the straightforward ones:

• dslrbodies.com is essentially beginning its discontinuation. Given that it’s improbable we’ll see any new DSLRs in the future and I never fully developed the Canon section, I’ve streamlined the existing site into a tribute to all things Nikon DSLR. Aside from the Canon elements, nothing has been removed; it’s simply been reorganized into a more straightforward structure that’s easier to navigate. The real concern is that it’s unlikely to receive much additional content in the future (although there are new posts today ;~).
• sansmirror.com is in a state of dormancy. Even with the decrease in new cameras introduced each year, there’s no way I can adequately review the entire mirrorless camera and lens market single-handedly. I will continue to address major news releases, update the databases, and a bit more, but with my shift in plans, don’t anticipate sansmirror to be a constantly refreshed site that goes in-depth on new reviews. Similar to dslrbodies, I’ll be simplifying the sansmirror site layout and performing some minor reorganization. I have more work to do in that regard, though.

The more complex elements pertain to my most visited and updated sites:

• zsystemuser.com is set to undergo a redesign eventually. Initially, I intended to hire assistance for this, but I’ve opted instead to handle the task myself, which will take some time and divert me from other plans. In the interim, it’s business as usual on that site. It’s where I will likely concentrate most of my efforts in the near future. I actually had much more intended for this site than you currently observe. While I’m operating independently and not making further investments, zsystemuser will simply evolve more slowly and organically.
• bythom.com is currently in a state of transition. Nothing is really evolving here for the moment. I’ve done a bit of simplification/reorganization, but only a small portion. This site will continue operating as it has for the foreseeable future, though with much of my personal time directed elsewhere, the frequency of news/views posts will likely decrease. Most of the significant additions I had planned would have been featured on this site (and an adjacent extension, wink, wink), but are now on hold. We do have a new logo, though ;~).
• Books are receiving some attention. I had hoped to create a consolidated book site with entirely new payment and download features, but this is taking more time than I had expected, as I am now undertaking the work myself. Suffice it to say, I aim to enhance the book-buying/downloading/reading experience beyond what it has been, and numerous small adjustments are needed to facilitate that. As part of this, I may reintroduce a few older books, so stay tuned.

Therefore, for the 60% of you who indicated that you wanted no alterations, you sort of got what you desired, albeit with simplification and reduced frequency. But as you adapt to the above changes, I’m certain that near status quo is not really what you wanted. The demand for me to enhance my output is incessant, but it will now appear that I’m doing less. It is what it is. Until I am convinced I can execute what I initially intended without being interrupted by other factors, the above is what you’ll receive.