Gimmicks We Don't Like

I was going to do a post called "Gimmicks We Like," but then I realized we don't like any gimmicks.

Mike, Curmudgeon-in-Training

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Featured Comment by David Dyer-Bennet: "Hmmm; 'A trick or device intended to attract attention, publicity, or business' (Google). Some other definitions seem to emphasize that the technique in question is somehow dishonest, which makes rather a difference in whether it's a bad thing or not."

Mike replies: David, I was thinking more in terms of gimmicks such as extreme HDR, Leica-skin stickers for your iPhone, modern tintypes, 3D, aperture-ring bracelets and lens coffee mugs, auto-retouching programs, selective color like the red cloak in Schindler's List, etc., etc. Nothing sinister.

But of course I do like some of these gimmicky things. Just some. When I don't have indigestion and/or am feeling curmudgeonly.

DD-B responds: "I like the revival in old processes (Pt/Pd, as well as tintype and so forth) in principle, but I have yet to see anything I like much in practice. Maybe it's because doing that stuff is a gimmick today?

"Shot my first 3D photos last weekend, we'll see how that works out (with a Nishika 8000; 4-lens, for lenticular prints; snap3d.com in Toronto still makes such prints). I have a friend whose family is into 3D to the extent that she has Viewmaster reels of photos from her wedding, which I think is very cool.

"And I like my Nikon 24–70/2.8 mug, too, so there!  (I like it so much I don't use it; hmmmm.)"

Featured Comment by Patrick Dodds: "There seems to be an Internet trend towards declaring face detection a gimmick that is liked...."

Featured Comment by Doug Reilly: "Face detection is not a gimmick in a society with millions of closed-circuit security cameras. I call it a scary development in the science of surveillance."

Featured Comment by emptyspaces: "I try to dislike 'sweep panorama,' but I can't. Gimme that gimmick, please."

UPDATE: Oh, duh. I forgot body-integral image stabilization. That's a gimmick I don't just like, I love. —Mike

Comments

[Anthony Kerstens]

Gimmicks? How about "camera armor". I got suckered in on that one.

[Kevin Schoenmakers]

Awww, you could've done a 'Gimmicks We Like' and just left it empty!

[Nigel]

I don't know.

What about print sales ?

:-)

[Jim Couch]

Curmudgeon-in-Training? I think you are ready to teach a master's level class!

[erlik]

In training? Mike, you're flowers and sunshine compared to what I can be. You'll need a lot of training. :D

[phil]

I don't think you need the "in-training" part of your sig today ;-)

Methinks you should go back to bed with your favourite tipple, or take Lulu for a walk if her legs are ok, or just something different to normal.

all the best phil (interwebbing instead of washing-up)

[Roger Whitehead]

> I was thinking more in terms of gimmicks such as... Leica-skin stickers for your iPhone, modern tintypes, 3D, aperture-ring bracelets and lens coffee mug...

I think of most of those as gewgaws. Now, this is a gimmick: http://blog.iamnikon.com/en_GB/product-news/the-d3100-red/ .

Roger

[David Bostedo]

Thinking about what Patrick Dodds said... it seems to me that a lot of things, once they become useful, are no longer thought of as gimmicks.

Face detection might be one of these... To me, gimmicks are things that seem cool or look slick, but really have no utility or purpose. I.e. a TV whose screen border lights up with different colors.

[Robert Roaldi]

I thought ring tones for cell phones was a gimmick, until it was pointed out that it was million-dollar business.

[hugh crawford]

If you think modern tintypes are a gimmick, you have to check out Joni Sternbach's surf photos. They are the antithesis of gimmick.
http://www.clubofthewaves.com/blog/tintype-surf-culture-by-joni-sternbach/
Wet plates for wet culture, right?

The thing I hate most is when something I'm doing becomes popular, then inevitably is adopted by people who have no idea what they are doing, and then becomes an embarrassing cliche with the inevitable backlash.

Photoshop plugins that make "Polaroid PN contact print borders" make my teeth curl. Especially in color, and with the pod at both ends?

I'm hoping the current 3D thing either blows over or gets out of the gimmick phase soon. I've been into stereoscopy for years , my honeymoon photos are a mix of SX-70s and Viewmaster reels.

At least brush painting your car with hundreds of colors of paint never caught on.

[Kelvin]

Interchangeable lenses :)

[Michael Steinbach]

Curmudgeon in training? :)

[Edie Howe]

Re: in-body stabilization. That's not a gimmick. That's innovation.

[Bill Rogers]

Fuji X100 - the whole camera is a gimmick.

[Ben]

Instagram.