You Decide

[cyberia]

I have recently acquired access a large collection of photographs taken on the Eastern Front by German soldiers who served there.

This collection is massive, totaling nearly 2,000 photos, none of which are government or PK photos, but rather snap shots taken by the common solider of what they saw and experienced.

Most are clear and crisp, all are black and white and cover a wide range of subject material. As one would expect, none of these contain any information as to where, when or whom.

My my first thought was to disperse these throughout the site to various threads, then I realized what we have here is a time capsule of sorts unique to a particular page in history.

As these photographs would be posted for the benefit of the membership, I thought it might be best to allow the membership to decide where to place them and how. Either throughout the site in bits and pieces, or as a grouping in a separate thread.

I have also noted that many of our keen eyed and well versed members here enjoy deciphering photos on their own. So posting these without captions might be an opportunity for a group participation thread.

One final note: About five percent of these photos are of battlefield scenes. Uncensored and often graphic. These can either be omitted or posted as links with a warning. On this point I think the decision should be left entirely up to Jim.

I would rather have comments as opposed to a poll, so let me know what you think.


cyberia

[Horch]

2,000..whew! I for one don't know just where to put them, but on one thread it would be easier to locate them and not miss any of them. A few or so a day. But in the end...I look forward to seeing them no matter where you put them! Look! Thanks!

[cyberia]

I was thinking if in a group, random sets of four, every few days.

[Jim O]

Even though they no doubt were taken by different "photographers" they represent a collection of sorts.

I agree with the "time capsule" theory and I would like to see them in one, easy to follow thread, like the Reichsbahn photos. Those are also a time capsule and for all we know were not all taken by the same photographer.

As for the most graphic ones, perhaps a link with a warning/disclaimer would be best. I have no interest in censoring the horrors of war, but neither do I have any interest in forcing it upon anyone. Allowing our members the choice of shielding themselves would seem to be best.

[cyberia]

Originally Posted by Jim O

As for the most graphic ones, perhaps a link with a warning/disclaimer would be best. I have no interest in censoring the horrors of war, but neither do I have any interest in forcing it upon anyone. Allowing our members the choice of shielding themselves would seem to be best.

Very good Jim. It should also be noted that as these photographs were taken by German troops, the majority of the dead depicted in them are Russian soldiers.

This is simply the nature of the photos at hand and should not perceived as intentionally selective by the site, the membership nor me.

[Panzermacher]

My eyes and knowledge are yours.....I would like to see one thread....with a "warning link" to the graphic..... I would not like to the graphic ones censored, yet again they are links to the past and the horrors of the war. Member/guests can choose whether they view them or not.

[cyberia]

I'll keep this thread open for a week to give everyone a chance to weigh in, then abide with the majority.

[Jim O]

Originally Posted by cyberia

It should also be noted that as these photographs were taken by German troops, the majority of the dead depicted in them are Russian soldiers.

This is simply the nature of the photos at hand and should not perceived as intentionally selective by the site, the membership nor me.

I'm sure taking photos of dead, or even severely wounded German troops was not officially allowed. Those who did take such photos, did so at their own peril.

[cyberia]

Originally Posted by Jim O

I'm sure taking photos of dead, or even severely wounded German troops was not officially allowed. Those who did take such photos, did so at their own peril.

You're on the money there Jim. Same was true for destroyed German equipment, but a few of these showed up. There are some photos of German dead on the field, but not many. There are, however, numerous photos of burials and services.

[Pirate-Drakk]

Putting all the photos on one thread will be a mess with 2000 shots, plus peoples comments.

I suggest you start a subforum and group the photos by category or content. For instance, the "gore shots" would all be on one thread so they are easy to avoid.

Battlefield shots could be another thread. Behind the lines stuff in another etc. etc. Depends on how many and of what content to determine how many threads to run. However, 5-10 threads would disperse the pictures enough to make them easy to manage and find.

My 2 cents....

I can't wait to see them!!!!