[Pavel]

Probably worth reading for some of you: http://www.bythom.com/credo.htm

[Pavel]

I've tried to get through that manifesto a couple of times now – I usually like Mr Hogan, but I find this long-winded and self-righteous. That said, reading the line "I do not worship my tool" was worth it.

He uses the word "camera" eighteen times, and the substitute "tool" thirteen times, but writes the word "art" only once – in the word "artifacts", and not in the sense of creating treasured, cultural artifacts. I have no desire to limit myself like that. When I find a credo, that ratio will need to be reversed.

(I assume he will eventually notice that the html page title reads "Phtographers Credo" and won't hold the two errors against him.)

I think the title is misleading, triggering correct reaction from Matthew. However, the content is very good and sensible. In effect, it is a long-winded and emphatic way of saying that he believes that camera is a tool which he judges on a single criterion: how well does the product fit his shooting needs. He implores camera makers to avoid gimmicky features that drive sales but do not create a more useful tool (good luck succeeding there) and he demands better service from camera makers:
1) cameras with fewer defects.
2) If the defects still appear, the companies should acknowledge them and fix them promptly on all affected units (perhaps there is a hope there, if customers vote with their pockets).

By implication, he is also preaching to people that keep on constantly switching cameras for the newest and coolest or adding the newest and hottest to their list without having the understanding of the new features or skills or opportunities to make use of them.

All of these are good points, I think and it fits very well with my own thinking. Is that a credo? I do not think so.