A year ago I have started a french only year partly to challenge myself to do so, partly because many surrounding us in Quebec, Canada were reproaching guys like me who were abandonating their native language in an attempt to reach a more international audience. The result of this twelve months hiatus was everything but mainly inconclusive at the end. And I not sure my very small contribution into the french cultural scene had really any kind of impact. What can I say more about that seemly foolish attempt to reverse an universal trend to communicate in english and get more retroaction from those courageous who are following this blog (and others obviously!).
At the end I think it is simply a question of communicating with those who are sharing this commun passion for photography that reunite us all around the world. And beside I am not really sure that my english knowledge have been ever sufficient to master the language but I felt oddly more confortable to communicate to you that way. Sure it is a pity for the french diaspora of this planet that most of us (particularly in North America) have to switch in english but we have to convainc ourselves that we are at least bringing a french touch, a french zest to the english world current tendency.
So as you may already guessed and starting now (end of November 2024) I will return in english speaking version for all the future posts of this beloved blog of mine. As I used to said some 12 years ago, « Back and Front the (compact) camera with Daniel M» … again!
Photo Manon P
danielm.photo.blog 
Hello Daniel,
I always enjoy reading your articles, no matter the language! I truly understand your intentions with writing in French—it’s commendable, and more people should indeed make the effort. Here in my part of Belgium, in Flanders, we speak Dutch. Despite what some might think, it’s more widely spoken than many realize; not only in Flanders, but also in the Netherlands, the Dutch Caribbean, and even South Africa, though the latter has its unique characteristics.
Meanwhile, the other half of Belgium primarily speaks French, with some areas where German is common as well. When I first began blogging and creating websites, I wrote in Dutch. However, I quickly discovered that Dutch content didn’t gain much traction in the busy world of social media, especially in contrast to English, which reaches a much wider audience.
So, I adapted, and I’ve actually enjoyed connecting with people worldwide through English. Although my spoken English is pretty good, writing is another challenge entirely. Initially, I relied on Google Translate, but I found it introduced quite a few errors. These days, I almost exclusively use ChatGPT, and with the right guidance, it works remarkably well—at least, I think so!
In any case, whether you write in French or English, I’ll keep reading your articles.
Wishing you a wonderful day or evening,
All the best,
Marc
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Hi Marc,
First I must thank you warmly for all the support you have given me during these modest and short publications over the years. It is fully appreciated since we share the same passion about photography and its multiple contextes.
As you have already noticed I use to do this small blog in english for several years before trying last year to convert it in full french language. But I discovered over months that like you say for your own Dutch version, the overall interest (audience) has take a turn for the worst.
So, the reversal switch to english became very predictable and since I have finished my full year of french writing involvement, “Back and Front the (compact) Camera with Daniel M” is on again.
Thanks again for your marvelous support and I hope you all the best, Daniel M
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