How do you say STOP!!

[Jake]

Renae, take this situation as a cheap lesson learned. I'm sure you see way to avoid this in the future.
It's a $32 order, so that's very little out of pocket. If it was a few large gallery prints, then I may think twice about it. But just a few small prints, no biggie, just eat the cost and change some policies for future orders.

Plus this thread is both educational and very entertaining!
That's worth the price admission right there!

[iCe]

Originally Posted by glchism

Michael - I believe this thread has recieved more than enough advice from "professionals." I know Renae will make the right descion. As I mentioned before, She has helped me in the past and handled herself in a very professional manner.

To be frank, I am bored. But, If you really want me to respond to your post I will (If . . . I feel like it).

When I posted that comment, I was hoping to get statistic based research on the industry and some thoughtful analysis. "Yes" is not quite what I wanted and certainly does not benefit the individuals reading this thread.

Dang it Jake... you made me work... I had to go back and quote the respondent...

I don't see your replies as being much help either (outside of showing support for Renae). You've been, IMHO, combative and rude... that's something we don't see much of on this forum...

One thing- Renae was venting... not asking for help. So, in that regard some of what has been said has seemed harsh. I saw the comments as tough love.

I try run my business the Don and the others spoke of. I recently had to drive 10 hours one way to correct a mistake that I had made. Most of my competition would have charge them to fix their mistake. I know this because in a prior life I used to hire them and they would do it to me. I didn't charge them to correct my mistake. 20 hours of driving, 4 hours of work, plus motel, plus mileage in my line of work is not pocket change. But that's how it's supposed to work in my book.

Second thing- I'm not a pro but I have a large circle of friends that are. The market is tough and it's getting tougher because of relatively cheap "smart" camera's (that DO NOT compensate for the amount of skill it takes to learn lighting, posing, how to run a business, etc). I'm not sure what business you are in but I would be very concerned if someone invented a way to make it easy for someone to do my job. My job is not mainstream. Not everyone can do it. So... I see their point and concerns.

The statistics are out there. It's not that hard to find them.

[pbyd]

Michael, Very well stated. I have never felt that full or part time was an issue. Being a professional is about giving professional service.

[CobyPhoto]

Originally Posted by glchism

Michael - I believe this thread has received more than enough advice from "professionals." I know Renae will make the right decision. As I mentioned before, she has helped me in the past and handled herself in a very professional manner.

To be frank, I am bored. But, if you really want me to respond to your post I will (If . . . I feel like it).

When I posted that comment, I was hoping to get statistic based research on the industry and some thoughtful analysis. "Yes" is not quite what I wanted and certainly does not benefit the individuals reading this thread.

Gary,

I have no idea who you are, what you do, your level of expertise etc. But to come into a thread and be combative, rude and plain disrespectful of those posting is not what this forum needs.

I am often taken as abrasive, blunt and hard headed, but every answer I give is based on 25 years in this industry and operating a successful business in photography. Yes, some of the answer I give may not apply to the specific individual’s situation, but overall, someone on this PUBLIC forum that is looking for help will find the information useful. Notice, I didn’t tell Renae “you have to do it this way or that” just how I have or would do it in my business. I firmly believe that everyone in the business should make their own decisions, though they should be informed decisions, based on good solid advice and reasoning.

I originally did not get the point that Renae was simply venting frustration over a difficult client. By the time that was clarified, the thread had developed into a very good discussion about business, professionalism etc. It has developed PAST Renae’s original content and become useful to many others reading.

My opinion, if Renae wanted to simply vent, then she should have probably put this in the Open Talk section and not the Business section.

I feel the individuals posting advice in this section (Business) should at least have a good understanding of the business (and be in or have been in) the business being discussed. I don’t think you would want someone offering up advice to you and that individual has never even been in business! So the more “Professional” opinions and advice posted here will serve to better answer the questions of people looking for good, solid advice. Or at the very least offer them a selection of options and a place to start.

I still have not seen an answer to my original question “...and you have been in this industry how long? (...making a living with your photography.) To come in and say that we need less of the “professional’s” opinions I think you need to justify your ability to make that call. Just as a matter of record, you have only been “in business” a few months, as compared to Don, Wayne, Howard and I, who all have many years of experience in the photography business. And those are just the ones I know!

NONE of the posts were directed at or in a personal way toward Renae. They simply addressed the situation and specific details as laid out in the original and following posts. The discussion has been worthwhile and helpful to more than just Renae and THAT is the point in a public forum. All answers do not have to be just about the OP, they can address other similar issues.

And finally, if you are bored with a post, then DON’T post. I can’t tell you how many threads I read, start to post in and then just hit the BACK button on the browser and just go on about my business. Being rude, abrasive and combative is just not worth my time and effort.

CJ

[glchism]

Originally Posted by iCe

Yes

and

Camera sales do not define the professional market... the camera does not define the professional

Originally Posted by ShaneKislack

Gary, to be honest...I'm not following you. First you ask me for a link to my site as if it's some justification for me to opine. Then you tell me it's "not between me and you" as if I've addressed you in any post except to answer your question directed at me. Now you think we're in a fight? You're starting to scare me now. Is there a creepy emoticon?

I was not rude in any way. This is rude "Yes Shane there is a creepy emoticon. It is the one with the picture of your mother next to it."

I felt some of the comments were personal attacks on someone I feel I know. What would the forum be if everyone agreed and there was one right answer. I have more respect for the forum, people, and opinions then you realize.

[glchism]

Coby - my first paid newspaper photography job was in 1990 for a weekly newspaper.

[CobyPhoto]

After your comment above, I could care less about you, your experience or anything you have to say. Saying something about another person's Mom crosses the line completely.

I vote we ban him from the forum.

C. James

[Roadrnr]

Gary that was completely uncalled for. It seems to me you came into this thread with the intent to argue...

[glchism]

Didn't say anything about his mother. I don't know his mother and never met her.

I was giving you an example "rude." I don't appreciate being associated with "creepy."

Hopefully, this helped Renae.

[glchism]

Matt - To qoute Micheal "I thought this was tough love."

[CobyPhoto]

You have to be kidding...to even refer to another person's mom in jest is crossing the line!

You seriously need to get your issues in line.

I am done. No further comments about this issue, the moderaters can handle it. But is is totall out if line.

C. James

[ShaneKislack]

Oh boy!

[barP]

well, now. that was all pretty interesting....how about those cowboys??

wp.

[swanny338]

Thread is locked. The comments have gotten out of hand.

Forum Rules
2. Personal attacks on fellow members will NOT be tolerated.

Texas Photo Forum is a friendly environment that brings those with the same passion together. Comments like these ruin that environment.