Are you a sport & event photographer ? Join SEPA

[geoffsta]

Nice idea Darren. But what about some of us hobbiest that dabble in sport. Can we join, and submit images as well. Or is it pro's only.

[kiwi]

Good idea but, 2 things concern me:

1) Fostering this culture of 'you can't trust people these days'

2) your list of approved photographers is really setting you up for serious consequences.

Scotty

A) horse is bolted on that one.

B) disclaimers are in effect, or will be re liability. Membership will be dependent on entry criteria being met, but I think I understand your concern.

Can it be mitigated ?

[kiwi]

Members so far are just people on my friends list really, is that elitist ? No, that's not the intent. Is it going to be for everyone ? No. Anyone can join if they meet some quite basic and standard criteria which is open for discussion but aims to be fair. So, no, I reject that it's elitist but like sportsshooter it's an achievement to be a member.

[kiwi]

so this is for pro togs, not just ppl who like shooting spot right?

It's for part time or full time professionals (though I suspect most members will be in the part timer category) If you do or intend to charge anything for sport and event work then you are able to join. The eventual (I hope) benefits for members are more aligned to those soliciting for paid work.

What do you think though? Open it up ? Im not sure.

[kiwi]

A simple question:
What is the benefit to the part timer to join this org? What recognition can one expect as a member (esp if it's a FB only group which isn't public, and people like me can't see the page)?

It's an open group but with membership needing approval

Benefits of membership if it takes off are articulated on the site in my opinion, but I'm happy to elaborate

[kiwi]

got a direct answer to this darren?

I think I just answered this

The answer is I thought it had most relevance to those charging, a little, or a lot, part time or full time. But I'm also aware that many qualify re quality, code of conduct and gear but for whatever reason are purely amateur

So, yeah, what do you think ?

[I @ M]

Interesting concept ---- however --- launching it on FB is a worry as it seems that everybody and their ewe dog is looking for an alternate platform that doesn't look quite as cheap.

[kiwi]

Interesting concept ---- however --- launching it on FB is a worry as it seems that everybody and their ewe dog is looking for an alternate platform that doesn't look quite as cheap.

Yes, but, it's a low cost and easy social virus way of establishment. IF it goes viral then I'll look for sponsorship to establish a website. I think Facebook and soon to be google+ are becoming more acceptable medians for "serious" marketing.

[ving]

I think I just answered this

The answer is I thought it had most relevance to those charging, a little, or a lot, part time or full time. But I'm also aware that many qualify re quality, code of conduct and gear but for whatever reason are purely amateur

So, yeah, what do you think ?

yeah sorry about that, you did... i got distracted posting and you answered in the mean time.

should you open it up? no i dont think so... unless you want to open it to those that want to become pro sport togs, in which case you could run workshops, etc... but thats a whole different kettle of fish.
i think the idea of an association for pro sport togs in its self is a great idea. obviously not for me tho but still....

[I @ M]

Yes, but, it's a low cost and easy social virus way of establishment. IF it goes viral then I'll look for sponsorship to establish a website. I think Facebook and soon to be google+ are becoming more acceptable medians for "serious" marketing.

Do you want quality or quantity?

[ving]

i think FB is actually a good sounding board for getting things going. obviously once established a propper dot com will be better.

[kiwi]

200 high quality photographers throughout the Country is my target.

A website is a big investment, to attract new members is my primary initial goal and I think Facebook is a perfect mechanism to do this, don't you ?

[ricktas]

I wish you the very best with it Darren, though I think you have probably launched about 3 months to early and should have done a lot more ground work prior to announcing it.

[kiwi]

i think FB is actually a good sounding board for getting things going. obviously once established a propper dot com will be better.

I'm actually not so sure. Im of the opinion websites are old abd becoming increasingly redundant. Linkedin is probably next actually.

[kiwi]

I wish you the very best with it Darren, though I think you have probably launched about 3 months to early and should have done a lot more ground work prior to announcing it.

Ive been thinking about it for awhile, it's still in startup and the working documents are draft, I'm really not sure how me working in a vacuum for three months would make s big difference ?

It's only known to my existing social network either here or on facebook, so , I'd prefer to think I'm in focus group mode still really

[Scotty72]

This may end up a bit like the association for tutors. It is an 'industry' that needs no qualification to join, no professional standards to maintain and no enforceable professional penalties.

So, few tutors (Inc me) belong and even fewer customers seek their referrals. Most work is picked up via word of mouth.

I'm sure a fair bit of your sales come via this method.

Scotty

[atky]

Great Idea

[ving]

I'm actually not so sure. Im of the opinion websites are old abd becoming increasingly redundant. Linkedin is probably next actually.

That they are... but i think it is too soon to base soley on fb. It seems to me most orgs have a .com and a fb page.
I know nothing tho. Just typing my thoughts.
Wish u the best on it mate. Should be good.

Sent from my TR718D

[Scotty72]

I tend to think that FB is becoming a victim of its own success and its own stupid privacy policies. The numbers of new users is seriously declining : far outstripping the numbers of dormant users (though FB make this hard to confirm).

[Wayne]

I would have interest, however don't and won't use Facebook. I am a former NSW police officer, and 10 years in the job makes for a few undesirable 'friends'