|
I want to thank all of you who have sent us your positive feedback on the new look and feel of the site. A small percentage of browsers had technical problems. I'm thrilled to report that we have resolved these issues. If you continue to see problems, just let us know and our outstanding team will be happy to help.
Many of you have also asked about the overall direction of BetterPhoto. I understand that change is hard for some people. Setting new goals always disrupts the order of things. When this order is disrupted, it's natural to want to return to old, familiar ways. However, there is another option: we can move forward and get closer to the goal.
What is our goal? It's threefold, actually:
- To continue building the world's best community of creative photography enthusiasts.
- To continue to develop and offer the most exciting and satisfying online photography classes - bar none!
- And to continue to help millions of people say "YES!" to their creative dreams.
In order to achieve these goals, we have decided to make several changes.
The Contest
Whenever I've met fellow photographers while travelling, they have often talked to me about BetterPhoto as if it's a contest site. In fact, people frequently express the misconception that our contest is our "bread and butter". This is far from the truth. While it's fun, maintaining such a prestigious, high-quality contest is a costly endeavor. And we have always seen our core identity and core strength as something much more than the contest. The contest is just one part of the overall BetterPhoto idea.
So now we have decided to make it obvious to each and every newcomer to BetterPhoto that this site is about one thing and one thing only:
BetterPhoto is an encouraging community for learning and improvement.
Since the contest is truly a benefit of membership, you can now find the "Contest" link in the MEMBERSHIP menu.
In addition to seeing winning photos and current entries via this public Contest page, members may also access the contest and upload photos via their Member Center.
Deluxe and Pro Web Site Owners Can Enter the Contest
Web site owners have always been allowed to enter the contest. Web site owners will continue to get access to the contest and other resources at BetterPhoto. All we have done now is taken steps to make it more clear to new visitors that, if they want to enter the contest, they must first join. In this way, we will only attract people who are seriously interested in creative photography.
Free Membership and Free Photo Galleries
In an effort to protect our community, the free galleries are being discontinued.
BetterPhoto is a special and cherished community.
The problem is that, when you're reaching millions of people, there is bound to be a percentage of people who perversely like to stir up trouble or put out hateful, mean-spirited energy.
If you aim to harm, you have no place at BetterPhoto. This is our standard. We have been working hard - working too hard - to keep this small percentage out of BetterPhoto. They are simply not welcome. Removing the free galleries and free access to our prized community will do a lot when it comes to protecting our group of committed, caring, supportive and generous photography enthusiasts.
This is not to say every free member is rude and destructive. But requiring membership will reduce the number of these harmful people and give BetterPhoto more control over who is allowed to participate in our community.
From here forward, we will be strictly policing things to keep this standard upheld. We always encourage constructive criticism as is helps fellow photographers grow and improve. But we are committed to putting a stop to anything that would impede our fantastic customers as they strive for photographic excellence.
Where Did the Forum Go?
For the reasons mentioned above, the Forum no longer allows visiting non-members to comment. As the Forum is a benefit of membership, you will see a link to the Forum in the MEMBERSHIP menu. In this public version of the Forum, everyone will be able browse recent threads but non-members will not be able to comment. Only members will be able to ask questions, discuss photos, and respond.
Where is the Listing of Basic Galleries, Deluxe Web Sites, and Pro Web Sites?
You will now find Basic photo galleries listed in the MEMBERSHIP menu and Deluxe/Pro Web sites listed in the GET A WEBSITE menu.
BP Clubs
BetterPhoto Clubs is a benefit of membership and is available to Basic and Masterpiece members, students and Deluxe/Pro Web site owners.
What About Course Takers?
Students of BetterPhoto's world-acclaimed online classes will be able to enjoy all of the features and benefits of Basic Membership while enrolled in a BetterPhoto course.
Note: Being a BetterPhoto student means that you have access to all things BetterPhoto, including the contest. As a student, you can access your Campus Square for a full three months from the start date or your course. During these same three months, you can also participate in the contest, enjoy the Forum, participate in BP Clubs, and enjoy all of the other resources at BetterPhoto.
In fact, people who enroll in a course will enjoy many more forthcoming improvements, enhancements, and benefits. We greatly value all BetterPhoto members, including our students and Web site owners.
What If I'm Not a Course Taker or Web Site Owner?
Supporting BetterPhoto with a Basic Membership works out to be only $4.08/month - can you believe it? For the cost of one decaf latte a month, you can continue to enjoy BetterPhoto's community, contest, learning resources, and more. Find out more about the features and benefits of Basic Membership here:
http://www.betterphoto.com/members.asp
What is this "Masterpiece Membership" thing at BetterPhoto?
We are thrilled to report that we have another hit at BetterPhoto - the Masterpiece Membership. A lot of people have already jumped on board and joined this group of passionate photography enthusiasts.
Won't you join us too? Here are just a few of the benefits of the Masterpiece Membership:
- You'll get motivating photo assignments in our "Monthly Missions"
- You'll benefit from "Masterpiece of the Month" winners and their critiques.
- You'll get special invitation to contribute to Jim Miotke's next book.
- You'll get bonuses and surprises every month!
All this in addition to the features and benefits of a Basic Membership! If you share this quest with me - the quest to make more photos with that elusive "WOW!" factor - you're a prime candidate for the Masterpiece Membership program.
Learn more about this thrilling adventure here:
http://www.betterphoto.com/Masterpiece-Membership/
BTW, if you want read more about this, see my New Year's Message.
Thanks again for being a part our loving, thriving, and enthusiastic community. Here's to a joyful and creative 2009!
James Miotke
Founder, BetterPhoto.com
|
