BetterPhoto Q&A
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Photography Question 

Joanne E. Bohenstengel
 

How do you find honorable mention photos?


I was informed that one of my photo's received an honorable mention. How do I find out which photo it was. Or is that just a gimmic to get me to enroll in a course?


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October 21, 2010

 
wildlifetrailphotography.com - Donald R. Curry

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  Joanne,

I receive the same thing. I wondered as well whether it is just a gimmic.


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October 21, 2010

 

Monnie Ryan
  Jack and I both got that e-mail too, with no notification as to which photo it was. Sounds like they've created a new award, so hopefully Kara's right and the badge will show up in a day or two. I'd certainly hate to think this is just some kind of ploy.


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October 21, 2010

 

Dawn M. Dorland
  I got the same email today as well. I never got anything more than an EP, so I was kind of excited. Then wondered too if it was just a gimmick. I sent BP an email asking if there was any way to find out what photo it was for, have not heard back yet. I sure hope for all of us thats its something new...


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October 21, 2010

 

Linda Jackman
  I received the same email today. I looked and can not find my photo.


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October 21, 2010

 

Joanne E. Bohenstengel
  I will be so disappointed if this is a gimmick to get us to enroll in a class. I have only gone as far as EP on many of my photo's. I was excited to have received an "honorable mention". I enjoy taking pictures just for fun and enjoyment, if this is a gimmick, it definitely will have taken some of the enjoyment out of Better Photo.


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October 21, 2010

 

Jean E. Hildebrant
  I got one too and like the rest of you, the "honorable mention" photo was not marked or even listed anywhere as to which one it was. I think this is a marketing ploy and I am not very happy about it. If he wants to offer $20.00 off that is fine but then why give us a "false" honorable mention? I think that is rather degrading. Maybe we all need to contact Mr. Miotke and ask him which of our last month's images won honorable mention?
Jean


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October 21, 2010

 

Patti Coblentz
  What does "honorable mention" mean, anyway? What does one have to do to gain this recognition by BP?


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October 21, 2010

 
- Rita Hill

BetterPhoto Member
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Rita Hill's Gallery
  Ditto, I too got a email that my entry of last month got an "Honorable Mention" I sent a reply asking what this was about. No response as of yet. I sure hope it's not a marketing ploy. Feeling discouraged right now....:(


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October 21, 2010

 

Jeffrey A. Eatley
  I got really excited today to see that msg! But I quickly began to think the same as you all! I hope soon they clear this up! But Mine was for $25.00 off So Maybe I am lucky! Just a joke.

The thing is, I do want to take classes on here but not if they are baiting me. The classes should sell themselves.

This could be a big mistake for BP and I really hope it is not true and if it is I think they just took a big step down!


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October 21, 2010

 

Graham Robards
  I got one too Jean, it is a marketing ploy since I have been too ill to enter even one photo in September.

Oh sorry I did, a painting and it didn't even get an E.P. LOL. ~Pat


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October 21, 2010

 

Barbara J. Eads
  I received one on those e-mails also, I will be very disappointed in BP if in fact it is a marketing ploy.


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October 21, 2010

 

Berdeen L. Meadows
  I got one today too, that's a bummer! I was so excited, I haven't been able to get past EP. What's up BP? Sick joke.


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October 22, 2010

 

Michele Goldfarb
  Hi. Yes, I also have the message and am feeling that it is for marketing. I am currently in a class and feeling very good about the class instruction/feedback and as Jeffrey mentioned, that would be the reason I would sign up again. This though will have me rethink.


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October 22, 2010

 
- Kathryn (Love) Scheet

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Kathryn (Love) Scheet
Kathryn (Love) Scheet's Gallery
  I also received the same email, no comment as to what image it was referring to... I have to agree with you - a disappointing notification. I am not impressed with this type of gimmick or whatever one might want to call it.

I did have one Honorable Mention back when BP was having the cash contest, and I would think this is waaay to late regarding that!!


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October 22, 2010

 

Lindsay Rose
  i came back to Q&A hoping to find an answer to my Q about honourable mentions and receiving $20 toward my next course.... I am SO incredibly discouraged now and BP's credibility is questionable at the moment. I was SO excited that a photo of mine was recognized.... sigh.... what a crummy hoax. fire that marketing person!!!


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October 22, 2010

 

Kristy A. Keene
  I also received the e-mail and it really upsets me. My e-mail is constantly full of things from BP now. All wanting me to join classes. I have even stopped entering photos into the BP contest this month. I use to LOVE BP but it has really taken a turn for the worse lately. I am just wondering when classes will be required before you can enter the contest.... I can't help to believe that BP has stopped being about a fun place to share your photos and started being all about money!


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October 22, 2010

 

Gretchen J. Gilkey
  Like all of you before me - I also received the e-mail. I have taken a few classes through BP and I'm currently taking one now - all have been wonderful!! That's the reason I continue to take classes - not because of a mass email marketing skeem. I agree, over the past year - BP has REALLY overwhelmed me with e-mails encouraging me to enroll in classes - I do not like this new direction they are taking.


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October 22, 2010

 

Dawn M. Dorland
  I certainly hope BP is reading this thread and comes up with a good excuse for this one. I too have been recieving their numerous sales emails. BP needs to realize that some of us are here to learn/ and, or / enjoy photography with people like ourselves. Not all of us are interested in our websites being the next amazon.com. I have really enjoyed the classes I have taken with BP, and if this is some cruel marketing ploy... I will seriously reconsider BP for my future photography intersts.


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October 22, 2010

 

Jeffrey A. Eatley
  I say we all start sending them emails! This is some crap


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October 22, 2010

 

Bobby R. Strange
  Yup, same as everyone else. Same e-mail. Same $20 deal. I did enter 1 photo last month and at least got an EP on it, but no other indication that it was an honorable mention :(


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October 22, 2010

 

Vicki Reece
  Add me to the list too!
Disappointed and not happy about this marketing gimmick. I joined BP to learn. Like so many others, I get excited when I receive a notification about comments left for one of my shots. I totally appreciate those of you who take the time to leave critiques and comments. I was hopeful that it wasn't a gimmick but after all of these similar posts, I am guessing it is.


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October 22, 2010

 

Ruth E. Foster-Lindsay
  I have also received the same e-mail but can't tell what photo it was. I think BP needs to clarify this for us because no one seems to be able to find their "honorable mention" photo!


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October 22, 2010

 

Carol A. Grady
  I received the same e-mail yesterday 10/21 and cannot find the photo referenced. I have e-mailed BP asking for clarification and received a response saying they would get back to me.

My disappointment - if this is a ploy will be awful. I am enrolled in a class starting in November - think I could use the 20.00 for that one? Ha!


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October 22, 2010

 
- Rita Hill

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Rita Hill
Rita Hill's Gallery
  Wow! after reading everyone's comments I have to question and agree with everyone that this is a marketing ploy. Feeling real hurt now. My image of BP is not a happy one at the moment.


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October 22, 2010

 

Pamela Koch
  I too can be added to the list of people that received the e-mail yesterday regarding the honorable mention award for one of my photos and the $20.00 credit towards a photo course. This is a disappointment, if in fact it was a marketing ploy. But let's allow BP to hopefully right their wrong by at least acknowledging their terrible mistake if it fact this was just for marketing purposes.


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October 22, 2010

 

Jeffrey A. Eatley
  Everyone Send emails and complaints cause this is crap! Let them know how you feel and that is not cool! Like a slap in the face. I was so excited and told my girlfriend about it and everything and now, What, it is just a ploy! Total Crap!


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October 22, 2010

 

M.Christine Duncan
  I too recieved an honorable mention... and if this is a ploy I'm pretty ticked, as I have paid LOTS of money for their premium website for the last two years going on three. I am a very serious full time photographer, running my own business and was not born yesterday!I have checked through my recent images and none have any kind of badge indicating this "honor"....
come on BP - fess up please. Or create an honorable mention catagory in a hurry, cause the natives are getting restless.


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October 22, 2010

 

Alison Krylowski
  I got one too and was very excited. I will be so disappointed in BP is this is a ploy. I have been a member for over 5 years and spent over $1000 for my premium gallery and delux website. I have emailed 3 times and got no response. If anyone gets an answer PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!!!!!!!!


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October 22, 2010

 

Jeff E Jensen
  I will be pretty surprised if it is anything other than a marketing gimmick. Seems like selling classes is the biggest focus around here these days.


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October 22, 2010

 

Jeff E Jensen
  I received this same message yesterday. Sent them an email yesterday, but as of today no response


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October 22, 2010

 

Jon M. Lamrouex
  I also received an email regarding Honorable Mention. As a member of BP for many years and having entered many photos into the contests I am sure that what is happening is that the sheer numbers of entries continues to make it difficult for any single photo to gain recognition.

I have been lucky enough to have several finalists over the years and even one POTD.

Gaining even an editor pick recognition against the kind of competition that the BP monthly contest has is very rewarding.

As to the marketing aspect of the contest - well BP is a for-profit entity and as a contest entrant you have just stepped up a notch on the ladder of those photographers that might be interested in a class. Don't be so cynical as to look a gift horse in the mouth and take advantage of the opportunity IF you are interested in any of the classes. $20 is $20.

I have spent years trying to improve my photography through practice, live seminars and online classes. The classes are great and instructors at BP are unmatched in their knowledge, ability to pass this on to their students and how much they actually care about those taking the classes.

Good Shooting to Everyone!


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October 22, 2010

 

Carol A. Grady
  Just got an e mail saying if I submitted my request after 5 today I won't receive a response until Monday. I sent my e-mail 10/21.


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October 22, 2010

 

Terri J. Burrow
  I received the same as you all. Honorable Mention.. $20 off a course. I'm now feeling pretty discouraged if this indeed is a marketing ploy.
I agree, Betterphoto isn't nearly as good as it once was. Mr. Miotke must not be making any cash from it. :( To insult aspiring photographers this way, though is seriously unprofessional.


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October 22, 2010

 

Berdeen L. Meadows
  Thanks to Jon L. for his comment. I think BP just needs to give clarification on what an HM is. Is it better than an EP? Or less?


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October 22, 2010

 
- Dennis Flanagan

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Dennis Flanagan
Dennis Flanagan's Gallery
  EP = Honorable Mention


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October 22, 2010

 

Jeffrey A. Eatley
  I read over a ton of stuff aboutcontest and all the rules and EPs are not honorable mentions. If BP wants to put out ads selling the classes that is fine and I understand. I am planning to take some soon but this is not the right way to do it. I understand they need to make money and I don't mind spending it. Find another way or I think like many others, I may be leaving and spend my money else where.


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October 22, 2010

 

Stephanie M. Hakala
  I too received the image, via my Blackberry and was very excited to get back home (to internet service!) to see what was picked. I am hopeful and optimistic after reading Jon's response. I have been pleased with my classes and feedback, and would take a class again. Hopefully it is not a marketing ploy, but I suppose we shall see. On the positive side, had a chance to scroll through a TON of photos. You all are very inspirational!


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October 22, 2010

 

Joanne E. Bohenstengel
  I don't think we are being cynical as Jon stated. Jon you have received finalist & POTD. I was excited to think that I had a HM and just wanted to find out which photo it was. I love taking pictures and am not as skilled as many of you and to think that maybe I had an honorable mention really excited me.


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October 23, 2010

 
- Kenny Metro

BetterPhoto Member
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Kenny Metro's Gallery
  Thanks BP...but NO THANKS!


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October 23, 2010

 

Amy Wadley
  The honorable mention is in recognition of your entry or entries in last month's contest. It is not tied to a specific image.

Thanks for participating in BetterPhoto's monthly photography contest!!

Amy Wadley
Contest Manager


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October 23, 2010

 

paul g. maher
  yeah thanks, I emailed and asked you where I could find the pic and you havent even answered the email


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October 23, 2010

 

Alison Krylowski
  Amy - That is not a very good explanation. I emailed 10 times about this and I know many other members did, most of them members for many years. Up until now, you and your staff have been very responsive and quick to answer emails, which I have always appreciated. The honorable mention emails you sent to everyone were very deceiving, which comes as a shock to me since I have always trusted this site implicitly. Members wait so anxiously every month to see if they have placed in the contest. My main reason for using this site is to get feedback from other members and recognition for my work. What's the point if you say we are honorable and you don't tell us why or for what photo!? It's pointless and discouraging.


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October 23, 2010

 
BetterPhotoJim.com - Jim Miotke

BetterPhoto Member
BetterPhoto Crew: King
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  Hi everyone,

I am sitting in a conference but wanted to respond to you all and say: I'm sorry that I used the term "Honorable Mention" - I can see how I inadvertently got your hopes up...

My bad.

As I explain in this video, my intention was just to help people feel good even when they didn't win.

Here's the video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqpTNOxidJw

I think what we'll give contestants this gift again next month but not call it "honorable mention". That seems to me to be the key mistake here...

I will reserve that term for when we award particular images that get really close to Second Place prize level.

I can see how people would feel confused and again, I apologize for using that term instead of simply saying "thanks for entering the contest".

Best wishes and have a wonderful weekend.

Jim


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October 23, 2010

 
- Nikki McDonald

BetterPhoto Member
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  I think offering a course discount as a thank you to EVERYONE who has entered the contest is a very nice idea. However, it should be a standing offer for all entrants, not a consolation for those who were not lucky enough to receive a finalist in a given month. I doubt there are any BP members who do not think they could benefit from a course, but offering a discount on a course to selected members (rather than to everyone) carries with it the implication that those members "need" to take a class to get better, a subtly insulting message that I am sure you do not want to send. And, as you now realize, there should be no implication that the offer is in any way a prize or award of merit or that it is in recognition of any particular image.


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October 23, 2010

 

Carol A. Grady
  Of course my ultimate goal is to win the contest, but I did not need to be notified that I was given an honorable mention for an as yet to be found photo. I "feel good" when I receive an EP and keep my fingers crossed that it will go on. In my opinion, this e-mail was misleading - perhaps not intentionally - but obviously not very well thought out.


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October 23, 2010

 

Joanne E. Bohenstengel
  Just watched Jim's video. First, I have never been discouraged that I have never gone father than an EP. If that is all I ever get I will be happy with that. Perhaps, there should be HM awards in the future with NO strings attached. I enjoy viewing all the other photographer's photo's and getting ideas. My daughter got me interested in BP (she is quite good) Lynn Haack is her name, check out her gallary, and I am glad she did. I will now move on from this subject and maybe Jim will come up with some kind of an award for us that don't have all the deluxe equipment and just do their best with what they have. Thanks everyone for commenting.


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October 23, 2010

 
- Elida Gutierrez

BetterPhoto Member
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Elida Gutierrez's Gallery
  Like everything, the contest needs a reform.

Hey Jim maybe you can do a survey, so you can know what BP members want to stop the misunderstanding.


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October 23, 2010

 

Berdeen L. Meadows
  A survey is a great idea! I personally would like to see comments on the winning photos and why they were chosen. I have not been able to afford a class, maybe someday, but gather my tips for free from other websites and discussion threads.

BP is a great site. I love seeing other people's photos. But unless you're willing to plunk down money at every turn there really is no help available.


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October 23, 2010

 

Vicki Reece
  I actually feel worse after watching the video.


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October 23, 2010

 

Lynn R. Powers
  Jim,
You know how callous I am even if you think I have a good sense of humor.
I feel that rewarding every entrant receiving a special thanks as a reward is foolish. When we enter we receive a
"Thank You". It is like having a race and giving everyone a trophy. Why do they keep score in ballgames.

You would be doing more for those that have not made it as far as an EFP and
for those that have never entered that you denote some space on your site or offer a course showing what really good photographs consist of and what makes them great. Does the photo set a mood, what kind of mood and what the photographer did to create it. Encourage them to look at the magazine covers and have them try to figure out why the individual stands out from the background or is a part of it. What type of lighting, filters and PS tools may have been used. They can learn about composition by taking a good look at product photography advertisements. Also keeping a file of favorite photos in a file (tear photos from magazines but NOT books) They need to know the difference between technical and art as well as when to use them separately as well as how to combine them. Many people on this forum do not know what a good photo looks like aside from pretty colors or the cute expression on a baby/kid/pet/ or wild animal.

When I was learning B&W photography I was told to purchase a true fine art photo to compare my prints. I finally purchased an Ansel Adams print. It is not my favorite photo taken by him. It is one that shows the depth that can be obtained in two dimensions not by only proper DOF but by tone. I have redone many prints because I have the photo nearby.

I am glad that there are winners and losers in your monthly contest. I have only made it as far as "Finalist" three times and about a third of the time do not even receive an EFP. But when I compare my photos to the winners I have always agreed that they were considerably better than mine and deserved the honors.

However if you want to give all of your members a $20 discount on courses I won't disagree with you at all.


Lynn


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October 23, 2010

 

Janet Dietz
  Very glad to find this thread and realize that I was not alone in my feelings of disappointment. I have been a member of BP for a long time, and have noticed lately that the sales pitch seems to be whining much louder each week. Selling classes does seem to be what it's all about lately, I agree. Please shift the focus back to the people and their work, and the class attendees will sign up out of yearning to do better. Not because they received X number of emails from PB that week, or miniscule discounts.

Keep the marketing seperate from the time and hard work we all put into our entries. Mr. Miotke should realize how we all feel when we get that prized email from BP that says, "Congratulations".

My entire image of BP has changed based on this one incident and your way of handling the misunderstanding. Very lame, and you dare to joke in the middle of it that you have yet something else to sell??? Very poor taste.


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October 24, 2010

 

Mike Bachman
  I watched Jim's You Tube explanation and to me it sounds like a spin doctor at work.
I was in the Masterpiece program and left primarily because I was been bombarded with daily advertising messages from Jim.
I hope he learns from this gaff, but somehow I doubt it.
Mike


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October 24, 2010

 

Dawn M. Dorland
  I admit I feel very mislead by the Honorable mention notification. However, I have taken 5 classes with BP and enjoy them greatly, and love the people I meet on this site and viewing their talent. Even though I have taken more classes than a lot of people here, I do get discouraged since I dont feel my photos are strong compared to most others. I dont feel it is BP's fault, as I learn a lot in the classes. Maybe I dont have a natural talent for photography like many, but I will continue to take classes with BP and learn from the many great photographers on this site.


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October 24, 2010

 
- Tracy L. Hart

BetterPhoto Member
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Tracy L. Hart's Gallery
  After reading these forums, I'm speechless... It was not fair to have an Honorable Mention.. I've been with BP it seems like forever, and yet, never gotten past EP. THose of you complaining about only being a finalst a few times... BE happy.. at least you're there... I dont want to leave BP... but if the marketing scheme doenst change.. i'll save my money.. I have had a couple courses, but money is TIGHT everywhere... Give me a free course, not a free website! If that's what you're pushing.


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October 24, 2010

 

Ben M. Trapnell
  I, too, think the "honorable mention" for entering a contest was at the very least not well thought out. I have taken courses from some wonderful photographers. What I've liked the most was their specific feedback as to why a photo was or wasn't very good. I know a technically good photo from one that is not. What I need much work on involves the artistic side of a photo. I can't seem to "see it" to know it. If I had one wish, it would be that people would leave constructive feedback on the photos entered into a contest. If receiving an EP, why was it chosen? I know that much of what is good art is in the eye of the beholder. Beyond the technical, however, there is something in good photos that go way beyond. Some see it clearly... I'm still having trouble. I know people are encouraged to give feedback. I do when it's obvious to me why something does or doesn't work. To you who've been around the block a few times, leave a note or two each time you log in. To Jim and the rest of the BetterPhoto staff, don't give me $20.00 off on a course. Give me solid feedback!


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October 24, 2010

 

Scott Wohlman
  My first reaction after realizing the honorable mention wasn't tied to a particular photo was the same as many of you, just another sales pitch. I'm getting a lot of these, to the point where I often delete mail without reading it when I see it is from BetterPhoto.

I won't use the $20 off for a course, but if BetterPhoto wants to reward my loyalty with another $20 next month, and the next, etc and I can eventually combine the awards I would use and appreciate the offer.


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October 25, 2010

 

Peter W. Marks
  THE DISHONORABLE MENTION CLUB STRIKES BACK!

After weeks of TV being inundated with political ads for the crooks in Washington, State capitols and Local governments. After my mailbox being stuffed with unsolicited mail for the same crooks and my email overflowing with yet more unsolicited spam mail why should I be in the least surprised to receive the ill-thought-out , misbegotten 'Honorable Mention' message from BP?
Many of the members themselves carry some responsibility for this as over the years they proclaim their overjoyed excitement at 'winning" an Editors First Pick. They have NOT won, what they have achieved is exactly what the contest rules state, their photo represents an "uploaded photo that Team BetterPhoto has found especially interesting, eye-catching, or beautiful. They are simply contest entries that have moved on from Round 1 of the contest judging". So my point is that because the ecstatic response of so many members would be more appropriate for the winner of a Pulitzer Prize the management of BP thought they were on to a good thing by introducing yet another meaningless title.
The twenty bucks off represents a ten or five percent discount depending on the course taken and nothing wrong with that but judging by many of the responses above this means of offering it has left a slightly nasty taste in the mouth for members and these responses probably only represent the tiny minority that use this Q and A forum.
It would be one thing to receive a sincere mesasage from BP telling us they know the economy is crap but perhaps $20 would help out but don't BS me with an HM.
About the only fun I have derived from all this is picturing the folk back at home-office running around like chicken with their heads cut off while trying to contact Jim at the conference to give a politician's reponse.
Sorry James, I wouldn't be voting for you.


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October 26, 2010

 
- Ritajane Smith

BetterPhoto Member
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  Might I add my two cents here, I really am pleased when I get the preverbal EP's, I don't need to make finalist, winner or anything else, just the fact that my photo has some merit and the Professional Photographers see some talent in the photo I am happy!

If and when I receive the Finalist or the Winner then I will know that I have progressed to another level...

As for the Honorable Mention, I have seen those buttons on other photographer’s sites here, but that was before all the other changes were made.

I was a bit disappointed that it was a ploy, but with I understand why it was done...

Everyone have a blessed day that we all have been given to enjoy and continue to shot and do your best!

Shalom, Ritajane


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November 18, 2010

 

Jeff E Jensen
 
 
 
Learning Photography Online
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