lisa h Posted November 15, 2006 Share Posted November 15, 2006 I was surprised to read this article (below) on AOL tonight. As far as I know, no one is requiring the parents to buy the photos... and I think it is an relatively inexpensive and convenient way for them to get pictures of their child... to top it all off, the article recommends that the parent scans the photo to save money on reprints! I don't do school photography, but felt the need to share this. What are your thoughts (on this article)? -Lisa Excerpt from the article (titled 'The top 5 Most Annoying School Costs'): 2. Picture Day Parents' Gripe: Spending nearly $50 for a full package of individual, class and sport team photos -- multiple times per year! Ever wonder why the school takes so many darned pictures? Turns out those adorable snap shots are often yet another fundraiser. Only this one pulls at the heart strings. We found one photo studio based in California that advertises on its web site that it's willing to pay schools a 10% commission on all orders. Money-Saving Tips: Just buy the class picture. And don't even consider placing an order during the spring session, when many schools host a secondary picture day. If you just can't resist, purchase the smallest package possible. At the Clark School in Swampscott, Mass., parents can spend as little as $24 for a few wallet-size photos and one of the class. The bill rises to more than $50 if parents splurge for a package that includes a couple of 5-by-7s. Worried you won't have a spare to send to Grandma? Consider scanning your copy or email a cute digital shot you took yourself. http://money.aol.com/top5/general/most-obnoxious-school-costs-2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marv_stasak___southfield__ Posted November 15, 2006 Share Posted November 15, 2006 I sent this email to them: <Scanning photos is a violation of copyright law. You might like to think that photographers make a lot of money, but most of them don't. We work hard to make a living and selling extra prints is what allows most of us to stay in business. It is short sighted advice like this encouragement of an illegal activity that makes it hard for any of us to stay in business, let alone make a reasonable profit. Making statements like "Consider scanning your copy" lends credence to an already widespread, but illegal practice. Of course, you would have no problem at all with an editor copying your work and publishing it without paying you, right?> Sincerely, Marv Stasak Marv Stasak Photography, LLC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert x Posted November 15, 2006 Share Posted November 15, 2006 Well done Marv - it looks like they edited that line out already !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laurenm Posted November 15, 2006 Share Posted November 15, 2006 Nice catch Lisa and good job Marv (though I don't see it editted out when I click the link). What a small world, I went to Clark School! he he! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StuartMoxham Posted November 15, 2006 Share Posted November 15, 2006 Nice catch sent them a mail too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calebcondit Posted November 15, 2006 Share Posted November 15, 2006 I saw the comment still there.. I sent to a message to MoneyComments@aol.com basically asking if they are next week going to feature ideas on saving on entertainment costs like starting a neighborhood dvd and cd burning coop or maybe a tivo archive to share with friends and nieghbors or how about buying one internet connection and linking the internet connections all down the street via wireless routers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt_needham Posted November 15, 2006 Share Posted November 15, 2006 "Well done Marv - it looks like they edited that line out already !!" It's still there. "Worried you won't have a spare to send to Grandma? Consider scanning your copy..." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
austinphoto Posted November 15, 2006 Share Posted November 15, 2006 I guess AOL doesn't understand that what they are advocating is not only illegal, but also hurts the photographer, the school, which relies on a percentage of the sale as a fund raiser and Society, in general. What they are advocating is a "let's all steal what we can" attitude in people. I guess they should know! Their company has gone down to the lowest levels. People are running away from AOL and it's Time Warner partner. Maybe they should advocate that people should copy and their material. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neal_thatcher Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 I still see the scanning/copy part in the story. I e-mailed my complaint and suggest everyone that reads this do the same. In fact, this should be forwarded to every copyright lawyer and photography organization. I have done school photos and it can be one of the toughest gigs in photography. I have even had parents tell me, "I hope you are charging alot for this!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisa h Posted November 16, 2006 Author Share Posted November 16, 2006 Not only do I still see the original comment, but I no longer see the e-mail address that used to be at the bottom of the page (unless I am overlooking something)? Did they remove the e-mail address (instead of the comment)?! anyway, the address wwas 'MoneyComments@aol.com', so you can still write them. -Lisa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emre Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 They must be overstocked on scanners. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.W. Wall Posted November 19, 2006 Share Posted November 19, 2006 Or, overstocked on money. Lawyers? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neal_thatcher Posted November 22, 2006 Share Posted November 22, 2006 Maybe not...looks like AOL removed it but I think they may have just been reprinting this original article: http://www.smartmoney.com/top5/index.cfm?story=20061108 I have already been in contact w/ the ASMP & PPA who were having their legal departments look into this. Lets all make Stacey Bradford know how much we appreciate her article w/ a little e-mail love! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottmeyer71 Posted November 29, 2006 Share Posted November 29, 2006 Just sent an email to the local ASMP rep. here in ohio, I suggest everyone do the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gaius1 Posted November 30, 2006 Share Posted November 30, 2006 Isn't Time Warner, owner of AOL, one of the companies busily suing file sharers for doing exactly what they're recommending doing here? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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