 Alexandra J. Wencel |
Anybody heard of... Hello, Has anubody heard of the magazine "Nature's Best Photography"? I want to submit a photo to a contest there and it asking alot of questions (I don't know if it's proto-call or what). Here's is the questions down below in quotation marks. "Full Name: It's just to me is that they are asking for too much information. But I haven't been really submitting photos to any photo contest's other then on here (BetterPhoto). I don't really know if all that questions are standerdized or not. I know for basic information about your name, address and phone number is OK. But I don't understand why they would ask how old you are, what sex you are, etc...
Thanks in advance. Alex W P.S. I am not trying to promote this magazine if it does exist (No offense to the magazine or the workers of the magazine). I just don't want to find out I was scammed or my idenity stolen or something like that. You never know these days.
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Bob Cammarata |
This sounds like a company who compiles (and possiby even sells) "mailing lists". The contest is the hook. You will likely find that your direct-marketing advertizing material (a.k.a. junkmail) will increase in the coming months.
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Sharon Day |
I've seen this magazine at Barnes & Noble. I'm pretty sure I know someone who entered the contest and won $50. I'll double check and let you know.
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Irene Troy |
I’m probably as paranoid (or perhaps even more so!) as the next person; however, just so you know: Nature’s Best is an extremely reputable magazine that publishes some absolutely fantastic images from some of the world’s foremost photographers in the field. They are definitely NOT a scam or “e-mail list” operation. I’ve been reading this magazine for a few years and drooling over the images. I have considered entering one of the contests, but have not because, until recently, I did not feel my work was worthy. But, a friend of mine, who is a well recognized pro, has entered and won in the pro categories a few times. Despite being published in National Geographic and other high end publications, he treasures his win in this magazine. Every year the magazine holds a contest that anyone can enter. The contest features various categories including divisions for pros, amateurs and young people (kids and teens). In the last couple of years some of the winners have included instructors here and some big names that most of us would recognize. They have also included every day folks whose work is wonderful, even if they are not (yet) pros. The main yearly contest is very competitive and your work really does have to be good to win. They also have other contests during the year that are sometimes limited to amateurs and/or teens and kids. The questions on their entry form are, at least in my experience, fairly routine for a national publication. They want to know who you are because if you win they include all that relevant info. If you have the opportunity, pick up a copy at a newsstand and see the level of excellence in their images. Oh, and Bob, I’m not slamming you for your response! If I did already know the magazine I’d be suspicious. As you well know, there are many, many scams out there just hoping that one of us will fall for their come on. Irene
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Mark Feldstein |
Well Irene, you know the ole adage: "Just because you're paranoid, doesn't mean someone is NOT out to get ya." While your recommendations, along with Sharons and Bob's (afterall Bob, beauty before age) accounts for a great deal, it's always 'entrant beware', right? People not only need to do their homework but also need to thoroughly read, heed and understand ALL the contest rules and regs BEFORE they submit images. This is also a powerful reason for people who are seriously considering submitting their work for publication or contest entries to have and be reading on a regular basis, a subscription to Photo District News. PDN.com This is one of the significant industry publications with the straight scoop on who is doing what to, for whom, how when and where.
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Irene Troy |
Mark, you are so very right! It is vitally important that everyone – and I mean EVERYONE – pro or rank beginner seriously check out any contest, offer, sale request, etc. There are an increasingly large number of scams targeted at people who are trying to turn a hobby into a profession or those who simply would like to participate in a competition. When I first started selling articles I began getting numerous e-mail and snail mail offers to “show case” my work in some obscure publication. I also got a whole lot of “YOU HAVE WON!!!!!!” messages. It can feel really great to think - if even for a moment – that you have won a contest. But when you discover that the whole thing is a sham the feeling of anger, regret and foolishness can feel so much worse. I haven’t received many such offers for my images (gee, is that a good or bad thing?) but, those I have received have ended up in the trash pretty quick. My personal approach to all such offers is simply to do my homework. If I can’t verify the facts the offer is filed under bogus. More on Nature’s Best: they have an affiliation with the Smithsonian and also have a relationship with groups such as the Sierra Club and Audubon. If your interest lies in nature photography it may be worth your time to look through a copy. Personally, it is one of my favorites and serves as great inspiration. The contests, from what I have seen, are tough. Even the entries by young people are excellent and those by working pros are some of the best I’ve seen in any publication. However, as I said before, they offer some contests just to amateurs, so it may be worth entering.
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- Carolyn M. Fletcher  Contact Carolyn M. Fletcher Carolyn M. Fletcher's Gallery |
I know a few people who have entered and one who has won. It's not a scam, nor does it generate spam or additional mail.
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Bob Cammarata |
I'm not really as cynical as my previous post might suggest. (Except for my political views…on which I think were all pretty much screwed.) My response to Alexandra's query was not to imply "scam" or anything even remotely negative about Nature's Best Photography or their contest but to suggest that there may be an underlying agenda in their questionnaire. As someone who has had past experience with direct marketing, these questions seem custom-tailored to isolate specifically targeted consumers...those who (may or may not) choose to spend their discretionary The company produces a fine magazine with great insights into photography...and provides a contest which provides recognition and reward, so it’s a win/win scenario for both parties.
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Irene Troy |
Well put, Bob - I get pretty fed up with how so many companies - even the supposed "honest" ones-Share my private info in the name of profit. I can usually tell how someone got my info by the content of their marketing ploy. I have been known to cancel orders and subscriptions based on this practice. IMO, I shouldn't have to worry that because I make a purchase from one store that this means I am now on the mailing list of every similar merchant in the world! That's why I am more and more reluctant to share personal info. I actually have one e-mail account that is used simply to ask for info from unknown companies so that I don't get flooded with SPAM. It's a tough world and we, the consumer, also have to be tough and wise.
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Bob Cammarata |
There's a simple test Alexandra can perform to see if my suspicions are valid. She can enter the contest as "Alex" and see if any advertising comes to her in that name. To combat the spam e-mails, I keep a second e-mail account (Hotmail) open and use that address for all on-line ordering.
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Sharon Day |
"People not only need to do their homework but also need to thoroughly read, heed and understand ALL the contest rules and regs BEFORE they submit images." So true, Mark! Several times I've passed on contests after reading the terms. I especially hate it when they offer a small prize but want exclusive rights.
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