So here’s the deal…we all empathize with fellow photographers that have had a run of bad luck, especially if they’ve been a victim of a crime…HOWEVER…when we are asked to help said photographers because they did not bother to take a basic vital step in protecting their business (ie buy a business insurance policy) we have to wonder what they’re thinking…
Consider the case of Ohio photographer Brian Kolin…Brian was prepping to shoot a session in Cleveland, Ohio when he was robbed by a one-armed bandit of all of his equipment, valued at $12,000. He has set up a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of $10,000 to replace said equipment (insert head-scratching audio here). Brian’s campaign has a video explaining the event and his request for donations, however the video raises FAR more questions than it answers.
It’s also prudent to note that in the time-lapse between recording this episode and posting it, the title of the campaign has changed from “Camera Gear Was Robbed Today” with an explanation of a “device” in the pocket of the assailant, to “Photographer Robbed at Gunpoint”. I dunno, Brian, we are trying to give you the benefit of the doubt here, but we’d like some more information, m’kay?
Link to the campaign here (caveat: this isn’t to solicit donations – in fact, we caution you against doing that until more information is made available): https://www.gofundme.com/camera-gear-was-robbed-today.
Link to the news article which also notes that the images from the Cleveland Mayoral Debate were lost (ouch, so glad it wasn’t a wedding, thank goodness there were plenty of folks in the audience who could supply images, instead. Sarcasm folks, sarcasm.): http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2017/08/photographer_at_city_club_of_c.html
Our conversation goes on to explore the topic of GoFundMe being used for other than noble purposes. Causes that historically could be managed by the requester are now being shoved upon the public for their support. I dunno about you, but when I started *my* business, I used funds that I scrimped and saved for years. Just sayin’.
The topic of the day then turns to the immense Powerball prize that was won by a lady in Massachusetts and what in the world *we* would do with such a prize.
Of course, Ted has a reference to a movie/TV show (Amazon Prime members – you can watch this for free) about a man who received everything his little black heart desired, which is here: The Twilight Zone: A Nice Place to Visit.
We are still accepting entries into our Ridiculously Photoshopped Eclipse contest – the winner gets a guest spot on the show. Enter NOW, or forever hold your peace. Amen.
Investigatably yours,
Christine (aka Skully)