Dear BC,
With the risk of being tiring myself, I wish to answer and correct:
Also for the record a lot of people that get called dissenters or negative are actually writing not to complain, but to honestly put in direct terms what they expect when it comes to handing over hard earned cash. I would think some of that information is invaluable.
Yes, BC, IT IS invaluable information, and I (we) are very much thankful for it, BUT:
- the very same information has been repeated and repeated over and over again. At a certain point it is not longer information, and does not bring anybody further.
AND
- some of the so-called "dissenters" and "negative" (very few, in fact) are not all providing information, but mainly finding their interest in insulting persons and bashing products: I do and shall continue to regard these persons as lacking of any basic education and respect. And I do honestly ask myself what are the reasons behind and why this need.
Forums and blogs are interesting how they change tone. A few years ago everyone said, where are the makers, the reps, the technical people and now we have them. I find some of that good, but I also know that regardless of how forthright and honest most of them are, there is still an agenda to put the best light on their product. It would be foolish not to.
As long as one does provide fair and true information, there is definitively nothing wrong with it, putting the product in" the best light".
But I also understand is the sword cuts both ways. You can't use what is essentially a public forum to advertise products and not take some hard questions.
But then again, why is world pricing such a hard question to answer, especially when asked by someone that is a potential buyer? Especially in todays economy, which recent events prove that when it comes to money we are all in this together, like it or not. The dollar is hooked to the Euro, the Yen and the Pound.
I have NO PROBLEM at all with "hard questions", and even welcome them, to some extend, only and solely when the same has been repeated for months almost every day OR with "INSULTS" and "DISRESPECT". This being said, I do not see myself as "advertising" products.
If the question is related to the Sinar US prices not yet published/corrected, as promised by Greg King above/below to be done on Monday: I have been in contact with Greg and he will put these prices here, but is simply asking for a bit patience.
... so why is it so offensive if someone asks how much is a Sinar, or for that matter any piece of equipment if I bought it in Russia, New York or Sydney?
Nothing offensive in asking prices, BC. I will try to explain it again: I cannot and do not accept insults and disrespect, and shall answer each and any single time. If in addition these insults do suggest "sexual behaviour", or do have a racist or religious connotation, then I am asking for an apology and retraction of what was suggested or claimed, when it concerns my person.
If I sold cameras, I'd look at these type of threads as an opportunity to answer the hard questions. I would use this as an entry to mention great service, better product, clearer pricing and if I didn't have positive answers to those questions I would explain with clarity how I planned to achieve those goals.
That's what I am trying to do, with the help of some distributors/dealers.
In other words I would look for a way to turn the conversation around into a positive message rather than get hurt feelings.
You did not get it: it is not about "hurt feelings" and I don't have "hurt feelings" at all! It is about education, about respect, and about a view of life which I personally do not support and understand: sexual, racial and religious comments have to be out of such a discussion forum. I hope I express myself clearly enough this time.
I also believe you should appreciate our responses because obviously you find value here or you wouldn't have logged on in the first place.
Yes, I do. But then, I found/find especially value to it because it is my passion. I could live without Sinar, but certainly not without photography. If I am here it's because of this passion and because I do learn myself and here as well much.
If the makers that have recently joined this forum want a theme where people just praise product then there are places out there that offer this.
I don't want this, and don't think ever have given this feeling.
The alternative to this is to go to someone like Jake Chessum who is on the editorial A-list and ask him why he shoots film with an RZ instead of digital. Hand him an HY6 and H3dII (I hope I have that right because some of these names get confusing) and ask for an unvarnished, no hurt feelings, no praise the brand response.
I think we did and still do this.
Since this thread was based on price and that became objectionable, ask these or other working photographers how they respond when some art buyer, or photo editor screams why is the invoice not clear and understandable.
I doubt seriously if the photographer responds by saying, "I am getting a bit tired to get bashed all the time "
BC, when the very same issues are repeated day after day, the way you do it, IT IS tiring: I did answer those very same issues, where I could answer, many times. I did agree to forward and I did so. I did as well clearly say that some points cannot be changed within a few days. And I did as well say it clearly, when I did not know an answer. Please accept that it can be understood only as "bashing", especially in this case and about prices, when it is then repeated again. It is eventually also not much giving respect to the time all these company reps and dealers spend here to try to help.
Thanks for your understanding and best regards,
Thierry
