Literally, yes, you could say that.
Which should be the end of the discussion.
But, since you want to elaborate with emotive (and not rational) "feelings" ... I will address them as frankly as I can.
but I think Larry probably had another interpretation in mind. Somehow, doing all those things you list isn't quite in the same bag as normal photographic marketing in the general run of the business. Somehow, there's a slightly sour taste hidden within the mix. I'm finding it very difficult to articulate without offending, but the gut feeling is very clear to me. It all smacks of crawling on one's belly - somehow: see, see, love me, please?
Well, that would be your own insecure and jaded view of things.
I don't know what "normal" photographic marketing is, but everyone has to start somewhere. No one starts at the top of the heap. And, considering there are thousands of photographers in each genre, the only way to get noticed among the throng is to get out there and market yourself in any way you can.
Were it possible simply to shoot the stuff, hand it in to stock or to an editor and collect a cheque through the post, then yep, pretty good. Even better, Mr Client rings you up and asks you to go to wherever and come back with whatever. Now that's nice. And that's what happens in some other realms of the fine art we call photography. All the messing about with a string of egos is not all right at all. On the other hand, I'm quite willing to accept that that's no more than my reaction, that others lap it all up.
Sure, it would be nice to be the center of the world and to have everyone else call you. It would be nice if everyone would just ask you where they should send the money, and leave you to your photography, but it takes awhile for anyone to "get" to a position like that.
So, really, your perspective has more to do with a fragile ego and insecurity.
There *are* some nature photographers who are in this kind of position, but I can truthfully promise you they had to work their a$$es off to get there. No one, who is starting out (really in ANY photographic genre) can reasonably expect for top publications/galleries/clients to be ringing their phones off the hook for work.
Therefore, a person who is starting out is either willing to bust their ass and get out there and market themselves, over-and-over-again, until they "make it" ... or they can sit around with false pride and wait for a miracle.
Anyone who is afraid of hard work, or who is waiting for the world to plop into their lap, is most likely headed for disappointment. Furthermore, some people actually enjoy writing articles, and actually enjoy meeting people at shows, actually enjoy teaching people at workshops, etc.
But, in the end, I think Larry right.
Rob C
You can think what you want, but not everybody has your cynical perspective. In the end, I think the only part you got right was when you admitted this was no more than your own personal reaction; that others really do enjoy these different aspects of their work.
Jack
.