I think Nathan couldn't have said it any better! This man deserves the respect he receives, that is for sure. I think there are way too many untrustworthy people in the industy - Nathan is certainly NOT one of them! I am happy to know him and look forward to being an active community member on his site. Perhaps others may now pass on the information they have learned about him - in one posting - to those who may appreciate his guidance, even if it may cost $24.95!

quote:

Originally posted by boysboysboys:
I hope everyone ignore's Diane's posts.
She is clearly a very angry woman at something or someone only she can know.
cali

Beatrice,

I think you should get to know the business a bit better and understand what happens and what can happen in this business before you accuse someone of being "very angry".

I was expressing my OPINION.... I think that's still allowed here. And, in my OPINION, I think it's not right to force someone to purchase a book in order to join a website. Simple. Especially in a business where there are scammers at every turn looking to dupe unsuspecting people out of "only" $___ to be on a website, in a database, in a book, or whatever.

I'm NOT saying that Nathan is a scammer. What I AM saying is that I find it very strange that someone would have to purchase a book in order to join his website.

And, for future reference, if you don't like my posts, please ignore them and move on.

I have heard very good things about Nathan's work, but am disappointed to see a fee associated with his website. Backstage, Showfax and most of the other boards are primarily free, with the exception of the casting areas. I felt that the play for pay structure tarnishes the integrity of both the site and Nathan. I have seen discussions about the fee for this website and some have said they feel it degrades his reputation. Sorry Nathan... I've heard good things about your work, just need to say that the fee makes me, and many others, uncomfortable. And, thanks for stopping by to explain your intentions. I appreciated the integrity. GL.

There's also a thread on this on the parf board for those interested in this.

Thanks Nathan for dropping by the board to explain the whole situation with having to purchase the book

I have to agree with Diane and Others who said that this type of business model is one that is usually associated with scams. I am by no means saying Nathan himself is a scammer and I have actually recommended Nathan as a photographer ( and very recently so) but am hesitant to do so again once I saw his new website. Nathan, I hate to say it but I think this situation is going to end up tarnishing your reputation rather than enhancing it and I think you should reconsider. At the very least, I think you should have kept your photography business and your website/book business seperate entities. Merging the two does not seem like a good idea to me. But it is your business. All I can tell you is that backstage is not the only forum you have been being discussed about since yesterday. The topic of your website spread like wildfire since yesterday throughout the industry and the responses I have seen have been overwhelmingly negative. Reaching as far as your upcoming Florida venture.

quote:

Originally posted by kipmil:
I have heard very good things about Nathan's work, but am disappointed to see a fee associated with his website. Backstage, Showfax and most of the other boards are primarily free, with the exception of the casting areas. I felt that the play for pay structure tarnishes the integrity of both the site and Nathan. I have seen discussions about the fee for this website and some have said they feel it degrades his reputation. Sorry Nathan... I've heard good things about your work, just need to say that the fee makes me, and many others, uncomfortable. And, thanks for stopping by to explain your intentions. I appreciated the integrity. GL.

Exactly my point... once you charge simply to access the site, it takes a lot away from that site and a lot away from the person who runs it.

She always seems to be that way...

oops wrong post

Congrats Drcole, Take the wins when ever you can get them.

So here's the thing....none of us here would ever buy this book because we know that you don't need a book to tell you how to submit your child to an agency. it is a simple straight-forward process that is easy to figure out by using message boards and asking people. So I am not bothered by the webpage for myself.

BUT, there are many parents all over America who may think that this $25 investment is going to make their kids into models. They may even believe that it will give them a personal introduction to an agent. If they hire you as a photographer, will they think they have an inside track? This is where i have the problem.

Nathan, if i refer someone to you (and i think you are an amazing children's photographer) are you going to try to sell them the book? I just don't think you need to do this since you are one of the best in NY. People talk and you may be doing more damage to your business than you think.

If i were you, i would remove any kind of scouting function from your website. Even if it is innocent, it will only harm you and what could you possibly get out of it?

quote:

Originally posted by Hayden's Mommy:
She always seems to be that way...

I know that it seems that someone is "angry" when they don't agree with what you say or they don't tell you what you want to hear, but that's life....

I'll tell the truth, regardless how likes it or not, regardless whose feelings are hurt or not. I'm not going to agree with paying $25 to access a website for information you can get elsewhere for free. I'm not going to condone being forced into buying a book just to access a website.

I will also express my opinion freely as this is a free country and I work 40+ hours per week and pay a helluva lot of taxes that earned me the right to do so.

And isn't it funny how people who've been a part of the business for a long time agree with my opinion and the "newbies" think it's an "angry" post......

I am in total agreement with drcole!

Nathan is an AMAZING & talented photographer and business man!!!

I would recommend him to ANYONE that needed pics done!

I don't understand why everyone is making a big deal. It's $25 for a book that no one here needs because we are in the business...This is for people who arent in big markets or in areas close as a chance to see and move into this crazy whirlwind lifestyle we have.
Nathan is a business man and it was a business move to promote the book. If you don't want to buy it and join his site, dont. But putting down someones character for putting a price on all his professional info is ridiculous. And if you searched the internet a little more you would have found his site sooner.
And DianeNYC there are more then 20 people on his site who are alot nicer then you. (thats why I dont post anymore, because you are pig headed and nasty in all of your comments...I wonder if you are like that towards your daughters agent and your daughter herself)
But to see everyone get so mad about $25 book...Many people here have used him as a photographer and his work is amazing Im shocked not to see more sticking up for him.

quote:

And isn't it funny how people who've been a part of the business for a long time agree with my opinion and the "newbies" think it's an "angry" post......

Just because we some of us are newbies doesn't mean we haven't been in the business a while, I am sure many of us don't sit on a computer all day and post on message boards!