By the time I'm done writing this post, most Canon Photographers (both CMPI and non-CMPI) are already staring to line-up for the registration.
After last year's success of the Canon Photomarathon which around 2000 participants have joined and shoot, Canon has decided to hold their 2012 Photomarathon at the historic Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila.
From Canon's Facebook Page
Not bad right? But wait till you see the new process for registration wherein cameras bought from online sellers and those not authorized distributors of Canon have to pay a 500-peso joining fee. They say the 500-peso fee would go straight to the Smiles Foundation.
From Canon's Facebook Page
As most CMPI-users liked this idea, gray users (non-CMPI-users) like me has hesitations on this idea. As one poster on a forum said that it will get rid of the freeloaders which means less participants leading to bigger prizes for the winners. AFAIK, successful contests like these should keep on growing which means expect more participants than the previous ones. Also, I don't find the term freeloader appropriate for what he said. Hence, I find what he said RIDICULOUS. You don't get rid of free-loaders, rather, you get rid of non-CMPI users whom what they all want is to join the contest and improve on their craft =P. But here's the thing, when I tried to register, I was informed that I have to pay 500 pesos before December 3. Then last Tuesday, I received a text message saying that deadline for payment is on December 5. Then last Thursday, They (Canon Philippines) posted on their facebook page that deadline of payment was yesterday of 12:00pm. I wonder why they keep on moving the deadline for the payment... =P
Another poster said that those who are loyal to CMPI deserves priority treatment since the price difference of a CMPI-camera is pretty huge against getting it from an online seller. I got my Canon 7D last February of this year from an online seller at 56K compared to getting it to CMPI at 89K. Notice the big difference right? I also made some comparison with other DSLR Cameras and Lens and there are huge differences in terms of cost and online sellers do also give freebies as well. If only they could sell their gadgets at a more affordable prices, buyers don't have to settle for a non-CMPI unit.
If you ask me, I don't mind they (Photomarathon Organizers) prioritize CMPI users over non-CMPI users first as long as there is equal treatment in the process. If they charge a 500-peso joining fee, why not charge it to all participants be it a CMPI or non-CMPI. I'm sure The Smiles Foundation would appreciate it much more don't you think?
Until they change their policies on how they treat CMPI and non-CMPI users especially on charging the latter, I would definitely skip this event again.
Again, these are just my f/2 thoughts (and some rants as well =P).
I've heard about the event per hindi ako aware na may ganito pala. Am not a photographer and I cannot honestly relate sa mga terms. napaisip lang ako sa fee.pausog ng pausog ng deadline ha.parang may something.LOL
ReplyDeleteThere should be an equal standard when it comes to photomarathons like this. It's really difficult when you see glaring disparity like this when dealing with participants.
ReplyDeleteaww!!! i'm also not familiar with photography-related events , etc... but to go through the process of registration and validation is just too time-consuming. well i guess because we all do it here online and all you do is tick the appropriate box and show up... much easier :)
ReplyDeleteYou have a point that instead why not ask everyone to register and give 500 if that's really for the foundation. Ridiculous indeed~ xx
ReplyDeleteDiscrimination ata ang nangyari dito. Kudos sa decision mo. Ano sila hilo;
ReplyDeletethere is only one thing wrong with the whole thing and that's the different deadline of payment... I think the registration process is manageable...
ReplyDeleteNice flow chart, its too expensive, plus no assurance of getting in, good choice of not joining
ReplyDeleteCumbersome process I will not join such event. Things must be simple for the consumers not like this.
ReplyDeleteGood god, what a terrible process. This is the complete opposite of a participant-friendly event! With so much red-tape friction between the organizers and interested parties, I'd say you made the right call in skipping the event.
ReplyDeleteWhatta flowchart! Everyone is entitled to their opinion. You've stated yours. Canon, for sure have their own purpose.. let it be.
ReplyDeleteThis is sad. I hope next year's event (if there'll be one) would be better and participants-friendly. And why should there be disparity between CMPI users and non-CMPI users while all of you use Canon cameras. :/
ReplyDeleteThat was such a terrible process. Buti na lang din hindi sumali yung friend ko dyan :)
ReplyDeleteRochelle
organizers usually had priority over their members or certain groups... with discounts too. this is not the only photo event... yaan mo na sila. Yahweh bless.
ReplyDelete