Do you see that rug with it's browns and deep rusts and blue greens? And ofcourse you see the cute kitty...well this happens to be my daughter's home, the rug was originally intended to grace my entrance hall instead of her living room floor. I ordered this from an on-line company fully expecting the rusts to be more of a burgundy color along with softer pinks, but as you can plainly see that is not what arrived, photos can be deceiving, especially with no description attached. And to make matters even worse, the company did not accept returns....even after a sent a letter of complaint. They did offer me a $10 credit toward my next purchase, of which I have yet to use.
Which leads me to another story that has been simmering in my head for several weeks. You know how they say you shouldn't say or do anything while you are in a fretful state of mind, to wait until the anger subsides so you won't do or say anything that you may regret later? After calmness returns and the anger subsides then state your issues and concerns. I probably shouldn't be using the word anger so much as disappointment. I briefly hinted a few posts back that the workshop I attended in Charleston, SC did not meet my expectations. In reality, there was no workshop, there was no individual instruction, there was no classroom time, there was no critiquing of work, there were no hints or tips on how to take better photos. There was no back-up plans if the rains had continued. Not only was this "workshop" costly at $799.00 for a mere 2 1/4 days, we were responsible for our own transportation, both coming and going and while there, our own hotel costs, our own food (altho they did make reservations at restaurants which I never came away for less that $35-$40 a meal) our own fees to the plantations and parking fees in downtown Charleston. I walked away from this workshop feeling cheated. In comparison to the absolutely over-the-top workshop I attended in Tennessee for a full 5 days, with classroom & critique time, one on one instruction continually, planned trips with back-up plans, for $850. I definitely felt cheated.
I will not publish the name of the company I ordered the rug from, nor the names of the instructors, but I felt the need to get this off my chest and remind everyone to be wary of what you purchase, what "workshops" you invest in (and it is an investment after you total up your costs) and to dig a little deeper before plunging into a costly adventure that may not meet your expectations.
"Let us not look back in anger, nor forward in fear, but around in awareness." ~ James Thurber
Until next time....
Oh, Deanna! Such unfortunate things! I am glad Lisa can use the rug, kitty seems to like it. But the workshop ... oh, my ... what a huge disappointment. We could do better just getting some of the FOL gals together and going down there freelance!
ReplyDeleteDeanna, I think a letter to the Charleston workshop folks is in order. Assertively and calmly state your disappointments. You have a right to expect hands-on instruction for that amount of money. Perhaps it will keep others from being ripped off.
ReplyDeleteglad you vented. you needed to. :)
ReplyDeleteGOOD FOR YOU DEANNA! My post on this very same issue with the photography class has been delayed for awhile, but as some of you know, deanna and I were at the same conference and my experience also was one of disappointment and feeling that I got something I did not order ( and it was not a rug either) but the same 799.00 photography "class". The main thing I received from this was a 25 cent bag filled with pamphlets that the hotel had in their display, and they had researched restaurants. ( what ever happened to google) I tis a good idea to send a letter to the Charleston workshop folks, or perhaps the boss of the ladies who held the workshop...... and express our concerns. I have been in the hospital and have not been able to address this yet other than expressing my sense of having gotten nothing to the class leader, however, she was surprised at my comments as she had worked hard researching the restaureant s. My thoughts on this are when you are purchasing something like this.... really make sure that they provide a DETAILED and accurate itinerary, and know exactly what other costs there might be. In this "class " they offered no transportation, and when we went in somewhere to photograph... we had to pay the entrance fee, all of our own meals, and my total time spent with either of the two leaders was less than 2 minutes. No review time, no critiquing, not even a hello, do you have any quest ions, how are you doing. TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. I would happily provide the name of the folks who did this workshop to anyone who is interested, however, privately, and not in a public format. I do feel though that information sharing is something that we bloggers can do to help protect ourselves. Most of us do not have unlimited funds, and deserve a good service when we contract for it . Good for you Deanna for sharing this. !!!! Another FRUSTRATED WORKSHOP PARTICIPANT
ReplyDeleteI WAS THINKING FOR A MINUTE THAT YOU HAD ADDED A KITTY TO YOUR MIX
ReplyDeleteI hate when you order something on-line and it looks totally different than the photo. Now those photographer's are the ones who need the photo workshops! Let's get the colors right at least once in a while, would ya! I have experienced the same thing more than once. As for the workshop, I guess you just have to put it in the 'I saw Charleston' category. It looks like you made the best of it while you were there and that is all you can do. Maybe you should report them to the Better Business Bureau. If they have a customer review on-line, you could voice your opinion there, too. Maybe someone else can be spared the time and expense. Sorry for the bad experience, but I did enjoy your photos. xo Karen
ReplyDeleteHappy you vented . . . gave us a heads up, so to speak. I do think it warrants mentioning to the workshop leaders. Sounds like they were more interested in making sure you attended certain restaurants instead of a positive workshop experience. Cute kitten on that new rug for your daughter . . .
ReplyDeleteWhat a disappointment for all of you attending that workshop. That's certainly a pretty kitty that you've shown us.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry, Deanna.
ReplyDeleteI DO hope that you made your feelings about this workshop known, to whoever is "in charge."
What a bummer... I agree with Lisa, you need to let these people know!
ReplyDeleteDeanna, if it was me I think I'd have to divulge the name of the workshop people just so others won't get burned like that. That's the power of the internet which we have. That's a lot of money, and I really can't understand what it was you gained from them for that price. That's just wrong!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you decided to say something here, it has been bugging me ever since you told me. I would not have a problem with saying their names on my blog if I had gone because it wasn't a workshop by any standards or means. Just my two cents. A lot of money for something you could have done on your own is not acceptable, just shocked with dismay.
ReplyDeleteDeanna, i would definitely file a written complaint with whomever ran this "workshop." It sounds poorly planned and completely disappointing. Surely, other participants were also disgruntled.
ReplyDeleteThat is a lot of money I would definitely complain! I could buy a new lens with that!! Sorry the workshop didn't work out for you. Thanks for the heads up.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that they shouldn't be calling this a workshop - but more of a guided excursion. There really is no way of knowing these things, and it's so disappointing. I'm sitting here right now looking at some drapes I ordered and thinking they're not quite what I expected. As much as I love online shopping, you're right, you have to be wary.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Gail as well! So sorry tis happened to you! I think you should run your own workshop!
ReplyDeleteThe Thurber quote is such a good one to heed. Your post will help others look a little more closely at what they are paying for.
ReplyDeleteCute kitty!
Deanna how disappointing for you. That is a lot of money to spend when you were so looking forward to a memorable visit. I think I would be inclined to drop a line to the organisers it was nice of them to check all the restaurants out for you, but what you paid for was tuition and guidance....
ReplyDeleteI agree with Viv, you really should give the organisers some feedback. It sounds to me as though they may have been getting some commission from the restaurants too. It's so hard to trust things nowadays and I am so sorry you have had such a bad experience. xx
ReplyDeletePersonally, I would drop them a 'nice' little note outlining exactly what you have said here. Whats more, I would be inclined to actually say 'who' this company is so that other people understand that what is one man's "workshop" is another man's "tour" and it is imperative to understand the difference and perhaps how to hopefully make this discovery before dropping a pretty penny. This is NOT what you needed this year (or any for that matter - but especially not THIS year). Hopefully the tides will turn and things will bring you some cheer. (PS - don't get me started with 'on-line' shopping - ugh!).
ReplyDeleteHappy Weekend Deanna!
That does really suck. I'd send them a letter. They made a lot of money off it and it's grossly unfair to just lead people around for that kind of cash. Tell 'em.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Pam who believes in sending the "great time" letters and the "nope" ones
So what did you get for your $800. Sounds like you got ripped off.
ReplyDeleteWell I do think this warrants contacting these people again and stressing how totally disappointed you were with the service. In fact I would mention that while you aren't doing so on a public format that you do plan to warn people privately of who they are so that others will not fall victim to what seems like a total "rip off" to me as well. Perhaps they might change their tune and refund part of your money.
ReplyDeleteWhoa! That does sound like a rip off. What did you get for that money, that you couldn't have just done on your own? You had to get your own transportation, entry fees, lodging and meals? What exactly did THEY do, for that price?
ReplyDeleteIf it was a good experience, they would be happy for you to give a review of your trip. So, if it's not so good, why not review that, too.
Sorry that it wasn't what you expected. The trip and the rug.
I'm so sorry you had a bad experience!! I would have felt the same! I really wish I could afford a workshop. Beautiful image though. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, "be wary" indeed. I have had too many experiences like yours!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
diane @ thoughts and shots
You talked with such enthusiasm before you left for Charleston and came back will total disappointment written all over you face. The decission to name names on your blog is up to you, but I hope if other photographers contact you privately that you'll give them the information. You deserved much better and so they.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about you experiences.. Its just not right. But that said I have to tell you that kitty photo is adorable.
ReplyDeleteHugs~