The photo rules are not a joke

A reminder to all photographers:

When you are given instructions such as three songs, no flash - the promoter really, really means three songs, no flash.

If that rule gets broken - even if it is one single photo - and the wrong person sees you do it, then we are in a world of trouble.

Remember: your actions can potentially affect everyone in the program in a very positive way or a very negative way.

Thank you.

Things change

Buffalo.com photo by Ben Kirst.

A few days ago, I mentioned that a MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT was coming. Well, this is part of it.

YourHub and Spotted are going away, a we're replacing it with a new project called MyBuffalo (more on that below).

We're sending out a similar email to all of the YourHub and Spotted users, but I wanted to make sure I told all of you first, since you are the most invested in the program...and I want you to know that we are going to save all of your old content. Your photos, your blogs, etc., are not going to disappear into the ether.

That being said, it may take a couple weeks for us to get everything properly migrated, but rest assured that all of your content has been backed up and will continue to exist, even if it is not accessible for a period of time.

Anyhow, the rest of this email is similar to what the general YourHub/Spotted users will see...but again, I wanted to make sure you got the news first.

If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas, please feel free to contact me immediately. Happy Memorial Day, everyone, and we'll be back in touch with you next week...

...and now, the rest of the story:

MyBuffalo will combine the tools from YourHub and Spotted - you'll still be able to share your blog posts, stories, events, photos, and videos with the community.

Plus, you will have access to some fun new options - dramatically improved video capabilities (including video blogging), more comprehensive personal profiles and "friending," instant messaging, discussion forums, the ability to upload audio files (any podcasters out there?), and more.

In addition, you will be able to easily share your content at MyBuffalo on other popular social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace, etc.

And don't worry - we will give you the ability to migrate your old YourHub and Spotted content onto the MyBuffalo site - so you will not lose all of those blogs, events, photos, and videos that you previously posted. More info on the migration is coming very soon.

We are very excited about this new project, and we welcome your comments and questions - please feel free to email buffmail@buffnews.com with your thoughts.

Have a great weekend, and we will see you soon on MyBuffalo!

An important message to Buffalo.com photographers.

This message is going to all Buffalo.com interns, but is specifically geared towards our photo interns.

This morning, I have received three reports from local individuals and businesses complaining about the behavior of our photographers at events.

In addition, I have noticed a precipitous and continued decline in the quality of our photo galleries, and a severe lack of “smile for the camera” shots.

This can not stand.

Here are the rules of the Spotted program, which I discussed with you when you joined the program:

1.) You WILL NOT attend events as a Buffalo.com photographer unless you specifically clear it with Deanna or myself.

2.) You are responsible for adhering to the “60-40” rule of “smile for the camera” shots. If it does not appear that you made an honest effort to get to “60-40,” your gallery will be removed from the site.

3.) You will comport yourself in a professional manner when representing Buffalo.com. I know this is an unpaid internship, but when you attend events, you are not a guest – you are a member of the media. You must keep this distinction clear at all times.

From this point forward, I will remove photographers from the program who do not adhere to the rules listed above.

I do not wish to lose photographers, and I feel I have a good relationship with most of the people in the program. Unfortunately, I feel as though I have been taken advantage of in some cases, and this must end today.

I am angry and concerned – angry because I feel that the program is being damaged by the actions of some, and concerned that the Buffalo.com name is being sullied in the community.

I apologize to anyone who follows the rules of the program and receives this unpleasant email.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me immediately.