Scam?

[CWW|Original]

Thanks for the advice tijean! I'll definitely check that out.

No its a weak-ased attempt for a cash grab. That is all it is. If people are sucker enough to PAY for a contest, go toss your money into someone else's pocket. Me, I am not that stupid, nor do I need their prizes because I know that they can easily make up some user or 2 that do not exist and "give" them the prize.

My intention here was to slow people from misjudging this contest right away and deeming it useless without having any experience in the contest, or without really looking into it. It seemed people were offering reasons not to enter the contest that didn't make much sense, like what their Browser recorded as cookies, or that all the winning photos over the last year of contests were from stock sites.

By "not being a scam" I meant that it is not a fraud site that offers nothing in return for participation. Yes they may make a lot of profit from this but so does any good business and what's the difference between a contest making money from fees and a lawyer charging fees? Or your ISP? It may not be nice but Studio 414 at least selects real people for their winners and does give out their prizes. Mindi Harkless entered the contest before I was selected and mentions she received her prize in her Flickr upload: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mindisue/2939479737/ . Ivan Hoo's entry is on Flickr too: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivanhoo/2248762035/ not to mention the personal websites of the grand prize winners of each contest.

I thought it would be worth it to "PAY" for my entry because if I paid 30 dollars over a few contests and won any of the prizes then it would have been worth it. I've seen contests in photography magazines or on well-known websites and didn't feel I had the same chances to win, so I simply did not enter those contests. The fee was simply another factor in weighing my options and chances, and that's all I want others to see--rather than being told they're stupid for entering and it's a complete waste of time. Just wanted to give everyone a fair chance to decide. I'm not going to make my career out of entering paid contests, or any contests really. It was simply a start for me as a photographer to get upgraded gear and maybe a pat on the back from some people other than family and friends who enjoyed my photos. I didn't think it was a bad way to start, if there even is a "certain way to start" photography.

 

[JerryPH]

Look, the facts are that even if you took that $30 and invested it properly in this weak economy, you have a higher chance of making money there than winning a prize.

If it wasn't a very lucritive operation for them, do you think they would be doing it? do you like to work for free? How many fish do they need to get before they start making money? Not all that many.

these are more important questions to be asking.

 

[CWW|Original]

Thanks JerryPH, I understand. And you've helped bring me back down off my high horse I was starting to climb onto. Again I don't like that I've had to perpetuate this thread but felt like someone needed to speak up, and now that I've done that I'll gladly let this thread go back to where it came from to talk about better subjects elsewhere.

 

[Moglex]

I suppose the plain fact is that some people actually like doing these competitions. Otherwise there wouldn't be any.

Then again, look in any casino and you will see rows and rows of slot machines on which only a tiny fraction of people ever make any money overall - and then only if they get lucky quickly and walk away for ever. And how often does that happen?

The reason that this particular type of competition is so odd (to a non gambler at least) is that entrants are completely in the dark as to their chances of winning (even apart from the relative skill aspect).

Strange old world.

 

[JerryPH]

The reason that this particular type of competition is so odd (to a non gambler at least) is that entrants are completely in the dark as to their chances of winning (even apart from the relative skill aspect).

Perhaps becuase I can walk into a casino and spend a fixed small amount (maybe $20) and walk out with a smile, is why I don't fall for these ploys either. There are a few things in this world that could disappear tomorrow and I would never miss:

- chocolat (the gals hate me now... LOL!)
- gambling
- booze
- cash-grabs disguised as a "competition"


Even while competing in sports, I compete more with myself than others, I do not drink nor gamble... I have my own vices, though (hard work, almost a workaholic and fast glass!).

 

[Overread]

There are a few things in this world that could disappear tomorrow and I would never miss:

- chocolat (the gals hate me now... LOL!)

I might not be a girl - but you are so dead!

Interestingly I often hate the competitions where votes are made by internet votes - it just seems rather pointless as it then turns into a fight to see who has the most friends to vote for their shot (even though many times a good shot will end up winning I often wonder is that is not just a false counter from the organisers to keep face)

 

[gjennisonphotography]

I will repeat what I just posted on another thread...

Just to let you know Jessica Mealey of Studio 414 is an amazing artist who I studied with at the Aegean Center for Fine Arts in Italy and Greece (Study Art in Greece and Italy - Since 1966 The Aegean Center for the Fine Arts). If she says she's giving away a new camera then she is!

If you want to see if I'm legit I work for the national non-profit SCA (Southeast | The SCA - Student Conservation Association). Think about it...in all the time you spent wondering if the contest was real you could have been crafting an amazing photograph.

Cheers,
Georgie

Etsy :: gjennisonphotography :: GEORGIANNA JENNISON PHOTOGRAPHY

 

[marcus_manolo]

I was looking into whether that was a scam myself, thats how I cam upon this forum. I think it's bogus they request a $5 entry fee AND they require the 3 digit code on the back of your credit card. I work in retail and that code is not a requirement to charge someone on their card.

Not cool studio 414, not cool :thumbdown:

Now that's not cool. I wouldn't bother joining.
However, the 3 digit code/4 digit code for Amex is required for card not present transactions/internet...

 

[William Petruzzo]

A three year running thread. That's comical!

 

[dk489kfk]

I was doing more research on the Studio 414 contest and wanted to come back here and post my findings....

I don't think this is a scam. (rethinking my original post)

My first thought though is this.... everyone says any contest that charges a fee is a scam.

Does that mean Lotto is a scam? Sure , there are "winners", and the money goes to "education", but do we actually see the check written and handed to the state education boards? No, so it must be a scam. Because if it weren't, Lotto tickets would be free right?

On that note... Popular Photography, one of the most popular photography magazines in the USA, charges a $10 entry fee for their YEARLY Pop Photo contest.

15th Annual 2008 Popular Photography Photo Contest

I entered that contest. I lost of course, but it was worth it to me.

Studio 414 has every right in the world to run a "contest". They are not breaking any laws by doing so. It is not illegal to charge an "admission fee". There ARE winners, and that's what makes it legal. As long as someone's getting SOMETHING, then it's legit. If it weren't.. 1) they'd have reports in the BBB. 2) You'd find SOMETHING of an article on the web SOMEWHERE about it.

If someone is so worried about using their credit card, then go buy a Green Dot or Alliance prepaid debit card at any convenience store. Load just enough money for the contest and you'll have no worries.

My one and only flag is... someone said this thread has been going on for 3 years, yet, on the BBB site, it says that Sudio414 opened for business in December 2007... only 1 yr 4m ago. !?!?!?!?!?!

Can someone clarify this info?

 

[betbakk]

Billy, you are right to question this Studio 414 photo contest.
I entered 3 photos in July and they apparently didn't get enough
money, they delayed the contest until last night. I should have
checked the past winners. The winners this time were definitely
professional photographers...I goggled them. Amateur - NOT -
but when you look at the "official rules" "anyone in the world
may enter" - anyone who pays their fee!
Yes, I feel scammed - don't fall for this one!! Betty

Studio 414

 

[JerryPH]

Ugh! Why people cannot use simple common sense is often frustrating to me. First question that pops into my head; "WHY are they asking for an entry fee? WHY is the winning amount so low when there are other contests online legit AND scam that don't charge me anything???"

Well, the "DUH" answers are:
1 - becuase they make MONEY from the gullible.
2 - becuase they make MORE money by offering nickle and dime prizes (this based off the OP's mentioning of $30 dollar prizes).

Lotteries *are* the "STUPID TAX" indeed. These scam competitions (legit or scam), are even lower on the totem pole, IMHO.

 

[SrBiscuit]

i can't believe this thread came back to life.
revived again, by a first time poster. are people just googling the contest and the coming in here to offer their experience?
jerry's post sums it up.
LOCK!

 

[radelle]

Im sure everyone already has their mind set against studio 414, but I offer the flip side. I was introduced to the contest by a professional college of mine who had actually won one of the 5D cameras. She suggested I enter. I won 3rd place with my self photo called "convertible bliss".... I not only recieved the promised $100 (a certified cheque mailed to me) but also a phone call and a handwritten card telling me that they thought my work was "fun & fresh". There has been no spam, no trying to sell anything. I have nothing but positive things to say. Feel free to believe what you want, but in my books im inpressed.
Radelle