Random thoughts could spew forth at any given moment. Be forwarned they'll most likely be inspired by lack of sleep, too much caffine... and/or the occasional single malt scotch. Buckle up.
Private... and professionalism.... just for the record
First let me say, I'm not afraid to admit I've made mistakes in my life. But I will say, I work very hard at only making them once. So, I'm always willing to give folks a little slack as they come up through the ranks of business and life.
But, then we have people who like to stick their chest out and assume the roll of a "professional."
For some reason, the words professional, media, racing and Internet, have somehow inherited floating definitions. Definitions that are seemingly arbitrarily applied at will by the individual needing to conveniently fit or apply it to a specific situation... typically, to their personal benefit or gain.
This past week I was invited to participate in a PRIVATE test session. Keeping in mind, this is my job, as a professional, I scrutinized my roll as it applied to the situation and made sure I conducted myself accordingly.
Applying the premise that this is where I make my living... and, given the fact I have a hard card credential that was issued with the expectation that I'll conduct myself safely, professionally and, as a media representative, I know to hold the privacy of other members of the community in confidence when requested.
Pretty simple... at least that's what I thought.
As the owner of this and other race related sites, I'd love to share the photos, the stories and events of the past few days. However, and as stated above, I feel obliged to respect the privacy of others.
Now it seems, photos of the most recent PRIVATE test, have been distributed by other media outlets. To me, this is in direct contrast of what I feel is professional behavior... let alone a total disregard for the individual teams and participants portrayed in the images. This was a private test and I can assure you, the majority of the participants DID NOT want photos distributed.
How do I know? I asked. Before I walked on track with a camera (which I was hired to do), I spoke to each team, informed them of my reason for being there. This was a simple step... a courteous step.. and a step I feel should be expected of someone carrying a IMSA annual credential. After all, it's a privilege.
A few teams had no problem. Several teams ask that I HOLD OFF publishing images until the week of Sebring, as they didn't want them out there. One team manager gave me a very incredulous stare and said... "well, this is a PRIVATE test." Smiling, I explained, "that's why I'm asking."
So, while I apologize to our readers for not "sharing." I would hope that most of you appreciate and recognize why this site is taking the high road.... and making an effort to conduct ourselves with a reasonable level of professionalism. And, after all, I gave people my word. Expect that to continue.
We respect our credentials.. the sanctioning body, the teams and their partners and even... believe it or not, other members of the media. At least, those who conduct themselves similarly.
JT
But, then we have people who like to stick their chest out and assume the roll of a "professional."
For some reason, the words professional, media, racing and Internet, have somehow inherited floating definitions. Definitions that are seemingly arbitrarily applied at will by the individual needing to conveniently fit or apply it to a specific situation... typically, to their personal benefit or gain.
This past week I was invited to participate in a PRIVATE test session. Keeping in mind, this is my job, as a professional, I scrutinized my roll as it applied to the situation and made sure I conducted myself accordingly.
Applying the premise that this is where I make my living... and, given the fact I have a hard card credential that was issued with the expectation that I'll conduct myself safely, professionally and, as a media representative, I know to hold the privacy of other members of the community in confidence when requested.
Pretty simple... at least that's what I thought.
As the owner of this and other race related sites, I'd love to share the photos, the stories and events of the past few days. However, and as stated above, I feel obliged to respect the privacy of others.
Now it seems, photos of the most recent PRIVATE test, have been distributed by other media outlets. To me, this is in direct contrast of what I feel is professional behavior... let alone a total disregard for the individual teams and participants portrayed in the images. This was a private test and I can assure you, the majority of the participants DID NOT want photos distributed.
How do I know? I asked. Before I walked on track with a camera (which I was hired to do), I spoke to each team, informed them of my reason for being there. This was a simple step... a courteous step.. and a step I feel should be expected of someone carrying a IMSA annual credential. After all, it's a privilege.
A few teams had no problem. Several teams ask that I HOLD OFF publishing images until the week of Sebring, as they didn't want them out there. One team manager gave me a very incredulous stare and said... "well, this is a PRIVATE test." Smiling, I explained, "that's why I'm asking."
So, while I apologize to our readers for not "sharing." I would hope that most of you appreciate and recognize why this site is taking the high road.... and making an effort to conduct ourselves with a reasonable level of professionalism. And, after all, I gave people my word. Expect that to continue.
We respect our credentials.. the sanctioning body, the teams and their partners and even... believe it or not, other members of the media. At least, those who conduct themselves similarly.
JT
Total Comments 2
Comments
 |  I was taught it is not about getting it first, but about getting it right. I keep that in mind every day, T |
Posted 02-23-2008 at 12:29 AM by Todd Benne  |
| |  I think I can add to this....I think I can add some insight/comments to this topic, as someone who has been on both sides of the fence covering the ALMS and have gone full circle... From the start as a casual fan back in 1985....to a 'fanatic' with a Pentax K1000....to a fan who started a website with a Coolpix 5700....to a professional photographer (meaning one who is paid to take pictures of teams, drivers, mfgs, etc for profit)....finally back to 'just a fan' who loves sportscar racing, I know the importance of conduct and appearance in working in this business. In 2003, I was just a fan who gave the security guard, at the pit entrance in Sebring, a cold Coke throughout the day...each day...thus allowing me to 'sneak' into the pits and take pictures and talk with drivers. Was it the wrong thing to do? Well, I was wearing a fire suit, and knew not to get in the way of a car leaving the pits, but yes, it was 'illegal' and I was breaking the rules..... However, the subsequent years I was granted an IMSA Hard Card and the rules for me changed drastically. There were rules you had to follow in order to retain your hardcard for the year and following year and both Dick Martin (IMSA-Chief of Pits) and 'The Sherrif' were very clear on how to conduct yourself. You were there to cover the story and NOT BE PART OF THE STORY. This was both for race week or private sessions, if you were asked to attend. In the four years I did work in covering the ALMS, I was only given the opportunity to cover two private test sessions...and in both times, I made sure I announced who I was to the team managers and why I was taking pictures. I would also ask if it would be acceptable to post pictures on my website....one time was a yes, and one time was a no....but both times, the teams were pleased I asked. When Caddy first tested their SCCA chassis at Sebring, a fan outside the track snapped shots and sent them to me....Racingfanatics.com was the first and only website on the net to post the pictures and the traffic/emails I received was great....problem was, it was a closed test and GM did not want any pictures out on the web. I got three phone calls from GM (missed the first two) and was asked to take the pictures down. Now, I could have said, no, as they were taken from a public area and sent to me, but I decided to take the high road...and first apologize then take down the images...I should have known better, and from that point on I did...'Rookie Website Owner Mistake' So what is my point? It ceases to continually amaze me how some 'long time media/photographers' conduct themselves in and out of the media center when covering the ALMS....Those who spend most of the time being first in line for food or spending time on forums making posts after posts as if they are the spokesperson for the Series....Nothing wrong at all being active on the ALMS forum (hell, I had a pretty high post count myself), but to continuously degrade other team's efforts (ie CET, Shaw, vdS), or members working for teams (Champion), tell new forum members how ''wrong' they are for asking questions, etc...is that really being professional...Is that how credentialed media should counduct themselves? Again, cover the story and DO NOT BE PART OF IT. By posting photos of a private session, you are making yourself part of the story...IMHO. Let's just leave it at that and say, continue to take the high road JT....In the long run, it is best for all. |
| Posted 02-25-2008 at 05:47 PM by mayk Updated 02-25-2008 at 06:12 PM by mayk |
Recent Blog Entries by John Thawley
- Private... and professionalism.... just for the record (02-22-2008)
- Well... Here's a big BIO - OUCH!!! (02-10-2008)
- Wheels Down, Spirits Up! (01-31-2008)
- A moment... (01-07-2008)
- 2007.. The Year in Photos (12-31-2007)
