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Friday,
March 16, 2007
When A Modeling Scam Is Not A Scam.
Think that you have experienced a model scam? You might be wrong! Check the facts before calling anyone a model scam. You may have simply expected too much and failed to communicate.
Back in
the good old days, around 2003-2004, our friends at Independent Modeling
came up with a brilliant way to help models avoid modeling scams. Instead
of pointing fingers at people, they would simply educate models on the
behavior patterns of modeling scams so that the models would recognize
them for what they were. After all, you are what you do and you are who
you associate with. It worked brilliantly, although the great Tampa Bay
modeling scam wars of 2003-2004 would see some hints about scams that
were borderline-obvious and may have crossed the line. Our mail bag editor,
model Monica Stevens, was there on the front lines as she worked for Independent
Modeling during that era, and she could tell you some stories. She will
also admit that there were a few times that she and the other models were
wrong, indicating that something was a scam when it may not have been
after all. This is why we are strict about sticking to the behavioral
patterns on our model scam definition database, which is the next-generation
model scam database based upon the work which Independent Modeling had
pioneered. We are very well aware of the dangers of making assumptions
and the potential consequences of a failure to communicate terms and intentions.
Were you really scammed? Did you bother asking questions and reading the
contract or service agreement before you signed it? Were your expectations
based upon facts or upon assumptions and ignorance of the terms and conditions
of the arrangement?
It is a sad thing and creates confusion in the market when people believe
that they have been ripped off and misled because they simply failed to
communicate and to check out the details. They choose to remain ignorant
and instead build up these unrealistic expectations. When the reality
hits them, they feel tremendously disappointed and often betrayed. They
get emotional and convince themselves that they have been the victim on
some scam when they simply failed to do their homework and ask questions.
Nothing is more annoying, and unproductive, for all parties involved when
a failure to communicate turns a professional relationship sour. Once
that relationship turns sour, there is often little hope that it can be
salvaged, and the offended party believes that they have been the victim
of some scheme. This belief may lead them to bad mouth a genuine professional
to everyone who they know, and they may even try to take frivolous legal
action which may become a further waste of money and time.
By all means, models, avoid those model
scams and learn what make them tick. Just make sure that you ask questions,
take the time to comprehend those written agreements, and put yourself
into the shoes of the party who you may not entirely understand. You may
find that you will avoid unnecessary conflicts with other professionals
which, if unchecked, may make your career a lot harder to do. No one wants
to work with the model who earns the reputation of giving photographers
and other professionals a difficult time for reasons which are never made
clear to anyone but themselves.
We’re not always right, and neither are you. Make sure that they
are a scam or that you have been scammed before you call someone a model
scam.
~ Danielle Cooper, Editor
Tampa Bay Modeling
Clearwater Beach, Florida
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UPDATED 06/15/07
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