Ok, let's just put it out there - photography is a competitive business.
Especially in a small town.
When I first started this business over two years ago, I had no idea what I was getting into in terms of dealings with other photogs. I thought in some lovely way that we would all be friends, and bounce ideas off of each other, as to what worked and what didn't; hoped that photogs locally could get together monthly to discuss events, charity events, children, family, etc. Alas, I have learned, the hard way, that this is simply not the case. On the contrary, I have seen firsthand that the clicks of high school still remain, however instead of the walls of high school, now it is in the business world of photography.
After being told that I copied someone else's idea by videotaping my daughter pulling a winning name from a bucket on video, I am at a loss. How many THOUSANDS of people have done the same thing? Give me a break.
It comes down to this:
Jealously is a very ugly trait. So is being an egocentric, arrogant jerk.
Photogs, both professional and hobbyists, please remember: Neither you, nor I are the poo - and everything you do is more than likely something someone else has already done before you. Were you indeed copying them then? Before going off on an opinionated rant about someone ELSE doing you wrong, remember this: We are ALL a work in progress in this profession. And YOU aren't that fabulous.
Next time I run a contest, I think I'll pull a name out of a dirty sock - housed inside a dirty diaper. Hopefully THAT won't be something that can be challenged as copying someone's idea. I had no idea that contests were marketed to simply one person. My apologies. (Insert SEVERE sarcasm HERE.)
End rant.
