Would you pay...?

[UKBob]

Right... got a new client who wants us to build a website for him.

He's a photographer, wants to start a competition website where entrants pay to submit a photo, and the winner gets a cash prize.

Questions:
1) Would you pay to enter a web based competition
2) Client wants a "free for all" - ie no skill (or level of skill) is considered, there is just one category. Pay to enter, or dont.

re: point two, does anyone agree that beginners might be put off, if they are potentially competing against advanced photographers? Its hard to tell how hard a website like this might be to launch and turn into a success, I generally advise my clients that making things work on the web often requires a lot more work than they perhaps anticipate.

If anyone has any suggestions, Id be grateful to hear them.

[TheStoat]

Well as a complete newbie myself I'd be rather put off by entering a competition against people who actually know how to use their camera in anger... I'd expect 2+ classes otherwise it might seem like I was wasting my money entering. Not trying to be negative, I just think that if it's a "pay to enter" gig I'd want at least a *perceived* chance of recouping the fee

Also, with one category it's going to be really tough to pick a winning photo if the site does become as popular as you hope! Maybe two classes of Pro / Non-Pro and some really general topics to help pick out a winner. You could still judge the winners of each topic against each other to find an ultimate winner and therefore only hand out two prizes in total, one for each class. Would make the judging a bit easier on you too...

Andy

[poah]

I'd not pay

[lambochick]

I only consider myself to be in the snapshot category, but I wouldn't enter anything along those lines that requires payment. Who's to say that all the 'winners' are not fictitious, and the website owner is just pocketing all the cash.

[_dobbo_]

if you go over to www.dpchallenge.com you'll see the quality of what gets entered into photo competitions. i wouldn't enter there because the standard is just so high and it's free to enter, albeit without a prize.

[te51cle]

What rights would I be signing away ?

[robdickinson]

Paying to enter a competition is gambling and illigal isnt it?

[GetCarter]

I'd not pay

Entered a photo web comp once and won it with about 80% of the vote. From then on I knew they must be crap.

As for one category. I'd say yes. Anyone can take a good pic.