There is little argument that the number one publication for the wedding / event videography industry, is event DV magazine. This is the publication that pros look to, to learn of new directions and new gear. It is the publication that newbies look to and trust, for advice and gear purchases.

Now, I want to pose this question - in light of their place in our industry, does event DV have any obligation or responsibility, morally or otherwise, to well, sort of look out for their readers and try to avoid advertising that is misleading, dishonest, or intended to take advantage of naivete and lack of knowledge of beginners?

This morning, I received, via email, a message with a top banner that read: "event DV Spotlight". Below was the date, then "Sponsored by: Clark Powell" Right below that was the following banner -

 

The text below the image read, "HD Startup Package: Now you can offer your clients high-definition video with this Event Videographer's Startup Package--a whole lotta gear for one low price."

Here is the gear they list -

• Sony HVR-HD1000U w/extended warranty SPSCAM10RSEW3Sony PHDV64DM (qty 10)
• Manfrotto 501HDV Pro Video Head + 055XB Tripod + MBAG80
• Sony VCT-U14 Tripod Plate
• Portabrace CTC-1 Traveler Camera Case
• Sony UWP-V1-3032 Wireless Lavalier Mic System
• Lowel LC-94LBZ Rifa-Lite EX 44 Light Kit
• Sony MVRM15AU Digital HD Videocassette Recorder

When you click the link, you're taken to cp-av.com/Shopping/eventDV.php Where the headline is "EventDV Starter Package". Note they didn't say "Event videographer starter package". Nope. They said "EventDV".

Note: event DV had them change their web page since this article was written.

From what you've learned so far, wouldn't it be fair to say that someone reading this ad might think that event DV is aware of the ad and at the very least, management has no gripe with the ad? In fact, you might even get the idea that they're "blessing" the ad and are in agreement. After all, it IS the "EventDV Starter Package", right? (Note: they make make some quick changes after this article posts, but that's how it reads right now.) OK, here's my gripe list: (please click the "read more" link, below)

1. It is NOT OK for event DV to wash their hands of responsibility and unleash scammers or misinformation on their readers via ads, despite the fact that event DV management apparently disagrees with me.

2. The ad offers this "package" for about $500 more than what you could buy the same items separately, even though they claim an $800 savings and even though you'd expect a savings if you're buying all this at one time.

3. Most of the items in the ad are either not needed at all or are not the right type or price for a "starter package" for event and wedding videographers.

The ad offers this gear as a "starter package", hence it is geared mostly to "newbies" who may not understand that they can buy perfectly good Sony tapes for this camera at 1/10th the price of these tapes; that this camera is not ideal for wedding videographers; that wedding videographers don't use studio lights and if you did need studio lights for interviews, you'd want at least two and three would be better and you'd probably want at least double the wattage; that a perfectly good wireless lav set can be had at about 1/3rd the price of this one; that this camera case is not big enough to properly fit this camera; that you don't need this quick release plate but if you really wanted one, you could get a perfectly good one for about 1/3rd the price of this model; and my biggest gripe is the most expensive item in the package - a vcr that you'll really have no need for whatsoever.

A vcr is just a video camera without a lens - a crippled camera! Spend the money instead on a second camera, which you'll really, really need!

Now, I am not calling this particular advertiser a "scammer", but I do think there is misleading information here. In my opinion, the misleading information in this ad comes from the references to "starter package" and inferences that this gear is what is needed to break into the hi-def event or wedding video business.

The package isn't really so terribly overpriced for these particular items, but these are NOT the items that should be offerred as "startup packages" for event or wedding videographers. I'm running out of room here, but checking prices at bhphotovideo.com; jr.com; overstockpro.com, I came up a total that was more than $500 below the price of this "starter package", for the same model numbers.

But again, my biggest gripe is the items themselves and the way they're being pitched to those who may not know better (who else would buy this?) and that it appears to have event DV's endorsement. I understand that a business, which includes publications, must operate in their own self-interest, but isn't it in their self-interest to develop reader loyalty and trust?

That trust and loyalty would create a brand that legitimate advertisers would love to advertise with. On the flip side, if reader trust and loyalty isn't there, legitimate advertisers may have second thoughts about spending their money and having their good names printed there.

Meanwhile, don't be so trusting with ads just because they're in a magazine you like.

And now - A CHALLENGE TO OUR READERS - I'm creating a new topic in our wedding videographer forums for YOU to recommend a wedding videographer startup kit for this $6,000 budget.