John Patrick wrote: AdrianRogers wrote[CPS is a service to keep WORKING photographers in business. It's not about how much you've spent on your kit and what you think you deserve as reward, it's about helping those who make a living from it continue to be able to put food on the table. If a load of rich folk are clogging the system, they might be stopping someone who really NEEDS to rent that lens or get this camera repaired to pay his or her bills! As many have said, the clue is in the name. CPS. None of you would like someone coming into your place of work and threatening your job... Just because photography is a hobby to so many don't forget it's a profession to so many others.As OP, I'd like to point out my issue was the "full-time professional" part, not the "professional" part. I, as well as several other well-respected members of the Sports Corner (here on FM) only shoot part-time, but do shoot professionally. I'm not arguing to let hobbyists in, just for the relaxation of the full-time restriction. I have a fully-licensed and insured photography business, but I don't shoot it full time. I cover a 120+ team league, plus several gymnastics meets per year, plus shoot for a larger company. The fact that I also have a "day job" seems to exclude me from this.
Now, I am (was?) a CPS member, and perhaps they had the same restriction before, but I don't recall seeing that. I do remember having to send in advertisements, postcards, invoices, etc. along with FEIN and state sale-tax license proof, but not having to check the "full-time" part.
Seems like people are getting away from my original post (which was geared toward the Sports people, but some moderator moved it, it seems.)
I think that if you took some time out from complaining about the program and just applied... you'd find that the definitely is actually pretty relaxed in their implementation.
Colin Key wrote:
If you have the money and have bought the gear everyone should be treated the same - anything else is discrimination.
I get pi$$ed-off with these so-called "Pros" who think they are Prima Donnas.
Colin
Absolutely, Colin..........well said, mate.
We also need to remember that collectors typically spend much more money on Canon gear than so called "pros" ever will.
In fact, I think Canon need a special "Diamond Service Program" dedicated to gear collectors only. The DSP program must be much better that the current CPS program in order to appeal to collectors.
Collectors should have the highest priority access to Canon's:
* gear repair/maintenance service
* loaners (although real collectors don't need them)
* repair and new gear discount coupons and other special promotions.
* new gear testing and evaluations.