Please allow me to slip into grumpy old man mode for a minute. Just a minute, I promise. Why do people react so rudely when I quote prices? I usually get one of three reactions:  agreement, argument or astonishment. Agreement is self-explanatory. Argument I can handle, because my rates are negotiable to a certain extent. Astonishment is just annoying. I charge industry-standard rates. Some people either hang up outright, or give me the old "Well, I'm checking with a few other people, and I'll call you back." Which they never do, of course.  Just be honest, or better yet, negotiate.

On the other hand, I did receive a very nice thank you note from a couple whose wedding DVD I produced. That's a rare occurrence, but it's always welcome. I can tell myself all day that the fee is the only acknowledgement I need, but a little bit of good manners goes a long way. 

I got a phone call last week that has me thinking. A lady called and asked for a last-minute booking to shoot her wedding reception. One of her first questions was about penalty fees for such short notice. I could tell she sort of held her breath and waited for an answer. Of course the answer was no, I don't charge extra fees. I have always tried to keep my prices fair, yet competitive. I will never understand people who don't honor their customers. It is my privilege to serve someone. They can take their hard-earned money anywhere. I have to work for their business, and work even harder when I get it.

Heading off to the Celeste Center at the state fairgrounds to shoot the Olentangy High School commencement ceremony on Saturday. I'm grateful for the business. Things have been a bit slow lately, but I'm confident they'll pick up as summer goes along. Finished the DVD's of "Holes", and will ship early next week. The kids did a great job and really seemed to enjoy it. Cutting a play is a lot of work, but the end result is worth it. Both DVD's (one girls and one boys) ended up with 45 chapters, one for each scene. Whew!