There has been a growing trend, it seems, of cyber bullying targeting SG models. Whether it’s on the SG platform itself or on other forms of social media, some models, recruiters, and photographers are engaging in specific targeted attacks. Some of these attacks may include things such as publicly posting models full names or addresses, or comments implying retaliation if they don’t ‘fall in line’ or pay a lot more for shooting additional sets. Some attacks may be photoshopping images to paint a model in a bad light. Or getting the models you’ve recruited to gang up on a specific model making SG a very unsafe place for them. It may include spreading lies about a model to their significant others or to their families. Or sending ‘gifts’ to their house from a ‘lover’ when you are the ONLY one to have that specific address.
The depths to which some people sink when trying to secure their own place in a community, when indeed there is room for everyone, is appalling. Whether this behavior comes from a member, a model, a photographer, a recruiter or individuals who hope to become staff photographers on SG, makes no difference and the punishment must leave no doubt as to the severity of the crime. And make no mistake, cyber bullying is a crime. And there is no place for that kind of behavior on SG, or anywhere for that matter.
In some countries photographers and recruiters are the gatekeepers to SG. They are the ones to determine who is successful and who isn’t. Cross them at your own peril. And God forbid you stand up to them. And tell them you don’t want to shoot with them any longer. I can no longer support certain models or photographers here on SG. They’re behavior is unprofessional and reprehensible, and, I hope, not representative of SG.
If two particular people happen to make Staff Photographers here on SG, you can consider my membership permanently cancelled. If SG allows behavior like this to not only flout, but be rewarded, they have set a new standard on this site that I have no wish to be a part of. Ever. That is not what SG used to stand for and I can only hope that is still true today. I hope that Missy and Sean and the powers that be, will take steps to eradicate bullying any and every time it’s brought to their attention.
Www.stopbullying.gov defines cyber bullying as:
bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.
@missy @sean @rambo
