"Exceptional Personal Support"??? It's in the ad but.....

[countryhermit]

The teacher graded my photos...no big deal.

I had a question and we're encouraged to ask our "tutor" questions!

So I write, do a re-shoot and post the pic I'm trying to show. It's been 10 hours and I'm still waiting for help before I move on to the next lesson.

Yes, it's a huge world and time differences exist.

Then at least have the courtesy to let us know WHEN the tutor is awake or at work!!

So the claim on their front page that says "EXCEPTIONAL PERSONAL SUPPORT" is false.

I've gotten more help from my family and friends than this!! His answer to my question better be superior to all theirs or I'll be getting my money back.

[admin]

Hello countryhermit, we have a 2-day turnaround on assignments and messages. It's mentioned in the introductory lesson and I said it again in my personal message sent to you a couple of days ago. It's not a real-time chat I'm afraid if that's what you were looking for. In some photography schools it takes not days but WEEKS for your answer to arrive by mail. And the enrollment costs are much higher than ours too. Our tutors are in various time zones across the world and so are thousands of our students. We work virtually 24/7 Monday to Sunday and from feedback we're getting I can only confirm that our support is exceptional in many ways although there always is a room and will to improve. Exceptional is not equal to "instant" personal support though. You will get your answer within 2 days from your submission. Every question and assignment submission is being responded to.

If the instant feedback was what you were looking for then perhaps you'd be better off starting in a real offline photography class. I'm sure you've considered all the trade-offs when deciding about enrolling in our course as opposed to a real class like no fixed schedule - working in your own time and pace, no deadlines, working from the comfort of your home and the value for your money - just to name a few. In an ideal world every student would have their own dedicated personal tutor only serving themselves and being available 24 hours a day. Unfortunately this is not ideal world and we have limited number of tutors serving our students while keeping the course cost amongst the lowest in the industry. I'm sorry if we didn't meet your expectations.

[mrdoug]

...So the claim on their front page that says "EXCEPTIONAL PERSONAL SUPPORT" is false.

I've gotten more help from my family and friends than this!! His answer to my question better be superior to all theirs or I'll be getting my money back.

Wow... this is the first time I've EVER heard of anyone complain about the promptness or professionalism of Proud Photography. With that in mind, I would like an opportunity to complain then as to how you handled your complaint. Posting your "issue" on Proud Photography's Forum - for real??? You simply couldn't send them a personal note? You put our Admin in a corner for their response. How were they supposed to respond? Hello?

You obviously did not take note the number of enrolled students in this course. Two day turnaround isn't quick enough? That's kind of like screaming at a microwave oven to hurry up and warm up items you've placed in it. If you asked your family and friends about a question you had over the course material - why did you join? Sounds like they have your answers, and can respond in the manner in which you want.

Thank you... just had respond to this.

[sandrac]

very well said Doug

[sorted]

Hi Countryhermit

I don't see what all the fuss is about you can still move on and practice for the next Assignment while you are waiting??? 10 hours you have waited is not such a big deal I would of thought maybe get concerned after 72hrs.

Please be patient enjoy the experience and why the Hurry you have 2 years to finish the course.:)
Maybe this is not what you wanted?
I am 100% happy with the course,tutors-admin and all the friends I have made along the way.:)

MAYBE YOU ARE JUST HAVING A BAD DAY :(

I hope you decide to be patient and continue but if it is not for you then that is fine I understand and I am sure you are of the minority:rolleyes:

[coffee]

I was enrolled at NYIP with their distance course. It took over 2 months to get a response and all they said was, "You're doing great, keep it up". hehe

I properly quit in frustration and got my money back even though they had a "no refund" policy.

It would certainly be nice in a perfect world to have an immediate answer to everything, but to me, 2 days or even a week to have an assignment graded isn't unreasonable.

Everyone has their own opinion on this, but some patience is still a must.

[eyerkish]

I am on the last lesson and I can recall only one time where it took more than two days to get feedback from my tutor. He had apologized and offered his explanation for the delay (without a complaint or question from me) and I was more than satisfied with that. I understand the desire to receive feedback as soon as possible, but I'm not sure that 10 hours is realistic. I hope it was just a bad day for you when you posted your concern and I also hope that you have recognized the value Proud Photography brings to its members and students.

Admin - I do not envy the position you were in but I feel you handled it very well.

[jerryph]

I completed the entire course in about 2 weeks using the "let's wait at least 24-36 hours for a response" concept and had no issues (only holding off handing in the last assignment 2 weeks as I was on vacation). If service was bad, I would not be able to do that. I'd love to see NYIP try to let *anyone* complete their course in 2 weeks... lmao!

Traditionally this place has had the enviable record of being the best beginner photography course ANYWHERE. By anywhere, I mean better than buying books, online courses, college courses and yes, even workshops. I would not qualify "family" as a reliable info source unless they were in the industry for a couple decades... in which case, why would I be here instead of not using them all the time?

I just think someone had a few unrealistic expectations and needed to be set straight about what to expect. All in all, I think they see now that the way they handled it was not very mature, and just hopefully will now quietly complete the course (questions aside) and enjoy the process like those of us that completed the course all did.

Have fun, its not the final destination that is important, its the wonder of the trip that you are taking that has greatest value! :)

[stephaniespencer]

I agree with you! you write to the tutors and you DO get an answer back. With all these students doing it, theres no way they can reply in under 10 hours!!!