2010 Ballot Statement: Scott Highton

ASMP Member Since 1986

ASMP Offices Held: ASMP (National) Director (1994– 2003); ASMP (National) Vice-President (2000–2002); ASMP (National) Treasurer (1999–2000); ASMP (National) Alternate Secretary (1994–1995); MP©A President (1998–1999); MP©A Secretary (1997–1998); MP©A Director (1997–1999); ASMP (N. Calif.) Board Member (1991–1995); ASMP (N. Calif.) Vice-President (1993–1995); ASMP (N. Calif.) Newsletter Editor (1991–1994)

ASMP Committee Posts Held: ASMP Standards Reviewer for P.L.U.S.–Picture Licensing Universal System (2005–2007); Contributing Author, ASMP Professional Business Practices in Photography (5th & 6th Editions), Allworth Press; Member ASMP Executive Search Review Committee (2001–2002); Author/Programmer, MP©A Image Assistant software, the updated annotation software for MP©A member image submissions (1998–1999); Chairman, ASMP Corporate Funding Committee (1997–1998); Member, ASMP Communications Committee (1997–1998); Chairman, ASMP Internet Forum Committee (1996–1997); ListOp, PhotoASMP Internet Mail List (1996–1997); Author, Rights and Value: In Traditional and Electronic Media, An ASMP White Paper (1996); Chairman, ASMP Reproduction Rights White Paper Development Committee (1995); Chairman, ASMP National Policy Committee (1994–1995); Chairman, ASMP Technology Committee (1993–1994); ASMP-NPPA Liaison (1994–1996); Author, Digital Imaging Basics, An ASMP Strictly Business White Paper (1994); Author, ASMP Newsletter Editors’ White Paper (1992)

Other Photography Related Organizational Affiliations: NPPA (Natl. Press Photographers Assn.) – 31 years; ASPP (American Soc. of Picture Professionals) – 11 years (past member); IVRPA (International Virtual Reality Photographers Association) and founding co-president of affiliated BAQTVRA (Bay Area QuickTime VR Association); (Former) Creative Eye/Mira; (Former) MP©A (Media Photographers Copyright Agency); NPPA Digital Photography Ethics Panel (1992); SATW (Society of American TravelWriters) Digital Panel (1993); VISCOMM lecturer; MacWorld Faculty (2008–2010); Google PhotoTech lecturer; Apple Developer

Conflict of Interest Disclosure: I am the owner and principal content provider for Virtual Reality Photography — www.vrphotography.com — an online information and educational resource for photographers and multimedia developers. Virtual Reality Photography receives limited sponsorship from leading photo industry companies such as Nikon, Apple, Epson and Bogen/Manfrotto, among others. This sponsorship support varies from year to year, but over the past five years, has comprised less than five percent of my earned income.

Ballot Statement: Fellow members,

For a number of years now, our national leaders have governed our Society with what, to many, has seemed questionable intent.

For almost three years, and through three expensive member referendums, they tried to take dues control away from General Members so directors alone could have the power to raise our dues at any time, in any amount, and for any legal purpose they desired. When these efforts failed, they pleaded poverty in hopes that we would approve a $35 annual dues increase (we did), while intentionally withholding news of a $1.3 million financial windfall from us. Our national directors have repeatedly refused to acknowledge how much they were approving in ASMP payments to each other, even when this information was requested. Then, this past year, it was discovered that ASMP had also failed to properly report these director payments to the IRS.

After members discovered this, amended forms were subsequently filed. These public filings revealed that close to a quarter of a million dollars was paid by ASMP to its current and past national directors over a three year period (2005–2008) in stipends and for various “services” similar to those historically provided by staff members or by true (non-paid) ASMP volunteers. Another $175,000 more was paid last year alone (2008–2009). Currently, at least one third of ASMP’s directors are receiving significant payments (beyond reimbursement of expenses) from the Society.

Last year, when concerned members initiated a referendum to restrict these director payments, the very members presenting it were prohibited from even arguing their case on the ballot. Only the board’s opposition statements were presented for member consideration. Of course, the referendum was defeated.

Many of ASMP’s members have had enough. Too many have unfortunately already resigned in protest. Director payments have reached a point of abuse, many members feel. It is time for change. I feel our elected leaders need to be held to higher standards of integrity, responsibility, accountability, and ethics.

I ask for your support in helping return these foundations of good governance to ASMP’s leadership. In this current election, our board’s own Governance Committee is recommending six candidates (via their ballot asterisks). For many members, that implies that these candidates will simply continue the status quo of ASMP’s current leadership. I urge your support of alternative candidates. I also ask your support of continuing member efforts to rein in what appear to be excessive (and increasing) payments to directors.

It is only through collective member involvement that change can occur. Help send a message to our leaders that enough is enough… that their privileged rewards must end… and that ASMP must refocus its efforts to regain its relevance in our industry through photographer advocacy. Let’s make sure our leaders redirect their efforts to protecting and promoting the rights of photographers, not using their elected leadership positions to feather their own nests with ASMP funds.

Please make your voice heard with your vote.

Thank you for your support.

Scott Highton
Past ASMP national officer/director (1994–2003)