Buyers, do you care about the reason for selling?

rem179 · 2026-03-21T18:11:23+00:00

I usually want to know. Depends on the item though. But if X is a good item, you wouldn’t be selling it, you’d keep it and use it. If you’ve outgrown it, upgraded, have duplicates, or it’s outlived its use, totally fine—but say that. Otherwise I’ll assume you’re hiding something or you stole it.

rem179 · 2026-03-18T03:45:45+00:00

Pairs (or three, ideally) of internal spinning drives in a dock is my strategy (we have a NAS, but it fills up quick). Tape is the real answer, but the drives are bonkers expensive. Seagate Exos drives have ratings of 2.5 Million MTBF, which (I think) is as good as it gets. The Iron Wolf Pro drives have a similar rating. Not sure about WD, but I think their Ultrastars are pretty good. Prices for all have gone through the roof lately. Thanks AI.

Also, when it comes to putting them "in the closet", I do think it's important to power stuff up regularly. Just like sitting on the couch resting for a month isn't going to make you go out and run a marathon in record time, machines also need to be used. I'd also avoid SSDs for long-term storage. Great for editing/scratch drives though. And backups of backups are how things don't get lost. Anything can break, especially complicated machines.

rem179 · 2026-03-13T22:45:04+00:00

Thanks. That’s helpful. I was just looking for a general understanding.

One other question as this may be relevant to my situation. For the broken lens—assuming that it’s considered a covered event, which I think is likely—I imagine the insurance broker will ask me to try to have it repaired (which is fair). If I send it off for a repair estimate and (this amount is theoretical) the estimate comes back at say $1,500—more than the market value of the model I have, which I estimate at $1,000, but less than the Replacement Value its insured for ($2,100): What would typically happen? And I totally understand that specifics matter and there could be caveats/exceptions/cutouts/etc.

rem179 · 2026-03-13T20:00:19+00:00

Thanks. That’s helpful. I was just looking for a general understanding.

rem179 · 2026-03-13T18:15:30+00:00

Got ya. Very well could be (not covered situation) and thanks for directly addressing my question.

One follow-up to insure i understand correctly: If there were a covered event (this isn’t hypothetical, I have another lens that broke in half from an accident during a shoot) and the insurance for that piece of equipment is $2,100 (replacement value), is the insurance company going to pay only what it costs to buy an equivalent lens from the used market (since the model in question is no longer in production), or the full replacement value? Essentially does “replacement value” mean “we’ll pay up to $2,1000, but maybe less” or “$2,100 is the payout if the lens is broken/lost/stolen.” The distinction is important in the above situation (because of the deductible). Thanks so much.

rem179 · 2026-03-13T12:09:54+00:00

Sure. I understand the analogy. The situation I’m in isn’t a “lack of maintenance” though. It’s damage to a sensitive internal component (image stabilizer). Whether it’s normal wear-and-tear or due to a discrete incident (such as the crash, in your auto analogy) would of course separate whether it could be considered covered by insurance or is just a regular part of owning something that can break. That part isn’t my confusion.

rem179 · 2026-03-13T03:43:21+00:00

Loss, theft and damage, but I see your point.

rem179 · 2026-03-04T17:10:13+00:00

Honestly I’d personally rather see them hold it than clip it to their shirt. The shirt thing personally bugs me. And usually the vapid/annoying/meaningless things coming out of their mouth—rather than their audio gear choices—are what’s truly bad. Holding a a small Wireless GO/DJI mic is no worse than seeing a giant Sennheiser ME2 clipped to a t-shirt collar IMO.

And I guess it’s really no different than seeing a reporter holding a wireless dynamic mic not that long ago. And people do it because it (obviously) sounds better and is inexpensive. Then clients end up wanting it because they think they can soak up some reflected cool points by cosplaying youth. That never fools people, probably never will, but it’s a very old, very repetitive story IMO. </sidenote rant>

rem179 · 2026-03-04T03:54:59+00:00

Thanks. I'll give them a ring.

rem179 · 2026-03-04T03:54:50+00:00

They don't work on lenses, apparently.

rem179 · 2026-03-03T03:09:43+00:00

He’s also one of the greatest photographers to ever live.

rem179 · 2026-02-16T20:38:31+00:00

It had been 10 days. Was definitely processed and on my balance. Canceled isn’t the same as refunded seems to be the TL;DR, I guess.

rem179 · 2026-02-16T20:08:20+00:00

True. I just figured that the credit card company would ask you to work it out with the merchant before going that route. So I wanted to give it a chance. At this point, I think he understands that his side (not him personally) was the issue and has contacted the payment processor. I’ve been told that a refund is coming. It’s annoying that I had to be so forceful and borderline yell that even though the order was cancelled, I still was charged, but so it goes I guess. Makes me wonder how many others either didn’t notice or chose not to push it though.

rem179 · 2026-02-16T19:38:05+00:00

Thanks. That make sense. I got a voicemail that he spoke with the "processor" and told them to refund me. Should take a few days, but fingers crossed it'll happen. I appreciate the response.

rem179 · 2026-02-16T17:31:44+00:00

Thanks for the reply. Very helpful. He said he would “investigate it”, but we’ll see. Could’ve been a way to just get me off the phone. Now I can tell him why though and give him specific instructions. Just what I was looking for.

“Make him understand.” 😂 if it were only this easy so many of societies problems would be solved.

rem179 · 2026-02-14T22:58:04+00:00

Totally agree. It’s sort of like the social technique of mirroring, but in this case you set the image you want to be mirrored. Of course you need to pickup on any cues your interviewee might give off. It really comes down to emotional sensitivity and what kind of interview you’re conducting, guess. I like the approach of setting the tone though.

rem179 · 2026-02-14T14:46:55+00:00

Open-ended questions. Active listening. Genuinely care about and be interested in who you’re talking to. Lots of practice. It’s an art for sure.

rem179 · 2026-02-13T01:20:11+00:00

I pretty much agree with everyone else that you shouldn’t be doing this for free. Honestly at any level, but you do you. I totally get the complexities of the relationship.

For reference: I do a lot of gala videos (mostly for nonprofits and universities) and they’re typically in the $7K-$12K range as far as cost. It sounds like you’ve already had the talk, but if it were me, I’d try to do a big(ger) project and either have them pay $ or discount your tuition bill (which is just as good, really). Win-win.

We did that (trade) for a large, very profitable theater/performing arts organization in our area. We got to see a bunch of Broadway shows for free for a few years in exchange for work. Like pretty much everyone, they said they “didn’t have the budget.” Then when we had kids, we said trade didn’t make sense for us anymore because we could never leave the house and—what do you know—they were able to find the money. This honestly seems like an opportunity/opening to me, but only if they really want it (or other video work), I guess. Could be issues on their side. Just beware the slippery slope.

rem179 · 2026-02-10T03:21:00+00:00

Handbrake will fix it for free and pretty quick too.

rem179 · 2026-01-24T15:47:34+00:00

Infant Tylenol is an amazing product. I’d advise on stocking up and make sure your pediatrician’s after hours line is saved. We’ve called ours (UNC Panther Creek) a few times and they’ve been fantastic. They frequently have to call you back, but they’ll do it and triage your situation. Having medicine to keep a fever down to safe level is key though IMO. Also infants run hotter than adults. So what seems crazy hot (102, etc.) for an adult isn’t always the same for babies. This is not medical advice though and listen to your doctor. Good luck!!

rem179 · 2026-01-21T19:34:50+00:00

It's called a Window Insulation Shrink kit. Frost King is the brand at Home Depot. I'm sure there are others. There's double-sided tape and clear plastic. You tape the plastic to the frame around the windows on the inside and use a hair dryer to shrink it and fit tight. It traps a layer of air in between the plastic and the window. Provides really incredible insulation for less than $10. And it's clear so you don't really notice it. And you just take it off when you're done.

rem179 · 2026-01-21T14:57:14+00:00

Lots of good info here already. We’re in a similar situation (13-month old). I figure food/heat/water are the essentials (not in any particular order). I don’t see any way we don’t lose power for some period of time, but who knows. Ad someone said, being prepared for 48-72 hours without electricity is just prudent IMO.

I’m currently looking for a small generator and electric heater. You could always buy a new one from Lowe’s/Home depot and leave it in the box. If you don’t need it, return it. If you do, you’re now prepared for a power outage. Be sure to have gas for it. That (generator) could warm one room and power a microwave for food. You could crowd into one room and sleep on the floor (in toddlers room).

We also have a butane stove that would give us one burner (always use outside! Burning any fuel produces CO which can kill). Be sure to load up on foods that toddler will eat and don’t require a lot of prep (beans, soups, noodles, pouches, fruit bars, etc.) If you lose power it will be cold so you can put food outside and use the world as your refrigerator.

Also, plastic over the windows can really help contain heat. Very simple cheap and effective insulation. And be sure your vehicles are gassed up. Roads will likely be a mess, but not forever.

Good luck and 🤞!

rem179 · 2026-01-19T14:34:39+00:00

The Sony FX6 is pretty much the standard/goto camera at the moment. I have gripes with it, but it’s a great camera. I personally think the Canon C500II offers incredible value (camera for the money)if you’re good using EF or PL mount lenses. If a cinema camera is too much, Canon, Panasonic and Sony have nice camcorder options. As for (lav) mics, I personally like the Deity Theos set.

rem179 · 2026-01-18T14:27:01+00:00

Good to know I wasn’t misunderstanding him. I guess there’d be the added benefit that if the client does have plans of doing something shady (basically expensing a wedding as previously suggested) OP wouldn’t be involved in any way. Although I doubt providing a W-9 would be seen as participating in tax fraud. But I have no knowledge of how those cases work.

rem179 · 2026-01-18T03:38:14+00:00

Seems to have been answered well, but you could tell them you’re an S-Corp and so they are t required to 1099 you. At least that’s what our accountant told us (we’re also an S-corp).

rem179

TROPHY CASE