When a Promoter doesn't contact you or answer emails, what do you do?

So---- Being a jewelry artist isn't easy. We all know that. Oftentimes, I apply for shows and am on waiting lists. It's part of the territory to apply for a slot in a show that may take 15 jewelry artists and has over 200 applications. I get it. I lose money in jury fees but again, that's part of the territory. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.

What irritates me. I applied on Zapplication last year and this year for a show. (well known) Both years, I received no notification. I emailed the promoter and I know he gets the emails because we communicated earlier this year. I emailed several weeks after the jury was done and asked 'if' it was done and when would the notifications be mailed or emailed. No answer. But this year, the day after that email, my Zapplication said 'waiting list' .

I emailed again. "I see I am on the waiting list. Please know I am interested in the show, and would like to remain on the waiting list.' and sent a verification of my mailing address. No answer.

For my $30 application fee (two years in a row) I received no communication. Only that phrase 'waiting list' on Zapplication.

I feel ripped off. Could the person at least answer an email or send a notification that I am not in the show, but on the list?

Too bad. It looks like a nice show. It has good reviews. I'm not donating $30 next year.

Anyone ever had this happen?

Susan, Zapp provides show directors with the ability to communicate with their pool of applicants / accepted / waitlisted artists through the application. Someone (like Larry Berman) who knows its inner workings would have to explain if there is an extra charge to the director for using this feature. But whether or not the director does it through Zapp or through their own mailing list, I agree that it's only common courtesy to communicate status directly to artists. It's also good business: proactive communication helps them fill their show, and get paid, more quickly.

Richard may have a good point about "waitlisted" artists...or not. It depends on their stated waitlist policy. If they haven't stated their waitlist policy on the Zapp site, well, that's another indication that they aren't concerned with these things.

We artists get the respect we insist upon. I agree with you: I wouldn't "donate" to them next year, either.

Replies

Richard L. Sherer October 4, 2013 at 3:57pm

I do expect to hear yes or no about acceptance/rejection by the date they post. Sometimes this just shows up on Zapp without an email (ok, they are busy too, and sign of the times). If they don't put this out in a timely manner ( give them a day or two) then you have every right to stick it to them. I don't usually accept being wait listed, but if I am I take control by telling them XX days before show or do not contact me. Like others, how courteous and helpful a show is determines weather I contribute to their silent auction, and what sort of a review I write. Once again the emphasis is placed on WRITING THE REVIEW.
Scott Pakulski October 4, 2013 at 3:45pm

Well I am still on the wait list for a show that has past... Weird...
Geoff Coe October 4, 2013 at 1:34pm

Susan, Zapp provides show directors with the ability to communicate with their pool of applicants / accepted / waitlisted artists through the application. Someone (like Larry Berman) who knows its inner workings would have to explain if there is an extra charge to the director for using this feature. But whether or not the director does it through Zapp or through their own mailing list, I agree that it's only common courtesy to communicate status directly to artists. It's also good business: proactive communication helps them fill their show, and get paid, more quickly.

Richard may have a good point about "waitlisted" artists...or not. It depends on their stated waitlist policy. If they haven't stated their waitlist policy on the Zapp site, well, that's another indication that they aren't concerned with these things.

We artists get the respect we insist upon. I agree with you: I wouldn't "donate" to them next year, either.
- susan lambert > Geoff Coe October 4, 2013 at 2:26pm
  
  I thought it was common courtesy also. This is the first in 20 years of shows, that I haven't had a letter or email. Two years in a row. It makes me wonder if they even looked at my work in the first place.
Richard L. Sherer October 4, 2013 at 11:29am

My understanding of bring wait listed, is you make yourself available until the 11th hour unless you indicate otherwise. The show has no obligation to keep you posted even out of courtesy.
- susan lambert > Richard L. Sherer October 4, 2013 at 12:04pm
  
  do you think I should have been notified I am on the waiting list, rather than me having to look it up on Zapp? That's my problem. I haven't heard from this promoter once since applying. Usually I get a note, "thanks for applying. You aren't in the show, but you ''are' on the waiting list''
  
  nothing... nada... and not even a response to emails.

This reply was deleted.