Pricing section support?

[Richard Monro]

After reviewing the thread i started called Pricing Your Art, a question arises about installing a Pricing section. Will there be enough support to make it worthwhile for Cynthia to put up such a section? Here is what I suggest we do.

1) Contact all your forum friends, ask them to read the thread Pricing Your Art.

2) if they agree and will participate in the pricing section on a regular basis (once a week?), have them visit this thread and simply write YES in the reply. Don't vote if you don't agree to support, Please don't comment on this thread. Either abstain for a no or write YES if you will support the section. Remember this will be a subscription (paid membership) section only. Assume a $25 or $30 annual subscription price.

3) If at least 100 YES votes are collected then a pricing section may be of real value to members. Less than 100 YES votes says we should drop the topic.

The deadline for voting is April 25, 2006 at which time this topic should be locked. looking forward to your replies.

[Michele Rushworth]

While I think a pricing section would be worthwhile there may be additional issues involved, technical or otherwise. It's really Cynthia's call. I have let her know of the interest in this idea and she indicated that there are technical problems.

[Enzie Shahmiri]

I would propose the pricing is kept informal and done in the form of a questionnaire to all members, in this manner:

"I would like assistance in determining a general feel for what this painting would be worth.

*** Attachment of Image including detail shots****

Please rate this painting according to the following price categories

under $1,000.00
from $1,000.00 to 2,000.00
from $2,000.00 to 3, 000.00
etc.

With a footnote saying that this is meant as a general questionnaire and that it shows the opinions of forum members and does in no way determine the true value of a what a painting should be priced at. "

Since the questionnaire would only show color bars, the artists then can determine for him/herself how others like or dislike the work and the person would still be responsible to determine a price. This would only help in narrowing the pricing gap to a reasonable range.

I also think that this questionnaire should be placed in the WIP section or any other area that can not be viewed by the general public.

Our peers are our best critiques! Since opinions and tastes vary to such a degree, I would keep the voting anonymous. This allows for a honest opinion without the need of justification.

[Janet Kimantas]

As I read this, as well as thinking what a great idea it is, I was also thinking of geographic differences. As a Canadian, I am acutely aware that not only do my fellow country-persons not spent money on paintings, that they particularly don't spend money on portraits. So that aspect was going to generally inform my comment.

BUT, I actually read the entire previous thread and am surprised that you found, Richard, the prices in your research did not change much from one geographical area to another. This does astound me. However, could it be subject matter that changes in desirability from one area to another? By that I wonder if portraits can command much more in some regions than in others. Which would, of course, affect how this new forum might work. Just a comment, based on self-interest. I think you idea is wonderful, and all your research is truly facinating.

Janet