(04 Dec 2013, 5:22 pm)Adam Malarkey wrote I didn't think much of it at first, until I seen the link Michael posted and then put 2 and 2 together, I also remember a few months back that said Author also tagged along for the Tynedale Xpress Launch also. One of the 3 Authors must work for GNE on the Promotional side of things otherwise they wouldn't be able to take the Photos that they have inside the Depot otherwise.
I'm expecting not to much to be said about this by other Enthusiasts as this trio are probably "Well Known" and "Respected" and it'll be given the good old shrug of the shoulder, whereas if these photos were taken by Myself or Bazza for example there would be uproar on the NEB Trespassing Thread about it. Seems to be one rule for one person and another rule for another person which is hardly fare really.
I'm well aware that one of the authors has several 'contacts' within Go North East management (he has told me that himself before), and I understand he takes publicity photographs for Go North East... What annoys me is the depot situation. As you say, if you had organised with a member of management to take photographs inside of the buses (regardless of whether it was for promotional purposes or not), there would be a huge uproar about it on every single platform. Hardly fair, and I really can't support it. Don't get me wrong, if it's promotion along the route of the service, I can't and wouldn't complain... When it's private property that all enthusiasts don't have access to - I start to have reason for complaint. It shows a clear divide between older and newer enthusiasts, and I imagine that the newer photographers won't feel 'appreciated' in the slightest.
"I respect Go North East management by not visiting depots and waiting until they launch the buses" - right...