Almo,

Here's how I see it:

First off, thanks to all who purchased merchandise. EVERY dollar counts.

Taking lineside pics is much like hunting.

IMO, a PAID FOR photo is one done on a photo, or railfan charter train. The photographers paid for this train to be there for thier picture taking pleasure. These trips are held usually with small groups so everyone who invested in the train operating can get their pics and recordings. These trips, either by railroad or independant person survives on this reputation. This is much like hunting in a fenced in game reserve advertizing "every gets a catch".

A NOT PAID FOR , AKA FREE, is a lineside run by of an operating train.

The operators, benefactors, nor railroads have any control of who shows up at these runs. If someone "ruins" your picture the operator, host railroad, and any benefactors have NO CONTROL of these situations as it is NOT THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO DO SO. This is like going hunting in the forest, sometimes you get a catch, other times you don't. A tag is not a guarantee you will get a catch.

So in MY definition of "Not Paying To Be There", the person who did not pay for the train to operate for their pleasure is taking the gamble that hundreds of other "fans" will take the honor of the covenant railfan and not ruin THEIR picture taking experiance, and get his/her "catch".

Sometimes you leave with a catch, other times you don't.

Smokebox