Sony just recently sponsored an exclusive program for female pro photographers, where 5 will be chosen for some hefty cash, mentoring, etc..I was suprised I was invited to their 530ish FB group..I have been quiet there, just casually observing what might be a potential backslash for Sony.. Most women there have participated, but some didnt get to deadline..For the first days, everyone there was oh girl go for it, bla bla bla..Its been around 10 days since deadline, and now it seems theres some ego issues going around there..One was like indirectly saying that since she wasnt a pro tog, she felt down without a chance.So a lot of them rallied to her..problem is, those who rallied arent pro togs either..So they are asking the admin if it was a sole requirement to be a pro..The admin is not saying the whole truth, saying that as long participants have a tog profile, thats enough..Yet, as of yesterday, a pro tog said that the rules were clear and there, and those who are not business abiding togs( tax, insurance,etc) shouldnt had participated..the lady who invited me to the group inboxed me asking what I thought about it..I only said that if the jury reports to Sony high brass, tough luck, Japanese management is vertical as fuck, they dont stray sideways for nobody..Then she asks if I think her participation was in vain, I said pretty much yes.. Now that I think about it, I dont recall men crying like this with any contests..