Let's talk strategy - Exploring new ways to defeat paparazzi

How you naturally react to the paparazzi is understandable.  Let's look at what strategies have NOT worked so far:

1. Hiding (whether it is with sunglasses or under something). This only increases paps' aggression and determination to get a good photo.
2. Appealing to their humanity.  While noble, it does not address their motivation (greed) of getting paid.
3. Giving them the finger.  What used to make a photo non-usable is now considered acceptable - even desired - because it shows emotion.
4. Running.  This is where things can get dangerous.
5. Getting Angry.  While your anger is understandable, the paparazzi neither care or respect you.  They are not fans. They want emotion.
6. Assaulting/Destroying their equipment.  This will only entangle you in costly lawsuits that will further waste you time and resources.

Okay, hopefully we agree about what has not worked.  Let's explore what might work to #ENDpaparazzi.

Make their photos worthless

Display a sign/label with the name of a competing brand  - publishers won't touch it.  If they do, they promote our cause #ENDpaparazzi.  Ideally, you'll want to choose a brand that:

1. is free (for everyone).
2. offers better photos (provided by you).
   
3. has no ads.
   
4. has no copyright (so publishers and social media can take the photos and run with it).
5. offers the easiest searchable/browsable public access to celebrity photos.
   
6. is more concerned with pursuing the truth, than monetization
   
7. gives 95% of any future merchandising revenue to charities.
   
8. is associated with generosity.
9. you own an equal share in.
   
10. What brand meets this criteria? papbuster.com 

Why do this? Because removing the economic incentive is a key part of the solution to the paparazzi problem.

Educating the public

Educating the public is also a crucial component to #ENDpaparazzi.  This can be achieved through:

1.  High profile events.
   
2. one-on-one using a carrot and stick approach.
   
3.  PSAs on social media.
4. You.

Publishing Photos of the Stalkerazzi

1. Enlist the help of the public in exposing abusive paps.
   
2. Make filming the stalkerazzi a fun game for kids - to replace fear with fun.
   
3. Let's see how they like the attention.

I don't know if any of this will work.  We won't know until someone has the courage to try.  You can't solve a problem if you don't ask questions.  I'm asking.  I'll keep asking until we #ENDpaparazzi and make it socially unacceptable to take a picture (of anyone) without permission.  You deserve to be treated with the same level of respect that everyone else receives - don't let them convince you otherwise.