I am a graphic designer who (unfortunately) works for a large financial institution. There are two other graphic designers who work with me in our department (we work with the marketing department).
The “marketing” people in our department want to submit some campaigns we did last year to a marketing campaign contest. This of coruse largely deals with things we have created for those campaigns.
I was horrified when one of the marketing people sent out an email suggesting we use “3 ring binders and construction paper” as our presenting and mounting materials (no, I am not joking) - oh and wanted to know what color everyone wanted to use for the construction paper (once again, not joking). I sent out a reply email suggesting we should probably use Itoya folders and archival acid-free black paper to mount the pieces on. I really didn’t get a reply back - even the other designers had NO idea what an Itoya folder was (I was once again shocked and horrified). (continued)
I think people took it as an insult that I suggesting something other than a 3 ring binder and construction paper for a professional competition. But good god! Am I overreacting? This really bothers me that professionals would have such poor taste and ignorance about their own field. The fact that everyone responded negatively to my suggestion bothers me as well. I was told “well nobody really cares”.

Is it really appropriate to use a 3 ring binder and construction paper?? I really have my doubts. I don’t plan on fighting them anymroe on it because it’s obvious they want to look like slobs. But I am curious if I am being too nit - picky.