A/NZ Print Exchange Round #2 - Sign-up

Kevin Caulfield · Dec 30, 2010

Yes, Alex, but you don't usually send Christmas cards in October, do you?

andrewkirkby · Dec 30, 2010

Hello all.

I really must apologise for the delay in getting my prints to you.

I ordered material to print them and it didn't arrive before i went to Nepal. It still has not arrived so i have gone to a backup plan.

Prints will be in the mail tomorrow.

AK

Yamaotoko · Jan 3, 2011

andrewkirkby said:
I really must apologise for the delay in getting my prints to you...

...Prints will be in the mail tomorrow.

As late as it is, it's good to hear some news from someone as to what's going on, thanks Andrew, hope you had a good trip! My brother and his wife just got back from a couple months around Nepal late in the year as well, sounds like a great time of year to visit.

Oxleyroad · Jan 3, 2011

Happy new year to every one. Looks like we'll have our prints soon.

It must be time to start the signup for the next round

hoffy · Jan 3, 2011

Oxleyroad said:
Happy new year to every one. Looks like we'll have our prints soon.

It must be time to start the signup for the next round

I think that is a good idea. Should we wait for Tim or get it going ourselves (if Tim is too busy, I am happy to co-ordinate)?

Cheers

Yamaotoko · Jan 3, 2011

hoffy said:
I think that is a good idea. Should we wait for Tim or get it going ourselves (if Tim is too busy, I am happy to co-ordinate)?

Cheers

I was just thinking the same thing last night, maybe we could have a 'regular' exchange, and a 'super-strict' one. Regular runs as they usually do, super-strict is run on the understanding that prints not in by cut-off miss out because the shared prints are getting distributed on a certin date. Anyone who misses the cut-off can flow into the 'regular' exchange...

it was just a thought, but then I thought it sounded a bit nasty, so I wouldn't mention it... oops...

Seabird · Jan 3, 2011

SteveR said:
I was just thinking the same thing last night, maybe we could have a 'regular' exchange, and a 'super-strict' one. Regular runs as they usually do, super-strict is run on the understanding that prints not in by cut-off miss out because the shared prints are getting distributed on a certin date. Anyone who misses the cut-off can flow into the 'regular' exchange...

Another alternative would be to have a "continuously rolling" exchange with no set cut-off dates. The coordinator simply distributes sets of prints when they have a pre-agreed number of sets on hand. E.g. If it is agreed that everyone sends 5 prints then the coordinator simply sets aside the first 6 sets that come in (assuming you dont want your own print back) and treats them as a group for distribution purposes. Next 6 sets received go into the next group and so on...

This would let folk participate as often (or seldom) as they wish. It would also avoid distribution being delayed on account of tardiness (slow to arrive prints effectively miss the cut for a few groups and become part of the next group for distribution).

Potential downsides I can forsee are:

1. It may mean more work for the coordinator.
2. If someone gets too keen and submits too many sets of prints then the co-ordinator may need to tell them to take a break for a while... alternatively you have a rule for repeat contributors that says you dont send your next set until you have received a set.
3. If enthusiasm flags and the number of sets submitted drops then the coordinator may end up holding prints for a while waiting for the number of sets needed to complete a group (this could no doubt be sorted with some communication).

Just some thoughts.

Carey Bird
http://members.iinet.net.au/~cbird/index.html

hoffy · Jan 3, 2011

For an exchange such as this, this is how I personally see the options:

* Stay with the current game plan - Have a period of time to nominate to be included in the exchange, have a set time to print and send to the co-ordinator and when all the sets are ready to go, distribute.
* Modify the current game plan to ensure that prints are sent out to the final destinations by a set date, regardless of all the prints being available - OK, lets say we have 20 nominate, but 18 sets of prints are received at the cut off date. Since we would break that up into two groups of 10, the way I see it is that each person would get 9 new prints set back to them, plus one of their own prints sent back. Those who didn't get their prints in by the cut off date simply miss out. If they wish to participate again in the future, there would have to be some makeup or penalty (I.E., miss out on a round or ensure that they do a bit of a double up to make up for the prints they didn't send). The downside with this is if there is a big number of drop outs, you could get a big number of you own prints sent back
* Adopt Seabirds idea (not too bad, just a bit of a pain for the person organising it). At least you know that if you send out 5 prints, you will get 5 different prints back….

Any other thoughts?

Seabird · Jan 4, 2011

hoffy said:
* Adopt Seabirds idea (not too bad, just a bit of a pain for the person organising it). At least you know that if you send out 5 prints, you will get 5 different prints back.

Hi Hoffy,

A variation that would "sweeten" the deal for the organiser would be as follows: Everyone sends 6 prints and understands that they will get 5 different prints back with the additional print being for the organiser (to compensate them for their trouble). Means the organiser gets a "free" set of prints for every exchange irrespective of whether they participate or not.

NB While I'm happy to take the credit, this is not my idea. It is the way one of the other print exchanges on APUG works. I've thought about participating but international postage is a killer...

Regards
http://members.iinet.net.au/~cbird/index.html

Oxleyroad · Jan 4, 2011

Call me a fence sitter if you like but I can work with what ever the majority think is a good idea.

I will put my hand up to manage the print distribution this round and I will start the new round three thread as well, if no one objects by the end of the week. Whatever the agreed method of running the exchange will be accommodated.

Let's get to it. I have not been able to get into the darkroom because of the duties associated with the festive season, but now suffering bad withdrawal symptoms will start back in there tonight now the rest of the family is in bed.

munz6869 · Jan 4, 2011

I'm keen too, now I have my new darkroom operational... printing is 16% more satisfying with the "commodore 64" of enlarger controllers...

Marc!

Seabird · Jan 4, 2011

Oxleyroad said:
I will put my hand up to manage the print distribution this round and I will start the new round three thread as well, if no one objects by the end of the week. Whatever the agreed method of running the exchange will be accommodated.

Hi Oxleyroad,

Thanks for your offer, but have you discussed this with timk? Do you have his confirmation that he no longer wants to organise the exchanges? I, for one, have been happy with his management of the process to date, and I note that in both exchanges the delays were not of his making. (I know that I would have been far less likely to protect the names of the "laggards" - and there but for the grace of God...)

I applaud your offer and dont wish to discourage you, but also dont want to timk to feel someone is stepping on his turf - particularly if he is happy to continue. Isn't your generous offer premature until timk has confirmed he wishes to withdraw?

Thoughts? Timk?

Cheers

Carey Bird
http://members.iinet.net.au/~cbird/index.html

hoffy · Jan 6, 2011

I suppose we need to ask the next question......does anyone else actually want to continue with the exchanges?

munz6869 · Jan 6, 2011

I think they're an awesome idea, and am happy to participate! Impatience & frustration is tempered (eventually, I trust) by the excitement of seeing other folks' stuff!

Marc!

Tony Egan · Jan 6, 2011

hoffy said:
I suppose we need to ask the next question......does anyone else actually want to continue with the exchanges?

On reflection, I probably won't participate if the "rules" are the same.
I think 9/10 prints is too many. I opted for 8x10 RC paper to cut down the time and expense and meet the size guidance. I'd prefer to make 3 and no more than 4 fibre prints on 11x14 and put more time and energy into a quality archival print. i.e. produce what I typically make and enjoy the most rather than "compromising".

Also inkjet prints don't interest me much. I like to see what people are doing in the silver and alternative media so I can learn and appreciate how others do it. If I want to admire inkjets I can always rejoin a camera club

But, then again, I might change my mind after actually seeing some prints!

Ian David · Jan 7, 2011

hoffy said:
I suppose we need to ask the next question......does anyone else actually want to continue with the exchanges?

Not in their present form.

FWIW, I think the exchange needs:
1. A pretty firm deadline;
2. A clear indication to everyone of which, if any, prints are missing. If people have a good reason for being late, they should share it with everyone. And people who have sent their prints would probably like to know that they have arrived.
3. Regular updates from the organiser. Organising these things is a commitment too. Apologies to Tim if he is in jail or hospital, but the current radio silence is pretty unsatisfactory.

Ian

tomalophicon · Jan 7, 2011

Yes, I'd be more than happy to continue the exchange if people are willing to play by the rules.

w9cae · Jan 7, 2011

Glad other have the exact same feelings as I. Being new to analog photography, print exchange gave me a goal & a deadline. But this was only meet with disappointment. I am not going to point a finger but you know who you are guilty.

hoffy · Jan 7, 2011

OK, do you guys have any suggestions? Should it be a rolling exchange, with less prints or a set date, ect?

Oxleyroad · Jan 7, 2011

Great to see us thinking about we want.

As mentioned before I like the is exchange as I like the anticipation of what I will get back in the post. The standard of prints coming back (from the first exchange anyway) made me rethink a little of what I need to be doing. It also forces me to meet the timing dead lines of the round.

Having a rolling schedule like the post card exchange (not necessarily the same timing) works for me.

I can't come at what Tony is suggesting as I have so few sheets of paper bigger than 8x10 and to participate I would have to go out and buy some. But would go with doing fewer prints if this would get the exchange rolling again.

I also go along with what Ian suggested in his three points.

I have tried contacting Tim through PM, I guess I could go knocking on his door to find out what the status is for exchange #2, but have not had any response in the last few days.

I did say I would kick off a new thread today if there was no objections, but as I have not head from Tim as yet I'll wait for his blessing. Any one from the Melbourne Camera Club got a means of contacting Tim?

w9cae · Jan 7, 2011

The Traditional group @ the MCC will meet on Monday 24 January. Tim is one of the co chairs, so he should be there ?

As always any APUG or new comers are welcome to attend. I will try to tactfully approach Tim & get some info on the print exchange.

There is also an antique camera outing in Williams town next sunday. He could turn up there also ? I plan on a quick visit as I have other commitments on the day also.

Beyond that I dont know what to say ?

Tony Egan · Jan 7, 2011

Oxleyroad said:
I can't come at what Tony is suggesting as I have so few sheets of paper bigger than 8x10 and to participate I would have to go out and buy some. But would go with doing fewer prints if this would get the exchange rolling again.

I wasn't suggesting everyone else should print bigger. I'd be happy to receive a 4x5 contact print in return if that's someone's thing.

hoffy · Jan 7, 2011

The idea behind the 8x10 size was to make it more manageable when it came to postage.

Yamaotoko · Jan 9, 2011

Well, after chatting with Carey a little while back and trying to work out just what it was my images were lacking, I bought myself some selenium toner recently. This afternoon I had a chance to have a crack at it, do some tests and see if I could start to fill in the gap between where my prints are, and where I want them to be.

It was pretty successful, I have to say. However, comparing a toned and un-toned version of the print I submitted for the exchange, I have to say, I'm not happy with what you're all going to see!

So, Tim, if you reckon it's going to be more than another week 'till the prints get sent out, let me know and I'll pop 'round and grab mine so I can tone them before they get shared

timk · Jan 10, 2011

Hi all,

Firstly let me apologise profusely for being MIA for a while, I know there is no excuse but I had a rough couple of weeks in December and then went away with family over xmas and new years

I am fully back on board as of this week.

Now, the update on the exchange is that I'm still waiting on prints from andrewkirkby. I'm not sure if you haven't sent the prints or not but if you have / havent please contact me asap

Other than that, Group 1 is ready to go out, group 2 is just waiting on Andrew.

What's everyone's preference, if I cut out andrew and move someone from group 1 into group2 (I'm happy to volunteer to move groups).

Will wait until this evening and if no-one has replied either way, I'll move myself into group 2 and then send the prints out.

And again, so sorry I didn't intend the prints to be outstanding for this long.

TK

A/NZ Print Exchange Round #2 - Sign-up

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