Postcard Exchange : Time to split into groups?

Ben Taylor · Apr 18, 2006

I for one have very much enjoyed taking part in the last exchange, and will undoubtedly take part in the next (I've already started trying to pick my negative...).

For me printing 35 postcards was not a problem and I'd gladly print many more if necessary. I'd just split it into several darkroom sessions.

I do think Nige makes a good point about accommodating people who don't have the time or resources to print a very large number of cards though. One of the nice things about these exchanges is how inclusive they are.

Tom Kershaw · Apr 18, 2006

After reading the thread about the 6th postcard exchange, am I right in thinking that the ILFORD Postcard paper is just the same as any other ILFORD Portfolio RC paper?

If this is the case, I might as well get a box of 5 x 7 as it would allow larger prints.

Tom.

David A. Goldfarb · Apr 18, 2006

Personally, if I'm printing a round of cards anyway, I don't mind doing 50 or more. More than 10 and I'm already in "production" mode, and I've made a few improvements to the darkroom to make this a little easier (Metrolux timer to prevent exposure drift, 4-up proofing easel, Rotatrim which I got for alt-process printing).

Objectively, before we had scheduled rounds and just printed whenever the inspiration struck, the Postcard Exchange seemed to grind to a halt when the list got to be over 40.

Tom--Postcard stock is indeed Portfolio RC paper with postcard printing on the back, and you could use 5x7". The only difference is that you won't be able to use the postcard postal rate.

SteveH · Apr 18, 2006

David A. Goldfarb said:
Personally, if I'm printing a round of cards anyway, I don't mind doing 50 or more. More than 10 and I'm already in "production" mode...

I agree. We had to come out with 35 this time. so would another 10 or so *really* be that much more ? For myself, I found most of the time was spent setting everything up, and then inspecting the cards - not on the actual exposure/development.
However, I completely understand those whom prefer to do ALT. processes, as the time and expense go up exponentionally.

Regards,

Bob F. · Apr 18, 2006

Tom Kershaw said:
After reading the thread about the 6th postcard exchange, am I right in thinking that the ILFORD Postcard paper is just the same as any other ILFORD Portfolio RC paper?

If this is the case, I might as well get a box of 5 x 7 as it would allow larger prints.

Tom.

Yes, same paper - 10x15cm and printed on the back with the usual Postcard stuff.

I think I'll knock up a cradle this next round to hold 8 postcards per tray...

<edit> Kate's post below reminds me. I sent out my cards a week ago so if anyone does not receive them in the next few days, give me a shout and I'll send out a replacement - a scan of the card is in the postcard gallery for those who can't read my scribble on the card...</edit>

Cheers, Bob.

BWKate · Apr 18, 2006

I don't mind sending the 40 or so postcards if everyone does their part and honours their committment. The only problem I'm having is the price but I'm willing to keep on going if everyone makes an effort to mail their cards. We still have some more to come from Round#6. On postage I spent $25.00 for Round #5 and $40.00 for Round #6. In Canada they don't give a special rate for postcards they charge the regular rate for anything up to 50gms. And for international it's double. Not that I mind. I'm just a little poor right now. For Round # 5 only one person didn't send a postcard and that person emailed me personally after I gently enquired. I will stay in then as long as I can. It is worth it.
BWKate

SteveH · Apr 18, 2006

Hrmm. Perhaps we're going about this the wrong way ? How about this:
Limiting the exchange to two times a year. Once in the spring to dig us out of the cabin feaver, and once mid-fall to decorate our houses for the holidays (note - this will work out for those south of the equator as well...abit in reverse ).
We haven't even gotten all of the cards from round 6, and people are already looking towards round 7. For me, as with Kate, the expense is one part of it - but quite frankly, I don't have that many good negs to use yet either .

Nige · Apr 18, 2006

Bob F. said:
I sent out my cards a week ago.

Got it yesterday!

Mick Fagan · Apr 18, 2006

Yes Bob F. I got mine yesterday as well, must have been the same postie as Nige. Full moon eh, any wolves howling in ther background?

Mick.

Bob F. · Apr 18, 2006

Mick Fagan said:
Yes Bob F. I got mine yesterday as well, must have been the same postie as Nige. Full moon eh, any wolves howling in ther background?

Mick.

Not in the UK - I think we ate them all centuries ago... I did once see a really annoyed badger (badgers taste even worse than hedgehogs) but that probably doesn't count...

gr82bart · Apr 18, 2006

I still say we wait and see until Round 6 is near completion before we decide on anything. We still have about a third of the folks who haven't sent their postcards yet. Call me skeptical, but I think the 'deadbeat' (there's that word again) rate will increase as the numbers increase. Where's that "half empty or half full" thread again?

Regards, Art.

reellis67 · Apr 19, 2006

I like the idea of increasing the time between exchanges, but I think two per year sounds a little infrequent. I'd like to have a bit more time to print during an exchange - say an extra month. The print exchanges are not bad because it's only one print, or four for the group exchange, but 50 postcards will take me quite some time to print. I have a temporary setup and only have the capacity (time/space) to print about 20 cards per session, max, and that includes the mistakes. For the last exchange it took me 4 sessions at one per week (best I can do). I'm planning on getting started printing for the next exchange, but I'm busier than a one armed paper hanger right now so I don't know when I can get a head start.

As for splitting, I have to say that I strongly prefer to have the larger group. The steady flow of cards over two or three weeks is really quite nice and a smaller group would likely diminish the enjoyment of the exchange.

Please count me in regardless of the change, or lack thereof, in the scheduling for the next round. I've managed to make it on time so far - although it was close - so I think I can keep up this time too.

- Randy

Shmoo · Apr 19, 2006

One of the upsides of having a single group is that you all get to see what was sent out. In the print exchange, you generally only see a few pieces of work. That being said, however, if the postage or cost gets to be too high, you'll only get images from people who can "afford it" and will be missing out on some great images. You might want to see how many people sign up in the next round to decide what to do. If 200 people sign up, how many could afford it? If 100 sign up? 75, 60, 50...? I smell a poll in the making...

Nige · Apr 19, 2006

Looks like the vocal majority are willing to go to about 50 cards before making a switch to groups, so for this month (Round 7) we'll stick with the plan and it's "in once, in all".

I've half written a program that allows each person to specify their desired maximum number of cards. Just need to tidy it up a little and work out how to email each persons individual list from within MS-Access. We can have a poll over the next 3mths or so.

Thanks for your input.

Regards, Nige

Nige · Apr 20, 2006

Just a final note from me... I have the ability to produce and email individual lists based on maximum desired cards by person. Those that select the 'all' option (if this is ever implemented) would get a list with as many postcard "buddies" as I can create (slightly reduced from the total participants due to some having their personal limits)

Postcard Exchange : Time to split into groups?

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