Digital BW, The Print

Wise, wise words.
I think that letting them know how many people are in this forum may be a
better policy than simply unsubscribing from their magazine. Maybe they'd
change their mind and reconsider the statement that "digital is based more
on technology and conventional photography is based on craftsmanship"
(exactly the same reasoning applies to painting compared to analog
photography, by the way).
And if a magazine ain't enough, they might even start thinking about
creating a new one...
 
Alessandro Pardi

-----Original Message-----
From: earregardless [mailto:earregardless@...]
Sent: mercoledì 27 febbraio 2002 07.17
To: DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Digital BW] B&W Magazine "drops" digital prints


Wait a minute.  I read Rasmussen's "Opening Shot" as stating that, in 
his - the editor/publisher's - opinion, black and white's "connection 
with the past" merits the policy that B&W "will not widen our 
editorial scope to include Digital photography."  Rasmussen 
continues: "This is not a judgement reflecting the worth of 
practitioners of the new ways, but a practical necessity - it's 
impossible to please both sides in the same forum."  

I see nothing in the article (p. 7 of the April 2002 issue) that says 
that digital lacks the tradition, heritage, and other qualities that 
collectors are looking for.  Rasmussen is clear - in his opinion, 
digital is based more on technology and conventional photography is 
based on craftsmanship.  The magazine's concentration on conventional 
photography is "a decision in consideration of constancy."

Regardless of the possibly misguided basis for his opinion, he's 
entitled to it.  He does say that "we may from time to time 
reevaluate our policy, and will keep readers informed of developments 
in the Digital arena."  Thus, there is nothing in the article that 
suggests that it will not have any articles or feature any discussion 
of digital prints.  

Face it folks, despite the raves of enlightened practioners, as of 
February 27, 2002, there is still quite a bit of skepticism - and not 
without reason - about digital photography.  The leading - and, as 
far as I know, only - magazine devoted to black and white photography 
(and a damn fine publication) is not so much dictating standards but 
is rather reflecting popular opinion.

Besides posting here - which is a bit like preaching to the choir - 
perhaps a letter to the editor would be more effective in getting 
Rasmussen's ear and the issue before the collecting public.  That 
will ensure that, at least for the July 2002 issue, there will be a 
discussion - not a monologue - on the merits of collecting digital 
photography. 





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