Digital BW, The Print

Mark,

I'm not a silver printer, but you're asking the questions I struggled with
re my digital prints a couple of years ago.

I think that a legitimate limited edition must be printed up front, and not
on demand, whether it be silver or digital. There are just too many
variables involved to do otherwise and still be legit, IMHO. And this wastes
a lot of resources unnecessarily.

Because I take this point of view and because I want the freedom to change
an image or to print a different size if I choose to do so down the road,
I've decided against doing editions. I don't want to deal with the print
inventory that would be necessary and I don't want to limit my options with
previously sold images.

Plus, the technology that's available to us today makes it too easy for
issuers of editions to cheat. I just don't see any value in being associated
with such a concept. My stance may mean that I don't sell as many prints and
that they sell for less than they would if editioned. But there are
advantages: I avoid the need to keep all that inventory; I'm not associated
with what I consider a questionable marketing concept here in this new
century; and it just plain suits my needs.

I fully understand why the concept of editioning prints persists, but
sincerely believe that today's technology makes cheating far too easy for
those with an inclination to do so. The buyers' perceptions are critical to
the success of our market. However, as more and more people find it easier
and easier to reissue editioned prints, the value of the whole concept is
diminished. And this trend just reinforces the belief already held by many
that "it's just a matter of pushing a button."

I'm signing and dating my prints and print only on demand. It works for me,
but I understand why others have different needs and take different
approaches.

Tom Keesling
Intelligent Design, Inc.