Digital BW, The Print

I agree about including more than just the 2200 in the print exchange.  I'd
like to compare other printer/ink combinations as well.  So, I've opened it
up to other printers and inks and created the attached "rules."  This is my
first print exchange, so I'm open to suggestions.

I'll am accepting signups immediately.

Also, I've received email from people that don't feel they've mastered their
equipment well enough to submit a print, but they'd like to see the samples.
So, I've reserved a set of prints for a "travelling exhibit."  I know it was
discussed on this list a while back, but I don't know if it has happened.  I
also haven't figured out all the logistics of organizing it yet.
Tentatively, I'm thinking of limiting it to the first 5 people that sign up
with each person, in order, sending pre-paid packaging to the person with
the prints.  If the prints survive the first 5, and they're returned in good
shape, then I'll do it again with the next 5...  Of course, the shipping
requirements will probably have to be stricter in order to keep the prints
in good shape, and we'll be relying on people to take good care of them and
ship them in a timely manner.  Any suggestions on how to handle this?

--Tom

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BW Technical Print Exchange (Jan 2003)
http://fors.net/exchange/

PURPOSE
Technical comparison of various printers, inks, software, and workflow to
achieve neutral B&W digital prints.

PARTICIPANTS
Participation will be limited to the first 9 to signup as long as you can
contribute a unique driver/workflow/ink/printer combination.  Priority will
be given in the following order with the exception of 2200/2100 printers
which will be given highest priority in order to serve my selfish interests.

1. unique driver software (for example, Epson driver, RIP software, etc.)
2. unique workflow
3. unique ink
4. unique printer

Since "uniqueness" will be evaluated based on the above priority, we won't
know the final list of participants until the signup deadline has been met.
See the schedule below.

THE PRINT
Participants will each submit 9 identical prints following the
driver/workflow/ink/printer combination that was agreed to.  Eight of the
prints will be for each of the 8 other participants and the 9th print will
be part of a travelling exhibit to be defined later.

Participants will print the same file without scaling or resampling on
either Epson Archival Matte or Epson Enhanced Matte paper.  The file has a
resolution of 360dpi and consist of a 21-step wedge with 4 test images.  It
fits easily within an 8.5 x 11-inch page. You may print on A4 paper if that
is what is available to you.  A link to the file will be sent to you after
the signup deadline.  The file is 3.5 megabytes, and you must be able to
download it to your computer.

Prints should not be toned and must be your best effort to produce neutral
black and white.  Any tone in the print should only be due to the nature of
the ink or limitations of your driver/software.

Please do not mark or write on the prints.  When I receive them, I will
assign each one a number and send an email with the details of each.

PACKAGING
Your submitted package must include the 9 prints as well as return packaging
and postage.

Since this is a technical print exchange and the prints carry no real value
other than for pedagogical purposes, an envelope with very stiff cardboard
will be accepted as packaging.  A pre-addressed and postage-paid envelope of
the same size may be folded and included in the package for the return
packaging.  The cardboard will be reused to send you return prints.

Please choose the proper size of envelope and cardboard to prevent the
prints from sliding during mailing.  Check with your local office supply
store.  Also, include a blank sheet to protect the top print.

Make sure you include enough postage for your return packaging.  If there is
not enough, I will arbitrarily remove prints from your return package until
it is accepted.

SCHEDULE
The deadline for signups will be Friday, Jan 17, 2003.  You will get a
confirmation email from me that your signup was received.  After the
deadline, I will email the final list of participants to everyone who signed
up.  Participants will be emailed a link to the file, as well as the address
to send their prints.

Your package of 9 prints plus return packaging must be in the mail to me by
Friday, Jan 31, 2003.

Once I receive all the prints, I'll collate them and send return packages
out as quickly as possible.  I'll email participants periodically to keep
them informed of the status.

TO SIGN UP
Send an email to exchange@... and include your
driver/workflow/ink/printer combination.

For example:
     Driver/Software: Epson Driver with Gray Balancer
     Workflow: none
     Ink: Epson UltraChrome Matte Black
     Printer: Epson 2200

DISCLAIMERS
These rules may change up to the signup deadline as I receive suggestions.
Any changes will be posted and participants will be notified.

I cannot be responsible for damage caused during shipping.  Please choose
your packaging carefully.