Digital BW, The Print

Ok... I'm taking the plunge... 

I will coordinate a MARCH THEME PRINT EXCHANGE (our own version of 
March Madness).

I've solicited advice from a number here and intend to forge ahead 
anyhow <g>.

So... Here's the drill:

* Sign up will be limited to the first 30. 

* Prints must arrive on West Coast U.S. by March 1. 

* Unless we find it is impossible from the country of origin (or 
Piggly Wiggly), shipping must include a prepaid return shipping 
voucher/label (and container if the original cannot be reused). I 
will work with anyone who really has a problem with this, but I would 
like to develop a process that makes this painless enough to repeat 
with a different theme each time. I strongly prefer Fedex, but UPS, 
Airborne, DHL are all fine (in that order of preference due to my 
ability to access them). Prints will get redelivered in order of ease 
of delivery..i.e. not sure when I can get time off to stand in line 
at the Post Office.)

* Prints will be Letter/A4. This is a shipping challenge. It is 
imperative that all prints be shipped in a container that will 
accomodate BOTH SIZES of paper since the return will include both 
sizes. There is a Fedex small letter box that not only comes with a 
box one size smaller that fits inside for very easy return but it 
fairly neatly holds both sizes of print ... maybe with a little 
tissue for protection. This would be the method STRONGLY PREFERRED 
for quick easy turnaround. Sending prints in the manufacturer's paper 
box WILL NOT WORK... A4 will not fit in letter, nor will letter fit 
in A4.

* Prints should all be enclosed in individual glassine/plastic 
holders with a description sheet facing the back (for sorting). These 
are available from many sources, small quantities are for sale at 
inkjetart.com... larger quantities all over the internet. The 
description should include: Print title, your name, shooting data, 
printing data. At a minimum this should include printer, inkset, 
software (including print driver/software). Any comments on workflow 
would be very interesting and welcome.

* THE THEME...there are two obvious ways to configure theme... by 
subject (landscape, portrait, etc) or print type (piezo, ink type, 4 
ink, 6 ink, etc, etc). I want this first cut to be as inclusive as 
possible and still be united by a theme...later exchanges (if this 
goes well) can get more arcane (and your input will drive that)... so 
I have exercised my perogative of naming the first one... ANIMAL
(S)... pets, wildlife, let your imagination go wild <g>.

* I'm pretty excited about trying this... BWdigital print forum has 
rejuvenated my 30 years of photography interest by bringing me back 
to my roots (all nighters making very fussy BW prints again)... I 
hope the theme idea strikes a chord with some of you as well... If 
you're still reading please post your interest here in the forum or 
email me separately at TomOC@.... I'll post updates and info 
here, but will set up an email list to get some communications out to 
you directly without filling up forum space.

Hope to hear from you.

Thanks,

Tom O'Connell
TomOC@...
www.thomasoconnell.com