Note About "On Topic"
2005-09-11 by Martin Wesley
The topic of the group is digital B&W printing but it is very often difficult, if not impossible, to say just where that subject begins. It is impossible to discuss printing without discussing image capture or image processing. The only guideline that I ask members to adhere to while discussing capture or processing or whatever is that they regularly make the connection to B&W printing. Is there a new camera, scanner, film, program, etc. that will help me make better B&W prints then I want to hear about it in the group. However, we often wind up with long threads that do not ever make the connection of their subject to B&W printing. So if you want to post, "Wow there is this great new digital camera from X that does Y which will give a better B&W print because..." That is what we are looking for. If you want to post, "Wow, X just released a new camera," then I think you have gone off topic. Brand debates that do not debate on the merits of the equipment in regards to B&W printing also don't contribute. On the other hand if you want to discuss that brand X will result in better B&W prints then brand Y BECAUSE...., then we need to know about that here. We have over the years also seen long posts, rants, debates about topics that are on political, socioeconomic, environmental, etc. themes that really don't belong here. If you think printer manufacturer Z is a big crook, or want to discuss the environmental damage done by photography or who should be president of what, I would like you to take those discussions off list or to another group. It is often a delicate balance as to what makes a good and useful forum. Please consider what I have written and use your best judgment. Best, Martin Wesley [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]