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AGA Plant Contest V1 #1
AGA Plant Contest Monday, July 12 1999 Volume 01 : Number 001
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Sun, 11 Jul 1999 13:24:06 -0500
From: "James Purchase" <jpurch@interlog.com>
Subject: Re: aga-contest
Ken Guin wrote:
I volunteered to help out on this project, so it is sort of hard to sit back
and read all of the posts and not want to add a few tidbits.
<snip>
However, if one or two busy people take complete control of what sounds like
a "nice" idea at the moment but falter along the way, we might have a
problem. Hint: let's spread the responsibility around, okay?
- ------------
First of all, I didn't ask Erik to set up this mailing list so that people
could just listen to me pontificate... I need to hear your thoughts,
opinions, whatever. I want people here who are willing and able to speak up
(and quite possibly tell me to shut up, when necessary...). Everyone's input
is valuable and everyone's opinion and point of view can be shared.
I don't want anybody to get the impression that _anybody_ is gonna control
this thing - I see this as a collective effort. But it does need direction,
at least at this point - and I claim the right to direct, at least for
now...
Ken and a number of others have stated that they have scanning equipment - I
guess that print scanning equipment is getting to be very affordable so a
lot of people (like me) have scanners. Ken also has slide scanning ability -
still a rarity, due to the cost of the equipment (to do it well, at any
rate...). This is terrific, and could be very valuable.
However - I have some MAJOR concerns with multiple people handling original
submissions - the first is the potential for confusion that this could
present to potential entrants. Who are they gonna send their
prints/slides/etc. to??? I like the idea of there being ONE address where
ALL submissions are initially directed. It would really cut out the
possibility of confusing the public.
The second concern is if the person who receives the submitted material is
not willing/prepared/capable of doing ALL of the
scanning/converting/storing/transmitting etc. of the resulting material,
then that means the stuff is going to have to be transported, using either
the Post Office or a Courier, to one or more other people in different
locations. Every time something leaves your hands it stands the chance of
getting misplaced, misdirected, damaged or lost. I want to avoid this
possibility at all costs.
Ken continued:
I would also like to emphasize that I believe the idea of this
contest/showcase originated when someone (was it you James P?) wondered out
loud about whether an American-style aquarium, as opposed to a Dutch or
Amano style, had evolved over the years. Although, I think we really do
need to make the contest/showcase international, I sure would like to see us
explore the possibility of whether an "American style" does exist, and, if
so, what it is. Maybe strategic subgroupings in the contest will be able to
bring this out. I think this should be a very important by-product of this
contest/showcase, maybe even its theme.
- --------------
Yes, it was me. But I was really reacting to something that Roger Miller
used as part of his signature line - about wishing that the group (the APD)
could discuss something other than fertilizers for a change...
If we hope for full AGA approval/backing this is going to have to be much
more open than a look at "Made in America" aquascapes would imply. See my
comments in an earlier post about the part I feel the AGA has to play in
this. Both the APD and the AGA have strong international participation -
this contest should reflect that. As a Canadian, I would not be very
interested in a U.S. only affair - and I'm sure that neither Olga or Steve
(both from Vancouver, B.C.) nor Jose (from Peru) would be interested either.
The World does not end north of the 49th Parallel nor south of the Rio
Grand.[but I do admit to being addicted to CNN <g>]
Of course, that being said - what you suggest is very possible (and very
likely to happen) - it might be very interesting, from a comparative
perspective and from an educational viewpoint to see submissions from
various parts of the world. If we get enough submissions, we might very well
be able to see just where the U.S. "fits" in artistic sensibility compared
to other countries.
James Purchase
Toronto
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 11 Jul 1999 14:31:51 -0500
From: "James Purchase" <jpurch@interlog.com>
Subject: Re: Point of Entry for Submissions and Volunteers to help with Scanning
O.K. - we seem to be getting someplace now....
Erik wrote, in response to a comment I made:
> 8. We need a "point of contact" for the contest, possibly multiple "points
> of contact" - one for information only, another for either information
> and/or submission of entries. As it appears that Erik is the one with the
> ability to handle the scanning of both prints AND slides, I suggest that
he
> would be the logical point for "Submission of Entries".
No problem. If we get inundated, I can farm out some of the work to any
of the other people who've offered to help on this list with their own
slide/neg/print scanners.
- -------
This sounds good to me. If everyone who has scanning equipment and who is
willing/able to help handle any overflow would please contact me OFF LIST
(jpurch@interlog.com) with what you can handle, I'd appreciate it. I know
that several folks have already said that they can do this but I'd like to
get a proper list of people's names and mailing addresses, together with the
make and model numbers of their scanning equipment (or at least the REAL
resolution your equipment can deliver) and the sizes you can handle. Once I
have the list I can pass it to Erik.
I'm still concerned about shipping stuff across the country multiple times,
but I guess that we could use insured mail or Purolator if necessary.
Anyone have anything further to say on this???
Erik also wrote, in response to my comments about possibly publishing
materials in "any" magazine:
> Total agreement on the points, though I had to think for a minute on the
> blanket "may be republished in *any* magazine" clause (those sorts of
> rules usually give me a bad feeling). It's probably OK.
Maybe I wasn't very clear there... I can envision the possibility that
perhaps Neil, or Karen, or someone else speaking for the AGA, might author
an article for submission to one of the "glossies" (I believe that was the
term Karen used for them) - like Aquarium Fish Magazine (AFM) or Freshwater
and Marine Aquarium (FAMA), promoting either the AGA or the Contest (or
both) and they _might_ wish to use a photograph from the contest to help
illustrate the article. I'm not saying that this _would_ happen, nor even
that it _should_, but I can see that it _could_ and if we make it clear at
the outset that submitted material can be used by the AGA to promote either
the AGA or the Contest, then we would be covered as far as having a
"release" to use the image. I'm not a lawyer (but I do have lawyers working
for me) - so if anyone wants to slap me on this, feel free... does anyone
think that we _shouldn't_ be looking to get this right of use, provided that
we give credit where credit is due. I've entered lots of photo contest over
the years and this seems to be a standard clause in most of them.
James Purchase
Toronto
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 11 Jul 1999 14:53:40 -0600 (MDT)
From: "Roger S. Miller" <rgrmill@rt66.com>
Subject: draft proposal.
AGA will need a proposal before they can officially support the contest,
so I drafted up an informal outline that we can work on.
I really intend this to provide a sort of straw dog. We can use it to
focus our discussion and eventually to provide a form for the proposal,
for later hand-out material and so on.
I think this includes all of James' enumerated points. It also includes
lots of question marks and otherwise incomplete statements. But hopefully
its main points cover everything that's needed.
Also hopefully, my margins and tab settings won't break yours.
- --------------------------
Title: The Aquatic Gardeners' Association On-Line Aquascaping World Show
Summary: The show will allow aquarists from all over the world to display
their most artistic accomplishments in aquascaping. This is an
opportunity for planted-tank enthusiasts to compare their best
effort with the work of others, to learn from other aquarium
keepers and to share their skills with others. Entrants'
photographs will be displayed on the internet and judged by a jury
of accomplished aquarium keepers from the Aquatic Gardeners'
Association (AGA).
The show is a cooperative effort between the AGA and thekrib.com,
which are not-for-profit organizations.
Who should enter:
Anyone who keeps a planted freshwater aquarium. Judges cannot
enter.
How to enter:
Fees: There are no fees. The show is supported entirely by AGA
and by volunteers.
Where to find entry forms:
Online at http://www.thekrib.com
in TAG
By mail from AGA?
By contacting (local contacts)
What to submit: Not more than 3 photographs of your aquarium
displaying it's most artistic aspects, a description of
the water conditions, history and maintenance of the
aquarium, and a sketch plan of the aquarium layout.
Example submittals are available from The Krib. If you
have more than one tank you want to display in the show,
then you can make separate entries for each tank.
Photographs may be submitted in any common electronic form
(e.g. gif, jpg, bmp, ppm), as glossy photographic prints
up to 8 inches X 10 inches, or as 35 mm slides. Prints or
slides will be converted to electronic images for display
and judging. All material submitted remains the property
of AGA and will not be returned to the entrant.
Photographs may be cropped and electronic forms may be
adjusted for color, contrast or intensity, but alterations
will not be accepted.
Completed entry forms and tank descriptions may be
submitted in hard copy or by email.
The plan sketch may be submitted as a drawing on paper or
as a scanned image (e.g. gif, jpg, bmp, ppm files -
drawing file formats such as dwg, dxf or cdr files will
probably not be useful).
Where to submit: Photographs, forms and sketches may be submitted
by email to ??? or by post to ???. Please provide all of
your entry material in a single package. Do not (for
instance) send photograhic prints or sketches by post and
forms by email.
Help with your entry: We encourage you to refer to example
entries at http://www.thekrib.com/???. Contact ??? if you
need further help with your entry.
Deadlines:
Entries will be accepted after ?? and the contest will closed on
??. Submitted entries will be placed on display as they become
available. Judging will begin on ?? and results will be published
on the Krib, TAG and APD on ??
Judging:
The contest will be judged by a jury of (5?) accomplished
aquarists from AGA. Entries will be judged primarily on the
artistic quality of the aquascaping. Consideration will also be
given to ??. Altered photographs will not be displayed or
accepted for judging. Entries will be judged as Superior,
Excellent or Honorable.
A facility will be provided at The Krib to allow public voting.
The results of the public vote will be used to determine a single
"People's Choice" award.
Awards:
The show is intended as an exchange of ideas and to recognize
individual accomplishments in aquascaping. Certificates will be
awarded to entrants indicating the results of judging, but the
most important award is the recognition from your aquarium keeping
peers.
About the AGA: ??
About the Krib: ??
Disclaimers:
You won't get your photos back. Submitted materials may be
published by the AGA and used by the AGA for its own purposes,
including publication in other magazines or journals.
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 11 Jul 1999 14:35:24 -0700
From: Olga Betts <sae@arts.ubc.ca>
Subject: Re: AGA CONTEST - Digest V1 #115
>1. This is going to be an Aquascaping Competition, open to aquarists
>everywhere.
I agree.
>2. The scope of the contest is the Planted Freshwater Aquarium. [this
>automatically rules out Marine Reef Tanks, and I suggest that pretty photos
>of backyard Ponds also be ruled out as the focus is Aquascaping, not
>necessarily Photography. But I'm open to discussion on this latter point,
>should anyone have something to say.]
No ponds... different animal altogether.
>3. Submissions should be acceptable in as many formats as is possible to be
>inclusive of as many people as possible. This will mean that we will accept
>hard copy photographs, in various sizes; transparencies (of whatever size
>and format Erik and/or others are capable of handling); as well as
>electronic images.
Ok. Though I don't think it's too much to ask for submissions
electronically. Almost everyone knows some relative or friend who could
scan and send images for them.. or could get it done commercally... but if
we have to take photos.. well we have to.
>4. Notice is to be made that images may be adjusted for colour, contrast and
>brightness, but that "altered" or "doctored" images will be automatically
>rejected [the decision will rest with the Judges and/or Erik, who has the
>experience to tell the difference].
We can scare the inexperienced by claiming this can be detected but experts
will know that it can't be. I have had the thought that *perhaps* this
would encourage the jokers who like to "fool" the world. You know... they'd
take it as a challenge. Maybe? Would it be best not to mention it at all?
Obviously we want pictures of "real" aquariums.
>5. All submissions are non-returnable - so we will have to inform people to
>only submit copies of their originals or accept the fact that they aren't
>going to be getting the originals back.
Absolutely.
>6. All submissions shall become the property of the AGA [again, should the
>AGA accept the proposal] and that body has the right to publish any or all
>entries in any format they see fit [electronic, on the WWW at the AGA
>web-site; CD-ROM, which will be sold; in print either in TAG, the AGA
>publication, or in any othe print publication (e.g. AFM, AJ, etc.)] to
>promote either the contest or the AGA. Any published photographs will list
>the name of the aquascaper/photographer in a credit line - but no other form
>of payment will be made.
Fine with me. Perhaps worth checking with a legal type person.
>7. Erik may publish all entries on the AGA web-site.
I hope so!
>8. We need a "point of contact" for the contest, possibly multiple "points
>of contact" - one for information only, another for either information
>and/or submission of entries. As it appears that Erik is the one with the
>ability to handle the scanning of both prints AND slides, I suggest that he
>would be the logical point for "Submission of Entries". I can handle any
>electronic requests for information (e-mail).
This sounds good. Two contacts is probably enough.
Olga
in Vancouver
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 10 Jul 1999 03:44:28 -0700
From: Robert H <robertph@best.com>
Subject: Re: AGA CONTEST - Digest V1 #115
Hello,
First I would like to thank everyone involved here for making this an open
forum.
Its nice that I can do something with my TAG dues other than just read the
magazine.
I will leave the logistics of this to the more experienced administrators of the
AGA but would like to make the following points;
1) Authentic photos, I think the concern here is blown a little out of
proportion.
Sure photos can be doctored, but it seems unlikely. And with the submission of
several different angel shots, this seems even more unlikely. Stealing photos
from
the internet and claiming them as your own seems more likely, but again with
different angle shots this seems unlikely. If photos are touched up
electronically, so what? It depends on what the criteria is for the judging. If
composition, contrast, layout, and uniqueness are being judged, this is not
altered
by a color enhancement. This is done in a photo lab when the pictures are
devoloped, or by using filters on your camera. Set ups can be enhanced using
potted
plants with the pots carefully hidden, ready made sods of micro sword, and the
like, but this is all part of aquascaping as far as I am concerned.
2) copywrite: I have no problem allowing TAG or AGA to do whatever they wish
with
my photos as long as I am not giving up my right to do whatever I wish with my
own
photos
3) use of slides, I hope that this will be acceptable. As it has already been
said,
how easy it is for someone to join will make the biggest difference on how many
entries there are.
4) Personally I am looking forward more on seeing the europian entries. I hope
this
contest will attract some experienced dutch aquascapers as well as people from
around the world. As Roger and I originally discussed, there are very few dutch
photos on the internet. Would a prize be a better enticement? Perhaps...
5) I volunteer to work on PR..getting the word out. You might be surprised how
much
I get around the internet! Even four months may not be long enough to really
spread
the word in a big way...six months may be more appropiate.
6) and lastly...I dont know if this has already been discussed or not...but are
multiple entries going to be allowed? I have more than one tank I would like to
enter!!
Regards,
Robert "h" Hudson
San Jose, CA
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 11 Jul 1999 16:51:52 -0700 (PDT)
From: Erik Olson <erik@thekrib.com>
Subject: Re: draft proposal.
Hi Roger & co.,
Minor tech nit with the proposal: No need to even involve the Krib in the
contest directly; I'd like to do all the web end via the AGA Site
(www.aquatic-gardeners.org). I think from an organizational standpoint,
this will be nicer & more unified, and from a technical standpoint it's
identical work; the AGA site is on the same machine as the Krib anyway
(you'll notice that mail sent to aquatic-gardeners.org is delivered
identically to thekrib.com for instance). I will, of course, plug the
heck out of the contest on the krib.
And yes, it will be technically feasible to do your People's Choice
vote-by-form on the site, if desired. :)
- Erik
PS: Digest mostly worked this AM; hopefully a minor correction on the
contents paragraph should produce a perfect one tomorrow.
- --
Erik Olson
erik at thekrib dot com
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 11 Jul 1999 18:56:59 -0700
From: Julius Odian <uodiaj00@umail.ucsb.edu>
Subject: Judges
I like what I see so far and as I previously mentioned on the APD
list, I think this is a great idea!! I was hoping that perhaps
instead of having "official" judges who might be partial to a
particular style, I would personally prefer to see a vote by the
populous. I don't know exactly how the polling would work, but
something over the web in which you choose and it logs your email
address to prevent multiple votes. I know there would still be
problems with multiple email accounts but perhaps we could think of a
solution. Anyway, I don't want to ramble here, I just like the idea
of a vote by the populous instead of by a panel of judges.
Furthermore, this would make sure that everyone's submissions can be
checked out on the web which is probably the fundamental purpose of
this whole contest.
Julius
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 11 Jul 1999 21:24:23 -0500
From: "Jose Correa Lohmann" <jcl@pol.com.pe>
Subject: Comments
Hi All:
Just get time to catch up with the mails. I don't know if everyone read my
first ideas which I send to James but I think that all issues I posted are
being discussed right now. Just a couple more of my thoughts:
- - It is very important that the AGA directs the contest but just don't
segregate people that are not member if there is going to be a fee it will
be best to be the same for everyone (although I will like it to be free)
- - I will greatly encourage that all submissions be electronic, I am sure I
could get here someone or some store that would scan my pictures and I'm
sure that in USA it could be done. But it also would be ok if there is one
responsible for receiving non electronic material and scan it.
- - I also like idea of the people's choice option.
- - The submissions would have to include some more that just the pictures, I
propose also to contain:
A drawing of the "floor-plan" (layout) of the aquarium. Indicating which
areas are covered with what species of plants, rocks or driftwood.
Parameters of the tank like in Amano's books (plants, fish, size, lights,
fertilization, etc.)
A brief description of the aquarist about his ideas when creating the
aquascape and a brief history of the tank.
I think that this will be valuable as future information for publications on
the web or magazines.
Regards,
Jose
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 11 Jul 1999 22:54:19 -0500
From: "James Purchase" <jpurch@interlog.com>
Subject: Re: Jose
Jose gives us some input -
>- It is very important that the AGA directs the contest but just don't
>segregate people that are not member if there is going to be a fee it will
>be best to be the same for everyone (although I will like it to be free)
The issue of fees has only been touched on to this point in time - I
initially brought the possibility up but mainly to obtain some input from
Karen on what is likely to be the official AGA position. I see absolutely no
reason for AGA members and non-AGA members to be treated the same in this
regard however. If this is ultimately to be an AGA event, then being a dues
paying AGA member has to count for _something_ (at least in my opinion).
Whether or not fees are charged for the general public is another matter
entirely, and one which has yet to be fully addressed by everyone. If the
AGA is able to fund the contest, then I think that it _should_ be free of
cost for participants, members or not - we want as many people as possible
to enter, and any entrance fee, however small, will discourage at least
_some_ people. but this point remains open to general discussion and input.
>- I also like idea of the people's choice option.
This is definately a possibility, especially if the entries are posted to a
web-site. However, we must remain aware of the fact that not everyone has
Internet access and a large part of the audience and potential "entrants
pool" will be folks who do not have such access and it might be rather
unfair if they are effectively "frozen out" of this portion of the voting
process. If anyone can think of ways around this, I'd be glad to hear them.
>I think that this will be valuable as future information for publications
on
>the web or magazines.
I agree 100% on this point.
I would like to thank Jose for asking to get involved in this process, and
for sharing his ideas with us - keep them coming Jose. You are the sole
contributor from South America and we are going to need your help to get
submissions from aquarists both in Peru and in other countries on your
continent.
James Purchase
Toronto
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 10 Jul 1999 09:38:38 -0700
From: Robert H <robertph@best.com>
Subject: Re: AGA CONTEST - Digest V1 #115
I know James has set a discussion agenda here, but I may be too busy next week,
so
I thought I would send in my ideas on promotion while its still fresh in my
mind,
and you all can get to it whenever you want.
1) I think I can convince three high traffic aquaria sites, maybe four, to put
up
announcements: Aquaria central, Aqualink, Toms Place, and JAWs, and dozens of
small
sites potentially. Could FINS be persuaded to have an announcement of the
contest?
I presume there will be announcements on both TAG and the KRIB WEB sites?
2) I know someone who heads an aquascaping WEB ring, although I dont think they
get
a great deal of traffic, but they may be willing to help.
3) AOL. Compuserve, Prodigy....their message boards dont allow announcements,
but
their moderators may help
4) ASK me.com aquaria moderator, I have been in touch with her in the past, and
she
might help
5)exposure from prize donations: if you elect to have prizes, a donator who has
a
high traffic WEB site and would be willing to promote the contest would help.
Pet
Warehouse, (not PETS warehouse), and Pet Solutions are the two largest mail
order
aquaria companies in north america, mailing out a million catalogs each per
quarter. They in my mind would be good candidates.
6) press exposure...I used to be email buddies with Ed Bauman while he was
editor
of AFM, but I dont know the new editor. I would guess that Karen Randall has the
most pull with fancy publications of anybody in this group. Could they be
convinced
to publish announcements of the contest in AFM and Aquarium Frontiers? Or
perhaps
in a colum? :)
7) europian WEB sites, I am only familiar with a few, but there are several high
traffic sites in Germany, Holland, Great Britan, France, and Itlay. An effort
should be made to get people to contact these sites to put up announcements of
the
competition.
8) local clubs, newsletters, and stores, I think everyone should encourage their
local aquaria clubs to promote the contest to their members, perhaps do a
contest
of their own, and then submit the winner of theirs to our contest, if they can
manage to do this within the time we allow. A formal announcement could be put
on
the internet that anybody could print out, make copies of, and bring to their
local
store to ask them to either hand out, or post in their window.
So far I dont think I have suggested anything that costs money, but of course
the
other alternative is to pay for media announcements.
Robert "H" Hudson
San Jose, CA
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 11 Jul 1999 23:19:14 -0700
From: "David Engle" <datruedave@home.com>
Subject: Re: AGA CONTEST - Digest V1 #115
This is a multi-part message in MIME format.
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James wrote:
<However - I have some MAJOR concerns with multiple people handling =
original
submissions - the first is the potential for confusion that this could
present to potential entrants. Who are they gonna send their
prints/slides/etc. to??? I like the idea of there being ONE address =
where
ALL submissions are initially directed. It would really cut out the
possibility of confusing the public.>
It would seem to me that it would be much easier (for the adminstration =
of the contest) if you simply required that all submissions be in =
digital format (bmp, tif, etc...). That will be one less thing to worry =
about. At the same time, perhaps we could post a list of the volunteers =
that are willing to scan certain formats. This will ensure that people =
can digitize their entries before they are submitted. I just have this =
feeling that "one address" will be swamped with photos if that's the way =
we decide to go.=20
Dave Engle
Escondido (San Diego) California
Maybe I'm being overly optimistic?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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<DIV><FONT size=3D2>James wrote:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><However - I have some MAJOR concerns with =
multiple people=20
handling original<BR>submissions - the first is the potential for =
confusion that=20
this could<BR>present to potential entrants. Who are they gonna send=20
their<BR>prints/slides/etc. to??? I like the idea of there being ONE =
address=20
where<BR>ALL submissions are initially directed. It would really cut out =
the<BR>possibility of confusing the public.></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>It would seem to me that it would be much easier =
(for the=20
adminstration of the contest) if you simply required that all =
submissions be in=20
digital format (bmp, tif, etc...). That will be one less=20
thing to worry about. At the same time, perhaps we could post =
a list=20
of the volunteers that are willing to scan certain formats. =
This will=20
ensure that people can digitize their entries before they are=20
submitted. I just have this feeling that "one address" will be =
swamped=20
with photos if that's the way we decide to go. <BR></DIV></FONT>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><BR>Dave Engle<BR>Escondido (San Diego)=20
California</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>Maybe I'm being overly optimistic?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT =
size=3D2>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<BR></FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>
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------------------------------
Date: Sun, 11 Jul 1999 16:54:01 -0400
From: krandall@world.std.com
Subject: Re: Contest/Showcase Thoughts
At 12:16 PM 7/11/99 -0400, Ken wrote:
>As this contest/showcase progresses, it will be interesting to see how many
>entries we receive. Does anyone know how many people are on the APD now?
I'm sure Cynthia could and would tell us.
>I would also like to emphasize that I believe the idea of this
>contest/showcase originated when someone (was it you James P?) wondered out
>loud about whether an American-style aquarium, as opposed to a Dutch or
>Amano style, had evolved over the years. Although, I think we really do
>need to make the contest/showcase international, I sure would like to see us
>explore the possibility of whether an "American style" does exist, and, if
>so, what it is. Maybe strategic subgroupings in the contest will be able to
>bring this out. I think this should be a very important by-product of this
>contest/showcase, maybe even its theme.
I can tell you my "take" on that question. I certainly haven't seen all
the tanks everywhere in the U.S., But I have seen a good many, from both
coasts and in between. I think we _do_ have a style. It's not as
"trimmed" as the "Dutch" tanks I've seen photos of, and it is certainly not
a disciplined as the Amano style tanks. Actually, I think the American
"style" if you want to call it that is so familiar and comfortable to us
that we don't really recognize it as a style except by comparison with
tanks from other places. My personal style I liken to the terrestrial
cottage garden. A feast for the eyes of textures, patterns and colors,
certainly not to rigid, maybe a little overstuffed.<g> I love looking at
Amano's tanks, but I couldn't live with them day to day. Nor could I live
with some of the "Dutch tanks I've seen photos of, where fast growing stem
plants are meticulously pruned to produce a "street" through the aquascape,
though again, I enjoy looking at them.
My life is too busy. I maintain my tanks the way I maintain my gardens. I
live with them. When I walk through my gardens, I pull a weed here, stake
a flower there. When I'm out and about and see something interesting, I
find a place to shoe horn it in. With my tanks, hardly a day goes by
without me getting an arm wet, whether to pick out a leaf, or scoop some
Salvinia off the surface. I don't want to feel that I CAN'T buy an
interesting new plant I come across because it doesn't belong in my
perfectly pre-planned aquascape. And I enjoy watching my tanks change and
mature through the years. I'm a perennial sort of person, not into annuals.<g>
I love the idea of this contest, and will very much enjoy seeing the
entries. But I think we _do_ have a style, and it's just fine ;-)
Karen
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Date: Mon, 12 Jul 1999 09:43:16 -0500
From: "James Purchase" <jpurch@interlog.com>
Subject: Is there a lawyer in the room?
Robert Hudson made a very telling point in a recent message:
>copywrite: I have no problem allowing TAG or AGA to do whatever they wish
>with
>my photos as long as I am not giving up my right to do whatever I wish with
>my own
>photos
As someone who has entered his fair share of photographic competitions over
the years, I always got kind of "stuck" when the fine print of the contest
spoke about transferral of copyright over to some other organization. I can
imagine that lots of peole might feel like Robert - it's _their aquarium_
and _their photo_, so the copyright should also be _their's_.
Is there a way that we can leave the copyright of the photos with the
submitter yet still obtain the rights to publish/use the photograph in the
ways I have previously described? In that way, for example, if someone has a
smashing photo they wanted to submit they could do so, and we would be free
to use it for propmotional/other purposes while the submitter retains the
copyright and freedom to use/sell/publish/whatever his creation as well?
Anybody by chance a copyright lawyer???
James Purchase
Toronto
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 12 Jul 1999 10:10:26 -0400
From: "Ken Guin" <kenguin@homemail.com>
Subject: RE: Is there a lawyer in the room?
James P wrote: <Snip> In that way, for example, if someone has a smashing
photo they wanted to submit they could do so, and we would be free to use it
for promotional/other purposes while the submitter retains the copyright and
freedom to use/sell/publish/whatever his creation as well?
James: I am not a copyright lawyer, but I think you have mentioned a
possible solution to this problem before. We should require each participant
to sign a well-worded release giving us publishing rights. That release
could also include wording which gives the participant ownership of the
photo. I think it would also be reasonable for us to return a print or slide
to the owner if they include a SASE along with their submission.
Ken Guin
Arlington, VA
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End of AGA Plant Contest V1 #1
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