Re: Showcase results

[Erik Olson <erik@thekrib.com>]

On Thu, 16 Nov 2000, Dave Gomberg wrote:

> Truth be told, I never understood this [para]'graph.  Are you
> suggesting that a blurb that says: "Go to this page and see who won"
> would be newsworthy?

That could be a part of the spread.  Like one sentence.  At the bottom.

> If you can present pics, why not present them with captions?  

Yes, we can do this.

> Like "2000 winner"? 

No, more like "This entry from Alabama was unique in its monospecific use
of Kudzu to form small animal shapes."  This isn't a photo contest.  It's
an aquascaping contest.  What people said about their technique is almost
as interesting as the pictures themselves.  What I found most interesting
on processing the entries, or at least a lot of them, was "How'd they do
this?  What plants did they use there?  What kind of tank is that?  Did
they have to trim it daily?".

>  Because it would scoop TAG? 

Yes, because it would scoop (and be redundant with) TAG. But more importantly, 
No, because we won't necessarily KNOW the winners by your deadline.

> Then you added:
>   Articles on techniques used by particular entrants, interviews, focus on 
> particular
> plants.  There's a lot more here than just announcement of winners.  I 
> actually think that's the least interesting part, if truth be known.
> 
> This in-depth stuff is what PAM has focused on since its inception.  But we 
> don't need the showcase as a reason to do it.   We can do it because it is 
> worth doing.   I fear that Mr. Lucky can become a source of gospel bearing 
> stuff that is wrong.   Wait till you see what Steve Dixon writes on red 
> plants.   I think it will knock the socks off of lots of readers, including 
> hobby "leaders".

I acknowledge your need for chest beating and territorial marking.
But perhaps I've not communicated well enough: I am referring to depth and
detail in RELATION TO the particular aquascapes, not a situation where the
aquascape is a mere "excuse" to provide an article about particular types
of plants.


> Anyway, let me know what you want to do.  It sounds like you are
> saying let's run some pics.  That's OK with me if they are terrific
> pics, and if you pick them I am sure they will be.  So tell me what
> you want me to run.....

I was suggesting that we can probably come up with something that will be
simultaneously 1) "of interest to your readers", 2) Not redundant with the
articles and photos that will appear in TAG next year, and 3) can be
published by your deadline.  BUT, since the original agreement was
"nothing until it's out in TAG", there must also be buy-in from James and
Mary if we change this in any way.  And yes, we will let you know what we
want to do.

I should also say that it's *James'* call on the content and whether we
can even get something in pre-announcement, not mine. I will provide
photos, make suggestions, and support, but it's HIS article.  Since he's
been fairly quiet about this all day, I will pipe down and listen to some
other opinions.

  - Erik

-- 
Erik Olson
erik at thekrib dot com