Update

[Erik Olson <erik@thekrib.com>]

OK, sorry, I said I'd be quiet, but one last bit of information:

Just got off the phone with Dave; it was funny, because I'd just sent that
last reply, and was telling Kathy I should call and say "Hey, we're your
author here.  Either treat us nice or no deal!"  But he called *me*!  He
apologized for the nasty tone the last note kinda took, which was very
appreciated here.  

I think he's now on the same page, i.e. that there is definitely something
good from the showcase that's worth a 2-page spread, if James, Mary and
the board agree it's OK.  He's also OK with not announcing results, I
think.  He still does not yet comprehend exactly what the showcase entails
(eg, no idea that it's all on the web, features often lush descriptions by
the aquascape creators, or that the whole thing is already basically DONE
but for the judging).

So where do we go now: What *he'd* like to do (the "offer") is for me to
send him a CD with all of the showcase "images", and he can pick out which
ones he wants for the two-page spread.  Personally, I think that's
preposterous (but that's Dave for ya), so what *I* think we should do
("counter-offer") is pre-select some nice images *ourselves* that are
representative of the diversity and print well in color, write up some
caption and article material, and submit them.  Perhaps, give him a little
extra so that he can choose, say, five photos out of seven?

But as I said in the last note, I'm going to listen to others now.  Mainly
gotta hear what James and Mary want to do; yes, I realize Mary is taking a
break for a couple days, so maybe just a "sounds good" or "no way eh!"
would be enough from her.  I figure that input from the rest of the
management committee is optional here; if I don't hear a lot of "yelling",
then James, Mary and I can work it out without taking things to a vote.

  - Erik

-- 
Erik Olson
erik at thekrib dot com