Re: computers in imaging competitions

[P3D KENNETH LUKER <KLUKER@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>the talent to shoot it, and toward the person: (a) who is either skilled
>in computer manipulation or has access to a person who is, or (b) who
>can afford the high cost of high resolution computing, scanning, and

That computers can compete with traditional methods for creating 
images is a fact.  Whether a person wishes to engage the computer in 
head-to-head competition with his/her personal skills is a matter of 
choice.  I believe the function of competitions is to encourage 
and recognize the best PRODUCT possible, not to recognize or 
reward the greatest SKILL.  I believe that as the computer-
enhanced images begin to excel, we'll begin to put them into their 
own class and proceed with separate judgings.  The wonder of a 
singing duck is not that the duck does it well, but that it does it 
at all.  Yet the duck should probably not be entered in contests 
except with other ducks.  Look at the world of computer chess.  The 
fact that a computer can probably beat the best human chess player 
doesn't detract one whit from my enjoyment of losing a long, close 
game to my son. 

Ken Luker
_______________________________________________________________

Kenneth Luker, Assistant Director
Systems and Technical Services
Marriott Library
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
KLUKER@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


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