P3D adjusting projectors

[CanterMike@xxxxxxx]

"... Because in 
my 4 years in Detroit and one year in Cleveland, it has not been an issue.
So maybe perhaps it is an issue only the clubs that adjust the projector
between slides?  (just a thought...)..."

And a very good one, although the reasons for dropping out may never be fully
known, as we don't request exit interviews.  In my 4 years with the PSSP one
member's last meeting involved a very heated discussion about adjusting the
projector and, to a smaller extent, mounting.  The ex-member's viewpoint
matched yours exactly, and he was upset that the projectionist was
"destroying" all his hard work at mounting correctly.  The discussion got hot
when it became clear that (the ex-member) wanted to complain but was unwilling
to participate in attempting to solve the problem (for example, by helping
with a mounting seminar).  Of course, we will never know exactly why he
dropped out unless he drops back in.

I didn't mean to imply that many people have dropped out, or that all who have
departed have left over mounting & projection disputes exclusively.

I have noticed that a few faces are seen at every meeting, some at most
meetings, some others so infrequently that I'm not even sure they are members
at all.  As I'm sure you've noticed, many groups (not just photo clubs) depend
for their very existence on the efforts of a few "hard corps" (or is that
"hard core"?) members.  It has been expressed to me, off the record, that some
of our less active members have reduced their participation because they
were/are uncomfortable with some of the strong personalities.  My point is
that adopting extremist positions, on either side, decreases the comfort level
of the novice.  They can't learn or advance because they are constantly being
confused by the factions.  It really boils down to this: CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET
ALONG?  

You have expressed concern for the future of our hobby.  I'm not worried about
the evolution of the technology (after all, there are still people out there
making daguerreotypes) as much as I care about involving more people in the
mainstreaming of 3d.  You are worried about the content they see while I'm
worried about scaring them away with technobabble.  As with any new hobby
(cooking, woodworking, general photography, computers, etc.) there is a lot of
jargon thrown around that we understand (and perhaps take comfort in, or hide
behind) that inhibits newcomers from participating.  Why make it any harder
than it is, or has to be?


Although I admit to taking Bob's quote out of context (moving it from ghosting
specifically to the much broader topic of adjusting for mounting differences)
I believe this is a basic truth: mounting would have to different for
different screen sizes.  


I note that you make no attempt to refute my core argument: within the
population of stereo photographers, the variables involved (each person, each
brand and style of mount, etc.) require minor projector adjustments.  I have
seen many shows and several international competitions (supposedly prepared by
the best and brightest among us) that would have been unviewable without
adjustment.  (Don't believe me?  Borrow any of the PSA "Hall of Fame"
collections and see for yourself.)  The only presentations I have ever seen
that could be viewed comfortably with no adjustment have, without exception,
been the work of individual artists who had complete control over the mounts
and mounting.  Once the projector was aligned for the first slide, the rest of
the show was faultless.  As soon as any other photographers slide was
projected, some adjustment had to be made.



">the need to make minor adjustments during projection is
>almost unavoidable.  The most important word in that sentence is "MINOR". 

As I have said before, MINOR = NOT NECESSARY."

This is where we disagree most strongly.  To me, MINOR = MINOR.  I'm not
Piglet, nor do I live through the looking glass where words mean what we want
them to mean, neither more nor less.  Yes, I am opinionated, but I am not so
absolutist as you.  
You have said that your club is not a democracy.  Well, ours is.


"All I care about is for people to have a good time viewing 3d projection."

I couldn't agree more with you on this.  You're preaching to the choir here.


"Adjusting the projector between slides will give people (especially 
newcomers) a headache and turn them off 3d."

We disagree again here.  In my experience, I feel failing to adjust the
projector properly gives people headaches.


 "Other than that, I "don't give a damn" what you people do in your
meetings."

Sorry, George, I think you do give a damn.  You care enough to join our club.
You care enough to enter our competitions.  You haven't refused any awards.  

You care enough about this entire field, regardless of who or where, to spend
your time on this list, and that speaks volumes.


And, you know, we're glad to have you.  Just don't run for office here....

M


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