P3D Competitions & Stereo Clubs

["Dr. George A. Themelis" <DrT-3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>From: jet_lk@xxxxxxxxx (Lme Kbee)
>    
>It seems to me as if there are alot of people don't exactly like the
>way stereo clubs are set up right now, and mainly relating to the
>Competitions.

Please, do not group the "stereo clubs" as one unity.  Each club
has its own personality, mode of operation, etc.  There are stereo
clubs that do not have ANY competitions.  And I don't think there
is any proof that these clubs are doing any better than those
with strong competitive tradition.

Our club (Ohio Stereo Photographic Society) was formed in May of
1997 and had the first full year with competitions last year.  We 
also have many workshops and programs.  In the competitions, our 
three judges comment ON ALL ENTRIES.  Anyone from the audience 
(including the maker of the image) can jump in and comment too.  
It is a great learning experience and fun enough to attract people 
who do not even take stereo slides!  More people come in competition
nights than non-competitions nights (my own informal statistic).

In our official papers, under "Rules and Procedures for Stereo Slide
Competitions" we write: "Objective: The purpose of the competitions
is to encourage club members to take and share stereo pictures and
improve their photographic skills through constructive criticism".

Key words:  Encourage, take, share, improve, constructive criticism.

Three key words missing:  Fun, fun, fun!!!

I have seen members like Harold Kaiman, Rich Fier, Mark Dottle,
shooting their first rolls of stereo pictures and having a great
time sharing them in the competitions.  Harold won slide of the
year and HM, Richard an HM, Mark "best beginner".  Old-timers
like Don Peck and Irene Ferman are in too, sharing with us some
old classics.

Hey, as far as I know, the system works... And if it works, we 
should not try and "fix" it!  Other clubs are welcome to "copy"
our mode of operation!!!  Write to me for a copy of our program,
constitution and a sample newsletter (SASE is appreciated).

-- George Themelis
mailto:DrT-3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


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