P3D Re: ISU and Stereoscopy

[Bruce Springsteen <bsspringsteen@xxxxxxxxx>]

Bob Aldridge commented:

>Recently, "Stereoscopy" has degenerated into a shadow of its former self.
The 
>last issue is a prime example!

>The biggest event in the ISU calendar is the ISU Congress which is held
every 
>two years. As not every member can attend every Congress, one would
expect a 
>full report of this event in the ISU's publication, which Don says is the

>prime benefit of membership. 

>And the recent issue did have a report. 5 pages long with six stereo
pairs. 
>Now, it may not be the fault of the editor, but the illustrations to this

>article were reproduced rather dark with density variations across the 
>frames. One was clearly made with a beamsplitter, with excessive and
obvious 
>distortions.

This and the recent revelation of work by Bob Wratten on a glossary
project of some interest to me, as well as the presence of perhaps many
unannounced ISU members on P3D has left me thinking a number of things. 
We have on this maillist heard frequent reference to beginners and the
concern felt for their introduction to stereo and to the various
organizations, venders and forums vying for their attention and dollars. 
It would seem useful for the beginners to speak for themselves from time
to time, and as I consider myself yet a beginner, with fresh memories of
the process as I have experienced it, perhaps my tale will illuminate
something.

I joined ISU in 1996.  The appeal of joining was the international scope
of the organization, and the impession that it is broadly dedicated to the
subject of stereoscopy, with dedicated and knowledgeable experts from
around the world working and sharing their knowledge with the rest of the
membership.  I had seen references to articles of a technical nature that
had been in past issues, as well as something called a "technical
supplement", and this promised to fill a gap that my NSA membership had
left - a regular source of specific instruction in the various facts of
stereo practice, as revealed by experienced practitioners from around the
world.

Initial issues had some of that, but it was apparent that some difficulty
must be going on in securing articles, a disproportionate number of which
seemed to be by the then editor Michael Gordon.   A goodly number of pages
would be filled with the editor's own images, something in the nature of a
personal travelogue, with to my surprise many pairs reproduced without
regard for the stereo window.  I supposed that this was a rough period
that would eventually return to the normal.  Subsequent issues revealed
that there was indeed some change underway in the editorship, an
understandable occurrance when volunteers are called upon.

The stated thrust of the journal under the new editorship has been 20
percent ISU news and activities, 30 percent technical articles, and 50
percent artistic and photojournalism articles.

For members who are unable to attend the congresses, and in the absence of
any internet forum dedicated to ISU business and discussion, the only way
to feel a part of the ISU is through the magazine - it is the only regular
channel of information on the activities of the organization and its
members.  I have been proud to join the first ISU stereocard circuit, but
aside from that, I don't know what there is for a beginner in ISU.  I am
fortunate to be able to undersand much of the material in the technical
material there, but the proportion of such articles presented is much less
than I had hoped and been led to expect.  Reports of the ISU's activities
are largely confined to the upcoming meetings and how to get there.  The
September 1999 issue was page after page of star-struck nattering about
the Cannes Film Festival, including in depth coverage of some professional
exhibitionist named Christi Lake.  This was followed by a jolly tour of
Monaco.  As Bob Aldridge notes, the Paris Air Show received the same kind
of lavish attention in the most recent issue, with three correspondents
reporting.  The ISU congress had one correspondent in the byline, and was
essentially a hurried laundry list of who did what, without details on any
one presentation, official meeting or order of business.  After three and
a half years, I know more about the travels of the editors, and strangely
about the doings of the PSA, from my ISU membership than I do about what
stereo work is going on among the members.  I have to come to Photo-3D and
slyly lure people out to get that information.

Is the ISU really interested in the beginners, or is it a gentlemen's
stereoscopic travel club?  Did I miss the Golden Age of ISU?  This
subscriber needs to know. 

Bruce Springsteen
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Talk to your friends online with Yahoo! Messenger.
http://im.yahoo.com