bmaxey1@juno.com
Date: 02/18/01-04:10:05 PM Z
On Sun, 11 Mar 2001 10:34:23 -0500 "Jeffrey D. Mathias"
<jeffrey.d.mathias@worldnet.att.net> writes:
> Bob Maxey wrote:
> > ...If I published a book of Alt formulas, some info from this
> > list would be recognized because most of the info is either common
> sense
> > or available elsewhere. I can express the info in my own words and
> > nothing could be done about it.
>
> Something can be done about it. And that might be called peer
> judgment. If one intends to plagiarize or abuse another's work for
> their own means, it could be a remedy and deterrent that they become
> "black balled" by their peers. It just makes plain sense to give
> credit when using or borrowing another's information.
OK, let me assume that I were to do the above. How could Black Balling me
by my "Peers" in any way affect me? I'll tell you, it can't. No offence
to the list, but this list is a relatively small part of the whole world
of ALT Photography. So if the list gets tired of me and a full belly of
what some may believe is BS or believes that I am an Idea Stealer and
decided to take steps against me by "Black Balling" me, so what? There
are larger outlets on the Net.
The Alt techniques I use - I use only one currently, is a process for
imaging mirrors and create mirrored graphics. This is done
photographically. I will tell you that it is not a new process, it has
been used in one form or another for decades. Did I originate the
process? No. I used formulas developed a long time ago, updating them as
materials became available to me. Has the process been discussed here? In
part, yes. Could a case be made that I "Lifted" the idea from the list?
Yes, but could anyone go after me, No. Like much on this list, one idea
is based on a lot of previous work.
I bought a book about 15 or 20 years ago listing a huge number of
Alternative processes. Much of the info is posted on this list. Am I
saying anyone here plagiarized the info? No I am not. However, most of
what is published here is or has been published other places.
> If you value some new idea that can be nurtured towards a great
> work or sold to a publisher, do not post it to a mailing list or you
will
> loose out when someone else "discovers" the work. You will loose.
You commented:
> The attitude suggested is counter productive to the advancement of
> science and, in our little world, alt-photography. It is my hope
> that we can be mature enough and intelligent enough to respect the
ideas
> and work of others.
Perhaps, but I say again, If you developed an amazing technique and let
us say it showed promise for some wide commercial application. Are you
going to make your secret known? Surprisingly, some would. Many would not
because of the implications. Suppose you discovered a way to treat
plastic so it accepted ink-jet inks in such a way that it produced
continuous tone negatives that are indistinguishable from those made in a
camera? I would try to sell the process to a manufacturer and would not
post it on a mailing list. I bet a percentage of those reading this would
as well.
Fortunately, there are more generous folks out there than I am. I admit
it. Fault perhaps, but that is the way I am. At least I am honest about
it. The entire world of ALT processes seems to me to be based on prior
works and ideas. Not a fault of the Alternative works; it is that way in
all things. Not much new - just variations on a theme.
Bob
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