[Jim Chinn]

Greetings fellow APUGers.


If you have not read the post yet, you will find that Sean has implemented a new minimum subscription rate per year of $24.

A few things about this increase. First I really have to question anyone's interest in traditional photography if they think that is to high. Folks we are talking 6.5 cents per day. Considering we are really talking about a $12 increase it is about 3 cents. Most of us can find that under the cushions and furniture at home.

For myself this site has provided enormous benefits. I have made new friendships and began many new professional relationships. It has encouraged me to attend workshops and travel to meet others interested in traditional photography. It has advanced my own craft and increased my appreciation of many methods, viewpoints and approaches to the medium.

There is no where else on the internet where there is such a world wide group of experts that will gladly answer any question, and share their knowledge. The ability to be able to interact and seek information from innovators such as Sandy King, Les McClean, Patrick Gainer, Michael Smith, and a myriad of others is worth far more then $24. Besides these folks I could list at least 100 names that come to mind that have worked in areas of chemistry, darkroom innovations, printing, alternative methods, etc all of them available in this forum.

This is a forum of varied backgrounds and cultures that has regular contributors from around the world. Yet Sean has handled the site with patience and an open mind, seeking advice and consensus that keeps this site on target and relevant.

I have said in many previous posts that APUG will probably be seen in 10 years as the single most important factor that kept Analog and alternative photography from slipping into oblivion. The potential of this site to influence and work with mfgs is just beginning to be seen. I feel that by not subscribing even at the student level is helping to bring on the slow death of analog photography.

Now if this site was brand new and Sean was asking for subscriptions to help with his income I would probably be dubious. But I challenge anyone to question his sincerity and motives if you have been an active participant for more then a few months.

I understand financial constraints one can be under. But I think the value so far outweighs the subscription cost any comparison is ludicrous.

I personally have put my money where my mouth is. I have sent in a subscription at $100 (27.3 cents a day or $1.71 a week). Personally I find APUG to an invaluable resource and wish it to continue. Three years ago I could not have commited that amount. Today I am able to. Next year may be a different story.

The important thing is that if you have gotten anything out of this site and want to see traditional photography continue as a vibrant art form, any amount you can spare is worth it, be it $1 or the yearly subscription rate.


Thanks for reading this long post,

Jim Chinn