Lance,

I, and many if not most of the folks on this list, agree with you on the merits, or lack there of, of charging participants fees to volunteer their time and expenses in completing work on counts and projects similar to the Atlas. We all know too well that the Audubon Society, in addition to the data that they collect, is using the Christmas Count as a source of revenue that they count on each year. However, participants of these efforts knowingly go into these in advance and are willing, although some grudgingly so, to make the sacrifice. I am hoping that this thought of yours, and my response, doesn't start a spin-off thread on this list about Christmas Count or similar fees. Let's not go down that road again, that is almost as annoying as someone firing up the 'Feral C#t' thread.

Please, let's not lose focus on this thread being directed at the folks that have set-up the Atlas Photo Contest and an appeal by the community to correct the situation before it becomes more of a disaster for them than it already is. It is obvious that those responsible have failed to think this out well and their failure to do so has already alienated most of the superior birding and photo talent in the region. Although the publishers will certainly get some participation, especially from everyone with a window feeder and a digital camera (can you image how many cardinal photos they are going to have to sort through?), the image quality and range of plumages for each species is going to be greatly watered down. This is going to have great impacts on the overall quality of what is published. Some may argue that the main focus of the book should be the data collected and its interpretation. However, although the preceding statement is true, how the information is displayed and the 
quality of the rest of the packaging will make the difference in whether or not this book stands out from the crowd and is truly a superior piece of work in all aspects. 

Regards,

Ed Boyd
-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: lance biechele <> 

> Hi everyone. 
> I too, agree with Jim and the rising voice of reasoning that bird 
> photograhers 
> have always been taken for granted. Only a serious photographer can realize 
> the many hours/days one must spend just to achieve a "good" picture. 
> But, I also think that this is also reflective of the numerous counts that 
> birders 
> participate. Why should we have to pay to actively spend an entire day, 
> either on the CBC or BBS when it is OUR cost for hours, fuel, food and often 
> lodging? 
> We submit our results and some organization gets the credit without 
> consideration 
> of our dilegent work and experience? 
> While I'm not looking for a monetary reimbursement - we can at least 
> participate 
> without a FEE. 
> Sincerely. 
> Lance 
> 
> 
> --------------------------------- 
> Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. 
> Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. 
>