Spam and general news
I haven't written much in awhile, so I thought I would catch you up on what's going on!
-I'm using a plug-in to help stop all the damn trackback ping / comments spam I get on a daily basis. You may want to check out this link, if you use MT. I just installed it tonight. I've blocked all trackback ping ability for entries older than 5 days. We'll see how it works. I also use Blacklist, and according to my Blacklist stats there's been about 25,000 spam comments blocked since I installed it a mere 3 months ago! What really bothers me is it seems anytime I mention I'm going out of town on the site, the spam really picks up during that time. Drives me crazy. I can't figure out how to place the necessary code to tell viewers they can't leave comments on older entries - I'll try to figure it out later, I just need to stop some of the spam NOW.
-My new digital darkroom is in place! I'm really happy with it. I'm amazed at the difference it makes going from a 17" screen to a 23" monitor - not to mention the extra processing power from dual G5's versus my trust old G4 iMac. I'm thrilled. Now, I just need to read the Photoshop books I have stacked next to my night stand!
-I'm trying out a few new developers. Diafine and Xtol top the list. I'll use Diafine with Tri-X rated at 1200 -- and Xtol with Fuji Acros. I'd like negatives that are easy to scan and print. It's a tricky thing - usually you get one but not the other. I'll be building out a full darkroom in the next 18 months, so I want to be sure I have a nice archive of printable negatives.
-I'll be processing a number of C-41 (color print film) rolls this coming weekend. I have both 35mm and 120mm format exposed -- I'm anxious to see how they turn out.
-I'll be heading out in a few weeks for some night shooting. This time I plan on using film instead of digital. I MAY take along the 20D - you know, just in case :-) I finally got the N80 back from the shop, so that's ready to go with a WIDE 20mm lens. I'm also going to give the Leica and VC Bessa R3A a run with the 15mm lens - should be interesting.
I'm thankful for all the emails I receive each day. I'm still running a bit behind, but I hope to catch up soon. Sorry if I somehow missed an email, or am running late with a response. I LOVE getting email and will never complain about the volume. I remember when I started out less than a year ago - I checked my mail every opportunity I had - hoping for any comment. Now, I get a fair amount of comments, but probably get more personal email than comments - which is fine - I just hate falling behind responding to them. I'll get to them, I promise!
Oh -- I'll be heading off to Puerto Rico before too long. I'm trying to decide what cameras to take with me - it's not like I don't have a choice! I just don't feel like lugging a bunch of gear with me - I need the sunshine! I want to bring back lots of pretty pics, too...
Okay -- that's it for now. Thanks to everyone for the encouragement and kindness -- I really appreciate it.