Diffuser - Brief Article - Correction Notice

PSA Journal, August, 2001

CSD Who's Who Correction

Gerrit N. Groshart of the Netherlands received 95 acceptances (instead of the 88 previously reported) in the Color Slide Division Who's Who report. Our sincere apologies for the error.

Evelyn M. Greaves, FPSA CSD Who's Who Director

Star Rating Applicants

As Star Ratings Director for the Color Slide Division, I have noted a few pitfalls that could be easily avoided and would make the process of achieving a Star Rating award simpler. After achieving a few acceptances in PSA approved exhibitions, request instructions for applying for Star Rating. Recordkeeping can then be set up from the beginning to comply with the approved format for application. Always identify exhibitions by their official names as listed in the PSA Journal Exhibitions Listing and in the preamble to Who's Who in the May issue.

Instructions should be requested from each division entered, as the requirements and format differ between divisions. Star Rating Directors are listed quarterly in the Services & Activities section of the PSA Journal. Requests may be made either by E-mail or regular mail.

If a period of time has elapsed between applications, request current application instructions, as PSA rules change and Directors occasionally make changes in approved formats to facilitate more efficient processing.

Finally, read the instructions carefully and follow them to the letter. I have 9 file drawers of catalogs and the approved application format is set up in accordance with my filing system. Use of a different format increases the time I must spend to verify acceptances in the catalogs and means a longer wait for approval for the applicant.

All Star Rating and Galaxy Directors will appreciate your consideration of these suggestions.

Laura J. Davies, FPSA CSD Star Ratings Director

Salon Costs

Mr. Wade Clutton, in a limited memorandum distribution, very appropriately noted the severe headache that revised U.S. postal regulations are causing salons. The small packet category has been eliminated. In addition, although the USPS claims a 4% raising of fees, in some instances it is many times that because of changes in requirement for mailing various items.

As a result, the cost of mailing catalogs by U.S. salons to overseas participants now is at a level that makes current entry fees sadly obsolete. For example, caught in proverbial midstream at the time of the USPS rate changes, the Greater Florida Salon's expectation of sending catalogs at a reasonable fee in relation to the entrants' payments is but a dream turned nightmare. The cost is now approximately triple the previous one.

Obviously, U.S. salons cannot continue with current fees for non-U.S. entrants if a catalog is to be provided. Suggestion: create an entrant category that does not include a catalog, viz., CATALOG OPTIONAL. The person who chooses not to receive a catalog will continue to enjoy a reasonable fee. The catalog receiving participant pays the hefty USPS charge for the printed record.

While salon participants of recent vintage may feel the need to receive the booklet, many long term competitors surely have found the bulk of such items collected through the years much more of a hindrance than a benefit. There is, of course, always the option in any situation of buying a copy after the fact.

Martin M. Bruce, Ph.D., FPSA, EPSA

Ordering RLPs, KSTs, TOPS & Videos

All Recorded Lecture Programs (RLPs), Kodak Slide/Tape Programs (KSTs), TOPS Slide Programs, and Videos are ordered and shipped from PSA Headquarters.

Please place your order 60 days (or more) in advance. If possible, select an alternate program and/or viewing date.

To obtain detailed information about all of these programs and to place your order online using a secure credit card order form, log on to the PSA website at www.psa-photo.org and click on Audio Visual Catalog or you may contact PSA Headquarters at (405) 843-1437 to request a printed catalog.

If you are not ordering online, call PSA Headquarters to place your order and then send a check or money order (payable to PSA) to PSA, 3000 United Founders Blvd., Suite 103, Oklahoma City, OK 73112-3940.

RLPS, KSTs and TOPS programs are $12.50. Videos are $6.00.