Your Place Or Mine?
David Yoho
>It occurred to me recently that I've been neglecting two of the main messageboards here on WoodCentral when I've solicited submissions for Shop Shots. Because of time constraints, I generally only visit the main messageboard. I rarely have the time to visit the Turning or Hand Tools boards.
I know there are folks on both of these boards with a wealth of knowledge and we have been proud to publish nice Shop Shots from some of you. However, whether you realize it or not, turners and hand toolers probably have more to offer in many of the things Shop Shots is really about. Think about it - who else makes and uses some of the jigs you do, or some of the methods of work you use, or makes joinery the way you do, or finishes like you do, or.... - you get the idea.
So first, let me apologize for not getting around here like I'd like to, and second, ask that you keep us in mind when you're working around your shop. I'll bet there's a lot of great Shop Shot opportunities we've been missing. In case you're not clear on what it's all about, here's the scoop:
What is Shop Shots?
Shop Shots is one of our most popular departments, with over 500 shots currently uploaded and more in the pipeline. I think too many WC'ers think of Shop Shots as merely a place for finished project shots. While those are certainly acceptable and inspiring, the original concept of Shop Shots was for people to send us pictures and stories about their shops, tools, machines, jigs, fixtures and/or methods of work.
I'd like to see Shop Shots evolve more into a place that not only shows off our viewer's abilities and talent through finished project shots, but is also known for being a rich depository of people's creative solutions of workshop issues and methods of work.
If I have something to submit, what do I do?
Take pictures while you're working on a project. Select those that best illustrate what you're doing and write up a story explaining the shots. What and how much you write is totally up to you. While there have been times I've had to edit for brevity, more often I'm given too little text to go with the pictures. It's a lot like trying to eat a peanut butter sandwich without a cold glass of milk to help wash it down!
My standard advice is to write from the viewer's point of view. Think about what you did and how you did it and what you'd want to know about your project if you were seeing it for the first time. What questions would you have and what did you find interesting? I've found that approach works the best and makes a great Shop Shot.
Where do I send my submission?
Once you have everything ready to send, mail it directly to me at: shots@woodcentral.com. Please remember to include your location information (city and state only). This goes on the Shop Shot page so our viewers have an idea where you are. If you have any questions, feel free to email me.
Thanks,
David Yoho
Editor - Shop Shots