Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: mdsalemi on April 11, 2008, 09:21:55
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Note: As questions get raised etc. my comments will simply be added to the end of this post, rather than me creating additional replies--similar to the way bpossel has been doing on keeping us informed on his ongoing project.
Updated 4/12/08.
Updated 4/13/08
Updated 4/19/08
Updated 4/20/08
Updated 4/22/08; see end of this post.
Who is in: 49 and FULL.
Frank Cozza
Dirk Kemper (Else1969)
Bob Geco
MiltnMe (Heidi Stern)
Hands Aus (Bob Smith)
William Moore
Baron Youngman
Martijn Sjerps
GTMSJ (Gary Miles)
Ray Bragg
Longtooth
Mark in KS (Mark Parkins)
w113sl (Peter Lesler)
goodbetterbob(Bob Goodman)
3-point roadster (Denny DiNio)
paulr (Paul Raeside)
ghenne (George Henne)
merc67osl (Thor Haatveit)
Jaxxonia (Jackson Schwartz)
David Brough
KGear (Ken Gear)
Mike (Mike Hund)
Bill Simaz
Mike in Detroit (Mike Webster)
Rob Walker
Eryck
zoegrlh (Rob Hyatt)
69280SL (Gus)
JPMOSE
JonnyB
Hauser
Ron Burg
Kevin Caputo
John Mancini
Bob Possel
Vince Mulvey
Benzportland
Craig DeVine
Garry Marks
Kemal Shah
Cees Klumper
Mike Hughes
Tosh
AGT
Waqas
thelews
Peterm
vanesp
Mdsalemi
My creative juices are flowing after seeing such nice photos of cars and of details recently in postings, yes even on postings when I'm ranting and raving! :)
I have an idea to publish our own Coffee Table book working title, Pagoda Love, using BookMaker. Final title TBD.
As a start and to get off the ground, we'd need 19 owners who would be willing to pony up about USD $90.00 each; this would create a 40-page book and allow each owner 2 pages in a spread format; so you don't turn a page on the same owner/car. My vision is to have it mostly visual, with just a small amount of text. The text might be a paragraph or so about the specific car or owner, or explanations of detail photos. It wouldn't be a story book, but a visual book. The difference between owners and pages allows for a cover page; a back page for credits; and also allows each 2-page to be a spread. Of course if you have multiple cars, you can buy multiple copies and have multiple spreads.
The book can accomodate 100 pages, which would be a maximum of 49 owners/cars. It would make the book larger and more lavish but would also cost more, about $190.00 each. Yes that's a lot of money but can you imagine so many fabulous photos of all of these cars? I'd have to say that in order to keep it simple, you'd have to agree to participate at any level--the minimum book size of 19 owner/cars or the maximum of 49. It would become a bit of a nightmare (rather than a fun labor of love!) if I have to "drop out" certain owner/cars because the price went up as more owner/cars participated.
Regardless of whether there would the minimum of 19 owners and 19 featured cars at $90.00; 49 owners/cars at $190; or any number in between it would be quite a book. Final cost dependent on final number of participants. There isn't any price break from the manufacturer on quantities so duplicates cost the same amount, and if you want to buy a copy and not participate, it's the same too. I'm a graphic designer by education and you'd have to give me the freedom to design the best spread based on the photos provided. If everyone got into the design process it would never be completed. Suggestions on which photos you provide to highlight etc. of course would be welcome; everybody needs to be happy with the result.
Pages are 15" wide; 11.5" tall; acid free archival quality, printed offset on real heavyweight paper with real ink (not laser or inkjet), genuine hardbound binding like a library book. Up to 12 photos per page. Full photo on the cover...perhaps some kind of contest as to whose is on the cover??? Or, maybe a modification of Graham Creasey's panorama taken at PUB 2007 (or similar group shot), with our SL Group Logo. Alternatively at a slightly extra cost it could have a printed dust jacket. (It won't be my car on the cover--too many Signal Red 568's on the cover of too many Mercedes books as it is!)
If there is interest with 19 owners, I'll do it. It isn't a profit making venture but simply a labor of love like our poster, to preserve these great photos I'm seeing and to share more of them with everyone. Owners would have to supply me with the photos--the finer quality the photo the better. At least one photo of the owner would be appropriate, too--with or without the car.
I love looking at all these photos that are being posted; I love the variety of colors shown in our cars, and I particularly love detailed close-ups.
31-May: Deadline for participation; you've got 6 weeks to think about it!
31-May to 30-September: Get your photos together; you've got 4 months!
31-October: Design and proof; that's me. You only see your own pages prior to the completed book.
Delivery in November/December, absolutely positively by 15-December.
There's no money fronted by me until the book order is entered after the design is complete, so for some reason if it doesn't get off the ground and somebody has paid, the money will be refunded. I'm sure you can understand however, that I don't want to chase payments etc. nor enter an order until all the payments are made. Payment in advance secures your 2-pages and your book. Shipping will be mostly included, I think--I added a bit to the price. Remote locations might be a bit more depending on final size and weight, etc.
Note: if you have no interest in this, no comments are necessary. Those that are interested, post here and then I'll get more details together off line once 19 people (or at least x number of owners with 19 cars) show positive interest.
For those that know me and my car, you know that the visual and final quality of the project will be like my car, like my horns, like my engine bay, like my article(s) in The Star...an honest and serious strive for perfection. For those that don't know me, and would have some reservations of parting with $90-$190 in advance, simply ask those that do know me; they'll probably be our fellow members that are the first to sign up if this gets off the ground.
Why am I doing this? Well, frankly, you can get tired of looking at your own car after a while. Yes I love Signal Red, but Arabian Gray is nice, so is 050 White, Tunis Beige, etc. 230's are nice too, as are 250's. Shiny new re-chrome is great, but the patina of age is worthy of serious respect, too. Get it? I can't own one of each model and color, but it sure would be nice to have it all together--hence a book like this.
What I will do over the next week or so is get a sample spread together of the kind of thing I envision, and make it available as a pdf so one can see kind of a representative sample of what I'm thinking about, and it can hopefully inspire others to get photos taken or dig for them and get some ideas together for their pages.
Great Comments, Peter. I already thought of some of this in advance.
I think it's a great idea... but one other nice twist might be to make it possible for people to vote on which pictures for a particular car get included in the book
No. With all due respect, why should Rodd have a say on which photos of yours get included? You can't have 19 or 49 editors; it would never get off the ground. Anybody's particular and greatest interest should and would be with their own cars and photos; that will insure high quality. My integrity will ensure the high quality of the entire project.
I'm sure we all want artistic photographs in it, rather than your usual snapshots. You additionally need to judge photographs on their technical quality (resolution, sharpness etc).
Not necessarily; some of the best photos that have had people drooling of my car are what amounts to snapshots; I just saw some fabulous snapshots from Mike Hughes of his two-tone and with a little bit of [contrast and color brightening] enhancement they'll be perfect. However, there are many months for one to get photos together. Yes I have to judge them and may have to reject some. I also just completed an article for The Star on taking photos of your car which will be shared with everyone if the project flies, so everyone will have a good opportunity to get good photos. If someone has high quality transparencies or negatives (35MM) particularly vintage, I have the tools for professional scanning as well. I myself am drooling that someone out there might have some Kodachromes that Dad took back in 1968...as for camera, some of the nice photos I've taken of my car back in 2004 were with a 4MP Kodak "point and shoot". They were just at the right time: you don't need a fancy nor expensive camera, either.
Let me also add that you do NOT need to have a pristine example, nor even a running example, to have a photo story worthy of publication. What will make the book more visually interesting is a breadth of cars, and a depth as well. Even rust has beauty and provides a contrast to shiny chrome. A car being worked on "up on blocks" provides a contrast to one shown "in motion". I want the project to be INCLUSIVE of every car and owner. The only reason why one should choose not to participate would be for financial reasons. Every car has a worthy photographic story to tell.
I could see a potential problem though: if one owner absolutely, definitely wants in the book, but only has crappy, bad quality, uninteresting snapshots of him and his car...
That's the job of the editor (me) and I'd work with them to get better shots. Every spread would be different, and some will have less photos than others. Sometimes, less is more.
it could detract from the entire book...
Not on my watch. Failure is not an option, and neither is crappy.
Could the other owners collectively vote him or her out?
Will not be necessary.
If a detail on a car is not strictly "correct," (alloy wheels on a 230 SL, for example) will you note it in the caption, reject the photo or simply let it run with no explanation?
The only reason I ask is that many people look to this group to help them understand these kinds of historical nuances and I wonder how you'll approach this. (I hate spreading misinformation, though I admit I've been guilty of that on a couple of occasions.)
I would not attempt to create a Bible of correctness here. There's simply too many variables that have happened over the years for this to happen--Euro lights on an otherwise visibly US car or the aforementioned alloys for example, that 100% correct cars are the exception not the rule. There will be editing of the photos, perhaps captioning on many, but if we have an otherwise great spread of a 230SL with alloys, I would not want the car's owner to forever see a caption "Stunning sunset shot of a 1965 230SL at Pebble Beach with incorrect alloy wheels".
Inclusive is the watchword; a collective celebration of what we have, not what we should have or want is the goal.
4/12/08 Update:
1. Pay whom, where, when (how notified of whom to pay and when/where to pay)... personal check? Money order? what?
Payment would be to me. At the appropriate time (once participation is finalized) I'll ask for a check/MO. Check or MO preferred as if there is something that might prohibit publication, I can easily just send these back. I will not be "doing anything" with the payments until I have to extend payment myself which is at the time of actual ordering--which is the FINAL step in the process. For those remote, with no means of obtaining USD denominated checks, etc. I do have a Paypay account. But, checks are preferred.
2. Notification of who's committed to participate is via a message on this thread.
Yes, my suggestion is to tally interest here.
3. Cost is anywhere from $90 to $190... depending on how many participants. Cost includes delivery to participants... for US domestic?
Yes on the cost; price is basically by the page and the number of pages is dependent on the number of participants or cars. Regarding shipping, not entirely worked out. Book shipping in the USA is relatively inexpensive due to "media mail" rate. Overseas is a bit more. Weight is the biggest factor in the calculation of shipping costs, and until the book is in hand and properly packaged we don't know that yet. It might be the courteous thing to do by dividing shipping costs equally; yes it would mean that us USA patrons with out media mail rate would be subsidizing shipment to our overseas friends, but in the end we'd all pay equally. I don't mind that. We can't do anything final until the book is done. Also, the publisher has both UK and EU locations, I have to investigate once the orders are in so to speak, whether it pays to have them printed and shipped from there. At first glance it did not look cost effective, but worthy of a more detailed look later.
4. Payment is refunded if book's not published.
Yes; as mentioned there is no cash payment on my part until the order is placed, and that is the LAST thing to happen. So, if it doesn't get off the ground for some reason, the checks will NOT be cashed.
5. Pics are a "spread"?... what's this mean?. How many pic's should be submitted per participant?
A "spread" is a printing and publishing term for 2 pages. So, when you open up a magazine, you are looking at 2 pages (left and right) and each page has a number, but together they are called a spread. In terms of this book, with each page measuring 15" wide and 11.5" tall, each car/owner's real estate is 2 pages; that's 30" wide by 11.5" tall;That size alone makes it "coffee table" size.
In my plan, each car/owner crosses two pages. Every time you turn a page, you are onto another 2-page spread of another car/owner. You would never have to "turn the page" in the middle of a car/owner. Make sense?
There are a total of 12 pix per page permitted by the publisher. It would be a fairly busy page, but I'm sure we'll have a few with that many. The more pictures submitted the better, speaking as an editor, particularly if one is unsure of what they have.
6. Editing, layout, selection of pics by Michael.
Yes. However it isn't done in a vacuum. My intention is to work with what is given to me by each participant and come up with what I consider an appropriate layout, taking into consideration of course, any suggestions by the participant. Such as, "make sure you use picture DSC001.jpg, that's the BEST one EVER of my car". Or, "can you work in the one where my wife is in the gown and me in the tux". I can also work with "here they are, do your best!". I'll create the spread for each participant, email a proof, make any changes we (you and me) think are necessary, and finalize it. Photos have to be digital, and placed on a CD and mailed to me. If someone has old transparencies or negatives in 35MM form, or perhaps really old prints, we'll talk separately as I have the tools to deal with that but it has to be the exception not the rule.
Nothing pejorative and nothing in bad taste. It's something we want to cherish.
Maybe you could have photos from lots of different members from all the countries represented in the group so that there is a spread across the globe and also pictures of the Pagoda in all the localities.
It is my intent to put a flag of each country on the page as part of the design; just by the interest so far we have the makings of an international book.
Some photo ideas: photo illustrations or staged photos would be great. I'd like to see, for example, something indicative of where the owner is from: Cees with a shot definitively in Amsterdam; Richard Madison, if he participates, would have to include a shot that is inarguable New York City. I'd like to see photos of the owners, too. Family if you have it, and they are special to you and your W113 experiences.
Photo illustrations are fun as well. Douglas does not have a car, but what if he appears with an oversized magnifying glass and a miniature model, and some shots he might have in archive of the cars he USED to own? How about JA17's shop, or him poking through the engineless bay of a car in his boneyard? See the kind of fun you can have with yourself if you just think about it?
Again, I'll post a sample "spread" of me (won't be the printed one) so you can get an idea soon. There will be 4 months to either take or find photos.
Can I do two cars for 180.00?
Well, I'm not sure that $180.00 will be the final number, but one copy of the book might be that high, and if you participate, you get the 2 pages. If you want to put more than one Pagoda in those pages that's fine. We'd like to try and keep it mostly Pagoda's; I say mostly because a nice shot might be of your Pagoda with OTHER cars in your collection. We'd highlight the Pagoda in some way.
Remember, unfortunately, that there are no quantity discounts (publisher's pricing not mine)so additional copies of the book are the same cost. They can be reprinted in the future; however keep in mind we are at a discount because the total order is over $100 or something along those lines.
4/13/08 Update:
Can I have one picture cross the spread and occupy 2 pages?
Well, no and yes. First, the software that is used in the book design and assembly does not allow this. However being the creative type that I am I can divide an appropriate photo into two, and have the left half on the left side, and the right half on the right side. So I have a workaround. However notice I said "appropriate". Keep in mind the page size. One photo going across the spread would measure 11.5" tall by 30" wide. That's one massive photo at shall we say an "interesting" crop. We need the photos to be about 300 pixels per inch at the reproduction size. If the 2-page photo were cropped out of a photo of normal proportions provided by nearly any camera, it would be a 20" x 30" photo; at 300 pixels per inch, that's 6000 x 9000 pixels; very massive indeed and beyond normal digital photgraphy. BUT that being said, I hold the group in high esteem; if someone can provide an appropriate photo of sufficient quality at the repro size, I can make it happen. All but the best of us, or some pros, would struggle with this however.
Why does the cost go up with the number of participants?
You need to re-read the post carefully. The pricing from the actual book manufacturer is by the page. The more participants, the more pages, the bigger the book and the larger the unit cost (and greater weight, too). Due to the nature of how they manufacture this book, again, they offer no quantity discounts, so each additional book costs the same as the first--once we pass a small threshold of discount. The discount is NOT on quantity of books or pages, it is on the $$$ spent.
My only reservation is too many cars of the same color. It would be great if all the available colors and combos were represented.
If you look at the participants, you'll see we already have a great geographical representation, and I think a good color mix as well. My feeling is the more the merrier, and I hope that we get 49 for a smashing 100 page book. I'll mix it all up in the book so we are not looking at Red after Red, or USA after USA. Pass the word on off-line to those you may know.
4/19/08 Update:
Response is terrific. I'll take the suggestions of front grill star and rear trunk deck star for the front/back covers under advisement. I don't know about a contest however. I will ask, once we make the "kickoff" on 1-June, that we get some good photos of both from everyone.
Update 4/20/08
Getting a few questions answered at once...
There is no "qualification"; "newbies" count too. All it takes is committment. Yes there's room, we are at 37 and counting. Room for 49.
Photoshop "art" can be desirable--first it is essential for balancing ill-exposed photos, setting white, black and neutrals; adjusting exposure, contrast, sharpness, etc. I have yet to see any digital photo that can't be improved upon by adjusting some of these things. Taking one step further, it is useful for removing that annoying overhead wire, toning down that reflection, or similar. Cropping too, is a photoshop function. But it was not in MY plans to apply the "oil-painting brush stroke filter" to turn a photo into an ersatz painting. But if someone has the skill and that's how they would like to see their car in the book, in perpetuity and that's what they give me--I'll have to respect that desire.
Let me re-emphasize to those that read down this far, that this isn't a book of Concours d'Elegance winners. Every 113 is beautiful; every owner has a story to tell, every car has something special about it to its owner. Don't worry about how your car stacks up against the others--it isn't a contest. Focus on presenting what you have in the best possible way.
Yes there will either be a cover (photo) or a dust jacket, and I'll take all these suggestions under advisement--the Stars, the Pagoda thing, etc.
Update 4/22/08
Just so there's no confusion here--
1) It's a photobook, nothing more.
2) It isn't a club publication per se, it's mine that I've asked for contributors and participants.
3) No club funds are being used for this.
4) Being produced at cost for the benefit of the contributors. It isn't a profit venture and won't be "sold" at the "company store".
5) It has NOTHING to do with the Technical Manual.
Once the deadline passes that I set (31-May) for signing up, communication will be off-line on the matter.
Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
President, International Stars Section
Mercedes-Benz Club of America
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I think it's a great idea... but one other nice twist might be to make it possible for people to vote on which pictures for a particular car get included in the book... a little like the Pagoda Calendar of the http://www.pagodentreff.de/pagodenkalender/ group.
I'm sure we all want artistic photographs in it, rather than your usual snapshots. You additionally need to judge photographs on their technical quality (resolution, sharpness etc).
I could see a potential problem though: if one owner absolutely, definitely wants in the book, but only has crappy, bad quality, uninteresting snapshots of him and his car... it could detract from the entire book... how would you propose to deal with that ? Could the other owners collectively vote him or her out ?
Ahhh food for thought. You can sign me up though!
Peter
1970 280SL. Also known as 'admin@sl113.org' and organiser of the Technical Manual (http://www.sl113.org/wiki/pmwiki.php).
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im in where do i send the money?
plm
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quote:
Originally posted by vanesp
Could the other owners collectively vote him or her out ?
Pagoda version of "Survivor."
Sounds like a fine idea...count me in.
John
1967 Early 250 SL Red/Caviar, Manual
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Michael,
You're a can-do kind of guy. I admire your enthusiasm to take these kinds of projects on.
Question: If a detail on a car is not strictly "correct," (alloy wheels on a 230 SL, for example) will you note it in the caption, reject the photo or simply let it run with no explanation?
The only reason I ask is that many people look to this group to help them understand these kinds of historical nuances and I wonder how you'll approach this. (I hate spreading misinformation, though I admit I've been guilty of that on a couple of occasions.)
Douglas Kim
New York
USA
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Great idea! We should make you our official merchandising director :D (I still enjoy wearing my PUB'07 t-shirt!)
I'll purchase one, at the very least. (my pagoda's are currently not photogenic enough to participate)
Waqas in Austin, Texas
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Michael
Great idea. Count me in. Only four months to clean the cars and work out which end of a Nikon to point at them.
Regards
Andrew
1966 230SL
1969 280SL
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I'm in
Not sure the best part of my car looks like that engine bay but I'm in with some funds if nothing else :D
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Count me in! What a great idea!
- Mike Hughes -ô¿ô-
1966 230SL Auto P/S
Havanna Brown (408)
Light Beige (181)
Cream M-B Tex (121)
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I'm game Michael - thanks for a great initiative!
Cees ("Case") Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic
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At last "The Ultimate Pagoda Book" ('[:p]') ... Yes please, count me in tooooooooooooo.
I knew I was grooming her for something! I will tell her in the morning!(' ;) ')
Kemal
280SL
Manual LHD 69
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quote:
Originally posted by mdsalemi"Stunning sunset shot of a 1965 230SL at Pebble Beach with incorrect alloy wheels".
"Stunning sunset shot of a 1965 230SL at Pebble Beach with incorrect alloy wheels".
Inclusive is the watchword; a collective celebration of what we have, not what we should have or want is the goal.
Michael Salemi
The caption you cited needs more profanities in it to capture the true essence of what I meant. [:p]
Douglas Kim
New York
USA
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I am in. Its a great idea.
However another suggestion, maybe you could have photos from lots of different members from all the countries represented in the group so that there is a spread across the globe and also pictures of the Pagoda in all the localities. I would still be interested in this type of Coffee Table book. e.g. in Australia's case one from Sydney Harbour, one from Melbourne. UK, One from London Bridge and from Scotland, Paris, Eifle Tower etc etc if you get the picture.
Garry
Garry Marks
Australia
69 280SL Manual
02 320ML
05 A200
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Count me in too, Michael! I'd love to join in!
Craig
'70 280SL Euro, Manual, Leather
Silver/Black
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Let me see if I understand this ---
1. Pay whom, where, when (how notified of whom to pay and when/where to pay)... personal check? Money order? what?
2. Notification of who's committed to participate is via a message on this thread.
3. Cost is anywhere from $90 to $190... depending on how many participants. Cost includes delivery to participants... for US domestic?
4. Payment is refunded if book's not published.
5. Pics are a "spread"?... what's this mean?. How many pic's should be submitted per participant?
6. Editing, layout, selection of pics by Micheal.
Is the above essentially correct? Questions need answers still.
Longtooth
67 250SL US #113-043-10-002163
The 6% Club - Best of the Best
'02 SL500 Sport
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im in
silver 280 sl
vince
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Hello Michael,
Please count me in as well.
Great idea!
Bob
bpossel (Memphis, TN.)
'71 280SL / '97 E320
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Hi Michael,
I'm in. Can I do two cars for 180.00?
John
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Wow. What a huge initiative! I'm in.
Kevin Caputo
Hampden, MA
1967 230 SL Automatic
670 Light Ivory
113 Bronze/Brown MB Tex
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Michael: Would it be possible to have a large picture across the 2 page spread (ala centerfold)? I would prefer this to several small pictures.
Gus
1968 280sl
Signal red
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Sounds really nice. Count me in.
I do have a question - if you have 19 owners at $90.00 approx total $1700
Why would it cost MORE ($190 each for 49 owners.)
Would not the cost per each be around around the same at $90.00 or slightly more for 49 people with total cost of $4410
Keep up the good work
Ron - Minnesota
71 280SL Tobacco "O GIGI"
03 525 BMW BlACK/BLACk
97 E420 Silver Mist
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Add another to the roster!
Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto
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Don't forget little ol' me!
Best Regards,
J. P. Mose
1968 250SL
1987 560SL
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Michael,
It's impossible to match up two halves of a photo the way you're suggesting. We wouldn't do that in a print ad. There has to be a margin of error of 1/8" either way in the printing. That's why the center spread is desirable. (Hence, Mr. Hefner's concept.) There may be software out there that allows you to divide spreads up, but not the way you're suggesting.
Douglas Kim
New York
USA
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Count me in.
Thanks, it's a great idea. A little something like what the 190SL Group did a few years ago with their book, but theirs with more detail. Contact Jim Villers, he could fill us some insight on publishing their book.
Also question, will the book be a one time run, or should we look to profit by it and try to sell copies in the marketplace?
Thanks
Bob
Robert Hyatt
Williamsburg, VA.
1970 280SL, Red on Silver,4-speed, Euro spec; 1999 C230 Kompresser Sport, Black on Black; 1990 Miata, Black on Red, 5 Speed
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I'm in. Thanks.
1965 230 SL White Manual
Hong Kong
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Michael, what a great initiative, count me in.
Rob Walker
1968 280SL papyrus white/green leather
Spain and Turkey
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I'm in. I would love to see my car as well as others at their best.
Bill Simaz
'66 230sl
Back on the Road
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WOW! At this rate, we'll be at good per unit cost!
Mike, this is really a wonderful idea!
Hopefully we can drag our feet a bit until I get my car
back together again. Otherwise my pictures will only pictures of
baggies and bins of parts...
Thanks again for doing this!
Bob
bpossel (Memphis, TN.)
'71 280SL / '97 E320
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This is a great idea. I'd like to participate.
Mike
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I have been away for a bit and hope I am not too late to the party!
A great idea. And about time. Count me in.
Jackson Schwartz
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I can’t miss out on something like this, please count me in.
Michael, whilst I don’t have any issue with the cost, it is what it is, I do remain confused with the price difference as three smaller volumes would accommodate 57 people at $90 each whereas one larger book only covers 49 at $190. Am I missing something?
David Brough
1969 280SL Auto with A/C
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Is it possible for the book to have small legs that unfold to make it into a miniature coffe table?
:D
Bill Simaz
'66 230sl
Back on the Road
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I'm in.
George Henne
1965 230SL green
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me too. What about the mercedes star as the cover.
paulr
1970 280 SL
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quote:
Originally posted by paulr
me too. What about the mercedes star as the cover.
paulr
1970 280 SL
How about an image of a Pagoda Grille Star for the front cover and an image of a Pagoda Trunk Star for the rear cover?
Start a "Grille Star Photo Contest" and a "Trunk Star Photo Contest" topic for photo submissions only. Some darned good shots have been posted in various forums and could be included as well.
Then print them out and let attendees at at least three Pagoda events in different parts of the world vote on their favorites. As editor of the project, Michael gets to choose from the finalists.
- Mike Hughes -ô¿ô-
1966 230SL Auto P/S
Havanna Brown (408)
Light Beige (181)
Cream M-B Tex (121)
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Michael,
Seeing as how this is a W113 Coffee-Table Picture book, wouldn't it be most appropriate if the front cover (if there's a cover) were to have a dominant and obvious pagada roof perspective... the concave feature being the "pagoda" roof style? After-all, this was the dominant moniker of the W113 at the time... almost an heretical design as viewed at the time in that regard.
Or, something like a rendition... in a semi-abstractform... as in the following example --- for the idea, not the artwork.
(http://www.sl113.org/forums/uploaded/longtooth/200841923586_Pagoda.JPG)
Longtooth
67 250SL US #113-043-10-002163
The 6% Club - Best of the Best
'02 SL500 Sport
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Michael
I have just registered. What a great forum! It was suggested that I might enter a car in your Coffee Table Book by Craig DeVine.
I would love to do so if there is still room and if newbees qualify.
I will be watching for more information in the future.
Many thanks
Bob Goodman
'70 280SL w/kinder seat
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I am certainly no designer but may I suggest ( with respect ) that we resist the temptation to use this as an opportunity to show our prowess on photoshop. few things will date this book quicker than "art".
paulr
1970 280 SL
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Yep, I can't resist; I'd like to participate, too. (I wonder, though, if I'll have anything 'worthy' to show by deadline.) But what a very very good idea; musn't pass this up. I worry too, that the roster must be about filled up; am I too late? Is it all filled up? Are we almost there yet? ;~)
Thanks are due already, Michael; add mine.
Denny
280sl 4 spd. 670/904 [Aug.68 build date, Euro Delivery, US specs (mostly), titled as a 1969]
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You're going to need one from the heartland, too! Add me to the list if there's still room....
Mark in KS
67 230SL
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I say save the money for the technical book we so badly need and have be pooring our time and effords into. coffee table books are like decorative items that very few would consider usefull. I would gladly contribute to the Technical manual and then after words a coffee rendention of pictures of members cars. The Technical manual should be our first priority.
Bob Geco
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quote:
Originally posted by Bob G
I say save the money for the technical book we so badly need and have be pooring our time and effords into. coffee table books are like decorative items that very few would consider usefull. I would gladly contribute to the Technical manual and then after words a coffee rendention of pictures of members cars. The Technical manual should be our first priority.
Bob Geco
Bob, whilst I appreciate your sentiments re the Technical Manual, the reality of the situation is that not enough people are contributing as yet to ensure that we are making enough progress. I don't think we're anywhere near publishing yet. That will take at least another year. But... if more people help out, it might go more quickly.
So I really applaud Michael's effort, and hope that it will encourage people to not just submit photographs, but also add to the Technical Manual.
Over the last couple of months Naj and I have been the major contributors to the Technical Manual, but currently my efforts are directed elsewhere. As some of you may have noticed, we're running into web problems again and I'm currently spending a LOT of time (and I mean a LOT) trying to prepare us to convert to a more modern software platform with a different hosting provider without losing any data from this forum. So I will not be contibuting greatly to the Technical Manual either...
Peter
1970 280SL. Also known as 'admin@sl113.org' and organiser of the Technical Manual (http://www.sl113.org/wiki/pmwiki.php).
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Michael,
It occurs to me that the possibility may come to pass that this book will be a very rare example of a book with a variety of W113's in a variety of locations, states of repair & refinement, etc.... decidedly not a book of pure conours edition or famous W113's, which is generally the typical coffee-table book on a given set of classics of some variety or another.
Is it possible, therefore that I can participate, then order (and pay for) 2 copies of it? If I can't order and pay for 2 copies, what happens to the plates (or reproduction proofs) used to print the book after it's printed? Also, is there a copyright for the book and if so, who owns the copyright? The publisher? You? I only ask because it's a relevant question.
If somebody were to want to reproduce the book and sell it, or extracts of photos from it, what would prevent them from doing so if there's no copyright? What prevents the publisher from making additional copies for other than the intended participants if he so decided? If there's a copyright, then who owns the copyright?
Oh, btw, though my wife will kill me every time she see's the book, count me in anyway... you only live once.
Longtooth
67 250SL US #113-043-10-002163
The 6% Club - Best of the Best
'02 SL500 Sport
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quote:
Originally posted by Longtooth
Michael,
Oh, btw, though my wife will kill me every time she see's the book, count me in anyway... you only live once.
Longtooth
when she does bring your life to an unnatural, and early end, can I have your car? :D
James Lester
RHD 280 in DB906 with cognac leather
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quote:
Originally posted by Longtooth
Michael,
It occurs to me that the possibility may come to pass that this book will be a very rare example of a book with a variety of W113's in a variety of locations, states of repair & refinement, etc.... decidedly not a book of pure conours edition or famous W113's, which is generally the typical coffee-table book on a given set of classics of some variety or another.
Is it possible, therefore that I can participate, then order (and pay for) 2 copies of it? If I can't order and pay for 2 copies, what happens to the plates (or reproduction proofs) used to print the book after it's printed? Also, is there a copyright for the book and if so, who owns the copyright? The publisher? You? I only ask because it's a relevant question.
If somebody were to want to reproduce the book and sell it, or extracts of photos from it, what would prevent them from doing so if there's no copyright? What prevents the publisher from making additional copies for other than the intended participants if he so decided? If there's a copyright, then who owns the copyright?
Oh, btw, though my wife will kill me every time she see's the book, count me in anyway... you only live once.
Longtooth
67 250SL US #113-043-10-002163
The 6% Club - Best of the Best
'02 SL500 Sport
It is/was at first, totally misinterpreted by some who didn't read my entire post that this was to be some exclusive book of perfect Pagodas--trailer queeens. COMPLETELY WRONG, and I'm glad Longtooth, that you have gotten it right. All cars, all conditions, all locations.
You can order as many books as you want. Remember there is no quantity discount--not my rules, the rules of the publisher. Your participation is welcome.
Copyrights of each photo remain with the photographers and will be noted as such. There are no "plates". It's a photobook and if you need a deeper explanation, please contact me offline. The design of the book, for what it may be worth, and things I create, will be my copyright. The publishers are photobook publishers and are not interested in printing books and selling them like a traditional publishing house; theft of the entire book in digital form by the photobook publisher would be an extremely remote idea; they all have standards, you know. You have to have an understanding of the photobook process to completely understand. It isn't traditional publishing.
Do it for you, not your wife. Maybe she'll learn to see the beauty in these cars when she sees all of them together. Include her in a photo maybe she'll feel special!
You will need to update your profile or at least contact me offline with your email address as once we get underway communication will be directly by email blasts offline.
Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
President, International Stars Section
Mercedes-Benz Club of America
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Please add me to your list of participants. I have a 1971 280SL, Tobacco Brown.
Ray
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I would love the opportunity to participate; count me in!
Gary
1970 280sl silver/red
1970 280 sl silver/red
1992 NSX
1998 GS400
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Hello Michael,
What a great initiative! I like photography very much and especially if the subject is the beautiful Pagoda.
I am very new to this group, but I would like to participate. Please add me to the list.
Martijn Sjerps
1967 250 SL - manual - dark blue 332
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I am a new owner, and new reader. Count me in.
Orient Red September 67 250 SL
My only stipulation... Way off in the blurry background I will have to sneak in the image of my 74 240D. I do love that car, but I fear that nobody will ever offer to do a coffee table book on the 115's
William Moore
-WAM
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I'M IN!
let me know next step
Bob
1971 280 SL silver/red (soon to be painting next weekend)
1 car 15 boxes
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Hey Michael,
Please include me on your list
cheers mate!
Bob Smith (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL #114, auto, ps , 717,717
BEST OF THE BEST!
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Great Idea! Please count me in!
Heidi Stearn (miltnme)
1970 280Sl Auto-DB387
2008 C300
2006 ML350
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Michael:
I request sing up for interance to your Pagoda Coffie Table book. My 1968 280SL has all its orginal paper work and I can supply a good history since it has been in our family since new.
I must worn of corse it is a work in progress restoration. How ever she photgraphs well and should be a good addition to your book.
Bob Geco
1968 280SL
113044001201906
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Michael, place me in the queue as well. Now, where to go for the perfect shot of Else?
Dirk
1969 Signal Red Auto 280 SL named "Else"
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Emails are going out through the system. Please follow instructions.
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Mike
Just to confirm, I got the email this afternoon, and should be able to send out the information you asked about tonight.
Heading to Indy for the 500 today!
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Hello Micheal,
Count me in also!
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Michael,
Please count me in.
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Crap... I can't believe I missed this... and it's already full
I would love to be in this if anyone drops out and/or you decide to add more pages.
Cheers,
Michael
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quote:
Originally posted by Sigman
Crap... I can't believe I missed this... and it's already full
I would love to be in this if anyone drops out and/or you decide to add more pages.
Cheers,
Michael
Mike--you snooze, you lose! ;) No, actually, I'm working with a publisher now to see if we can move it from a Photobook to a digital short run; if that's the case (I'll have an answer in a few weeks, we need to run some tests for quality) I can add more pages and contributors and the price might be lower as well.
In addition, I've prepared a welcome note to all contributors, it will be going out as soon as I've added all the contact information to my data base, should be by the middle of this week. I'll add you and the others who were shut out to the list as well...
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quote:
I'm working with a publisher now to see if we can move it from a Photobook to a digital short run; !!
What! No beautiful paper in hardback?
NOooooo! (' :evil: ')
Kemal
280SL
Manual LHD 69
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quote:
quote:
Originally posted by kemal shah
I'm working with a publisher now to see if we can move it from a Photobook to a digital short run; !!
What! No beautiful paper in hardback?
NOooooo! (' :evil: ')
Kemal
280SL
Manual LHD 69
NOOO is right. It will still be hardback, still be large size 10x15, but working with a short run publisher to see if the quality is there. Still nice paper, etc.