Wow. Got something in the mail today that was pretty interesting. It seems Nikon is giving out D80's to people who like to take pictures and share their opinions. Heh. I guess that's me. I signed up for the program.

Here's the deal. They send me a Nikon D80 and lens and I get to try it for 6 months. At the end of that period, I can send it back, ask for another 6 months or buy it at 'editorial discount' (not sure how much that is yet.)

They mention blogging about it, of course, and ask that participants be transparent about where the camera came from, etc. This is good. Really good.

I'll be able to put the camera to good use. And if the price is right, will probably purchase at the end of the 6 or 12 months. Not only that, I think the idea is so cool that Nikon will get my attention when I start buying more cameras for citizens, etc. as kpaul media expands.

I haven't actually received the camera yet, but should in a few days. (Unlike Motorola and their phone, I think the D80 will actually arrive. ;) I'll let you know when it does. With the weather getting better in the Midwest, the timing is great. As I said, I'll have more later on.

I'd like to take this opportunity to mention that other large corporations (cough*Apple*cough*Gateway*cough*Etc.) would be wise to get programs like this going for themselves. There are a lot of us independent publishers out here who could use the help and would remember such a gesture as the media battle continues in the coming years.

Beyond that, if some of you who are still getting a paycheck from Big Media believe in the cause and can donate some items, it would be greatly appreciated. Sounds like begging, and maybe it is, but so many opportunities are opening up all around me. The equipment would come in very handy as I wage the battle on the front lines. I'll even keep you anonymous if you like. (Lord Vader won't know you supplied the rebel alliance. ;)

Ok, back to work. Just wanted to give an initial shout-out and thanks to Nikon for trying something a little different and recognizing me for what I'm doing in the Midwest. (Another quick side-note is that I haven't seen this mentioned a lot elsewhere on the web yet. I may have missed it, though.)

I have over 10,000 photos on Muncie Free Press now, most taken with an aging Olympus C-740. It's going to be nice to show up at events with a lot better camera.

kpaul out...

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