Although having the stage to oneself may seem an attractive proposition, it has had its detractions since I began participating in the SB forum at the outset. Sometimes being the only identified Shutterbug writer made me a target of convenience attracting the attention of a few with an axe to grind. And for a short time I found it necessary to withdraw to let a too heated exchange cool down. So it is very comforting now to see I have the company of colleagues.

Because I have taken it upon myself to try to answer digital photography questions and resolve some reader problems some might think I see myself thinking I know it all. Other than having made the transition from analog to digital early, much before most photographers, many of whom thought I was nuts, I am glad today I can admit there is a lot I can't answer off the top of my head but that there are answers to be found. When I first got into digital there were few resources where you could find support and answers.

I hope one of the things that this contributor involvement will accomplish is to provide a kind of grand central station of information and support resources. I think many of our readers are familiar to some extent with the resources the traditional photo companies like Nikon, Canon and Pentax , with their tech representatives these companies have at photo trade shows and visiting many of the larger camera stores, as well as having contact access for tech services at there home offices has provided.

But as important is the fact companies like Microsoft and Adobe, and others, are also dedicated to providing information and resources specifically directed to photographers. Adobe Photoshop for instance has two photography "evangelists", Julianne Kost and Daniel Brown who have a wealth of goodies available at their recently dedicated web site: http://www.adobeevangelists.com/. Microsoft Corporation has a Pro Photo Community with Tim Grey as Director with a dedicated web site at: http://www.microsoft.com/prophoto/.

I am sure each of you, my colleagues, has resources that can be added to a list that will grow in time to help those who visit this forum.