ART<ARCHITECTURE[?]: OTIS.

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From: ed@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Ed Stastny)
Subject: OTIS Project (info on scanned art project)
Message-ID: <ed.729967728@cwis>
Keywords: scan art pizza
Sender: news@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (UNO Network News Server)
Organization: University of Nebraska at Omaha
Date: Wed, 17 Feb 1993 16:48:48 GMT
Lines: 231


-------------------------------------
+ ............The OTIS Project '93 +
+ "The Operative Term Is STIMULATE" +
-------------------------------------

Let's get right to it...

Stats for OTIS, as of 2/17/93, indicate that over 8000 downloads
of images have taken place on the OTIS directories. There are now
75 gifs offered...more coming in every week. OTIS has been up for
about a month so far and this is my first public update of this
info file. Activity seems highest in the "eros" directory, followed
quickly by the "misc" and "aeonflux" directories. Several of you
out there have volunteered scanning services, thanks mucho. I have
the current situation under control here...but soon may be taking
you up on your offers.

Since it's inception, OTIS has spread it's files to several BBSes...
two of which are noted later. I hope to continue this spread.

Atsabout all that needs to be said for now. I'll post this info
file monthly until something persuades me to do otherwise. Updated
versions of this file (with new news for the past month or two) will
be available at the FTP sites.

Thanks go out to: Jon VanOast and JEM@sunsite, Aria and Camaro at
Underground Cafe, Xorcist at CyberDen, the staff of the Eppley room,
and those of you who offered advice and helpful hints. Your support
is appreciated, even if it does take me a decade to respond to email.

...e
--------------------------------------------------------------

WHAT IS OTIS?

OTIS is here for the purpose of distributing original artwork
and photographs over the network for public perusal, scrutiny,
and distribution. Digital immortality.

---------------------------------------------------------------

WHERE?

OTIS currently (as of 2/17/93) has two FTP sites.

141.214.4.135 (projects/stmulate), the UWI site

sunsite.unc.edu (/pub/pictures/OTIS), the SUNsite

Merely "anonymous FTP" to either site on Internet and change to the
appropriate directory. Don't forget to get busy and use the "bin"
command to make sure you're in binary.

OTIS has also been spreading to some dial-up BBS systems around North
America....the following systems have a substancial supply of
OTIStuff...
Underground Cafe (Omaha) (402.339.????) 2 lines
^^^^^
[write me if you need the #]

CyberDen (SanFran?) (415.472.5527) Usenet Waffle-iron

--------------------------------------------------------------

HOW DO YOU CONTRIBUTE?

What happens is...you draw a pretty picture or take a lovely
photo, get it scanned into an image file, then either FTP-put
it in the CONTRIB/Incoming directory or use UUENCODE to send it to me
(email addresses at eof) in email. After the image is received,
it will be put into the correct directory. Computer originated works
are also welcome.

OTIS' directories house two types of image files, GIF and JPG.
GIF and JPG files require, oddly enough, a GIF or JPG viewer to
see. These viewers are available for all types of computers at
most large FTP sites around Internet. JPG viewers are a bit
tougher to find. If you can't find one, but do have a GIF viewer,
you can obtain a JPG-to-GIF conversion program which will change
JPG files to a standard GIF format.

OTIS will accept animation files also, but those are so rare and
cryptic to construct that I don't expect (m)any. If you have one,
PLEASE upload it.

When you submit image files, please send me email at the same time
stating information about what you uploaded and whether it is to be
used (in publications or other projects) or if it is merely for people
to view. Also, include some biographical information on yourself, we'll
be having info-files on each contributing artist and their works. You
can also just upload a text-file of info about yourself (instead of
emailing).

If you have pictures, but no scanner, there is hope. Merely send
copies to me, Ed Stastny/ 9018 Westridge Dr./ Omaha,NE 68124, and
I will either scan them myself or get them to someone who will
scan them. Include an ample SASE if you want your stuff back.
Also include information on each image, preferably a 1-3 line
description of the image that we can include in the infofile in the
directory where it's finally put. If you have preferences as to what
the images are to be named, include those as well.

Conversely, if you have a scanner and would like to help out, please
contact me and we'll arrange things.

If you want to submit your works by disk, peachy. Merely send a 3.5"
disk to the above address (Omaha) and a SASE if you want your disk back.
This is good for people who don't have direct access to encoders or FTP,
but do have access to a scanner. We accept disks in either Mac or IBM
compatible format. If possible, please submit image files as GIF or
JPG. If you can't...we can convert from most formats...we'd just rather
not have to.

At senders request, we can also fill disks with as much OTIS as they
can stand. Even if you don't have stuff to contribute, you can send
a blank disk and an SASE to get a slab-o-OTIS.

As of 2/17/93, we're at about 1.3meg of files. For a current archive
size, email me.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

DISTRIBUTION?

The images distributed by the OTIS project may be distributed freely
on the condition that the original filename is kept and that it is
not altered in any way (save to convert from one image format to
another). In fact, we encourage files to be distributed to local
bulletin boards and such. If you could, please transport the
appropriate text files along with the images.

It would also be nice if you'd send me a note when you did post images
from OTIS to your local bbs. I just want to keep track of them so
participants can have some idea how widespread their stuff is.

It's the purpose of OTIS to get these images spread out as much as
possible. If you have the time, please upload a few to your favorite
BBS system....or even just post this "info-file" there. It would be
keen of you.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

USE?

Use of the images in publications, multi-media projects and such is
permitted on an individual basis. Read the "readme" files for each
series of images (*.rm files) , if there's not a statement in that
file implying that the images are to be used in such things, it's
best to assume you CAN'T. If you'd like to use an image or series of
images in a publication or some such thing, and there isn't permission
expressed in the series' *.rm file, then you should contact the owner of
the work in advance. Ideally, there will be enough information in the
*.rm file to get you in contact with the originator.

When you DO use permitted work, it's always courteous to let the artist
know about it, perhaps even send them a free copy or some such
compensation for their files.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

NAMING IMAGES?

Please keep the names of your files in "dos" format. That means, keep
the filename (before .jpg or .gif) to eight characters or less. The way
I usually do it is to use the initials of the artist, plus a three or
four digit "code" for the series of images, plus the series number.
Thus, Leonardo DeVinci's fifth mechanical drawing would be something
like:

ldmek5.gif OR ldmek5.jpg OR ldmech5.gif ETC

Keeping the names under 8 characters assures that the filename will
remain intact on all systems.


----------------------------------------------------------------------

CREATING IMAGE FILES?

When creating image files, be sure to at least include your name
somewhere on or below the picture. This gives people a reference in
case they'd like to contact you. You may also want to include a title,
address or other information you'd like people to know.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

HMMM?!

That's about it for now. More "guidelines" will be added as needed.
Your input is expected.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DISCLAIMER: The OTIS Project has no connection to the Church of OTIS
(a sumerian deity) or it's followers, be they pope, priest,
or ezine administrator. We do take sacrifices and donations
however.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DISCLAIMER: The OTIS Project is here for the distribution of original
image files. The files will go to the public at large.
It's possible, as with any form of mass-media, that someone
could unscrupulously use your images for financial gain.
Unless you've given permission for that, it's illegal. OTIS
takes no responsibility for this. In simple terms, all rights
revert to the author/artist. To leave an image on OTIS is to
give permission for it to be viewed, copied and distributed
electronically. If you don't want your images distributed
all-over, don't upload them. To leave an image on OTIS is
NOT giving permission to have it used in any publication or
broadcast that incurs profit (this includes, but is not
limited to, magazines, newsletters, clip-art software,
screen-printed clothing, etc). You must give specific
permission for this sort of usage.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Remember, the operative term is "stimulate". If you know of people
that'd be interested in this sort of thing...get them involved...kick'm
in the booty....offer them free food...whatever...

....e (ed@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx)
(ed@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx)

--
Ed Stastny...ed@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx or ed@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx END PROCESS
PO BX 31104, Omaha,NE 68132 USA OTIS Project
Want GIFs? Got art you wanna scan? Well, FTP to: sunsite.unc.edu
(/pub/pictures/OTIS) or 141.214.4.135 (projects/stmulate)....it's FUN!
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