leonardcohenforum.com

I just voted for the mosaic, because I thought he's not going to be playing the video that much (maybe once and that's it), but he can have the mosaic hung in the wall and it will remind him of us.
Anyway, we could do also the video for the publicity, if you want it, but the main thing should be the mosaic.

Luisa

My initial reaction was the mosaic. Then after reading everyone's posts, I can't decide. There are definitely positives to both ideas. My vote? Let's do both. If we have to submit a photo, couldn't we submit two at the same time? One for the mosaic and another (with the word) for the video.

Warmest regards,
Mary

A couple of thoughts.

The mosaic idea was suggested by Maarten and at the time he also indicated his skills with the program were limited but he was willing to give it a try. The program is free for downloading here:

http://ezmosaic.com/

If others have an interest in becoming familiar with the program, now would be the time. We can have someone else collect the photos and make sure they meet whatever requirements we set.

I was concerned about the mosaic idea because of the number of photos it seemed to require, but from reading the FAQ questions, it is common for photos to be repeated. So we should be able to do it even if participation is not that high, but I think we will need at least 200 photos.

I favored the video idea for a couple of reasons. I think we could make it funny or at least cute and give Leonard a laugh and better express to him how we feel about him. It would give us all a chance to be a bit creative. And the pictures would be bigger so he could actually see us. It is something that will survive on the Internet so Leonard could watch it whenever he wanted and we all could enjoy it in the future too.

No matter which idea is decided on, we are going to need particpation. It would be great to do both ideas but that would mean even more people will have to step up and take on the tasks required to make these ideas a reality.

I voted for video !

Oh dear, I voted mosaic, but reading the posts has swayed me towards a video too. I will participate in either to whatever level is required!

Can't we do both?

Suzanne,
Excellent idea to send two photos. Once again I will request on behalf of all of the fans who are like me and need further instruction on how all of this shall be done. Leonard will be grateful for all and anything which is done for him . I cannot wait for the next step....
Donalagata(La Donna)

I vote for the video, but see no reason why we shouldn't do both.

I voted for mosaic but I like the video idea too. Why not to do both?

Greetings,

Roman

I voted for the mosaic because I like the intricacy of it, you can look at it for hours and find something new (somehow like a Cohen song). But now the video sounds appealing, too. It seems the difference is: mosaic, more personal; video, more public.
I tried a bit the mosaic program and it's indeed quite easy. I'd like to do that, if no one else offered already (graphics is pretty much in my job description). I'm just not sure, as it is a trial version, if I can reinstall it once it expires. Hmmm.
What I don't understand about the mosaic version is the delivery form. I think this would look the best printed-and it would make a really BIG print. I know where the good plotters for that are in Bucharest, but definitely couldn't send it over mail!

Laura

Laura,

Thank you so much for giving the program a try. And I am very excited that you have graphic arts experience too.

The 30 day trial verion is an issue. There is a free trial of the home version and pro verion. The home version is supposed to be good enough for the photo mosaics. It is only $25 to buy it, so that will be done if it becomes necessary.

If the mosaic idea wins the poll, we need to know the resolution and size requirements of the photos. It would also help if we know what makes for a good main photo in terms of color and details.

As for delivery, I think that will have to be at the point of presentation to Leonard. We'll work that out too.

If folks seem to want both ideas, we could try that but photos would have to all have the same size and resolution requirements or it will be too confusing. So, if no one has any objections, let's continue to vote. If the vote is close and the photos for both don't present any problems, maybe we could do both.

Well, I'm waffling! I did vote for the mosaic but believe I said at the time that I also really liked the video, and hopefully we can do both. The video would probably not include as many fans but I agree with Marie that it would give Leonard a laugh. Seeing us all in various positions (including just feet!) with signs for each word is funny enough, but again I loved it when a word at the end of line was dragged out and required 2 or 3 signs....very funny indeed!

Kudos to Laura for volunteering to attempt the mosaic! I'm sure someone else is savvy enough to splice together a video!

These ideas, and the Chelsea Hotel plaque are personal and wonderful ways to honor Leonards very special birthday!

All the best,
Diana

...and one more try. It didn't want to get attached on the previous message. The background photo was b&w in this case, but I don't like it so much, too much contrast. Oh yeah, and the "trial" thing stamped all over the place is rather annoying (I was too lazy to cut it off).

Laura

Wow, Laura, woman of action!!!

These are great, Laura. Thanks so much for working them up. My first impression is that close ups work better but not too close. The second one seems a bit too close, but the third one, the black & white one, seems just right. What do others think?

Marie: the photos for video and mosaic would have to be totally different anyway

Yes, I think folks were talking about sending 2 photos, one for each project but if the resolution and size are different for each project, I think that would make things too difficult since some members already have confessed to needing help with how to send a photo.

I'm sure someone else is savvy enough to splice together a video!

Already done. I wasn't going to propose the video idea unless I knew we had a loyal Cohenite with the skills necessary to do a great job lined up.

Laura, I am really impressed, these are great! I definitely prefer the mosaic to the video. The smaller my picture the better!

Marsha