First off, [colorimetry] it really is a word. I had to look it up.

I am certain that a lot of you already know most, if not all of this, but thought I would post it anyway.

Additional complications of color representation and perception are:

I believe that women see colors differently than men, and are usually better at detecting shade variations.

Colors that are printed (on paper) typically use a process where the colors cyan, magenta, yellow and black are used. This is called CMYK. Computer montitors, on the other hand usually process colors from red, green and blue. This is called RGB.

Therefore, when Andy shows that nice looking color chart, if any two or more of you were to print it out and bring it to the Convention, I am certain that a side-by-side comparision will show subtle, but significant differences. This same situation exists on everyones computer monitors, if two monitors had Andy's color chart displayed, I will bet that there will be differences.

I have not asked, as it really does not matter, but lets suppose that Andy's color chart is a scanned image of a printed chart. The acquisition of the image (the scanning) can greatly affect the colors, then, once the scan is imported to a graphics program, the colors again can change, and when Andy looks at the image on his monitor, they are changed again. The question then becomes, which chart is correct?

It is very hard to say, especially given the fact that, if Andy's chart started as a printed chart, then over time the printed colors will change. I use a professional (and costly) print shop Pantone color palate device that must be re-purchased every few years because the colors change. (In fact, the one I use is a older, replaced one from a printer because a new one costs too much.) If it were left in the sun, it would be changed even more often.

I hope I haven't made anyone see red on this and I will be bringing my Pantone device to the Convention.

Jim Follis