Bill Hopkins is the Webmaster of PhotoSourceFolio* (www.photosourcefolio.com) and a regular contributor to PhotoStockNotes. Send comments via Email to wh@photosourcefolio.com. Fax: 1 818 831-0916. Or US Mail: PhotoStockNotes. (*Display 6 of your images on our Web site!) For on-line marketing questions, contact him on the Cracker Barrel at www.photosource.com/board

Internet Taxes

            Amid some political grumbling, the House approved a 5-year extension of the Internet tax moratorium. So, for now, still no NEW taxes on Internet purchases. Sales taxes still apply on Internet purchases if you live in the state that imposes sales taxes and if the e-business is located in the same state (there are legal definitions here, but the e-business generally knows when it's supposed to collect taxes on behalf of the state). Naturally, brick-and-mortar retailers are unhappy, as are all the states that have a sales tax. States have always had the right to impose a "use tax," which can work just like a sales tax, but most states fail to collect. Happy Buying!

Featured Photographer Goes Weekly!

            Since its inception, PhotoSourceFolio has featured the images of a different member photographer each month. Due to the growth of Folio subscribers, we've been able to switch this popular feature from monthly to weekly. To give it even more punch, we've placed it right there on the Folio home page. Just one more way PSI helps you market your photography. Visit the Folio at www.photosourcefolio.com.

Watch Your Power

            Due to many reasons, including deregulation of the power-producing industry, long lead times to get power plants on-line, general uncertainty in the emerging market dynamics, and a power-hungry nation, America is running out of juice. Energy Secretary Bill Richardson puts it more bluntly: "America is a superpower, but it's got the (electric) grid of a Third World nation." "So?" you say. Expect brownouts, and the occasional blackout, during the coming hot summer months. Maybe they'll only last for a few seconds, maybe longer. Maybe frequently, maybe less. Now would be a good time to reconsider the minimal cost of protecting your electronic equipment (computers, big-screen TVs, stereo systems, etc.) with Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) units. A UPS uses batteries to provide temporary AC power for sensitive equipment. Cost depends on how long the batteries will last (usually fifteen to thirty minutes) before needing a recharge (recharging happens automatically whenever normal main power is restored).

            Surge protectors do nothing when the voltage dips down or gets flaky. Only UPS's (from $150 to $500) can protect you against the hazards of a major electrical surge or outage. Popular brands include American Power Conversion (my recommendation, www.apcc.com) and Tripp Lite (www.tripplite.com).

Get Your Magazines On-Line

            In addition to PhotoSource International's bookstore (www.photosourcefolio.com/bookstore.htm), you'll have your pick of over 900 magazines at our on-line magazine rack (www.photosourcefolio.com/magazines.htm). Take advantage of the free 90-day trial period of any magazine and the discounted pricing.