When I first around for a K20 I wanted to buy one from a proper camera shop and looked around in East Kent as I was visiting my sister there. Incredibly, I couldn't find one stockist in the whole area. The reason given by more than one retailer was the service from Pentax UK. I think things have changed service wise but it seems crazy that you can't buy a Pentax in England's finest county.

Previous pictures were allowed to stand long before the recent moderation debate. I see no reason at all to permit these or any previous pictures. It was pointed out that they were taken with an Olympus and the OP has not made any comments. Not sure why the mods have let this go.

I didn't put my point across very well. I'm sure you're right, all the best macro photographers have flash in their armoury. However, I suspect there are those who use frequently use natural light too.

Personally I rarely use flash for macro. I have tried, albeit rather crudely and I didn't like the results so I won't try it again until I organise a proper set-up. But I don't like full sun either, with the exception of furry things like butterflies which can largely cope with strong light. Even thing strong sun can mess up the surroundings, in fact usually does. It does make things more difficult but I enjoy the challenge and I'm sure that when I do use flash then my technique will be better for not using it. I don't think there are many bugs I've missed this year because of not having flash, and I have been pretty lazy on the early morning front too.

I'm not sure all the best macro shooters use flash. However, all the best macro shooters who use flash do so in a very skilled way indeed. Managing the reflections from the shiny surface of bugs and balancing subject and background lighting is hugely difficult and more so the closer you go. It's a personal preference but I just don't like macro shots where the use of flash is obvious.

I will put a clause in my will expressly permitting, nay encouraging, scantily dressed women to drape themselves over my grave.

They are discussing it on the Jeremy Vine show.

Apparently, there are scantily clad girls draping themselves over gravestones followed around by packs of old codgers.

Surely not

OK, you've sweet talked me.

This competition runs to October 31st Midnight GMT, when I will select a winner to run the next competition.

I'm looking for three photos shot within the timeframe of the competition, exif required.

The theme is RGB, the pure light primary colours. I'm looking for one red themed image, one green and one blue.

Hope this gives you an excuse to go out shooting.

He's around. Sorry, I missed this. Well done for setting this competition. Disappointing that there were so few entries given it was cut down to two, including one possible archive shot. And you gave a lot of ideas up front.

All new ideas seem to die quickly. I really liked the idea of the monthly, but I wonder whether it is worth carrying on? I'm happy to set a new competition if there is a willingness to participate.

No by plain talking I mean an honest, constructive opinion devoid of unnecessary platitudes.

I don't disagree that one doesn't have to take a great photograph to recognise one. But to understand one's critic is useful and their photos can tell you something about them,
like this for example.