Regarding yesterday’s post, a disclaimer: I’m a NAPP member, and I’m happy to take donations from anyone else who wants to join.  By donations, I mean “click the image to the right” if you want to sign up – get referral points for anyone who does sign up by clicking through the links.

Don’t like clicking on an image?  Click here to sign up!

However, I must add: don’t sign up because I posted the link.  In fact, don’t sign up if you don’t want to.  Seriously, if you’re not that interested, it’s a waste of money.

However, I’ll tell you why I joined (and pay each year): first of all, the cost isn’t that much.  Sure, it could go for more fun things (like a few more SCUBA charters), but it’s small over the course of a couple of years. And the cost?  Since I keep up-to-date with Photoshop, it effectively pays for itself – they offer a 15% discount on all Adobe products.

Do the math: 15% of $699 is $105, roughly.  A one year membership is $99. They’re paying you to join!

Mind you, I actually have a more expensive suite from Adobe, so my discount effectively covers a two-year membership.

Add on to that the Photoshop User mag, and you’re getting quite a deal.  Plus there are video tutorials, some semi-active forums (pretty good, for being closed off from the world), a Photoshop Help center (for newbs mostly, but they won’t trash you if you’re not), and a variety of other discounts, perks, and benefits.

Like conferences?  You’ll also get $100 bucks off of Photoshop World (if you’re not a member, you’ll pay $100 more, but get a 1-year membership to NAPP). I have been to these (two years ago), and they’re great for photographers – heavy info on lighting, lots of good gear at discount (the expo at the time was fantastic!), lots of famous people to mingle with. Plus you get to party in Vegas!

Seriously, even if you’re not going to upgrade Photoshop, it’s worth it just for the discounts at Apple, B&H, Adorama, etc.  Sign up here, or (if you have any doubt) go to their main page & request a free issue of the mag.