[Nfb-editors] [NFB-editors] Making the Newsletter work- the need -- support equation

[Susan Tabor]

Hello, Barbara and Others:

Thanks so much for this string of comments; they have been really useful for
me!

I began editing the Kansas affiliate's newsletter a little over a year ago.
I had immediate visions of a quarterly newsletter, lots of columns, lots of
info from other sources, etc. 

I've been feeling frustrated because I'm having to set my sights on about 2
issues this year, though I'm beginning to accept that. I had to wait for
reasons involving a meeting with our new governor which hopefully will be
happening soon. I've had to tell myself that it's OK to grow slowly, and
that maybe I'll learn more if I do that.

Again, thanks to all of you for your thoughts.
Best Regards,
Susan Tabor,
Tap Tracks Newsletter Editor
for the Kansas Affiliate of
The National Federation of the Blind

-----Original Message-----
From: nfb-editors-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfb-editors-bounces at nfbnet.org]
On Behalf Of Barbara Pierce
Sent: Monday, March 14, 2011 7:11 AM
To: newmanrl at cox.net; 'Correspondence Committee Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [Nfb-editors] [NFB-editors] Making the Newsletter work- the
need -- support equation

I would add one other element at least to the newsletter equation: the
importance of a vehicle for circulating the affiliate's views on blindness
and the issues that affect blind people through the blindness and
legislative communities of the state. Obviously we could all use an
effective tool for doing this. Doing it badly is probably worse than not
doing it at all. But recognizing the value of getting folks to recognize the
affiliate as an important of the social conversation about disability and
the needs and abilities of blind people is one significant reason for trying
to produce a good newsletter.

I really sympathize with Bridgit's frustration. We have all been there. She
may not be the person to do the job in Nebraska because it is asking too
much of her. Certainly the board needs to recognize her need for support in
the form of actual material to edit. I would suggest that a lot of useful
ground lies between Bridgit's view of what she wants the newsletter to be
and some of the pathetic, thrown-together excuses for a newsletter that I
have seen. Maybe Nebraska could aim a bit lower than the dazzling product
that Bridgit envisions and that we would all love to have. Robert is right
when he says that dipping into other publications for reprints is a great
way to add content and quality to thin substance. I demand a president's
column, and I write a think peace. We are down to two issues a year, so we
have a report of the state convention in one and an article urging people to
attend the convention and talking about the plans in the other. That
provides another substantial article. If you have resolutions, you can
reprint them, and you can report of awards and scholarships presented.
First-timer reports of the Washington Seminar or the national convention
usually provide something that you can edit into useful articles. Minnesota
has an essay contest. Arizona used to have Kernel Book story contests. Even
without the Kernel Books, we can still try for such submissions. The Monitor
still loves to have such manuscripts. But you have to have the leadership of
the state behind the effort. 

I don't know if this helps or adds more confusion.
Barbara

-----Original Message-----
From: nfb-editors-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfb-editors-bounces at nfbnet.org]
On Behalf Of Robert Leslie Newman
Sent: Saturday, March 12, 2011 9:25 AM
To: editors nfb list
Subject: [Nfb-editors] Making the Newsletter work- the need -- support
equation

Mike and others
(There are some on here that are looking to start a newsletter, and some who
have weathered the ups and downs of publishing) 

Mike, you bring up a needed topic thread- the "need question," and the
"participation factor;" what does it take to get a newsletter going and keep
it viable? 

What do other's think? Here is what quickly goes through my mind:

There are 3 parts of this newsletter viability equation: 

#1 If an affiliate's voice is, that they want, need a newsletter --- this is
one part of the equation.

#2 If there is a interested/willing editor --- this is a second part of that
same equation.

#3 If there is affiliate support, people who will submit --- that is the
third part of this equation. 

In this case of Bridgit's, here in Nebraska, she is not getting support, not
getting submissions. And as she states, that she's not of a mind, nor in a
position to write up the parts of the news that should be in "The Nebraska
Independent." She even gives us a minimum number of contributing authors
that she feels is acceptable to keep the effort alive. And so sounds like
she is at a crossroads, should she go on with the next issue? Or should she
not, and give over the editorship? (Not knowing if anyone else will take it
up.) 

Here is one of my thoughts --- If the affiliate says they want a newsletter,
and after a good effort to get submissions, do a good job editing what you
have gotten, maybe borrow some material from other newsletters, make sure it
has a calendar of upcoming events, and then put it out there. 

*** 

What is a newsletter? I think this is the first question. I bet if we pool
our thoughts, there is a range of acceptability in terms of contents and
literary quality. (Quality would always include grammar and the mechanics.) 

(In saying any of this, I do not wish to lessen the personal goals of an
editor, as to what type of publication that they would like to pen their
name to.)

Other thoughts? 




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