[Nfb-editors] Purpose of a NFB publication

[Bridgit Pollpeter]

It seems that an editor selects a purpose and drives their publication
in that direction.

I have heard different takes on how a newsletter, or publication, should
function, and we all have communicated our current direction, but I do
not find a singular purpose behind publications beyond informing.

I am sure Dr. Jernigan addressed this question at some point-- I swear
the man wrote a list of all possible questions people may have in the
future and addressed them!  *smile*

As we have discussed before, though, we are past the age when
newsletters were necessary for disiminating information.  If a
publications only purpose is to inform, it will probably end up in the
trash bin since we have a myriad of tools in which to provide
information about the Federation.

This is the discussion I originally began before we skipped down the
rabbit trails.  *grin*

A couple of you have said it really is up to the appointed editor to
find a purpose, but I think we should direct that purpose towards
reaching hearts as well as minds.  Finding ways to intellectually
stimulate readers along with informing.

I like to weave philosophy into my publication.  I try to collect
articles that provide a source of stimulation.

As we move into a new era, we need to reflect the changes.  We once had
little rights, and participating in society in any aspect was difficult,
at best.  Many of you fought for the rights we are now afforded.  We now
have the opportunity to explore a future of our own making.  Jobs,
school and families are not dreams we long for, but are realities within
our reach.

There is still so much work yet to be done, and we still struggle with
equality, but the world has changed.

So a publications purpose:  I just feel we need to incorporate more
creative elements.  We all have different backgrounds, and different
views of the world, and we have our own strengths, but we all have a
voice.

What is your idea of changes we need to take to change and grow along
with the world and the Federation?  I think us, the editors, have the
chance to set a new pace for our affiliates and chapters through our
publications.  We have the power to express a new future encapsulated by
our philosophy.

Bridgit

Message: 14
Date: Wed, 23 Mar 2011 08:45:08 -0500
From: "Robert Leslie Newman" <newmanrl at cox.net>
To: "editors nfb list" <nfb-editors at nfbnet.org>
Subject: [Nfb-editors] Purpose of an NFB Publication
Message-ID: <073301cbe960$8607a010$9216e030$@cox.net>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="US-ASCII"

Dear Listers 

RE: The purpose of our Publications

 

"the who, what, where, and why" of the purpose of our various newsletter
type of publications --- I've seen this touched on in various places and
at various times. And I've seen some editors write in glowing terms,
with pride in the success of their publications and rightly so. I bet,
that one super major factor in the makeup of a successful editor and
newsletter is --- the editor knows its purpose (the what that needs to
go into it; the who that it is intended for; the where that it will be
distributed; the why they and their staff and contributors sweat and joy
over their product). 

 

Here is my question- In terms of clarity on purpose, what guidance in
thought can we give to a new editor, or the members of a fellow
affiliate who are now not producing a newsletter to do so --- of the
type as Nebraska's "The Nebraska Independent," Connecticut's "The
Federationist in Connecticut," New Mexico's "Que Pasa," Ohio's "The
Buckeye Bulletin," and others of this type? 

 

(Note: some states, in terms of communicating with members, do put out a
weekly, or monthly letter from the affiliate President. As well, some
post news and information to their websites. And in general make use of
mediums other than the larger "newsletters" as referred to above.) 

 

Robert Leslie Newman