The title of this editorial was how I closed my first 5 or 6 editorials. I was only supposed to be the temporary editor of the Connecticut Spotlight after Frank Gould had surgery. He was editing both the Spotlight and the PPANE Newsletter (I could never imagine editing two publications, let alone one). After his foot surgery in September of 1979, he asked me to fill in while he recuperated; he planned to devote his time to just the PPANE Newsletter during his convalescence. My first Spotlight was published in October 1979; the first featured speaker was Anne Brignolo, who was presenting her first program.
When I started, laying out a newsletter was truly a cut and paste. I would send typed copy to the printer (Ace Printery in Hartford) and they would send me galley strips that I would cut and tape down as I would like it to appear. They would then send me a “blue-line” for a final edit before going to press. Things moved a little faster in the mid-80s when I was able to fax the original copy to them. It has only been about five years that I have been working with InDesign to create and lay out the publications. Although it moves much faster, I am still at the mercy of those submitting articles.
As much as I love writing and editing publications, the one thing that hasn’t changed in 30 years is getting information in a timely manner. Some of the worst offenders are the famous speakers on the circuit. You would think that they would have information ready to be sent at the click of the “send” button on their computers. My request to speakers hasn’t changed over the years: please send me the article about you and your program AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR. So few do, even after this request. This usually prompts another request either by the program chair or me to the individual to resend it.
Thirty years! Wow – where did the time go? It has been a fun run, editing and writing is something I truly love to do. Since my first issue in 1979 – 300 Spotlight editorials ago – I have had the opportunity and privilege to edit for other publications: PPANE, PPAM (Massachusetts), MPPA (Maine), ASP (American Society of Photographers), PPA Charities Newsletter, a few studio publications and LENS magazine, published by CPQ Professional Imaging. I have been a contributing writer for the past six years for Rangefinder and AfterCapture. To think, it all started when Frank called me to fill in.
I thank the CPPA Board of Directors over the past thirty years that have renewed my contract every year as well as the members of this great Association for allowing me to continue to do something I truly love. I look forward to another 30 years (if you’ll have me).
Editingly,
Harv
