Dear all,
Having just read Richard's message I feel the need to reply. I hope the
wored 'filler' doesn't cause offence. It is merely meant as a term to
denote a short news item, which may or may not be date specific. I don't
really want to get caught up (especially on a Friday) in a debate as to the
semiotic meaning of words. As to the timetable. We are unfortunately bound
by the need to send copy to the printer on time (usually around the middle
of the month), added to this is the work taken to put together the issue
beforehand (editing, gathering photos). I hope this doesn't sound like
whinging, but this is work done in the spare time of the editorial team, so
waiting till the last moment is often not possible. I don't want to sound
obstructive, but deadlines need to met for purely practical purposes of
getting the 'Newsletter' printed.
The point abouit special issues. We do try to strike a balance in including
current, other news items alongside the group articles. The question of how
many special issues should run per year is one we are considering at
present. Copy deadlines are now set for the beginning of the month,
regardless of whether it is a special issue or not. The problem of stale
news is a pertinent one and I see no problem in the listserv acting as a
bulletin board for news as it breaks; I don't see it as an either or issue
in competition with the 'Newsletter'. I take onboard Richard's suggestion
for a special issue supplement, and its one I'll pursue further.
I suppose ultimately it comes down to the tight schedule laid down by the
printer and the knock on effect this can have on topicality. I think though
asking for news items (especially non-date specific) a month in advance is
not too much to ask (I can almost hear the shocked cries!)
Thanks,
Jude Dicken
P.S. I await the English Language comments (joke!)
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