The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group Update Notes Gary Taig |
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A few things have happened over recent months and each time I think, "must write a short note about that", but in the rush to get to prepress on time that doesn't always work out. This month I'm taking some time because it's an important event.
New Technical Editors
We now have four new Technical Editors. Recently I noticed a discussion in one of the Melb PC newsgroups and asked these wonderful people if they would take on the task. Thankfully they all agreed and without hesitation. In alphabetical order, I welcome Roger Brown, David Brownridge, Malcolm Miles and Dennis Parsons to the PC Update crew. I cannot thank them enough. Roger and Dennis are regular contributors to PC Update anyway, so already you will have some idea of their capabilities.
When we are properly organised, not this month, not quite yet - but when we're properly organised the idea is that they will study material submitted for publication, material that might need further checking. They will examine it for technical errors and make appropriate changes - much like Steve Roberts does with the final proof reading on most pages each month. In this day and age when technology is still expanding rapidly there is ample opportunity for small, sometimes significant errors to slip through the safety net and I have no wish to publish anything that isn't absolutely correct. Roger, David, Malcolm and Dennis are all technically savvy, they are widely experienced computer users, not afraid to make their voices heard or opinions known in a discussion and between them they cover a wide variety of expertise.
Already on one article alone we've seen enough e-mail circulated to put the melbpc.org.au bandwidth under pressure... well, not quite, but this certainly promises to be a worthwhile exercise. Most of the time you won't see their work. Like many activities on a magazine the arguments have taken place and agreement reached long before the printing press rolls.
ACP Pulling the Pin
After several years of supporting PC Update with their advertising, the people at ACP (Australian Consolidated Press) have advised that their ad which appears this month will be the last insertion.
Can You Sell?
That leads me to advertising, yet again. If you are able to sell advertising I need you. If you believe in this group with a passion and especially in the value of PC Update, you won't have any difficulty persuading a few of the many merchants around town to advertise their products or services in this magazine. The rates are reasonable, I'm flexible, and especially generous with commission rates. The important thing is that you must have the energy to get out and meet people, talk to prospects and arrange the business. You must have appropriate experience - because I don't have time to teach anyone how to sell. Obviously you must be well presented and being a little hungry always helps. Call me at any time.
Publishing Something?
Or are you thinking about publishing? There is a review of Gordon Woolf's fantastic book on starting and producing a magazine or newsletter at http://www.melbpc.org.au/pcupdate/2504/2504article7.htm. Gordon is a long time Melb PC member and I can recall when I took over PC Update from the Group in 1999, all my past layout and design experience had been gained with Ventura Publisher. Suddenly I needed to get up to speed with PageMaker, and Gordon came to the rescue several times-taking some long phone calls. Luckily we already knew each other. Anyway, I've also reviewed the book and thoroughly recommend it to anyone wanting knowledge of this business. Gordon knows his stuff, he is a widely experienced publisher, and if you're a new or intending entrant to publishing, buy his book; it will be the best $40 you could spend.
Photo Competition
At the December meeting we drew the names out of a barrel for the winners of the 2004 Secondary prizes. At that point I cast doubt on the future of the competition mainly because of the time involved and the conflict between that and PC Update schedules. Immediately, Colin Lampshire, new convener of the North East Daytime group came forward and offered his services. From now on, Colin looks after the competition, checks and documents the entries, sends entries out for judging, and so on. Many thanks, Colin, you saved the day.
Reprinted from the April 2005 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia
