From the editor's cauldron

Several years ago I obtained the Bulletin Editors Manual and then said, "I gotta get the PROBE Style Manual." Well, I finally went to the PROBE Web site, downloaded all of the Style Manual's sections and then printed them when I was offline.

Also, while I was still online, I went to the Web page for the Style Guide For Writers and printed it off. This is another excellent source for editors. The guide is only 12 pages and printed quickly.

My only regret is that I had not done this much earlier. The PROBE Style Manual is a veritable treasure box of information that every editor should have. So, if you do not have these two publications in your library, get them now. You can't beat the price-free!

You aren't online? Ask one of your chapter members or a friend who is and ask him to download it for you. The Web address is: http://www.harmonize.com/probe/ If your Internet Service Provider (ISP) has a favorite places or similar marker, add the Web site to your online toolbar for speedy access. The PROBE Web site is loaded with useful materials and is updated frequently, thanks to Webmaster Arnie Wade.

PROBE is constantly looking for better ways of serving our members. All you have to do is take advantage of the services. Your input is always welcome. PROBE can only be as effective as you allow it and help it.

'Try something-even if it turns out wrong, at least we tried'

Thirty-two years ago, when I lived in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, I co-owned a photography studio. My partner and I were seeking different ways of doing things and attracting customers. Our motto was, "Try something-even if it turns out wrong, at least we tried." We were never at a loss for venturing into the unknown in search of ideas.

The Society, too (in my opinion), has ventured into the "Try something ... " pool and ended up torpedoing what was once an important chapter office. I'm referring to the position of Public Relations Officer. It was removed and left up to the chapters to have a PRO if they wanted one. That was a bad move. Public relations are a necessity in any organization.

The districts got a VP for Public Relations and Marketing out of the deal. Big deal. Reading through the various district publications, I haven't seen very much that is really worthwhile being generated by those officers.

The time is now to realize the mistake and rework the chapter and district PR and Marketing roles into effective tools.

Be sure to read John Sugg's article, "Now is the time for all good men...." John states the points quite well.