Three zingers vie for main headline
Deadline for the new issue is Thursday. We’re way behind, as usual. The content is settled; it’s the layout and myriad of details that are undone. I don’t get too involved with the details, but I come up with the headlines for the cover. Typically we have one main headline, plus some bullets, but this issue we have three articles competing for main headline:
– Richard Blunt’s superb article on whole grain breads. This will be the first of a two-part series, with the second part dealing with making bread from home-ground grain.
– Building Eric’s house by Dorothy Ainsworth. This will be at least a four-part series and will be a “how-to” involving the details of constructing Eric Ainsworth’s home in Ashland, Oregon.
– John Silveira’s examination of why food and fuel prices are rising and what we can do about it. This is John at his best, putting the hard, painful facts in perspective.
I’ve pretty much settled on doing two main headlines: Building Eric’s house and Rising food prices, then lead the list of bullets with Blunt’s article. This makes sense for a bunch of other considerations running around in my head.
I’m also working with Annie on the back cover ad. I throw out an idea and she runs with it. Good system. And I’m trying to get my editorial and Note from the Publisher done, as Silveira tries to complete his Last Word column.
May 13th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Dave,
In my humble opinion you have only one choice in your selection.
“John Silveira’s examination of why food and fuel prices are rising and what we can do about it”. This is the only relevant main headline.
John’s topic is a major current event that needs to be front and center.
This does not diminish the other topics it’s just the most important for todays events.
May 14th, 2008 at 12:01 am
Considering that a videogame, Grand Theft Auto 4, made half a BILLION dollars in its first week on sale, I’m not sure most people are feeling too much of a crunch.
Or maybe most people just aren’t paying attention to important stuff, rather than videogames.
I know headlines, covers, and publishing in general is hard work… and keep it up! But content is king, and the content is why I asked for a subscription to BHM for Christmas, and why I’ll stay a subscriber.
Opinions are like belly-buttons; everybody has one and they’re generally not good for much. But for what it’s worth, I’d headline with immediate things - Blunt’s whole-grain breads, and Silviera’s what to do about prices.
Those are things everybody can use everyday - not to short Dorothy (by any means!!!) but house-building is not a day-to-day deal for most folks. GREAT knowledge to have, but not a day-to-day issue.
That’s just my opinion as a reader - and if you disregard it, I’ll be about as offended as if you disregard my belly-button
Keep up the good work!
May 14th, 2008 at 6:42 am
I’ve peeked at Annies site every once in a while. I think sewing and knitting are a missing aspect from the magazine. Frankly I’d love to know how to make solid repairs on my favorite jeans, or how to make clothes for the kids. Maybe it’s been covered in the anthologies somewhere, but I don’t recall seeing it.
May 14th, 2008 at 9:02 am
Dave,
I agree with Mark, John Silveira’s article as the main headliner. This issue sound just as pertinent as the last one. I am looking forward to receiving it in the mail.
You and your staff publish a well thought out magazine loaded with cover to cover relevant information.
Judy
May 14th, 2008 at 9:38 am
I am hoping there is something by Jackie Clay too…I always love her stuff….
I am sure looking forward to the new issue…sounds just wonderful. I am sure I will enjoy ALL those main articles!
May 14th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Jackie has her “Ask Jackie” column and a good article about raising goats.
I think a column by Annie would be good for the magazine too. I’ve been talking with her about it.
Aaron Neal’s comment about opinions are interesting, and in a round about way I talked about opinion vice reality in my editorial this issue.
You are right, too, Aaron, that content is king. I think of myself as a good coordinator and organizer of content. There is no room for fluff in a magazine like this.
May 14th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
A column by Annie would be great - I’ve learned quite a bit from her blog, and saved a few pairs of socks from the trashcan because of her mending articles!
Yes, I am an ABSOLUTE EXPERT on my opinions. Doesn’t mean they’re particularly worth anything
Dave, I like reading your “From the Publisher” each issue, but the content of the magazine is what makes it worth $$$. Coordination and organization is good, but what makes BHM stand head and shoulders above the competition is the great talent you have writing - and that’s also credit to you, for being able to pull together so many great writers consistently.
There actually IS room for some fluff - I enjoy the “irreverent jokes” page quite a bit; it’s a nice change from the serious articles each issue. Recipes aren’t quite “fluff”, but they’re not “skull-workers” either - and that’s nice also.
Overall, it’s a good mix of serious, skull-working content and lighter, easy-to-read content. But yeah, it’s the content that sells, and (in my opinion) you’ve got it about right!
Bill Whittle wrote a great piece on opinions vs facts a few years ago; it’s worth a read: http://www.ejectejecteject.com/archives/000132.html
Basically, opinions or worldviews are maps; facts are the coastline. If your map doesn’t match the coastline, better change your map - you’re not going to change the coastline.
His essays are also universally great reads, if anybody’s looking for some reading material.