JARS v64n2 - From the Editor

From the Editor
Glen Jamieson
Parksville, BC, Canada

In previous comments, I have thanked the chapter newsletter editors for both their often detailed, well-thought, humorous, anecdotal, descriptive and/or upbeat summaries of what is happening in their little corners of the world, and their willingness to share content with me (and often other chapter editors too!). In the Feb 2010 Eugene newsletter, Frances Burns, who jokingly admitted she was at a bit of a loss for words that month, reached into the past and summarized a talk she gave to chapter newsletter editors at the Western Regional Conference in Newport in 1992, and her summary is so timeless and true today that I am printing it in JARS: "Each editor is unique - with individual skills and personalities and interests which will be reflected in the newsletter. Your readers' interests vary as well - some want technical information, some find it boring, most want to know who's been ailing while others don't want anyone to know they've been ailing. Some want humor, and what's humor to one is pap to another. Some like puzzles, some like poetry, but all expect the newsletter to tell them who's doing what, and when and where. The common thread is an abiding interest in the genus Rhododendron .

An editor must keep all this in mind, but not to the point of paralysis. I never allow myself the luxury of worrying about 'what people will think' until the newsletter has been mailed. And it's too late then. Aim for perfect spelling, grammar and content, but remember you are human. Some will notice all of your mistakes, and some won't notice any of them, or are too generous to mention them. Be forgiving to all, and to yourself most of all. Another edition will be due before your fingernails lengthen after being chewed ragged during the last month's romp with reality. Be grateful to your contributors, edit their offerings with tenderness, for without them days can be bleak indeed."

As editor of JARS, I can identify with many of Frances' comments. The ARS is fortunate, and really quite unique among plant-focused societies, to have so many regional chapters, and as a result so many editors in different locations to report on what goes on. Most chapters send me their newsletters, so I am very fortunate to be able to see the different styles and newsletter approaches adopted by different editors. I frequently use newsletter content for inspiration, sometimes ask if a particular contribution can be expanded to make an article for JARS, and often use shorter content directly as "gardening tips" or regional musings. Newsletter editors are in my experience remarkable people - they are generous, creative, eloquent, thoughtful, observant, and great volunteers who provide a wonderful service to the ARS. Without them, our society would be greatly diminished.