[TheForge] News letters: Was History

[Bruce Freeman]

Robert,

I was NJBA newsletter editor for about four years.  Before that I
helped out with the newsletter for the Allaire Village Blacksmith
Guild.

It is VERY hard to get people to contribute.  One reason is that
surprisingly few people will sit down and write up what they know or
watch.  It behooves you to cultivate this talent when you find it.  When
you find someone who can both write an article and draw accompanying
illustrations, you've really hit a winner.  Don't EXPECT this.  It's a
very rare talent.  (Fortunately, blacksmiths as a group are a talented
bunch, so it's not all THAT rare among us.)

Many guys work visually and not verbally.  These guys have a LOT to
offer, but will almost NEVER document it.  Someone else has to do that
for them.  Probably you.  Especially watch for the folks who sketch
clearly (e.g., from a demo) but don't write down accompanying text. 
Encourage them to give you a bunch of sketches, then let them explain
the sketches (the demo) back to you.  YOU can then easily write up an
article from sketches and narration.  (I'm assuming, here, that you are
the sort who CAN sit down and write!)

If you can handle photographs in your newsletter, you'll sometimes find
someone who composes excellent shots.  Get them to dictate a commentary,
and presto, an article.

Even folks who cannot draw can contribute a verbal commentary.  Maybe
get a telephone answering device that will record as long as someone
talks, and encourage folks to dictate you an account of an event they
attended.  Most such devices can be activated while you're on the phone
with them, and will even provide the beep every 10 sec. to make it
legal.  This lets you both converse and record, so you don't need to
take notes.

Also, don't forget how much material is in circulation already.  Review
past issues and don't repeat that (too soon!).  But tap into other great
ABANA affiliate newsletters for much good material.  And theForge, of
course.  

Best of luck.  

Bruce
NH