JAM: October/November 2006 Issue: Editor's Corner

by Roger Atkinson

What you read every other month in JAM is a labor of love from many people, mostly unpaid (or at best underpaid), with a simple goal of producing high quality coverage of our great jazz scene.

You notice the writers: their bylines are clearly shown in each article they write. They are a dedicated, talented, knowledgeable group, and are thoroughly committed to continuing the traditions of the fine writers who have contributed to JAM over its twenty year history. You also see Keith Kavanaugh 's cover designs, there are none finer. And how about the photography of Matthew Peake that has become an important part of each issue.

What you don't see are the others who are involved:

Our copyist is Rod McBride , who performs the monumental task of turning a mass of WORD documents, digitized photos, and advertising copy into a magazine every issue for over 12 years for four different editors. Somehow he does this in two long days. How he accomplishes this is pure magic. Rod is very much the glue that holds us together.

If there are occasional articles with typographical or factual error, it is probably due to the inability of the editor to get copy to our proofreaders on time. Jan Cartwright and Karen R obinson Rivera have been our proofreaders for many years, and are responsible for all of the clean copy that you read. In recent issues, Gail Atkinson has proofed the last minute articles (always from the editor) and corrected the typical errors that are found in pieces that are written while Rod is putting a round in the chamber, like he is while this is being prepared.

No one would read a word without getting a copy of the magazine, which should not surprise a sharp bunch like our readership. There are many people who are involved in the distribution. Folks who receive JAM in the mail should thank Jayne Rudish, who organizes the “stuffing party” for each issue, and all the wonderful volunteers who have made this task go like clockwork. Then there is the time-consuming distribution to the area's businesses. Barb and Don Mathewson, for example, have been handling the “ Johnson County Route ” for many years. Jerry Pollock , Ed Fenner , Charlton Price, Gail Atkinson, and Laura Glaeser are other “route” distribution volunteers.

And let's not forget Cambria De Lee 's graphic design assistance to advertising head Ed Fenner , both serving the advertisers who ultimately pay the bills.

Finally, Jo Ann Barnhart and the staff at Neff Printing, Inc. are the flexible partners that we need. When things are less than perfect on the Monday morning that we deliver Rod's proof to Neff, Jo Ann makes it seem that it's no big deal, and we know that is, sometimes.

Volunteer efforts make JAM possible, and make many Jazz Ambassador projects feasible. It's part of what makes a community vibrant, and always rewards the participants with appreciation for a job well-done. We thank you for your support.






	Search our site:		by Roger Atkinson What you read every other month in JAM is a labor of love from many people, mostly unpaid (or at best underpaid), with a simple goal of producing high quality coverage of our great jazz scene. You notice the writers: their bylines are clearly shown in each article they write. They are a dedicated, talented, knowledgeable group, and are thoroughly committed to continuing the traditions of the fine writers who have contributed to JAM over its twenty year history. You also see Keith Kavanaugh 's cover designs, there are none finer. And how about the photography of Matthew Peake that has become an important part of each issue. What you don't see are the others who are involved: Our copyist is Rod McBride , who performs the monumental task of turning a mass of WORD documents, digitized photos, and advertising copy into a magazine every issue for over 12 years for four different editors. Somehow he does this in two long days. How he accomplishes this is pure magic. Rod is very much the glue that holds us together. If there are occasional articles with typographical or factual error, it is probably due to the inability of the editor to get copy to our proofreaders on time. Jan Cartwright and Karen R obinson Rivera have been our proofreaders for many years, and are responsible for all of the clean copy that you read. In recent issues, Gail Atkinson has proofed the last minute articles (always from the editor) and corrected the typical errors that are found in pieces that are written while Rod is putting a round in the chamber, like he is while this is being prepared. No one would read a word without getting a copy of the magazine, which should not surprise a sharp bunch like our readership. There are many people who are involved in the distribution. Folks who receive JAM in the mail should thank Jayne Rudish, who organizes the “stuffing party” for each issue, and all the wonderful volunteers who have made this task go like clockwork. Then there is the time-consuming distribution to the area's businesses. Barb and Don Mathewson, for example, have been handling the “ Johnson County Route ” for many years. Jerry Pollock , Ed Fenner , Charlton Price, Gail Atkinson, and Laura Glaeser are other “route” distribution volunteers. And let's not forget Cambria De Lee 's graphic design assistance to advertising head Ed Fenner , both serving the advertisers who ultimately pay the bills. Finally, Jo Ann Barnhart and the staff at Neff Printing, Inc. are the flexible partners that we need. When things are less than perfect on the Monday morning that we deliver Rod's proof to Neff, Jo Ann makes it seem that it's no big deal, and we know that is, sometimes. Volunteer efforts make JAM possible, and make many Jazz Ambassador projects feasible. It's part of what makes a community vibrant, and always rewards the participants with appreciation for a job well-done. We thank you for your support. RETURN TO OCTOBER/SEPTEMBER 2006 MAIN INDEX © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2006. All rights reserved.