10 +1 dos and don’ts for an award-winning editorial
1 DO advocate change if you think it’s necessary in your industry. Change your hair color, get rid of your taboos, change your attitude, recycle your artwork, adopt a turtle, learn Swahili, laugh at yourself, say “I love you” to your mirror reflection, dip an artichoke into green chili sauce and Enjoy!
2 DON’T use acronyms or abbreviations without explaining them. Like for example BRB, FYI, L8R, JAM, AKA, ASAP, PITA etc. etc.
3 DO publish a photo of the editor?[?] Tip: Take several different poses in different clothes and alternate the photo you use each time. Let your personality show!
4 DON’T write an editorial that is nothing more than a glorified contents page, talking only about stories in the magazine. Talk about something irrelevant, like I am now, in order to distract your readers from the fact that you are not actually talking about the contents of the magazine but you are trying to make them loosen up because you are not in reality explaining anything concerning this magazine. After reading the editorial please turn page to find the index.
5 DO include evidence or research to prove your opinion, if available. N /A.
6 DON’T be reckless in writing your editorial. You could lose credibility. Make sure you research and think your points through before taking a position. “All credibility, all good conscience, all evidence of truth come only from the senses.” Friedrich Nietzsche said that and I have no evidence for the opposite.
7 DO acknowledge errors in future issues to rebuild your credibility with readers. I know I will be apologizing for all this in future issues […]
8 DON’T be afraid to inject your personality in the writing. Use a sealed syringe, inject the dose you prefer. Apply an antiseptic and a clean dressing. Do not be alarmed. Help is on its way.
9 DO stimulate thought and inform. Food for thought: Artichokes & Pork Chops with Mustard Cream. Prep Time: 15 minutes. Cook Time: 1 hours, 20 minutes.
10 DON’T think that readers must always agree with you. Invite their comments. Come on… I know you all agree with me!! In case you don’t, please don’t inform the managing director at least not until I get my paycheck for this issue.
10+1 Do chew what you eat and what you read carefully, we Don’t want you to choke!
by Maria Yiannoura.
*The “Dos and Don’ts for an award-winning editorial” can be found at http://www.asbpe.org/archives/1999/03wined.htm
