So why no “Kathy’s Kitchen” recipe in the May/June issue? Similarly, why was a “Letter to the Board” editorial submitted by B-W resident Peter Mogielniki proposing a Wilshire Park enhancement project not published? It was certainly not the fault of Kathy or Peter, whose submissions reached me by e-mail well in advance of the article/ad submission deadline (which is the second Friday of even-numbered months). So who’s responsible for these omissions? Clearly the buck stops with the editor, right? But editorial decisions are rarely made in a vacuum, and this one was no exception—the result of collaboration with newsletter graphic designer Amy Gwilliam, who configures the layout (a jigsaw puzzle of a task!). We were faced with a good news/bad news dilemma: submissions aplenty…but not enough room to fit them all in. Something had to give, and it couldn’t be purchased ads, nor would it be regular columns (e.g., President’s Message, Calendar, etc.), nor articles with time-sensitive content (e.g., Movie in the Park, Beaumont alum reunion, etc.). In the end, it was decided to free space by postponing Kathy Campbell’s barbecue recipe and Peter Mogielniki’s editorial, both of which would remain relevant into July/August.
Another “buck stops here” responsibility of an editor is to field complaints as well as compliments from readers. Thankfully, positives have greatly outnumbered negatives over the years, but when constructive criticism does come our way, I do my best to respond promptly, thoughtfully, and respectfully. Case in point: I received an e-mail from a vocal music teacher who was highly critical the lead article in our last issue based on an interview with Beaumont Middle School Principal Harriette Jackson Vimegnon. Here’s an excerpt:
I was extremely disappointed in the incredibly misleading front-page article, “Beaumont Middle School - music to the ears of our community” by Pat Bellamah.
While it may be true that Beaumont employs a full-time music teacher, the fact is they only offer BAND. There is NO VOCAL MUSIC!!! This is an extremely sad state of affairs. If you aren’t interested in playing an instrument, you don’t have access to music at Beaumont. When I grew up, all schools had choir programs as well as theater and art.
The instrumental program IS laudable and worthy of much admiration, but failing to mention the lack of other musical offerings, (or theater, or art) was a glaring omission and most disconcerting.
Editor’s response: As one who taught in the Portland School District for over 30 years, I join you in lamenting the elimination of valued electives due to budget cuts—from vocal music and drama to foreign languages and shop. Some schools don’t even have a band program, but Beaumont does, and it’s one of the best (thanks to the superlative Cynthia Plank). The writer accurately reported what she learned from Principal Vimegnon—admittedly all positives—and the article was as long as space permitted. That said, reporting on the shortcomings of Beaumont Middle School is fair game as well, and the door is always wide open for a Letter to the Board editorial.