SDsalsaguy

SD,

Hi! I'm sorry it took so long to get back to you! How long do you think that the newsletter should be? How many articles would we need to compile before producing a finished product? I've been looking at other dance publications, both online and in print, trying to get a reading of what is available and what DF could specifically offer to dancers. The old IDSF online magazine was visually stunning, yet I felt it lacked anything interesting to read since it was all about IDSF politics. The new publication is also driven by the IDSF agenda, which in itself isn't horrible, but it is not a publication focused on the dancing itself. The latest issue of Amateur Dancers has several interesting articles and I like the various aspects of dance covered (competitive, social, comp organization), but I think it is more important to have a consistent product that is released on time than one very long issue. The problems of Dance Beat are obvious, and I think we can easily strive for higher journalistic and unbiased literary standards. One magazine from the UK, Dance Today!, is my favorite dancesport magazine since even though it focuses on English dancesport, it is very reliable and publishes interesting information.

I agree the a pdf is the best route to take, because we then have the option of printing a few copies if we decide to, but we would not be obligated to figure out distribution issues. Articles could include interviews (with dancers, comp organizers, designers), competition reports (with critiques of dancing/finals), technique, social venues, new product features/ reviews, fitness, performance advice, lists of workshops, etc. Another idea for the future (perhaps after making money from advertisements) would be contests- dance photography, essays/scholarships- for dancers to enter and win either money or a prize. Perhaps we could also add a classified section.

I'll let you know if I think of anything else. BTW- where did the pm to staff/moderators go?




~Michelle~