Users of desktop publishing may be distracted from clear communication by the advanced features of the technology. Common problems include irregularly-shaped blocks of copy, angled type, excessive underlining, widows and orphans, unequal spacing, excessive hyphenation, exaggerated tabs and indents, grammatical errors, cramped logos and addresses,…

Suggestions are offered to campus editors on ways to make periodical article headlines more arresting. Stressed are the need for accuracy, appropriate length, use of poetics, and cleverness. Examples of good and poor headlines are offered and the need to devote adequate time to headline preparation is stressed. (DB)

Editors of nine top institutional publications were surveyed. All of them work with limited staff and budget and produce Council for Advancement and Support of Education award-winning publications. Key tricks of the trade include make a formal editorial calendar, focus on topics important to readers, etc. (MLW)

Getting the authority necessary to edit an effective alumni periodical is discussed. According to an informal survey of 35 award-winning CASE editors, most are reasonably satisfied with their degree of authority. Many alumni magazines are dull because editors are afraid to rock the boat. (MLW)

An internal periodical can help inform and motivate college faculty and staff and therefore make them effective ambassadors. This is the most compelling reason for developing a credible internal periodical and a strong internal communication program. (MLW)

Tough editoral decisions made by college editors and their consequences are described. (MLW)

Publications administrators can freshen stale publications by updating vision, methods, and attitude. Ways to avoid the staleness trap include: critique work systematically, pick the right boss, look at the best work around the country, staff with young people, etc. (MLW)

The best way to protect individuals and institutions from libel suits is to verify the truth of what is printed. An institutional editor's guide to do's, don'ts, and definitions is presented. An editor is as responsible for a libelous letter as the author is. (MLW)

Publications managers agree that no phase of the publication process is the same with desktop publishing. The new technology means publications managers must find new ways to cope with the accompanying situations. Managing client relations, resources, and data entry are discussed. (MLW)

Principles for producing well-written college alumni newsletters include keeping reader needs foremost; obtaining strong material; monitoring overall quality and quality of details; devoting time to coming up with bright headlines; using varied formats; having a policy about coverage of subjects; and considering many means of self-evaluation. (MSE)

In a question-and-answer format, campus alumni magazine editors comment on the value of a letters column, specific policies concerning what is printed, handling of controversial letters, and methods for eliciting strong reader response. (MSE)

In college publications programs, computer technology makes it possible to maintain editor-designer teamwork across long distances. However, although computers can cut expenses and boost cooperation, the editor and designer must still have basic skills for collaboration, understand each other's work, and focus on the desired product. (MSE)

The reasons for writing or not writing statements of editorial mission, goals, and policy are discussed. The editors of two commercial-magazines that don't have a written editorial policy discuss why. (MLW)

Tips for editing effective college publications include developing a mission statement and using it for selecting appropriate articles; evaluating progress; regular correspondence with key constituencies; studying other periodicals; getting ideas from readers; inviting guest editorials; reading all institutional publications; reviewing back…

Editorial independence is described as a "snare and a delusion." The role of the publisher, who alone can define the purposes and policies of any periodical, is discussed. (MLW)