The horrors of L&R

The category specialist for layout and reproduction is Don Heist. I'm lucky enough to receive his bulletin, Valleyaires Vocalizer. Gee, do I admire talent! He has more talent in his little finger than I have in my entire body.

I'm an engineer, not an artist. I have entered three BETY contests, and my nemesis has been L&R. L&R judges are allowed discretionary points.

I've never gotten one of those.

But I'm beginning to understand.

When Tom Pearce, an IBC winner on his first try, was editor of PROBEmoter, he ran a series of "J-School" articles. He said, "Back off from your bulletin, no matter how much love you have for it. Turn each page right side up and upside down. Does it still please the eye?" Tom said, "Forget producing your bulletin in a word processing application. Use a drawing application." Although the transition was painful, I did that, and found avenues yet unexplored. One can cut and paste, page by page, until the result is pleasing, right side up or upside down.

And I pay attention to the score sheets. They are the distilled wisdom of barbershop journalists. Do you want a quartet in the nameplate? OK, I'll give you a quartet.

I work very hard on L&R. That doesn't come naturally with me. I hope I've mastered the art well enough to overcome my nemesis.

But, gosh darn, is it hard for an engineer!