Editor's Corner

Backup Editor and Co-Moderator

One thing I have learned in life is to try to learn and know my strengths and weaknesses.

I knew when I accepted the position as Fidonews Editor that one of the problems I would have is being the Moderator of the Fidonews Echo.

Another thing that I have learned is to try to plan for the future.

In learning from the past, I do not want to repeat the problems that came when the Editorship was vacated with no clear replacement in place.

In these lights, I'm doing the following:

1. Backup Editor:

Lawrence Garvin is now the backup Editor for me. In the event that I should have to be absent for a time or that I should die or leave unexpectedly, he will take over production of the Fidonews.

Lawrence has stated that at this time he does not want the Editorship of the Fidonews. In the event that I should not be able to return as Editor and have not picked a replacement. Lawrence will choose my replacement. If I have chosen a replacement, Lawrence will, of course, honor that choice. Of course, if at that time I have not chosen a replacement and Lawrence decides that he wants to continue as Editor, he may do so.

2, Co-Moderator:

Lawrence Garvin has agreed to be the Co-Moderator of the Fidonews Echo. He will take over the "day to day" operation of the Echo. I ask that you respect him as Moderator of the Fidonews Echo.

Reasoning:

The Editor of the Fidonews is in the position of Moderating an Echo, Producing the Fidonews and trying to keep a balance between the two so that people will feel free to submit articles and yet there will be some "control" over the Echo. If that sounds like a "Three Ring Circus" to you, it is. :)

I see the Fidonews Publication and the Fidonews Echo as two separate things. To me, the Fidonews Publication is the top priority. The Echo didn't exist when Fidonet was founded and if it was not here today, the Fidonews Publication would still continue. On the other hand, If the Publication stopped, there would be little need for the Echo.

Honestly, I can't see myself juggling all these things alone. Something will suffer and I don't want it to be the Fidonews Publication.

Kind regards,

Frank Vest - Fidonews Editor