From the Editor (May 2007)

Revitalizing The Vital Force

When I first learned that Victor Berg had resigned as editor of The Vital Force, I thought that if no one wanted to step forward from the subscriber pool, perhaps the journal should fold. If the community then felt it had lost something, the newsletter would be resurrected. If not, it would remain dormant. But then I realized what a shame that would be. So here we are.

Over the last 20-plus years of professional life, I have developed some expertise that will be helpful as editor — not the least of which is that, in my role at Good Karma Publishing, I have the opportunity to speak to the most active and enthusiastic teachers and students each week. These folks speak volumes about the vitality of our community.

For the record, this is basically a volunteer position, although I am paid a small sum for each of the quarterly issues. My day jobs, from which I have picked up relevant skills, are numerous and include being: an Acquisitions Editor for Countryman Press, a division of WW Norton; a public relations and marketing freelancer; a travel guide author for Lonely Planet and others; a travel writer for numerous Web sites and new media companies; a professional photographer; and the one-woman ringleader of Good Karma Publishing.

Since the editorial change was announced in late April, there has been an outpouring of support for the VF. Justin is heartened.

I know you are out there and you have offered to share your experiences. So keep those cards and letters (and photos and artwork) coming.

We hope you like the look of the new Vital Force. Comments, ideas, and suggestions are always welcome.

KG

Albuquerque, NM

Submission Guidelines

When thinking about submissions, it’s good to keep in mind that a 1/4 page in this newsletter is about 200 words and a 1/2 page is 400 words. Please send articles as Word documents, electronically. Look at the page heading subjects and tailor your submission to one section. The newsletter will hang together better that way.

We are always in need of photos and artwork. Please, if you can, send as high resolution jpgs as your camera takes. I will crop and edit them.

Deadlines & Ideas

SubmissionPublicationThemeMovement

DeadlineDate(Teaching Tips)

July 1Late JulyBalanceBird Flaps its Wings

Oct 1Late OctHarmonyAround the Platter / Variation

Jan 1Late JanOpennessBass Drum

April 1Late AprilReleaseDaughter on the Mountaintop