editoradmin
AT the start of the new year an issue of Amateur Press Miscellany went to press. Unfortunately, before it could be completed I had to enter hospital for a partial lung resection.
The main operation was on 29th February, and should have been followed within a month by a smaller operation to finish the job. The first op. was successful, but complications followed and so delayed number two till 5th June. As I write this I am on a period of post-operative convalescence and I hope for discharge from hospital for the autumn, when it should not take long for “Westwood Press” to finish off that delayed APM.
By the good offices of friend Alan Bayliffe of ISPA, I break silence with this issue of Stet as my delayed contribution to the list of 1952 amateur magazines. Have you published this year?
Reg. Hollins
NAPA-AAPA and all that!
AFTER several years in amateur journalism I joined NAPA at the close of 1949, then in mid-1951 I joined AAPA. During my membership I have found much study is needed to enable me to find my way around your circles by remote control. By the courtesy of a number of amateurs who have sent me back issues of amateur journals (the latest being 6½lb. from Alf Babcock) I now know something of the history and personalities of the past couple of decades, together with a smattering of knowledge of the Golden Years at the turn of the last century.
So I can speak to you now, not as an outsider but as a member, as one who finds as much interest in your affairs as in the affairs of British amateurdom. Thus being one of the family I can participate in family affairs, standing ready to be shot at, and to shoot in my ideas on what might be a delicate topic.
Since joining AAPA I have discovered that this association is junior to NAPA in more than years. Its activities and its papers are on a more youthful tone, there appear to be more mimeoed papers and more four-pages than in NAPA, with less de luxe work. I am under the impression that the general age of AAPA members is lower than in NAPA, and that AAPA often proves to be a stepping stone or primary school for recruits to amateur journalism, who, after weeding out, often graduate to the older association and to more mature work.
I do not disparage AAPA, but this is the position as it appears to me. I suggest that both associations recognise it and plan to make the natural process a source of mutual advantage. AAPA is able to attract youngsters, especially young printers, into its ranks. It has not, however, the appeal of the more mature NAPA, and so often loses its recruits when they are just becoming real assets. NAPA is accused of stealing such members and so bad blood crops up between the two.
I suggest that the NAPA recognises the fact that from AAPA it obtains the cream of its new blood, and that it pays tribute in a practical way by giving the AAPA a cash sum for each AAPA member who graduates to NAPA, whether such a member also remains in AAPA or not. The sum should be worthwhile, at least 50c. and possible as high as $1. NAPA can afford to be generous, it cannot afford to lose the introductions that AAPA provides.
AAPA is financially unsteady; should it eventually fold up the repercussion would be felt strongly in NAPA. It behoves the NAPA to give careful consideration to that factor.
AAPA would lose none of its independence by this move, the actual graduation process is inevitable and should be recognised. Being recognised there is no dishonour in cashing in on it. The two associations are complementary to each other, they should work together as equal partners to make each secure, and to secure the future of amateur journalism.
“To write or print without the benefit of informed criticism is to write and print in a vacuum lacking all standards with which to measure one’s efforts.” No further reply is needed to answer those misguided persons who denounce the post of Critic in the amateur press!”
Colophon. Edited by Reg. Hollins, Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire. Printed in 10pt Times New Roman with the Bodoni and Plantin series by Alan Bayliffe, Oldham.
This issue published for NAPA/AAPA