For the last week I was struggling to figure out what I wanted to tell you about being features editor and what you were in store for next semester. Should I mention all the stress and all the work that goes in to it, cause a good 45 percent of it is that then I decided that I will just tell you what I learned as features editor and what I hope you can accomplish that I did not have a chance to. I remember in January I sat in the conference room for the first time as Features editor of the EC "Union" and I was asked what I hope to accomplish, I promised to have nine feature issues published since last semester we lost two feature pages. By the end of May I had accomplished that (well except one didn't print because we had a problem with another page but I still feel like I accomplished my goal). I just want to say that yes you will be stressed and there will be many times where you feel like it is too much to handle but in the end it will be well worth the experience. Think about it you are creating something for an entire campus to see, that is HUGE. While some of pages were OK, I feel like I didn't truly understand page design until my last two issues and now I wish I had taken more chances with the page so for your entertainment here is a "Features Editor Guide to Surviving the Features Page":
1. A director can't make a movie without script, like wise an editor can't create a page with out the story.
Think of your self as a Hollywood director, You are ready to go out and put out a movie but you can't do that until you have a good script in hand, same is true for editors you can't put out a good page without your stories so always make sure your stories assigned early to prevent delaying creating your page and also keep in contact with your writers, ask them in they need any kind of help or just make sure they update you on what they are doing.
2. Take Risk and have FUN as Hunter S. Thompson said: "Buy the ticket. Take the ride."
You are the Features editor and you decided from the beginning hopefully that you wanted to be features editor, don't be afraid to do something CREATIVE, NEW, and INVENTIVE with the features page, some of my best pages come from me trying out a new design. Your page is reflective of your personality, put some of your persona in to it, basically you are a FUN person, have FUN with the page. The worst thing that could happen is that your told it won't work but at least you TRIED, and as Features editor that is all one could ask for.
3. The Art of Deciding a Feature: Do something relevant.
One of my biggest regrets as features editor is that I didn't do more SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS topics, sure I covered going green, recycling, death, abuse and social networking but now I look back and wish I had done more intimate feature ideas, but with nine issues who could complain. Just remember when deciding on what you want to do a feature on, make sure it is socially relevant and you have DIFFERENT stories that you could assign. While it is cool to do things like Fashion that are light and fun, consider taking a risk and doing a page on things that you haven't seen or would like to see.
4. I Get By with a Little Bit of Help From My FRIENDS.
When it all comes down to it, if you are having a page problem or need help you have at least five other editors to turn to who can help you. Your relationship with the other editors is very important so don't be afraid to reach out and get their input from them. Eventually you will realize these editors are not just colleagues but also FRIENDS who are here for the same reason you are here: To put out a paper that the entire campus will appreciate.
Not much more I can say but I wish you good luck as you begin your journey as Features Editor, HAVE FUN and remember: In the long run it will be all WORTH it.
Sincerely,
MILES VILLALON
