Editor Stumped

Observation Post, Volume 1, Issue 1, 22 May 1942, Page 2

Editor Stumped

I have been asked several times “what sort of articles do you want?” Well, the answer is easy. Try your hand out. Particularly jot down home The humorous happenings of the day, some chaps have the idea that that is hard. Let me tell you the story of a certain editor who was fed up with the literary effbrts of one of his cadet reporters. Editor: “For God’s sake, take this blasted rubbish away -and burn it. Go to your room and seat yourself in your chair, then imagine you have the most stupid, ignorant idiot you have ever met in your mis-spent life, sitting opposite you. Tell him the stoiy in words you think he will understand. When you have done that, write it in those identical words and you may get somewhere.”

The kid went away but returned in about an hour, handing in his copy all neatly typed. The editor read it through and exclaimed. “Excellent, excellent, couldn’t be better. Did you take my advice Cadet reporter: “Yes, sir, 1 didas you said. 'I went to my room and imagined that it was you I was talking to.” Well, that is what you should do. Let me have anything you think amusing or interesting. We arc going to run a problem column for those who want help with anything connected with our daily .routine, the specialists will be only too pleased to assist. Whilst -on leave you may meet someone in whom many people within the Regiment arc interested. Let us know so that it can go in the personal column. You may meet a chap returned from overseas. He may be able to tell us something which will not offend the Censor. Birth "ays, engagements, sports, fiction, anecdotes, in fact, anything at all. Send it in and if there is not room for it in the next issue it w ri he held over until the next, and so on. N- v a word as to circulation. Ow’ ".to paper shortage we can only print a limited number, so get in early and order your copy re u l arly from your Battery reP 'dative. It is intended as a s ,’g 1 t-out camp publication not r ' "day school text book, so although we ask you to use your

discretion, don’t be afraid of offending - the susceptibilities of your maiden aunt, she’ll probably be dead by the time you are out of the army. In conclusion, I know I can rely on every man to help. So the long hours that I shall have to ■ work to bring it out will be made much easier. Also I ask you to be tolerant in your criticism. If you are not satisfied, don’t tell your • pals, TELL ME!