Master Copies and Layout / E6

The Bulletin is reproduced from a master copy which can be compiled in various ways.

Hardcopy

A hardcopy master would be a typed sheet (see above) or a printout from a computer file. It is also possible to simply use a photocopy of a group of original messages, perhaps reducing them to fit more on a page.

A far higher quality of print and image is possible using computers, but this is also dependent on the capabilities of the operator, word processing software and/or printing equipment (see Word Processing Software / I3; Computers / I9). Desk-top publishing programs and modern versions of most word processing programs can produce very fine looking layouts. Enhanced by special fonts, boxes and other devices, the Bulletin can take on a truly professional appearance. However, it is still possible to produce good-looking Bulletins in the same time using a typewriter and "cut and paste" techniques.

The best format for a Bulletin appears to be A4 size single sheets, printed on both sides. If the number of messages is large, an A3 sheet may be justified. Single sheets with no staples keeps the production workload down and Bulletin frequency high.

Stencils

A stencil (mimeograph) or cyclostyle master would be typed directly from the original messages. Minimal editing is possible and the quality of layout and appearance is very much in the hands of the typist.

Mimeograph machines offer the considerable advantage of reproduction by simple and generally reliable equipment. Hand-driven machines enable multiple copies to be produced even in situations without electricity. The procedure is also relatively inexpensive. Wax masters are cut with typewriter keys, otherwise identical in procedure to typing with ink ribbon and paper. Corrections are possible, but time-consuming and never perfect, so typing accuracy is preferable. The master is pressed on to a circular inked drum and the copies are direct ink impressions of the revolving master onto each sheet of paper.

Some forms of direct printing using stencil or carbon masters may be limited in the number of copies that can be reproduced from each master (eg. cyclostyle).

Bulletins printed from stencils or with solvent/ink techniques have a more fuzzy and/or unpolished appearance than photocopy or offset printing.

Language Characters

For multi-lingual conferences, it important to remember that some languages take their accents very seriously! If the typewriter or computer cannot handle special characters, accents may have to be added or deleted on the master copy by hand (see Word Processing Software / I3; Data Processing Software / I8).

See also Paper / I1; Power Supply / I15; Crashes and Backup / I11.

Just ponder on the resources required to mobilise the intelligent, enthusiastic, informed, committed, individuals present here. Can you imagine what we'll need to encourage alienated, dispossessed, frustrated, impoverished communities of the world? (Julio Rovi, EcoCity 2, Adelaide, 1992)

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