INSIDE (THE) EDITION 

Often, I get ask how we choose the front cover, where we get our stories, or how the decision process is made…?  When it comes time for our cover decision…  as  publisher, I look at all the events going on around the Nation to see what will work into our magazine.  I look at the events of which we have photos.  The best photos are considered; sometimes the photos belong to Fly-Low photographers and sometimes to others.  The significant decision is, “What photo will look the best?”   That is the one we will use.   

There are times that we have a cover selected and at the last minute a change will be made.  Again, it depends on the quality and subject material of the photo, the importance placed on the event and any sudden new stories that pop up at the last minute.  I have had the complete magazine finished and ready for the printer….  and be totally unhappy with our cover.  Before it was delivered to the printer, I would change the entire front cover to a better photo.   

As is the case of many of our covers, we have them selected months in advance…  There are times that the cover is decided on just minutes before we print.  Talk about waiting to the last minute.   Our covers are not earth shattering items that announce the next president, but I do expect them to be attractive and artistic. 

The July cover comes from a belief in the skill and dedication of the men featured.  The photos were good, the performance great, and the cover salutes these talented men.  Therefore, the Masters of Disaster are featured on this months cover.  If ever there was a “Nitch” to be found in aviation, Franklin, Younkin, and LeRoy have found it. 

EXCELLENT, BUT NOT WORDY 

Many writers feel that a lengthy story is the ultimate, the more words the better the article.  It is hard sometimes as publisher to explain to them that a five-hundred word story can be interesting and effective.  I decided to check on a couple of well written grouping of words.  Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, one of the best known outstanding monologues, was only two-hundred thirty-five words and in Throttle Forward last month, I quote Pastor Martin Niemoller.  His eighty-seven words ring true today as they did in the 1940s.   

As a publisher, I still maintain that dynamite comes in small packages.  A great story can be short in length, but last for the ages. 

So now you know a bit of the “Inside Story” of Fly-Low.  As always, I appreciate your interest and input.  Part of what has made Fly-Low so successful has been that we listen to what you, the reader, desire.