Lou's Commentary

Earlier today I was a woman on a mission. I had read numerous articles and press blurbs about Esquire’s 75^th Anniversary special edition with a digital (E-ink) cover. And then I started receiving email from colleagues saying this “thing” is so interesting.Our business manager went to Borders to buy a copy which was shiny, but did not blink. Wondering what’s up with that, she began contacting bookstores in the DC metro area to ask if they had any digital copies in stock.

Calls revealed that sales are brisk; most stores are down to one “dog-eared” (their words) copy. Clerks described the special edition as “the fun thing that sparkles” or “the blinking thing”, etc.

Out of curiosity she checked E-Bay and you bet, it’s there. The current auction closed with 18 bids and the winner paying $18.50 plus $5 shipping versus the $5.99 cover price. Printing only 100,000 copies for sale on the newsstand feeds the passion of collectors.

As reported in the New York Times, Esquire’s publisher states that he fully expects to see this cover featured in a museum. Gotta go. My copy is on hold somewhere in Virgina.

Publishing trade magazine Folio: just released the list of finalists for their annual Eddies (editorial) and Ozzies (design) awards with winners to be announced soon in Chicago. There were hundreds of entries in both tracks and the competition is fierce to win the coveted awards.

This year, as in years past, I was one of many judges across North America that received a large box of magazines and single article entries to evaluate. There is no real promotional advantage to being a judge, but there is a great advantage for someone like me who spends hours each week working with publishers of every ilk. Serving as a judge allows me to pause and read great writing that I might otherwise not read or even be aware of.

Maybe I was particularly lucky to get the assignments I did; the writing in my categories and entries was good… really good. As I wrapped up reading entry number 56 I was reminded how proud I am to be associated with an industry that brings information, entertainment and creative genius (at times) to the public (whether consumer, trade, or non-profit).

Thanks to the Editors and Designers who strive for excellence. For many, mission accomplished.