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Home > Archive > Chess politics > August 2005 > PSCF Looks for New Editor for Pennswoodpusher
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PSCF Looks for New Editor for Pennswoodpusher
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| The Historian 2005-08-27, 8:31 pm |
| >From the minutes of the PSCF Annual Meeting, July 16, 2005, in State
College:
"Although not an elected position, Pennswoodpusher editor Neil
Brennen has indicated that he would like to step down from that post
in the next year or so. President [Thomas] Martinak encouraged anyone
interested in the position to contact the PSCF."
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| Mike Murray 2005-08-28, 12:31 am |
| On 27 Aug 2005 15:04:47 -0700, "The Historian" <Spamscone@yahoo.com>
wrote:
quote:
>College:
quote:
> "Although not an elected position, Pennswoodpusher editor Neil
>Brennen has indicated that he would like to step down from that post
>in the next year or so. President [Thomas] Martinak encouraged anyone
>interested in the position to contact the PSCF."
Rumor has it that a certain Serbian journalist has expressed interest,
if he could work from home.
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| The Historian 2005-08-28, 12:31 am |
|
Mike Murray wrote:
quote:
> On 27 Aug 2005 15:04:47 -0700, "The Historian" <Spamscone@yahoo.com>
> wrote:
>
>
>
> Rumor has it that a certain Serbian journalist has expressed interest,
> if he could work from home.
That Serbian is free to apply for the job, and since he's emailed
Martinak before about firing me, he knows how to reach Tom.
http://pkchess.bizland.com/goran/point.html
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| Eric Mark 2005-08-28, 12:31 am |
|
The Historian wrote:
quote:
> College:
>
> "Although not an elected position, Pennswoodpusher editor Neil
> Brennen has indicated that he would like to step down from that post
> in the next year or so. President [Thomas] Martinak encouraged anyone
> interested in the position to contact the PSCF."
Too bad. Neil has done a very good job with the PWP overall. It's now
worth the $5 PSCF dues just to get the newsletter---it's not fair to
call it a magazine. I hope this is not politics of some kind. A few
months back, just before the EB campaign hit full steam, there was a
campaign ad for the Marinello slate---I think but am not certain it was
full-page--that was perhaps not as clearly marked "paid advertisement"
as some might have wished.
In any case, Neil has worked hard for free because he believed in what
he was doing, as far as I can see. I'm sorry to see him go. For his
farewell issue, perhaps we should compile a retrograde analysis piece
on who would have won a chess match between Christopher Marlowe and the
Earl of Oxford.
Sorry I can't help with that: My British is rusty....Eric M
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| Tom Martinak 2005-08-28, 3:31 am |
| > Too bad. Neil has done a very good job with the PWP overall. It's now
quote:
> worth the $5 PSCF dues just to get the newsletter
Yes, we here in PA have all been very happy with Neil's efforts and I
would personally like to thank him for all the work he has put into PWP
over the last 4 years. And, as I'm sure he knows, while I'm still
President he's welcome to continue as long as he wants. But it does
consume a lot of time and emotional effort to put out a quality
newsletter, so it is understandable that we need more people to help
bear that load. Organizations like the PSCF can only survive and thrive
with the help of many volunteers. If we force too few to carry too
heavy of a load, we will surely burn them out. Neil has been very
successful in cultivating many new contributors, so when a successor is
eventually found, his task will be made much easier. And hopefully, we
will continue to get many more interesting PA historical articles from
Neil for a long time to come. (Hint: Have anything for the upcoming
PSCF Annual?)
- Tom Martinak
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| Goran Tomic 2005-08-28, 3:31 am |
| "The Histerian" <Spamscone@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1125192718.181319.284580@g14g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
quote:
>
> Mike Murray wrote:
>
> That Serbian is free to apply for the job, and since he's emailed
> Martinak before about firing me, he knows how to reach Tom.
>
> http://pkchess.bizland.com/goran/point.html
>
Well, I think that my article is very good and I'm glad that they PSCF
followed my idea. Better ever than never.
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| RSHaas@aol.com 2005-08-28, 3:31 am |
| The main requirement for a state eyecandy chess editor is one who
will publish his own games at the expense of other more deserving
players and one who will give himself many "!!!" moves along the way.
It's called the "State Chess Newsletter Editor Syndrome."
Old Haasie
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| The Historian 2005-08-28, 3:31 am |
|
Tom Martinak wrote:
quote:
>
> Yes, we here in PA have all been very happy with Neil's efforts and I
> would personally like to thank him for all the work he has put into PWP
> over the last 4 years. And, as I'm sure he knows, while I'm still
> President he's welcome to continue as long as he wants. But it does
> consume a lot of time and emotional effort to put out a quality
> newsletter, so it is understandable that we need more people to help
> bear that load. Organizations like the PSCF can only survive and thrive
> with the help of many volunteers. If we force too few to carry too
> heavy of a load, we will surely burn them out. Neil has been very
> successful in cultivating many new contributors, so when a successor is
> eventually found, his task will be made much easier. And hopefully, we
> will continue to get many more interesting PA historical articles from
> Neil for a long time to come. (Hint: Have anything for the upcoming
> PSCF Annual?)
>
> - Tom Martinak
Yes Tom. Please don't crack the whip again. :-)
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| The Historian 2005-08-28, 3:31 am |
|
Goran Tomic wrote:
quote:
> "The Histerian" <Spamscone@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:1125192718.181319.284580@g14g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
>
> Well, I think that my article is very good and I'm glad that they PSCF
> followed my idea. Better ever than never.
Who in their right mind thinks that PSCF is following your idea? The
minutes state: "Pennswoodpusher editor Neil Brennen has indicated that
he would like to step down from that post in the next year or so."
This is clearly MY decision.
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| The Historian 2005-08-28, 3:31 am |
|
RSHaas@aol.com wrote:
quote:
> The main requirement for a state eyecandy chess editor is one who
> will publish his own games at the expense of other more deserving
> players and one who will give himself many "!!!" moves along the way.
> It's called the "State Chess Newsletter Editor Syndrome."
>
> Old Haasie
I thank Old Hasbeen for his many remarks along those lines over the
years. I tried to put his negativity to good use, as shown below.
*************************
quote:
>From the Winter 2003 PWP Letters to the Editor column:
(The following is from the newsgroup rec.games.chess.politics -editor)
Neil,
I won't be upset. Post your own games if you wish. Add dozens of !!!!
moves to dress them up, too. Here we are not paying a membership fee to
see a state editor steal space from more worthy players in order to
parade his ego around. So, fire away with your Dutch victories. After
you've gone to all that time and trouble, no one will play over your
games.
RSHaas
(We think Mr. Haas is confused. Our records show TWO Brennen games
published since 2002, one of them a loss. We've also published more
than 120 other games, positions, and problems during that time....
-editor)
quote:
>From the Spring 2004 Letters to the Editor column:
(The publication of a newsgroup post critical of the Editorial
direction of The Pennswoodpusher produced a number of interesting
responses. -Editor.)
In the November The Pennswoodpusher, a reader complained about seeing
our editor's games in print. Having been in Neil's shoes for over 23
years as editor of The Pennswoodpusher, I can sympathize with Neil's
dilemma. If enough games are not submitted (note Neil's comment from
the PA Senior Open), then space still needs to be filled. I do not
always agree with Neil's choice of material tending towards historical
matters and against modern material/reviews/games. However, until the
readers submit their own games, they are stuck! The editor cannot
manufacture interesting games (Well, maybe he can, but that would not
be ethical.) So, if you want different games to appear, send them in.
Ira Lee Riddle,
former editor of The Pennswoodpusher
I agree with Ira (although I don't oppose historical articles). Let's
be honest, how many people actually contribute to The Pennswoodpusher?
The reason why I submit so many games is because I know that you need
them! This past issue only had two of my games, but I believe an
earlier issue (I believe the one with Bloomsburg and the Philadelphia
Open) roughly half of the games were mine. I just find it hard to
imagine having an article on Bloomsburg or the State Championship with
out having any games with it. That would be like Chess Life running an
article about the World Chess Championship but not publishing any
games. Of course we are dependent on the players for games, and if they
don't give any, they're stuck with what they get.
If every member of the PSCF submitted just one game a year, we would
not have this problem at all. Neil would have far too many games to
publish!
I believe that we should do the best we can with what we have. Perhaps
in the next The Pennswoodpusher there would be an article or a blurb
asking the readers for games, or ideas about articles, etc. I like my
idea of a "Club Spotlight", but then we have to get someone at the club
to write it. Tom's idea about a "Here and There" feature it good to (I
think we should give it another name so no one accuses us of stealing
it from Chess Life)....
Joe Mucerino
************************
Mr. Mucerino's suggestion of a "PA Today" column was accepted, and with
Joe as editor it has become the most popular feature in our
publication. I thank Mr. Haas for starting the ball rolling, so to
speak, with his idiotic comments.
| |
| Goran Tomic 2005-08-28, 3:31 am |
| "The Histerian" <Spamscone@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1125206982.276970.50610@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
quote:
>
> Goran Tomic wrote:
>
> Who in their right mind thinks that PSCF is following your idea? The
> minutes state: "Pennswoodpusher editor Neil Brennen has indicated that
> he would like to step down from that post in the next year or so."
> This is clearly MY decision.
>
Yes, but I suppose somebody form PSCF "helped you", with some "suggests" to
retire. Everybody could perceive that your "articles" has no any sense.
| |
| The Historian 2005-08-28, 3:31 am |
|
Eric Mark wrote:
quote:
> The Historian wrote:
>
>
> Too bad. Neil has done a very good job with the PWP overall. It's now
> worth the $5 PSCF dues just to get the newsletter---it's not fair to
> call it a magazine. I hope this is not politics of some kind.
This is not USCF, Eric. I would like to concentrate on other things,
including a book that is way past deadline. I am glad to have been of
service to the PSCF, and if I had more energy and time I would
continue.
A few
quote:
> months back, just before the EB campaign hit full steam, there was a
> campaign ad for the Marinello slate---I think but am not certain it was
> full-page--that was perhaps not as clearly marked "paid advertisement"
> as some might have wished.
I recall it being marked as an advertisement. The Success Team's ad
copy was not particularly glossy, so perhaps it looked less like an ad
than the Shultzberg Slate's did, but we tried to avoid appearing
partial.
quote:
> In any case, Neil has worked hard for free because he believed in what
> he was doing, as far as I can see. I'm sorry to see him go. For his
> farewell issue, perhaps we should compile a retrograde analysis piece
> on who would have won a chess match between Christopher Marlowe and the
> Earl of Oxford.
Oh goodness, there is so much nonsense written about the chess scene in
the Tempest!
quote:
> Sorry I can't help with that: My British is rusty....Eric M
| |
| The Historian 2005-08-28, 3:31 am |
|
Goran Tomic wrote:
quote:
> "The Histerian" <Spamscone@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:1125206982.276970.50610@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
>
> Yes, but I suppose somebody form PSCF "helped you", with some "suggests" to
> retire. Everybody could perceive that your "articles" has no any sense.
Someone who can pen the phrase "has no any sense" is not in a position
to write ex cathedra on any subject. Also, why are they "suggesting"
that I leave in a year instead of immediately?
| |
| Tom Martinak 2005-08-28, 8:31 pm |
| >Rumor has it that a certain Serbian journalist has expressed interest,
quote:
>if he could work from home.
For all those interested, much work could be done at home and
communicated via email. However, we would require that everything be
written in readable English, which would eliminate several posters to
these newsgroups from consideration.
- Tom Martinak
| |
| Eric Mark 2005-08-28, 8:31 pm |
| The Historian wrote:
quote:
> Eric Mark wrote:
>
> This is not USCF, Eric. I would like to concentrate on other things,
> including a book that is way past deadline. I am glad to have been of
> service to the PSCF, and if I had more energy and time I would
> continue.
>
> A few
>
> I recall it being marked as an advertisement. The Success Team's ad
> copy was not particularly glossy, so perhaps it looked less like an ad
> than the Shultzberg Slate's did, but we tried to avoid appearing
> partial.
The only reason it caught my eye at the time is that the Success Team
ad mentioned PSCF President Tom M. as a supporter or endorser of the
slate. In some states, that could have become a big deal, but since
everyone in PA is honest and apolitical, it's not an issue.
quote:
>
>
> Oh goodness, there is so much nonsense written about the chess scene in
> the Tempest!
>
Yes, maybe you can be the one to compile the complete list of bogus
chess scenes in the arts and entertainment world throughout the ages.
Good luck with the book and the rest of your cares and burdens, Neil.
If I get to the local summer stock production of "Pirates of Penzance"
before it closes Labor Day, I'll hum a taran-ta-ra in your honor. In
British, of course....
Regards,
Eric M
| |
| Eric Mark 2005-08-29, 12:31 am |
|
RSHaas@aol.com wrote:
quote:
> The main requirement for a state eyecandy chess editor is one who
> will publish his own games at the expense of other more deserving
> players and one who will give himself many "!!!" moves along the way.
> It's called the "State Chess Newsletter Editor Syndrome."
>
> Old Haasie
You keep saying this but you never provide examples. The other thing to
consider is the question of how many readers of state-level
publications play over amateur games, annotated or not. I do it once in
a blue moon, but only when the game follows one of my pet lines, or if
I know the players personally. I will sometines work out combinations
from diagrams---I used to be pretty good at this, at least for a
1950ish-rated player, though no more.
Most readers of state mags just skim the amateur games, at most, I
would guess.
Do Mensa Metro districts publish their own newsletters,
perchance?....ERM
| |
| The Historian 2005-08-29, 12:31 am |
|
Eric Mark wrote:
quote:
> The Historian wrote:
>
> The only reason it caught my eye at the time is that the Success Team
> ad mentioned PSCF President Tom M. as a supporter or endorser of the
> slate.
Tom endorsed them himself, but not as a spokesman for either the PWP or
PSCF.
In some states, that could have become a big deal, but since
quote:
> everyone in PA is honest and apolitical, it's not an issue.
>
>
> Yes, maybe you can be the one to compile the complete list of bogus
> chess scenes in the arts and entertainment world throughout the ages.
It's not that the scene is bogus, just that it's had as much nonsense
written about it as any other aspect of Shakespeare. I recall someone
arguing that Shakespeare was familiar with theoretical works on the
game from Italy and that is why Milan figures so prominently in the
play.
quote:
> Good luck with the book and the rest of your cares and burdens, Neil.
> If I get to the local summer stock production of "Pirates of Penzance"
> before it closes Labor Day, I'll hum a taran-ta-ra in your honor. In
> British, of course....
"Though lofty aims catastrophe entail,
We'll gloriously succeed or nobly fail!"
- W. S, Gilbert, Utopia Limited
| |
| RSHaas@aol.com 2005-08-29, 12:31 am |
| "Do Mensa Metro districts publish their own newsletters,
perchance?....ERM "
=========
They would not if I had my way in the matter. One of the main
problems with state associations is they have no money in them to
produce chess after they've paid the cost of publishing their
newsletters. Thus most of those kind of associations are all smoke and
no fire.
Old Haasie
| |
| RSHaas@aol.com 2005-08-29, 12:31 am |
| "Do Mensa Metro districts publish their own newsletters,
perchance?....ERM"
========
Just to clarify.. in re the real Mensa organization, yes, many of their
local chapters publish newsletters. It serves their purposes. In the
adaptation for chess, the "metro district orgs" would not waste their
money on chess newsletters. The idea would be to have chess
associations that could actually do something... produce chess events,
etc. Newsletters would take up all the working capital. So, let 'em
read the state eyecandy if they have to read a chess newsletter.
Old Haasie
| |
| Catalan 2005-08-29, 12:31 am |
|
"Eric Mark" <emark@poconorecord.com> wrote in message
news:1125272738.368121.177840@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
[vbcol=seagreen]
There would be nothing wrong with accepting an ad from one party and
endorsing another. The media does it every election.
| |
| Goran Tomic 2005-08-29, 3:32 am |
| "Tom Martinak" <martinak_tom_m@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1125241896.803997.244010@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
quote:
>
> For all those interested, much work could be done at home and
> communicated via email. However, we would require that everything be
> written in readable English, which would eliminate several posters to
> these newsgroups from consideration.
>
> - Tom Martinak
>
Naturally, but I wonder if this time would be chosen real chess historian,
not false historian,.like Neil Brennen. And would President of PSCF suffer
responsibility because he employed man without qualification on such
important place. That means that President of PSCF didn't do his job well.
Maybe he was cheated by that false historian or he had some material
interest from that mistaken and catastrofical's decision.
That PSCF President received warrants about that cheater on such important
place in PSCF, but he didn't do anything. Now, when all this newsgroup was
joking about false historian that PSCF President finally realized that he
must kick off false historian to save himself. But, maybe is too late for
him I think the best solution, and honest solution, is that PSCF President
retires (maybe he can mention some health's problem). That's only my
opinion, because I don't know if that PSCF President has enough mental
strength and honesty to retire....
| |
| The Historian 2005-08-29, 8:31 pm |
|
Catalan wrote:
quote:
> "Eric Mark" <emark@poconorecord.com> wrote in message
> news:1125272738.368121.177840@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
>
>
> There would be nothing wrong with accepting an ad from one party and
> endorsing another. The media does it every election.
Agreed, but I felt it improper to endorse someone in a USCF election
when I am not a USCF member.
| |
| The Historian 2005-08-29, 8:31 pm |
|
Goran Tomic wrote:
quote:
> "Tom Martinak" <martinak_tom_m@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1125241896.803997.244010@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
>
> Naturally, but I wonder if this time would be chosen real chess historian,
> not false historian,.like Neil Brennen. And would President of PSCF suffer
> responsibility because he employed man without qualification on such
> important place. That means that President of PSCF didn't do his job well.
> Maybe he was cheated by that false historian or he had some material
> interest from that mistaken and catastrofical's decision.
> That PSCF President received warrants about that cheater on such important
> place in PSCF, but he didn't do anything. Now, when all this newsgroup was
> joking about false historian that PSCF President finally realized that he
> must kick off false historian to save himself. But, maybe is too late for
> him I think the best solution, and honest solution, is that PSCF President
> retires (maybe he can mention some health's problem). That's only my
> opinion, because I don't know if that PSCF President has enough mental
> strength and honesty to retire....
I can't tell who is the most paranoid lunatic on RGCP. Goran with his
Brennen-Martinak-PSCF-Fischer-KGB-Kingston twaddle, Sloan's charges
that George John and Wayne Praeder don't exist, and the "nearly an IM
2450" who claims anyone who takes issue with his assertions is stalking
him - they are all worthy contenders. It's close, but I give the palm
to Goran.
| |
| Catalan 2005-08-29, 8:31 pm |
|
"The Historian" <Spamscone@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1125312298.668866.136460@g49g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
quote:
>
> Agreed, but I felt it improper to endorse someone in a USCF election
> when I am not a USCF member.
So what? Tony Blair endorsed G. W. Bush for reelection.
| |
| The Historian 2005-08-29, 8:31 pm |
|
Catalan wrote:
quote:
> "The Historian" <Spamscone@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:1125312298.668866.136460@g49g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
>
>
> So what? Tony Blair endorsed G. W. Bush for reelection.
Mr. Blair is not editing The Pennswoodpusher. Hmm, do you think we can
convince Louis Blair to take over the PWP, Stan?
| |
| Catalan 2005-08-29, 8:31 pm |
|
"The Historian" <Spamscone@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1125316534.235820.319080@g49g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
quote:
> Mr. Blair is not editing The Pennswoodpusher. Hmm, do you think we can
> convince Louis Blair to take over the PWP, Stan?
How about Larry Parr?
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