|
|
Joggler's Jottings by Bill Giduz, editor Davidson, North Carolina
|
|
THIRTY-SIX
PAGES MAKES THIS the largest issue of Juggler's World yet. That
quantitative fact prompts me to think.
I
wonder, is there that much more material out there now, or am I just
getting my hands on more of it? The latter is largely the case, but
strong evidence suggests that the 'Golden Age of Juggling News' is
still ahead. We are making toward it steadily with every new small
fry who learns the cascade, every prop that manufacturers put in the
mail, and every new juggling ad on television.
A
larger magazine is another step down the road to a more professional
IJA, and it would seem to be satisfying in and of itself. However,
in doing more, I realize how much more I am not doing, and
how much more should be done. Several fine stories were left
out of this issue for lack of space, and I continue to despair that
this magazine carries very few 'how to' articles.
It's
the same with the organization generally. The more we do, the more
we realize how little we're actually accomplishing.
Well,
you can't do it all at once. But, I believe most jugglers believe
optimistically as I do that you can achieve what you desire. I
desired to relay more juggling news, and put in the necessary effort
to produce four more pages.
But
members want not just more news, but more frequent publication. In
the past, Newsletters appeared monthly under some editorships. We've
gone beyond the typewriter and mimeo stage, and I for one don't want
to see it return. But I agree that four magazines a year is
inadequate. How can we do five?
What
else is the IJA not doing? Many members at the Purchase convention
said they want more information on IJA administrative and business
affairs.
Great!
Give the people what they want! Let's do another publication, a
semimonthly 8 1/2 x 11 inch IJA business sheet, perhaps. Again;
how?
Members
also want more than just paper from their 'central office' (which,
you'II find from reading the Business Meeting notes, has just lately
become an accurate phrase). They want action, evidence that the IJA
exists in a vital form. I don't think many people know just what
kind of action, though.
Should
the C.O. set up miniconventions? Should it run a video-tape library?
How about certitying levels of juggling ability? Maybe we could format
and promote IJA workshops in schools, field performance/teaching teams
and pay members from the fees collected! At least one private
organization is already doing it, but with the growth of juggling
there's plenty of room for more.
Can
we operate a year-round performance schoo!? Why don't we provide a
counseling service for street performers, to advise them on their
rights as public performers and to review their contracts?
The
harder we try, the more will be demanded of us. An organization's
strength lies in its ability not just to administer, but to
recognize opportunities to serve those who support it. I hope members
will take that message personally, and volunteer themselves as both
perceptive IJA dreamers and eager IJA achievers! RANDOM
NOTES IJA
secretary Rich Chamberlin would like for all members who are past or
present IBM employees to contact him at PO Box 29 concerning a
proposal to that company for computer equipment.
An
official editor's apology to Jim Moore of New York City, who took
photos which appeared without proper credit in Vol. 31, No.2 (cover),
and Vol. 35, No.2 (page 10). I
regret the error. |
|
