STYLE:

• limit the use of graphics so that the newsletter doesn't look cluttered/too "busy"

• if using a computer, limit to 1 or 2 fonts (may vary appearance by use of boldface type
  as well as a variety of type sizes)

• be aware that dark colored papers (i.e., red, green, dark purple) do not reproduce well;
  if copies are needed, plan to use white or pastel paper
  

• use Greek letters for Delta Kappa Gamma - not DKG
  

• be short and concise; the newsletter will more likely be read if it is not too wordy
  or too long..."MORE is not necessarily better!"
  

• innovative newsletter name
  

• varied column widths
  

• artistic design of all nameplate elements
  

SUGGESTED CONTENT:

• chapter name definitely needs to be included; area number is also recommended
  as is the date (at least the month and year, if not the specific date)

• information about the next chapter meeting (including a map and/or directions
  to the site of the meeting)

• calendar of Delta Kappa Gamma events (chapter, area, state, and international
  activities)

• news about members' activities and accomplishments, as well as personal information
  about members (illnesses, weddings, grandchildren, deaths in family, etc.)

• recipes from meals shared at chapter meetings
  

• your newsletter should reflect the personality of your Chapter

EDITORIAL TIPS:

• include the 5 "W's" in the opening paragraph: who, what, where, when, why

• use "inverted pyramid" style - i.e., the most important information is included in the
  opening paragraph(s), in descending order so that the last paragraph can be cut
  if space is a problem

• stress clarity; think of the reader and her background

One of the continuing goals of the Chi State Communications Committee during the
2003-2005 biennium is to recognize and reward excellence in communication. To this
end, the Committee requests that each chapter submit one copy of its best newsletter
( dated any time during the 2003 calendar year) for consideration by December 1,
2003 to the Committee as indicated in the box at the bottom of the page.

Newsletters will be evaluated in the following four categories: Best Content, Best Format, Best
Use of Photos and Graphics, and Most Creative. The Committee will
select first-prize winners and honorable mentions in each category as guided by the
criteria listed below. Selected newsletters will be honored at the Chi State Convention
in May, 2004, listed in The Chi State News and on the Chi State website.

Best Content

• Upcoming meeting description

• President's Message

• Honored member(s)

• Chapter activities connected to the community

• References to Chi State and International Society information

• Professional information

• Newsletter reflects the personality of the Chapter

Best Format

• Consistent margins - sides, top and bottom

• Varied column widths - two-column, 2/3 and 1/3 widths

• Headlines use a larger type than story text, or different font type from story text type

• Inclusion of artwork, graphics or pictures which relate to content

• Purposeful use of "white space" so that content is easy to read and not crowded

Best Use of Photos and Graphics

• Nameplate should include the newsletter name, issue number, month and year of issue,
  Chapter area and Chapter name - artistic design of all masthead elements

• Use of Society symbols (rose, greek letters, key, crest)

• Quality and placement of photos and graphics

Most Creative

• Innovative newsletter name

• Use of color in art and/or headlines

• Use of colored paper to enhance newsletter

• Creative use of graphic elements and shading

Mail by December 1, 2005 to: Gale George
                                                P.O. Box 291029
                                                Phelan, California 92329-1029

HOTLINKING!

A shortcut for inserting the Greek symbols into your Word document.

1. On the menu bar, click on INSERT drop-down and select SYMBOL.
2. Select the Greek alphabet subset by clicking on the down arrow on the right side of the small window.
3. Locate the Greek character you want. Click on the character to highlight it and then click INSERT.
4. The selected character should appear in your Word document.
5. Repeat steps for the remaining two characters. Click on CLOSE to return to your document.
6. Once all three characters/letters are showing in your Word document, use the mouse to highlight them.
7. With the three characters highlighted, click on the INSERT menu and select AUTOTEXT, then NEW.
8. Tap the D key on the keyboard.

Each time you wish to insert the Greek characters for Delta Kappa Gamma, press the D key followed by the F3 key (at top left of keyboard). When you press the D key, a "d" will appear in your document. It will be replaced by the three letters as soon as you tap the F3 key.

There may be differences when using various versions of Word. Refer to your version's Help menu on creating AUTOTEXT if you have problems.

E-mail Etiquette

Here are some e-mail tips from "The Net: User Guidelines and Netiquette" by Arlene Rinaldi, senior programmer at Florida Atlantic University.

• Never give your user ID or password to another person. System administrators who need to access your account for maintenance or to correct problems will have full privileges to your account.

• Never assume your e-mail messages are private or that they can be read by only you or the recipient. Never send something that you would mind seeing on the evening news.

• Focus on one subject per message and always include a pertinent subject title for the message. That will help the user locate the message quickly.

• Capitalize words only to highlight an important point or to distinguish a title or heading. Capitalizing whole words that are not titles is generally considered SHOUTING!

• Use asterisks around a word to make a stronger point.

• Follow chain-of-command procedures for corresponding with superiors. Don't send a complaint via e-mail directly to the "top" just because you can.

• Be professional and careful with what you say about others: E-mail is easily forwarded.

• Get the original author's permission before forwarding personal e-mail to mailing lists or news groups. To do otherwise is considered extremely rude.

• Be careful when using sarcasm and humor. Without face-to-face communication, your joke may be read as criticism. When being humorous, use "emoticons." Tilt your head to the left and you'll see why the emoticon :-) equals happy face for humor.