originally posted on 2/17/2023
Photo: Jeffrey Seifert. View full-sized image.
Who knew when I stepped up five years ago as the “interim” editor that it would have lasted this long? I had not expected to stay in the role for half a decade, but sometimes things just happen that way.
As I was (and am) the editor of RollerCoaster! as well, I never thought it wise to have the same person steer both. I always feared being hit by a bus, and then both publications would come to a halt. Thankfully (particularly for me), that hasn’t happened. However, I felt it was time for me to hand over the reins.
In the five years since I’ve been at the helm, we’ve seen ACE News transfer to its digital format. The benefits to this are vast: lower membership fees, larger pictures, news reaches members faster, more content and it can be viewed on various devices. While the downside is that “touchy-feely” people, such as myself, don’t have the tangible printed copy to stuff in the closet, the digests that ACE creates still allow those valuable documents to be just a click away on your computer. If you haven’t downloaded those digested issues from the ACE website (Publications tab, ACE News, Downloads), you are missing a valuable benefit of your membership. It’s free and is easy to drop in a convenient location you choose on your computer. I’m still impressed with how big the issues are nowadays compared to when we were restricted with the limitations of the printed version. No longer is tight space an issue, nor are we captive of the whims of the postal service or today’s supply-chain challenges with printers.
View full-sized image.
While I step away from a leadership role, don’t expect me to disappear. You’ll still see a byline by me from time to time in future issues of the publication. I’m not going anywhere. It’s just time for someone else to step up. Who that might be is still unknown. Publications Director Lee Ann Draud will appropriately be the go-to person for the moment, but when someone does come forward, I hope the membership will continue to make ACE shine by being willing to send in photos, cover regional events or report on news no matter where it may be. ACE is always wanting to foster writers and enjoys spotlighting the photographic work of its members. I encourage each member to get involved. The organization simply becomes stronger.
I’ll see you in line or look for me in the back seat.
— Tim Baldwin, ACE News Editor
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