The Fortress - Basic Goals And Decisions

[Maurice Ali]

Posted: 13 Feb 2004


If I did not make this clear before: Submissions will end for the newspaper when we get close to our page limits. Submissions will be returned and the reasons why if this happens.

[Guest]

Posted: 14 Feb 2004


JeanCretian

If I did not make this clear before: Submissions will end for the newspaper when we get close to our page limits. Submissions will be returned and the reasons why if this happens.

I assume you would also post that fact publicly so that you don't have to do it after the fact. Or am I being to obvious?


_________________
There is a perfectly good reason why I can't spell my last name. Now go fuck yourself!

[Maurice Ali]

Posted: 14 Feb 2004

If I did not make this clear before: Submissions will end for the newspaper when we get close to our page limits. Submissions will be returned and the reasons why if this happens.

I assume you would also post that fact publicly so that you don't have to do it after the fact. Or am I being to obvious?

You assume correctly, and I guess I was not obvious enough.

[Maurice Ali]

Posted: 21 Feb 2004


WOW! One week past the last post!


We were setting up the 'nest' the past week and can now get back to the task before us. This paper is another very hard task for me because I know little about producing one. However, like web design, we shall persevere and conquer.....

How to handle the layout in a format that can go directly to the printers is the hard part. My best guess is to look around at what there is available for the job and then see if it is economically feasible to do it; then move from there. Quark XPress and Adobe InDesign seem to be the best professional tools to format and layout a page that can to straight to the printing press.....however, the programs are too.....too expensive to consider without exhausting other options available to us.

One way or another, this paper will be made. These tasks are the test of our resolve, it just gets harder when you get to radio and television, and more complicated. Print layout is just work; radio and television involve presentation, shmoozing and such, and it is harder and more costly to get people to come on for interviews.

But I take on this task, with the others, because you only live once and this opportunity to give our lives some extra purpose is a very worthy gamble.

[Maurice Ali]

Posted: 21 Feb 2004


More.....

You see we must learn to do everything but the printing the first time. We are currently under no responsibilities to advertisers, so we can delay the paper it we screw something up; while this may not be possible if an advertiser has a time-sensitive advertising promotion.

Also, if we have someone do the layout this time and pay for it.....we will still face the problem of layout the next time. So.....we have to do it the first time.

I just thought I would let you know what is happening in my thought processes.

[Sue]

Posted: 21 Feb 2004


It is a gamble worth taking and a learning process too for me - I'm glad that I'm having a chance to do be involved in something like this ,it's something completely different to get out of the same old same old of normal life.

[pops_fire]

Posted: 23 Feb 2004


Calling all Directors


This is for everyone involved but particularly the directors....I've contacted Sue already but I want feedback from Elizabeth. The following are things for us to hash out-- and soon if we want to make the release date---all comments are welcome:

What is our message?
I believe we should have an identifiable tone. When someone picks up the Fortress they should, in spite of the diverse views expressed, feel a common thread running throughout the paper. Leave the floodgates open but we should funnel issues of freedom (civil liberties, expression, association) through the pages. A David vs Goliath attitude should suit us quite nicely-- definitely put in a piece about the visits from our American cousins.
Because we are international, seizing the opportunity to get the goods (local news) from all corners of the globe is a no-brainer. I want news from Africa, China, anywhere that free thinkers breath.

For most of us, this is our first paper. We have to divide the duties so that Maurice can get some sleep once in a while. Check out your local indie paper for ideas. I want to stress that we get a jump on this because the time will creep up on us real quick.

We can discuss distribution as the deadline draws nearer.

[Maurice Ali]

Posted: 24 Feb 2004


With regard to the never ending problem of getting a layout platform for presenting our articles.....I may do it with Corel Word Perfect:

Note: After this file (that will only open if you have Corel wp); all other pages will be in jpg. format.
First Layout Page


It is not in it's final form (we need to work on sizing and such); I just wanted to show that it can be done with the tools at hand for no extra outlay of money. More examples as I learn how to use this program.

[Maurice Ali]

Posted: 24 Feb 2004

This is for everyone involved but particularly the directors....I've contacted Sue already but I want feedback from Elizabeth. The following are things for us to hash out-- and soon if we want to make the release date---all comments are welcome:

What is our message?
I believe we should have an identifiable tone. When someone picks up the Fortress they should, in spite of the diverse views expressed, feel a common thread running throughout the paper. Leave the floodgates open but we should funnel issues of freedom (civil liberties, expression, association) through the pages. A David vs Goliath attitude should suit us quite nicely-- definitely put in a piece about the visits from our American cousins.
Because we are international, seizing the opportunity to get the goods (local news) from all corners of the globe is a no-brainer. I want news from Africa, China, anywhere that free thinkers breath.

For most of us, this is our first paper. We have to divide the duties so that Maurice can get some sleep once in a while. Check out your local indie paper for ideas. I want to stress that we get a jump on this because the time will creep up on us real quick.

We can discuss distribution as the deadline draws nearer.

Good ideas and I support all efforts to get a more international view on things. The problem is getting the material; remember that it must be ours.....not previously published and copyrighted. We have to be careful here as a paper is easy to litigate. I have been pushing the prodding by American agencies on our site as a way of showing that we are being taken seriously by people.....so we have to start acting seriously (and I will stop the IP whining as it is getting "old" now) Check the "Staff Room" for more information on your fellow directors.

[Maurice Ali]

Posted: 26 Feb 2004


Here is our latest attempt at our front page, lets here some comments on how to improve this error prone and second attempt:


Front Page In jpg Format