membermash-up Steve FORD QST Editor in Chief and Publications Manager ARRL - the National Association for Amateur Radio What's your greatest publishing-related achievement? Publishing my first fiction novel. What tops your publishing team's bucket list? Creating targeted e-publications. What trait do you value most in an editor? A healthy respect for deadlines. What trait do you value most in a writer? A restrained ego. What trait do you value most in a designer? The ability to avoid drama. What trait do you value most in a salesperson? Honesty. On what occasion would you lie to a member? Never. Seriously. What word(s) or phrase(s) do you overuse? "Going forward." What is your favorite font? Times New Roman. What is your greatest regret? Not earning my master's degree. What is an untapped talent that your association really should be taking advantage of? Youth. What is your current state of mind? Curious. What's your opinion on deadlines? Sacrosanct. Last word you misspelled? Liaison. If you could change one thing about your professional self, what would it be? Acquire a thicker skin. If you could change one thing about your personal self, what would it be? Become less worrisome. What do you like best about your co-workers? Our shared excitement. What do you like 48 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 16 signature best about your members? Their devotion to the organization. What inspires you more than anything else? A good movie. What do you regard as the lowest depth of publishing misery? A looming deadline. If your association would let you work from anywhere, where would you choose? Missoula, Montana. What is your dream occupation? Publications Manager for SpaceX. If you could work for any publication in the world, which one would it be? Reason magazine. What is your most obvious characteristic? A loud laugh. Is print dead (or dying)? I would say "transitioning." Who is your favorite writer? Stephen King. What is your favorite novel? Dark Tower: The Gunslinger. What is your favorite business book? Elements of Style. What is your favorite movie? The Magnificent Seven. What is your go-to blog? Dan Carlin. What keeps you up at night? Unresolved problems. What is the most important thing to secure the viability of association publishing? Knowing your members. What is your mantra? What will be, will be. How did this interview make you feel? Intrigued! n