One thing which makes for a good hotel, restaurant or attraction is attention to detail. With this in mind I checked out the new Science Museum exhibition for kids - "Wallace and Gromit's World of Cracking Ideas." Many people will be making a special trip to see it, so will it be worth the effort?
Hm.
It's visually imaginative, and there are some cracking set designs (including some of the appealing pair's original sets from the Aardman studios).
But what truly awful attention to practical detail. I mean really awful. Only the second day after opening, so much was wrong. The first exhibit of all - a phone box - didn't work. The second - a giant fun "smoothie mixer" - had a felt-tipped notice saying "Not Very Well" stuck on it. Only two of several music synthesisers were working, and these had tatty printed instructions which nobody could follow. A large TV-and-sofa contraption was so badly designed that only one child could use it at a time - even though it had two sets of controls. In fact, many exhibits only catered for tiny numbers of kids - there will be horrendous bottlenecks when the exhibition is full, despite the timed entry.
The organisers couldn't even provide a large enough table for the kids to play with all the cogwheels which were supplied for them to piece together.
The many red-shirted "explainers" were kept busy trying to firefight the results of all this bad design, and a great cacophany of noise bounced off all the surfaces making the animated screens nearly inaudible.
Whoever designed this looks as if they had no experience of working with large numbers of people - let alone children.
All this was interspersed with random and barely-explained exhibits of famous inventions in no kind of logical order. And, apparently you're supposed to think of your own cracking inventions, but we never found out how.
What an awful mess and you wonder how much money has been wasted.
Still, it was a large exhibition and not too crowded, so most children seemed to find something to do. It wasn't bad, overall, but the ones I took preferred looking round the Science Museum itself.
Monday, 30 March 2009
Friday, 27 March 2009
The Old Vicarage Bed and Breakfast, Vowchurch - and TripAdvisor
I like to recommend good places if I can. One such is a b&b at Vowchurch, Herefordshire. It's called The Old Vicarage. Very friendly and generous -books, toys, games, extra teas, coffees, herb teas, toiletries, and lots of choice at breakfast. They patronise local food businesses and make their own unusual jams. I bought some hedgerow jelly, made of sloes, blackberries, rose-hips, elderberries and other gleanings from the hedges.
They're popular with fans of Elinor Brent Dyer and Lewis Carroll fans. Dyer wrote the Chalet School books, and was devoted to Vowchurch, and Lewis Carroll's brother was the vicar in Vowchurch and lived in the rectory.
There's a need for a site giving honest reviews of b&bs along the lines of Tripadvisor.com Tripadvisor's a useful site but it's not much good for rural b&bs because their format is very place-specific and doesn't give a sense of what else is in the area. So, no doubt this place is rated #1 in Vowchurch - but what's in Vowchurch?
Thursday, 26 March 2009
Travel Writers Getting Paid
I haven't written for a few days because I was away. But now I'm back, I'm grappling again with the issue of payment.
Non-paying publishers are always a headache, even more so now than they used to be. Personally, I always listen sympathetically to one excuse for non payment. Oversights do happen, invoices do get mislaid or delayed. In addition, many editors have pressure put on them from above to delay payment. That's life.
But what if you get fed several excuses in succession? What if you are still waiting for payment after several months? Then, you can charge interest and what is more, the Small Claims Court has a record for concentrating minds.
Needless to say it should only be used as a last resort, and whatever you do, don't use it (or ANY legal remedy) in anger. If you do whack in a claim, you can be sure the editor will never use you again.
But then - do you want them to?
As I said, it's a headache.
Non-paying publishers are always a headache, even more so now than they used to be. Personally, I always listen sympathetically to one excuse for non payment. Oversights do happen, invoices do get mislaid or delayed. In addition, many editors have pressure put on them from above to delay payment. That's life.
But what if you get fed several excuses in succession? What if you are still waiting for payment after several months? Then, you can charge interest and what is more, the Small Claims Court has a record for concentrating minds.
Needless to say it should only be used as a last resort, and whatever you do, don't use it (or ANY legal remedy) in anger. If you do whack in a claim, you can be sure the editor will never use you again.
But then - do you want them to?
As I said, it's a headache.
Thursday, 12 March 2009
Horsies and Other Press Events
It's frustrating getting invited to fun events and not being able to go. I've just turned down the chance of a day in the Windsor Racecourse's grandstand hospitality suite. There is a complimentary bar, a three-course buffet lunch, a club enclosure badge and a racecard. And of course the chance to watch lots of horsies racing. But I won't get any of it, because I have committed to do something less interesting on that day. Grrr!
Why Press Events?
The purpose of such events is to fix a destination in the writer's mind, and hopefully give them an article idea or two.
Often, I have to say, it doesn't work - but in this case, I'm happy to mention Tourism South East, the sponsors of this event. I may be missing out on the races, but I love S.E. England and this consortium is taking a positive attitude to recession, with a very good section on their site about bargains
Despite all this, my experience has been that people are snapping up good local accomodation and attractions even without the special offers. Quality winning through, perhaps? I hope so.
Why Press Events?
The purpose of such events is to fix a destination in the writer's mind, and hopefully give them an article idea or two.
Often, I have to say, it doesn't work - but in this case, I'm happy to mention Tourism South East, the sponsors of this event. I may be missing out on the races, but I love S.E. England and this consortium is taking a positive attitude to recession, with a very good section on their site about bargains
Despite all this, my experience has been that people are snapping up good local accomodation and attractions even without the special offers. Quality winning through, perhaps? I hope so.
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
Keep Smiling, Sunshine!
Have just been chatting with a photographer friend I've worked on a couple of stories with. We have an idea we want to put to a major magazine in the US. We have found that the editor is prepared to look at the story - but he's backed up for at least 14 months! And ads are right down. So he's not going to be rushing to take our story, however wonderful it may be.
Of course I'll give it a go - and think up another one too to hit him with.
So, my advice for today is to read 10 Commandments for the Happy Writer from Nathan Bransford's blog. I've just done it myself - again.
Of course I'll give it a go - and think up another one too to hit him with.
So, my advice for today is to read 10 Commandments for the Happy Writer from Nathan Bransford's blog. I've just done it myself - again.
Saturday, 7 March 2009
Travel Writers' Personal Recommendations
All travel writers have their special places that deserve more publicity because they are fun, or beautiful, or offer 110 percent. With the best will in the world, it's not always possible to highlight these in an article, so the BGTW has decided to allocate a little spot on their front page to spotlight members' recommendations.
It's personal: just a place, attraction or building which the writer themselves has found and loved. As it is on a public page of the site, it will also offer a spot of publicity to the featured attraction. It's no good PR companies offering freebies in order to get on the site, as the section is moderated by Tim Locke who can spot bullsh*tting at a thousand paces.
My places include Altas Quintas vineyards, in Portugal. If ever I saw a place determined to do the job properly, it's here. Fascinating place to tour, but the Alentejo has not been particularly known for its fine wines in the past they're going to have a job breaking in to the fine wines market.
It's personal: just a place, attraction or building which the writer themselves has found and loved. As it is on a public page of the site, it will also offer a spot of publicity to the featured attraction. It's no good PR companies offering freebies in order to get on the site, as the section is moderated by Tim Locke who can spot bullsh*tting at a thousand paces.
My places include Altas Quintas vineyards, in Portugal. If ever I saw a place determined to do the job properly, it's here. Fascinating place to tour, but the Alentejo has not been particularly known for its fine wines in the past they're going to have a job breaking in to the fine wines market.
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
Rewriting - ugh!
Rewriting is horrible. Sometimes an editor doesn't brief the writer clearly, other times the writer doesn't read the brief properly, other times the piece just doesn't work as originally planned.
Whatever the reason, it is horrible, but sometimes rewriting has to be done. And I think there are two golden rules for the humble writer as s/he sits there gloomily contemplating a few hours of extra work.
1. Be Nice
Don't criticise the editor, even if they have made loads of mistakes. No need to be a doormat - in fact, being a doormat is a VERY bad idea. But just remember that however difficult the editor is, they're usually not being awful just for the sake of it.
Editors are trying to create a good magazine to a deadline. They often have a higher-up editor or a publisher or someone else putting pressure on them. They're human. They want to work with people that do the job without fuss. And they have the power to hire or fire you.
2. Do Check
Find out what's required now. If you're not sure what you did wrong - double check and be sure you understand this time round. Make sure your copy is in on time, and that it is as good as you can make it. If you don't have time to do all this, then make time.
Which all sounds very good and very professional, and it is. But I have to add that occasionally - just occasionally - difficult editors ARE just too awful.
Just Too Awful
Perhaps the worst I ever had was a man who was new in the job and so anxious about it that he wanted no less than six rewrites of a long, long story. I was sorry for him, but my sympathy wore ever thinner each time he changed his mind at the sight of the latest rewrite.
The story in the end was a mess, because in the end I had no idea what I was supposed to be doing, and nor did he. It was published, and I wasn't happy with it. I don't know if he was, but I didn't work for him again.
But then, I didn't need to., hehehe! That's the joy of being part time.
Whatever the reason, it is horrible, but sometimes rewriting has to be done. And I think there are two golden rules for the humble writer as s/he sits there gloomily contemplating a few hours of extra work.
1. Be Nice
Don't criticise the editor, even if they have made loads of mistakes. No need to be a doormat - in fact, being a doormat is a VERY bad idea. But just remember that however difficult the editor is, they're usually not being awful just for the sake of it.
Editors are trying to create a good magazine to a deadline. They often have a higher-up editor or a publisher or someone else putting pressure on them. They're human. They want to work with people that do the job without fuss. And they have the power to hire or fire you.
2. Do Check
Find out what's required now. If you're not sure what you did wrong - double check and be sure you understand this time round. Make sure your copy is in on time, and that it is as good as you can make it. If you don't have time to do all this, then make time.
Which all sounds very good and very professional, and it is. But I have to add that occasionally - just occasionally - difficult editors ARE just too awful.
Just Too Awful
Perhaps the worst I ever had was a man who was new in the job and so anxious about it that he wanted no less than six rewrites of a long, long story. I was sorry for him, but my sympathy wore ever thinner each time he changed his mind at the sight of the latest rewrite.
The story in the end was a mess, because in the end I had no idea what I was supposed to be doing, and nor did he. It was published, and I wasn't happy with it. I don't know if he was, but I didn't work for him again.
But then, I didn't need to., hehehe! That's the joy of being part time.
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
Pitching an Article - Is It Love?
I know it's not Valentine's Day any more, but I was thinking today that there's something about pitching an article that is rather like (serial) seduction.
First, you need to get ready. How do you prepare to catch a new editor's interest quickly, and make them want to know you?
Best way to do it is to doll yourself up with a strong and simple story idea, e.g. can you still drink absinthe in Paris - and where? http://www.seborabsinth.com/chronicles/absinth-news/archive/easy-jet-06-2006.asp
Take care with your preparation. Don't just dress this idea up in any old clothes and expect the editor to fall in love. Have some good facts ready to bring out, and maybe use some humour. Jokes can win hearts.
Then, the venue. The big question is do you court your new editor by phone or email? Here are the pros and cons:
PHONE
Pro: It's quick. You can gauge the editor's interest (or lack of it) right away.
Con: Not everyone is a good phone pitcher. If you suspect you'll sound like a geek on their first date, then email instead.
Also, many editors don't always answer their phones - or appreciate being phoned. You may end up as the Cinderella who never gets an invitation to the ball.
EMAIL
Pro: You can compose a fabulous "taster" of your writing style which lures the new editor to you and makes them want to say "yes". You are a writer, after all.
Con
Editors often don't reply quickly - or at all. So while you're waiting for Ed #1 to reply, do you try to sell to Ed #2? You may end up branded as a bigamist at heart. Watch it.
First, you need to get ready. How do you prepare to catch a new editor's interest quickly, and make them want to know you?
Best way to do it is to doll yourself up with a strong and simple story idea, e.g. can you still drink absinthe in Paris - and where? http://www.seborabsinth.com/chronicles/absinth-news/archive/easy-jet-06-2006.asp
Take care with your preparation. Don't just dress this idea up in any old clothes and expect the editor to fall in love. Have some good facts ready to bring out, and maybe use some humour. Jokes can win hearts.
Then, the venue. The big question is do you court your new editor by phone or email? Here are the pros and cons:
PHONE
Pro: It's quick. You can gauge the editor's interest (or lack of it) right away.
Con: Not everyone is a good phone pitcher. If you suspect you'll sound like a geek on their first date, then email instead.
Also, many editors don't always answer their phones - or appreciate being phoned. You may end up as the Cinderella who never gets an invitation to the ball.
Pro: You can compose a fabulous "taster" of your writing style which lures the new editor to you and makes them want to say "yes". You are a writer, after all.
Con
Editors often don't reply quickly - or at all. So while you're waiting for Ed #1 to reply, do you try to sell to Ed #2? You may end up branded as a bigamist at heart. Watch it.
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