Comments from Louisville
If you missed ACES last week you missed an excellent training opportunity... I'd
really like to commend Karen Hunter and Vada Crosby, both of The Hartford
Courant, on two well-done sessions at ACES.
Jerry McCormick
San Diego Tribune

"The session on style was very rewarding. I left the conference armed with information and wisdom from the experts to fall back on when writers and editors whine at me about their style opinions. Most helpful!"
Debaney Shepard
Business 2.0 magazine

I found ACES 2002 to be wonderfully instructive, lively and -- can this be said of a conference? -- fun!
With such presenters as John McIntyre, Hank Glamann and Merrill Perlman, one can hardly go wrong. But I was impressed with their ability to take subjects that lend themselves to arid seriousness and breathe so much life, relevance and humor into them. I'm a veteran  newspaperman, and I've never attended a more inspiring and useful gathering. Keep up the great work. See you in Chicago.
John Newland
The Orange County Register

The conference recharged my copy-editing battery; I really needed that. My journalism
career has been marked by "learn as you go." ACES gave me a framework to build my skills and become a better journalist.
John Burke
Bankrate.com
 

Comments from the Long Beach conference
The Long Beach conference was the best of the lot. Great speakers, great location, great hotel. Kudos to the SoCal chapter, Lynn Louie and the rest of the ACES leadership. Once again I returned home energized. That alone is worth the price of admission. But I learned a ton and came away with a lot of stuff to share with my colleagues at The Sun. There's something comforting, too, about being around 400 people who have the same job you do and being able to compare notes about working conditions. And I met some terrific people from across the country and overseas with whom I plan to stay in touch. Those of you who are managers and handle budgets, start putting your requests in now for Louisville; you can't get a better bargain on training -- or a better reward for your staff's hard work -- than ACES. It is the gift that keeps on giving.
Liz McGehee
The Sun of Baltimore

ACES is exactly what copy desks have needed. I'm lucky to be working for an M.E. who was a copy editor but understand that most newsroom staffs don't have a wonderful perception of copy editors. Who are these guys, anyway? We're the nitpickers who save a lot of faces. The training at the conference is, for the most part, first-rate. What really sets us apart is the desire of everyone to share ideas -- what works and what doesn't. Thanks to the guys that make it look smooth on the outside. See you in Louisville.
Sara Hendricks
chief of copy desks
The Victoria Advocate
Victoria, Texas

The convention in Long Beach was my first, and I wished I'd been to all of them. It's not every day you get to be among people who care so deeply about their work, have such high standards, and want to fix what's broken in the craft. They are ACES, and also Kings, Queens, Jacks and every high card in the deck.
James M. Naughton
Poynter Institute

I had a great time at the conference !! It was so invigorating and empowering to find other copy editors who give a damn. I also like how women play key roles within ACES as officers and on the executive committee – great role models for all of us.
Kat Costigan
The Chronicle
Toowoomba, Australia

If you believe, as I do, that copy editors are crucial to excellent newspapers, you’ll come to appreciate the wonderful work ACES is doing toimprove the work and the lives of copy editors—and therefore to improve newspapers. I had a wonderful time at the latest ACES convention, and I’m looking forward to the next one.
John Carroll
editor
The Los Angeles Times

When I first heard about ACES in 1997, I was thrilled to know that an organization would exist to address the concerns of copy editors. I attended the first annual conference in Chapel Hill at my own expense and found it to be well worth the cost. Four years later, my company sponsored my trip to the Long Beach conference, and the company certainly got its money's worth. Although I regularly attend other conferences for journalists, I have found that the ACES conferences are unique in providing the specific professional vitamins I need to sustain my career.
Gwendolyn D. Coley
Editorial copy editor, designer
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

I enjoyed the well-organized Long Beach conference and informative sessions. ACES conferences are a great place to discover new solutions to issues we all deal with as copy editors.
Chris Hoelck
Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Long Beach was my second ACES conference. I also went to Dallas. I came away from both with a renewed appreciation for the work we do. I brought back information to share from workshops on editing (making sense of math and other statistical data in stories, reliable web sources and head line writing), design (bridging the gap between visual and word elements), how technology will affect my job and my future and techniques for working with reporters and line editors on deadline. But, mostly, it was just great to be around journalists who understand my job from my perspective. I have been to other professional conferences and no one does this better than ACES.
Phyllis Bailey
metro desk copy editor
St. Petersburg Times

ACES conferences are a wonderful chance to learn from the best in the business and to talk shop with more than 400 editors. I attended the Baltimore and Long Beach conferences and came away from both with renewed enthusiasm for this profession. You won't find a better training opportunity for copy editors.
Larry Sparks, News Editor
Omaha World-Herald

Comments From the Baltimore Conference
"ACES is definitely an admirable organization, especially given its relative youth. I was impressed."
Jane Harrigan
University of New Hampshire

"The convention was well organized, with interesting topics, and everybody was willing to help."
David Schifferdecker
Tulsa World
 

Comments from the Dallas conference
It was wonderful, wonderful, wonderful and a long time coming! Finally, there's something for us. It was great (but sad, too) to talk with other copy editors and slotters and to discover we're all in the same boat. I'm also happy to see that ACES has been embraced by copy editors of all ages, from grizzled veterans to wet-behind-the-ear pups. I came home a believer, and I've been talking up both ACES and the conference with fellow copy editors and designers. I thought the conference was very well organized and offered something for everybody. I had no trouble "filling my dance card" with the discussions/forums offered. In fact, there were several sessions where I wish I could have been in two spots at once.
Alison Dingeldein
Arizona Republic

Thank you for:
-- Bringing together a lot of hard-working people who still care -- a lot -- about the character and reputation of their newspaper.
-- Bringing together inspiring speakers who talked our language because they understood us, not as whining, malcontents but as passionate perfectionists struggling every night with an imperfect newspaper.
-- Bringing renewed optimism that copy editors will aggressively go after their rightful, righteous even, role in determining the direction of their newspaper -- in content, in work schedules, in pagination, in making sure the damned equipment works, and in restoring civility where it has almost disappeared.
ACES should be proud of the quality of its Dallas gathering. No professional journalism organization has done and is doing for copy editors what ACES has done, and that is provide a forum for open discussion of substantive issues and engaging committed newspeople in offering solutions.
ACES most valuable offering has been to convince copy editors that because they are indispensable, it is vital that they lead their newspapers to a higher standard of excellence. If they fail to accept that responsibility, no one else will.
Dick Thien
University of Nebraska

I have never felt as good as I do right now, two days later, thinking of all the wonderful ideas that I hope to bring to my paper, as well as to the other papers in my area. Thank you for starting this organization and thank you for
continuing to teach and enlighten.
Michael Rabkin
Bradenton Herald

The conference is invigorating. As a former copy editor, I can't imagine the twists and turns my career might have taken had this organization been available. It's support, education and booterism in a most professional form. Every copy editor needs to come to at least one... then they won't want to miss another. I'm looking forward to Baltimore and increased attendance by members and nonmembers alike.
Sheila Solomon
Daily Press

I'd never been in the same room with 500 other copy editors--how exhilarating to know there are so many other people doing the same things I do daily, facing the same challenges. Knowing that through ACES I have access to such this valuable resource is exciting. The sessions that were like mini-classes (Paula LaRoque, Hank Glamann)
were particularly useful for me, as I have had little formal education in copy editing. I look forward to more emphasis on magazines and other "non-daily-news" publications in future conferences.
Jennifer Fosmire
Nature Medicine

ACES' yearly conference is a 3-day symposium for the consummate professional copy editor. It draws the best of the best in the profession who attend to perfect their craft as wordsmiths. When you have more than 500 people attend, you know that ACES has to be providing the information, education and support that copy editors need. ACES fills the void. Copy editors participate in the finest education seminars and professional discussions. And they are free. The copy editor who attends this conference returns to his newspaper rejuvenated, renewed in performing his duties, and knowing he or she is  a part of a vast group of professionals who strive to inform their
readers with accurate and precise language of the written word.
Bill Wampler
senior copy editor
Houston Chronicle

The best yet. Every workshop I attended was interesting and educational. Thanks for all your hard work.
Sonny Rhodes
News Editor, Features
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

ACES is a great resource for all of us who work at smaller and mid-sized newspapers. It  gives copy editors and copy desk chiefs a chance to bounce ideas off their peers at other papers, and that's something copy deskers have missed out on too often through the years.
Barry Harrell
news editor
Shreveport Times

I just flew back from Dallas and I really enjoyed the conference. Bravo!
Vada Crosby
The Hartford Courant

As a journalism professor, I must say that the ACES meeting is one of the most valuable conferences I have attended since I got into teaching. It's a great way to stay up to date on the latest issues in the newsroom, and it gave my teaching energies an extra boost. Congratulations to ACES for putting together such an informative -- and fun -- program.
Andy Bechtel
Louisiana State University
 

Comments from the Portland Conference
I did not know what to expect in Portland. What I found was 400 architects of the future, the future of ACEs. These designers are deciding on the structure or framework, the floors or concepts, the windows and tone of our building. ACEs offers the opportunity to get involved and make a difference for ourselves. What an exciting prospect!!
Jeannie Jordan
copy desk chief
Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

I’ve been to a couple of other conventions, but never felt the commonality I encountered with all those other rimmers. After one day back at work, my deskmates are already starting to tire of my urging them to join. After this experience, I could easily see spending my own money to go next year, because of how valuable, and how fun, it was.
Mike Prager
copy chief
Boston Globe

In some 25 years as a journalist, I've attended a lot of conferences and invariably found that at each the relevant workshops equaled about one morning's worth of meetings. But, at Portland (as at Chapel Hill), I found myself wishing the conference would last a week so I could attend every workshop that interested me. I was also energized by informally meeting with my counterparts from around the country to discuss mutual concerns, especially how to keep copy editors enthused about their work.
Sonny Rhodes
news editor, features
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

It's hard to believe the 1998 ACES convention was only the organization's second gathering. I was impressed with how well it was organized. The seminar topics were well-chosen, and seemed to be  designed to appeal to a variety of newspaper professionals in a ''something for everyone'' sort of way. And it was great to see the large number of copy editors who made the trip.
Ingrid Middleton
copy editor
San Jose Mercury News

The conference was wonderful and fun. I learned a lot, found a lot of old and new friends and I am thankful that there is such a thing as ACES -- and that my paper paid my way to go.
Kristie Jones
The Santa Fe New Mexican

I missed out on one heck of an opportunity in Portland but I've been to the web site several times and I'm really envious. I plan to send my membership application in soon so I can keep up with
the organization as a member. I think you all are doing a bang-up job for our industry.
Frances Johnson
Baton Rouge Advocate

The entire conference was a blast. The only bad part was having to choose between the many workshops that took place at the same time. So many of them sounded good. Bring on Dallas!
Thad Ogburn
news editor
The News & Observer
Raleigh, N.C.

I've attended dozens of journalism-related conventions over the years, and I can't think of any that were more beneficial or more focused than the ACES meeting. I'm sure everyone left the convention reinvigorated and better informed.
Richard S. Holden
executive director
Dow Jones Newspaper Fund

I echo Rich Holden's sentiments. In addition to visiting a beautiful city, I found the ACES conference enriching. It was good to see old friends and meet new ones. No matter how long you have been in the business, you still can learn a great deal from attending these conferences. Good job!!!
Diane Hawkins
Chicago Sun-Times

The grouchy copy editors of the world must have stayed away from Portland. It was a fabulous conference. My thanks to the ACES organizers, the presenters and those who did the dirty work.  Everyone I met was unfailingly gracious. For those who asked Saturday night, I promise to teach the Texas two-step next year in Dallas.
Lowry Allen
Houston Chronicle

Chapel Hill Conference
Chapel Hill, my first exposure to hundreds of copy editors in one place,  was an incredibly invigorating few days for me, as well as a great learning  experience. I'll never forget the excitement that permeated the whole group.
Vince Rinehart
The Washington Post
 
 
 
 
 
 

Letter from Elaine Kramer,
editor of the Allentown (Pa.) Morning Call
Dear Colleague:
For years, journalism seminars and conferences have focused on reporting and writing. The American Copy Editors Society at its national conference is providing long-needed attention to life in the newsroom from the copy editor's perspective.
Copy editors from The Morning Call who attended the initial ACES conference were delighted with the range of topics offered by the organization. Top newsroom editors and coaches helped copy editors develop their skills in areas such as grammar, headline writing, content editing and story planning and development.
And what the editors learned at the ACES conference is paying off for The Morning Call in many ways:
Staff members who attended ACES later shared what they learned with their colleagues back in the newsroom. That has resulted in good-natured competition among copy editors to produce snappy and accurate headlines, to pay more attention to grammar, to provide stronger ideas on organizing stories, and to improve communication with reporters.
Sessions that help copy editors refine their techniques and expand their horizons also are making our staff members more qualified for promotions, heightening and broadening their interests. Many staffers now express interest in working as back-up copy chiefs and in filling in for other editors in crucial, senior desk positions.
And a bonus from sending staff members to ACES is the boost in morale the training has provided to our copy editors, who recognize we are investing in them and their abilities – as well as the newspaper's future.
We hope that copy editors from your staff will be able to join us there. It's a worthwhile investment in your staff and your newspaper.
Yours truly,
Elaine Kramer
Comments from Allentown, Pa., Morning Call staffers
''Many professional journalism conferences seem writer-oriented, but this was the first one I attended that specifically was geared to editors. Quite valuable were the sessions on story planning and development; headline writing; grammar; identifying science stories with faulty premises and conclusions; developing editor-writer protocols and refining editing techniques. Top-notch speakers were brought in for this relatively new conference, and attendees had ample opportunities to meet and talk to colleagues from other newspapers and media. I give this conference high marks all around.

--- Jane White, Features copy chief, The Morning Call
''Attending the ACES copy editors conference strengthened my headline writing, editing and language skills. The speakers were informative and entertaining. My only regret was that I couldn't attend all the sessions.
There are seminars on "loaded language," how the language is evolving, headlines and headline-story-ad juxtaposition, diversity in the newspaper, design and layout, how to better deal with reporters and much more. The tips I gleaned from John McIntyre's and Paula LaRoque's sessions I used immediately when I returned to the newsroom. I learned ways to more quickly get to the point in stories, make stories more reader-friendly and catch mistakes faster.

Additionally, the sessions were refreshers on things some of us learned in journalism school but might have forgotten, or practical information we should have been taught but might have missed. Another important element of the conference is that it gives attendees a list of resources and references to share with their home teams.
And finally, the camaraderie with other journalists is a nice reminder of how much fun this business can be.''
- Karen Yurconic, copy editor and weekend copy chief, The Morning Call