THE STATE ASSOCIATION'S OWN
DEPARTMENT
Conducted By Hal E. Hoss, President Oregon Editorial Association,
Oregon City.
THE recent organization of the National Association of State Press Managers is a great step forward in the standardization of newspaper practices Comprising at present only twenty-two men. field secretaries representing that many states, the organization has a wealth of development ahead of it.
The Oregon Editorial Association has often discussed the field secretary plan, and encouraged by the efforts and pioneering of the newly organized group, we may find sufficient reason for proceeding. In the meantime, Fred W. Kennedy, secretary for the state of Washington, has agreed to take us under his wing, along with Idaho and Montana, and endeavor to steer us into the fold.
In endorsement of the plan under which the association will work, there has been evolved the following general platform, adopted unanimously by the delegates at the recent convention of the association:
"An interchange of experiences developed the fact that newspaper contests are rarly profitable and it was agreed that contests shall be discouraged when ever possible.
"It was agreed that state press associations should promote the teaching of journalism and advertising in high schools and colleges, but they should insist that none but competent, experienced teachers be employed.
"The district plan of state organization received unanimous approval.
"In the matter of free publicity, it was agreed that Public Interest demands the publication of some things that may come under the head of free advertising, but editors should use great care in the selection of such matter and refuse every thing that is not clearly a matter of public interest.
"In general it was agreed that the employment of special-edition men is not desirable.
"It was agreed that state associations may greatly benefit their membership by starting intensive campaigns for better ad copy. Better copy means more business, and more business means the sale of more space.
"It was suggested that the formation of ad study clubs be encouraged.
"It was agreed that there should be fewer changes in press association officials; that the business-like plan of keeping a competent man on the job as long as possible should be followed."
For Mt. Hood Loop
AT the state convention at Hood River, the editors became properly enthusiastic over the proposed plan of the Forest Service to build a road from the Mount Hood loop, up to the snow line. They passed a resolution endorsing the project, and offered their services to the people of Hood River and the American Legion, to assist in the construction.
This road, as you will remember, will make it accessible for autos from the Homestead Inn, near which the cars were parked for the convention, to a point on a level with, or a little higher, than Legion camp, at Tilly Jane creek. The road would wind in and around through the forest, at a grade not to exceed 7 per centum, and would allow automobiles
