[Nordskogen] What Does It Take to Be a Chronicler?

[Crystal Quill]

Greetings! As you probably know by now, my term as Chronicler will end in August. I am actively seeking a replacement, and would love to have time to train and generally assist the new Chronicler as he or she begins the job.
   
  In an effort to foster more interest in the position, I have written down my view of the nuts and bolts of the job (as opposed to a broad overview or vision/goals), as well as the published Kingdom and Baronial requirements for the office. It may look scary to some; however, some folks out there may read this and say, "That's not so bad!"
   
  I am not going to be able to continue on in this position for very long, especially beginning in September, when my modern job will eat me alive again. You may not realize that the office of Chronicler is one of the offices required by corpora in order to retain our group status as a Barony (although if that has changed and I'm wrong, I welcome correction!). I say this not to try to guilt or shame anyone into volunteering for the office, but rather to emphasize the importance of voicing your willingness to volunteer in this role sooner rather than later.
   
  The job does require a definite time commitment and unswering dedication to publishing an issue each month but, on the whole, the job is really not all that difficult. Honest!
   
  Position Requirements:
Paid member of the SCA
Access to the Kingdom newsletter (Northwatch) and Baronial newsletter
   
  Position Recommendations:
Two-year commitment
Access to desktop publishing software, such as Microsoft Publisher
Familiarity with desktop publishing software, such as Microsoft Publisher
Access to Internet-based e-mail
Access to printer
Mailing address
Good organizational skills
Commitment to deadlines
   
  Time commitment:
8 to 15 hours per month, or approximately 11 hours average per month
   
  Project -- Frequency -- Time Involved per Month
   
  Promote newsletter to Barony (submissions and sales) -- 25-50 min
    
   Promote newsletter submissions and subscriptions at Baronial meetings and on Baronial listserv -- at least bi-weekly (26 times per year) -- 10-20 min  
   Make issues and subscriptions available for purchase at Baronial meetings -- at least bi-weekly (26 times per year) -- 10-20 min  
   Publish current and upcoming issue information on newsletter page of Baronial Web site (via Web Minister) -- monthly (12 times per year) -- 5-10 min
Gather content -- 1-2 hrs  
   Solicit content from officers and general populace at meetings and via Baronial Web site and listserv -- monthly (12 times per year) -- 5-10 min  
   Gather upcoming event information from Kingdom calendar, event Web pages, Kingdom newsletter -- monthly (12 times per year) -- 1-2 hrs
  Design and publish newsletter -- 4-8 hrs
    
   Edit content for grammar, punctuation, and spelling -- monthly (12 times per year) -- 0.5-1 hr  
   Insert content and event information into publication layout -- monthly (12 times per year) -- 3-6 hrs  
   Deliver publication files to print vendor -- monthly (12 times per year) -- 5-10 min  
   Fold, collate and staple issue pages (may be done by print vendor, if preferred) -- monthly (12 times per year) -- 0.5-1 hr
  Distribute newsletter -- 1-2 hrs
    
   **Print subscription labels and reports -- monthly (12 times per year) -- 5 min  
   Label issues for print subscribers -- monthly (12 times per year) -- 10-15 min  
   Distribute issues to print subscribers at Baronial meetings -- monthly (12 times per year); preferably each week -- 0.5-1 hr  
   Purchase postage stamps -- monthly (12 times per year) -- 10-20 min  
   Mail issues not delivered by hand to print subscribers -- monthly (12 times per year) -- 10-15 min  
   Send PDF of issue by e-mail to electronic subscribers -- monthly (12 times per year) -- 10-15 min
  Manage income and expenses -- 20-30 min
    
   Submit vendor invoices (printing) to Baronial Exchequer for payment -- monthly (12 times per year) -- 5 min  
   Submit expense receipts (postage, supplies) to Baronial Exchequer for reimbursement -- monthly (12 times per year) -- 5-10 min  
   Collect subscription and single issue purchase payments; submit to Baronial Exchequer -- at least bi-weekly (26 times per year) -- 10-20 min
  Manage subscriptions -- 35-60 min
    
   Solicit and collect subscription forms -- ongoing/as needed; at least monthly (12 times per year) -- 15-30 min  
   **Update and maintain accurate subscription database -- ongoing/as needed; at least monthly (12 times per year) -- 15-30 min  
   Send e-mail notice of subscription expiration to all lapsing subscribers -- monthly (12 times per year) -- 5 min
  Manage correspondence and archives -- 20-30 min
    
   Monitor newsletter e-mail account -- ongoing/as needed; at least monthly (12 times per year) -- 10-15 min  
   Maintain physical and electronic files (past issues, permission to publish forms, vendor invoices, subscription reports, Kingdom reports, subscription forms, etc.) -- at least monthly (12 times per year) -- 10-15 min
  Submit reports -- 10-15 minutes per quarter
    
   Complete and submit online reports to Kingdom Chronicler; forward to Baronial Seneschal and Baron/Baroness -- quarterly (four times per year) – Kingdom/Baronial requirement! -- 5-10 min  
   Procure reports from Tor Aerie and Nordleigh Chroniclers -- quarterly (four times per year) – Baronial requirement!  
   **Report subscription numbers to Baronial Exchequer -- quarterly (four times per year) – Baronial requirement! -- 5-10 min
  **Produce annual Baronial directory; manage sales -- annually; not required! -- 10-16 hrs
   
  **These are items that I am willing to continue handling after my term is up, if the new Chronicler is amenable.
   
   
  As always, if you have any questions about the office at all, please contact me.
   
  Yours in Service,
   
  - Cinniu

       
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