The Editor's Desk

Reprinted from "Crown Jewels of the Wire", October 1986, page 3

It is a pleasure to present the 1986 CROWN JEWELS SUBSCRIBERS and NATIONAL INSULATOR ASSOCIATION MEMBERS combined directory issue. At the 1985 NIA Convention, it was decided by the Board of Directors of the NIA that it would be better to print the directory issue in a Fall month immediately following the annual convention. Since the convention has always been a time when there is a great influx of new NIA members and Crown Jewels subscribers, it was felt that this time of year would reflect the most current membership and subscriber rosters. The first objective of this issue is to be a PEOPLE directory of the ACTIVE collectors.

Many thanks to Rod Krupka, NIA Treasurer, and Mike Bruner, immediate NIA Past President, for their help in providing me with the names of the current NIA members as of September 1, 1986. John McDougald developed the data base and program which allowed for corrections as late as September 20th. A two month "grace period" is given to every subscriber to renew, so subscribers with 8/86 renewal dates or later is included in this printing. Every attempt has been made to have the directory "error free." We apologize for any omissions that may have occurred. Any corrections will be gratefully received.

The second objective of this directory is to provide a GEOGRAPHICAL listing which can be used to plan swap meets, shows, and provide interesting contacts when you travel. In order to keep information current throughout the year, there will be quarterly updates printed in the magazine for "CHANGE OF ADDRESS" only. It will be up to you, the readers, to make corrections in your directory copy. There will be no attempt to list new subscribers. Show hosts may request printouts of current subscriptions lists when preparing mailings for a show. HINT: I have always purchased a second copy of the directory issue which I cut apart, punch holes in and insert into a small loose-leaf binder. I can make corrections and notes and not ruin the "library" copy which I like to keep in its original form. It also stays soil-free when we travel. Single copies of the directory issue will be available on a first-come basis at $3.50 each.

OBSERVATIONS:

"Most incredible resurgence in the hobby...people are crying for insulators to buy...nothing like it since the early 1970's......" JACK RIESSELMAN 
"I was pleasantly surprised by the activity and sales in some of the smaller shows and bottle shows I have been attending......" RUSS HUGHES 
"This year's National was a great show and perhaps will be agreed upon by many that it was the best one yet......" JOE MAURATH
"Seldom Seen display was terrific. I'll take the 5th row of Case 2, please......" TIM KASHUBA

EDITORIAL NOTES: I am grateful to Dora and Don Harned, the originators of CROWN JEWELS, for giving me an opportunity to experience the many joys of watching a hobby grow and thrive. It has been a learning process with each issue in the past eighteen months. I look at the first issue I printed in June, 1985, and shudder!! I thank you for your support of the "new editor." I am pleased that so many of you appreciated the September issue of the magazine with its first color pictures. Your comments have made the immediate expenditures worthwhile...for, in coming years, I am sure the hobby will grow to include this kind of printing on a regular basis.

Dora told me eighteen months ago that "with a little work, C.J. could have a subscribership of 1500 readers." I believed her and I believe that 1500 subscribers is an attainable goal I would like to set for the magazine. There has been an increase of 25% in the readership in eighteen months, but I will need your continued assistance in getting the magazine into the hands of those who are potential subscribers. Write me if you would like complimentary copies to share with a friend.

Again, thank you for your support and encouragement.

Good collecting,