Answering the question

By Tony Staley
Compass Editor

How do we get something into The Compass? Catholic Press Month is an excellent time to answer that question.

• Send us your parish bulletin. Approximately a third of the parishes do. Chris Rosera of our staff looks at each bulletin for calendar of events listings and possible stories.

• Send us news releases or information on parish events.

• Call or e-mail story ideas. Staff phone numbers run weekly in the box on page 2 [online here]. E-mails can be sent to staff members (the secret code is the initial of the person's first name and then their last name @gbdioc.org. For example, I'm [email protected].) Often it's better to e-mail [email protected] which all editors can access, just in case the person you're writing is sick or on vacation.

• Write the story and/or take a regular or digital photo, then send it to us. Our staff is small and we often can't get away, especially on short notice.

• Be understanding if it doesn't run, but don't hesitate to call or e-mail us to ask why.

• Be willing to advertise. An ad gives you control over content, size and how often it appears. Generally, if the event is a money-maker, it deserves an ad.