CA, "stolen" article   9/6/06
Bob
<Bob>
You may already be aware of this but this link as saltwaterfish.com stole an article in your new online magazine.  IMHO at least they should have given credit to your site but that is not allowed on that board.
http://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/showthread.php?t=231377&highlight=1.027
Bob Beasley
<Don't see the article Bob... but the content itself on CA belongs to the writers/photographers who produced it... And they're free to re-sell or give it away... Thank you for this notice though. Bob Fenner>

Clown loaches as brackish?   9/2/06
Hello Bob,
<Neale>
I was just reading some of your brackish water stuff, and was struck by a reference to clown loaches swimming "in and out of seawater".  
<Can, do in the wild. Tolerate some salt content in captivity>
Oddly, I have heard this somewhere else, but even so, I cannot believe it is true. Where does this come from? Is it possible some other clown xxxx fish has been mistake for the clown loach?
<Mmm, unlikely. Botia macracantha is distinctive, hails from an area where it is the only cobitid collected. Mmm, I have been to Indonesia a bunch of times, but no first-hand experience with this species there>
By the way, enjoyed reading your FAMA magazine episode. Well, maybe enjoyed isn't the word. Sympathized. Been through this myself with another publication.
<Oh, yes>
Doesn't seem that uncommon; freelancers are at the bottom of the food chain (from the publisher's perspective, anyway) and treated accordingly. We need a fish-writers union!
<Perhaps some day... or maybe we won't need one with the further development of the Net.>
Sincerely,
Neale
<Do please consider (re)issuing some of your writing to our and others on-line 'zines. We pay about the same ($200 per) as the print mag.s. Cheers, Bob Fenner>

Re: clown loaches as brackish?   9/2/06
Hello Bob,
<Neale>
Seriously? I have to read up on this. There's no evidence of this on Fishbase.
<Agreed... did take a look/see... and just two days back split up the FAQs on WWM re this species... do notice the stated range for pH (up to 8.0) and hardness...>
But then, I've been finding out that several Bagrid catfish inhabit/prefer brackish water, so there you go.
<Yes... and a few years back, when it was much more facile to do so, I added many "comments", suggested changes to fishbase (am a collaborator... pix). Realize that this database is an ongoing (super) effort>
As for releasing articles to WWM, I'm more than happy to do that.  
Please let me have some details on what you're after. I'd particularly enjoy going through the glassfish and halfbeak sections,  
<Really need this/these... and many more areas that I recall you are expert in>
which seem either brief or empty (there are lots more species of both on the market since, I suspect, you updated those pages). But perhaps  
also the brackish sections more generally, though I do know that Jeni Tyrell has been doing sterling work taking care of them.
<Yes... and your involvement would likely spur her on to even greater effort...>
Sincerely,
Neale
<Am cc'ing Adam Cesnales and Scott Fellman (our co-editors) and asking that they communicate with you. Cheers, Bob Fenner>

Re: clown loaches as brackish?, CA work   9/2/06
Cool. Will take a look at the glassies and halfbeaks and see what I can run up for you. Have a nice weekend/holiday.
Cheers,
Neale
<Thank you my friend. You as well. BobF>

Conscientious Aquarist Magazine, & Cichlid input   8/21/06
Hi Mr. Fenner,
<Denise>
I  am a member of SWAM, Salt Water Addicts of Maine.  I have  a member asking if this magazine is available in print.
<Mmm, nope>
If so, how can our club apply for a subscription?
<Just link to us/it>
Also is there  a program where our club will receive a portion of the subscription funds?
<Heeee! Not as yet>
I have another question you may be able to help me with, or if not perhaps direct me to someone else.... I am hoping to get the Asian Parrot Cichlid,
aka the Jelly Bean Cichlid added to the list of legal fish to import into our state.....
<Didn't realize parts of the country had fallen to this depth... there are still only "dirty lists" excluding aquatic species in most of the U.S.>
unfortunately it does not have a scientific name so the state will not consider it.... How does a Latin or scientific name get  labeled to a fish?
<Mmm, please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/taxlfecma.htm>
  I never really thought about it, just thought someone discovered a SPS and then created a name...I am thinking there may be more to it than
that...Can you make some suggestions?
<Yes... please write the American Cichlid Association re...>
Also would you know of anyone who has completed any type of research on this fish?  Habitat, diseases, breeding or any other factors that may be pertinent for the states review process?
<Time to go/see at the library: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/litsrchart.htm>
Regards and Thanks!
Denise
<Bob Fenner>

Conscientious Aquarist Magazine   8/21/06
HI Mr. Fenner,
<Scott F. here today!>
I  am a member of SWAM, Salt Water Addicts of Maine.  I have  a member asking if this magazine is available in print. If so, how can our club apply for a subscription?  Also is there  a program where our club will receive a portion of the subscription funds?
<Good question, and thanks for the interest. Actually, being an on-line publication, we currently don't have a printed version available. Perhaps we can create some sort of "subscription list" where we can send an email notification to people on the list when the newest issue comes out...Not sure if this is technically feasible, but we can look into it!>
I have another question you may be able to help me with, or if not perhaps direct me to someone else.... I am hoping to get the Asian Parrot Cichlid, aka the Jelly Bean Cichlid added to the list of legal fish to import into our state..... unfortunately it does not have a scientific name so the state will not consider it.... How does a Latin or scientific name get  labeled to a fish?  I never really thought about it, just thought someone discovered a SPS and then created a name...I am thinking there may be more to it than that...Can you make some suggestions?
Also would you know of anyone who has completed any type of research on this fish?  Habitat, diseases, breeding or any other factors that may be pertinent for the states review process?
Regards and Thanks!
Denise
<Denise- I'm going to place this in Bob's inbox; unfortunately, my freshwater knowledge is embarrassingly limited! Best regards, Scott F.>

Conscientious Aquarist Magazine, & Cichlid input   8/21/06
Hi Mr. Fenner,
<Denise>
I  am a member of SWAM, Salt Water Addicts of Maine.  I have  a member asking if this magazine is available in print.
<Mmm, nope>
If so, how can our club apply for a subscription?
<Just link to us/it>
Also is there  a program where our club will receive a portion of the subscription funds?
<Heeee! Not as yet>
I have another question you may be able to help me with, or if not perhaps direct me to someone else.... I am hoping to get the Asian Parrot Cichlid,
aka the Jelly Bean Cichlid added to the list of legal fish to import into our state.....
<Didn't realize parts of the country had fallen to this depth... there are still only "dirty lists" excluding aquatic species in most of the U.S.>
unfortunately it does not have a scientific name so the state will not consider it.... How does a Latin or scientific name get  labeled to a fish?
<Mmm, please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/taxlfecma.htm>
  I never really thought about it, just thought someone discovered a SPS and then created a name...I am thinking there may be more to it than
that...Can you make some suggestions?
<Yes... please write the American Cichlid Association re...>
Also would you know of anyone who has completed any type of research on this fish?  Habitat, diseases, breeding or any other factors that may be pertinent for the states review process?
<Time to go/see at the library: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/litsrchart.htm>
Regards and Thanks!
Denise
<Bob Fenner>

Re: Mmm, an FYI pursuant to ChuckR's phone call  - 04/25/06
Hi all,
Thanks to all of you who have and are sending submissions to Scott and I for CA.  All of these end up being placed/linked in the relevant WWM topic
areas, so they serve to benefit all who come to WWM seeking info.
For those asking about length and subject matter.... please do follow the advice given and take a look at the magazine for some guidance, but don't be
limited by what you see!  If it is too short (unlikely), we will help you develop it.  If it is too long, we will split it into more than one part.  
As Bob stated, the subject matter can range to the very margins of the aquatic hobby.
There is lots of inspiration to be found in the patterns of queries that we receive every day to the crew.  I wrote a marine filtration piece to address
the constant stream of "I have a 65 gallon tank with a penguin filter and a Fluval canister and I can't seem to control my nitrates or algae".  If you
find yourself addressing the same problems over and over, write an article about it and you will forever have a prefabricated answer!
Thanks!
Adam
<Thanks Adam... am accumulating, posting. BobF>

Conscientious Aquarist Articles  4/09/06
>Hi Adam/Bob
>Can you tell me a little more about Conscientious Aquarist.
>Thanks
>Jim Forshey
>The Aquatic Book Shop
>P.O. Box 2150
>Shingle Springs, CA 95682-2150
>www.seahorses.com
Jim,
You can see the current issue of the magazine here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/CAHomepage.htm
There is also an archive available by clicking the link on the left hand menu.
Articles with images pay $200, less with no images.  The audience of WWM at large as well as CA is largely beginner to intermediate, so content should
appeal to that group.
Thanks for your interest, we will look forward to seeing any articles you would like to submit.
Adam

Re: CA Articles ... you too could be a pet-fish writer... for pay! 3/23/06
>Bob,
>   I'd be more than happy to write something for CA but I have no idea hat
>you are looking for.  Any ideas on subject matter?  Anything specific needed?
>   Thanks,
>   Jen
><Ahh! Will put you in contact with AdamC and ScottF here... the Editors.
>BobF>
Jen,
We would much rather ask you to write about a topic that moves you, inspires
you, interests you than to suggest specific topics.  I am sure you are
familiar with the WWM vibe/ethic and the nature of our audience (mostly beginner/intermediate).
We have an will enjoy reading and publishing anything related to any aspect
of the hobby, all the way from profiles of specific species to general
husbandry to hardware to dive, public aquarium or otherwise hobby related travel.
If you have ideas that you are unsure of, please run them by us, but
otherwise go with something that appeals to you.
Send ideas/articles to camag@wetwebmedia.com
Thanks!
Adam and Scott
<Well done... am posting. B>

New issue of CA   3/23/06
Bob,
I just changed the links making the new issue of CA live.  Scott and I know that you have expressed a wish to grow the magazine, but the fact that this issue is so late and so "thin" is symptomatic of an ongoing problem... despite significant solicitation on our part, we continue to find ourselves without much of anything, let alone of quality to publish.
Best Regards,
Adam (hoping for more and better content in the near future!)
<... seems very strange that we should have to literally go begging for material. Am asking the Crew et al. itself to pitch in (for pay, two hundred U.S. per) and generate the many pieces I know they're capable of. As usual, I vow to help sell articles in the print markets as well. BobF>

Conscientious Aquarist...To Go?   2/2/06
Would it be possible for WetWebMedia to include a .pdf format of the entire issue of Conscientious Aquarist online mag on your website?   
<A great question. To be honest, I'm not sure what type of technical challenge this may present...I'll definitely run this by my co-editor, Adam, who is much better versed at the mechanics of this whole thing!>
This would allow regular readers to download and print a copy of the mag and read it cover to cover offline, if needed.  
<Imagine- you could then read your favorite issue of CA at the airport, at lunch, on the toilet...well- you get the idea. Interesting.>
Just a suggestion - your site is the best aquarist site out there -bar none!
Thanks!
<We're thrilled to bring it to you every day! Thanks for the support! Regards, Scott F.>

CA Magazine Announcement 7/5/05
Hi,
Is there any chance i could be added to the mailing list, announcing when
the Conscientious Aquarist Magazine is released.
Kind Regards
Angus Sharman
<We don't have such a service (as yet), though have seen such from other e-zines. Thank you for your note. Will share with the co-editors. Bob Fenner>

New Issue of Conscientious Aquarist Is LIVE!!!
Hi Everyone!
Adam and I are pleased to announce that the latest issue of Conscientious Aquarist Online Magazine is now live! Enjoy!
Scott F.
<Congrats! BobF>

CA translated in Italiano? Anthony.... NO!
Hey, fellas
My Italian friends asked if they could translate CA for their website and what if any fee y'all would want for it?
<They are welcome to use my (RMF), CA and WWM's content w/o charge.>
I wonder if you may want to simply ask them for their articles in return? Very fine mag they produce too... ReefArt/Aquaplanta. Getting better with every issue.  What say ye, fellas?
<The stock answer to what exists on the Net that is NOT specifically identified... that is, articles and images by others that have NOT been purchased for our use... is that they are free to use for non-commercial purposes. The writing, graphics by others will (obviously) have to be discussed with their originators... We do NOT have universal rights to others work.... cannot grant permission for their use. They will have to negotiate for content use with the producers of such. Bob Fenner>

Re: CA translated in Italiano?
Hi all,
<<I was quite impressed with ReefArt/Aquaplanta and I am sure that Scott and I would be thrilled to use some of their articles, however I had the same thoughts that Bob did..... how to obtain permission from and compensate authors?
<<<The material/content BELONGS to them... NOT US... I hope I am being clear here... this is not some pet-fish opinion, but my understanding of the LAW>>>
With the availability of fairly good on-line translators, I suspect that any Italian who is interested and aware can translate CA (and WWM at large) at will already.  Since RA/AP is print, we don't have the same access.
We could chat with them about a one-for-one exchange arrangement.  For example, we would pay James Fatherree a certain amount for ReefArt to use his Echinoderms piece, and ReefArt would pay Giuseppi Linguini some comparable amount for us to reprint his How to raise your own squid for Squid Ink Pasta (with recipe!) piece. (Was that nearly offensive enough?<g>)
This arrangement would allow authors to be compensated without any concern for exchange rates, wire transfer fees, etc.
<<<A good idea... once again... up to you, the editors... to decide if you want to do>>>
We would have to decide what is fair compensation to authors for such an arrangement.  I would think that it should be somewhat less than the standard rate, considering that we are acting as an agent on their behalf, as well as the fact that they have already been paid once for the work.  Anthony and Bob.... we will certainly defer to your sensibilities on this issue since you both are much more familiar with what is fair and standard.
Adam>>
<<<Is actually... up to the Authors, Photographers... Content Providers... on a one to one basis... UNLESS (and I do NOT encourage this) you want to pursue some sort of contract that extends our (CA, WWM) rights outside our use>>>
my Italian friends asked if they could translate CA
for their website and what if any fee y'all would want
for it?
<They are welcome to use my (RMF), CA and WWM's content w/o charge.>
I wonder if you may want to simply ask them for their
articles in return? Very fine mag they produce too...
ReefArt/Aquaplanta. Getting better with every issue :)
what say ye, fellas?
<The stock answer to what exists on the Net that is NOT specifically
identified... that is, articles and images by others that have NOT been
purchased for our use... is that they are free to use for non-commercial
purposes. The writing, graphics by others will (obviously) have to be
discussed with their originators... We do NOT have universal rights to
others work.... cannot grant permission for their use. They will have to
negotiate for content use with the producers of such. Bob Fenner>
<<<Again, I hope all understand I am not trying to make a mountain out of a proverbial molehill... BUT many people DO make a living of sorts from selling their content... and the NET is forever... ONCE the content is off our site, we cannot, will not be able to control its distribution... and hopefully the onus will not be put on us as having granted other peoples' property use elsewhere. Bob Fenner>>>

Subject: Re: CA Payment
<Dana! Please send along a good mail address and I'll send out your check taksan hyaku! Hope to see you (in HI) soon. BobF> 
>I hope the new year finds you well, and the weather is reasonably warm on the mainland (I won't tell you what it's like here)...
<Dana, 
All is good, I hope it is with you as well. Actually, it has been ridiculously cold here in the northeast!>
>Congrats on the new CA edition. Graphics look good, and I liked the articles (especially the puffer dentistry).
<Thanks for looking and for the kind words!>
>A quick update: NASA has licensed patented technology, and a 'chlorophyll meter' is available. After several phone calls to the manufacturer and inventor, no one was able to tell me if this meter would work on corals. Imagine, an early warning system for bleaching (this meter can detect problems in terrestrial plants up to 16 days before the signs of chlorosis are visible to the human eye). Will the same work for corals? No one knows, but I'm working on it.
<Wowza! What potential! I will be very excited to hear about it!>
>There are only a thousand or so of these meters in the world - most are used for food crop management, with a few employed for monitoring of golf course sod.
<It is always funny to me to see examples like this... "food crop management" has such profound social implications, and then you have golf courses... goes to show where the money is!<g>>
It should go without saying that this meter was extremely expensive (it was either the chlorophyll meter or a 60" plasma TV...). Which leads me to a question - when could I expect payment for the Nov/Dec article. Every little bit helps.
<Bob sends the checks, and he told me several weeks ago that he had tried to contact you when he was in HI. I am cc'ing him here so that the two of you can communicate on the best way to get the check to you.>
>I'm excited about the possibilities of this meter, and furthering our understanding of the dynamics of coral/zooxanthellae under stress. Perhaps CA would be interested in a general article about this?
<As much an I am personally looking forward to seeing/hearing/reading all about this, I suspect that it will probably be way beyond most of our readers, and that you will reach a more appropriate audience through AA or RK. Our readers are really on the level of "what is bleaching?" and how to recognize, prevent and deal with it in their tanks. Will be chatting..  Adam>

CA banner/ WWM advertising
Date: Wed, 19 Jan 2005 21:06:05 -0500 (GMT-05:00)
Anthony,
Adam... I sold a small ($100) banner for us at WWM/CA to friends at Reef Frontiers.
<Woo Hoo!>
They want/need to know specs on banner size to make/give ya.
<100 pixels wide, up to 100 pixels high.>
Please do cc me this info so if/when another advertiser comes up I can offer it.
<The $100 side bar ads are 100 pixels wide, and up to 100 high.  The $250 top banners are currently 468x60.  I don't know why these odd numbers were chosen, but we have two that are this size so it must be some kind of standard.>
Also... RF has graciously offered to make CA mag a free sponsor and will post our CA banner on their site
too. Can you make/give up a banner to do so? 
<See the attached.>
Bobster... I will give them your addy for checks payable to WWM.
<You can also direct them here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/cav1i2/ca_adminpages/information_for_advertisers.htm
For more info and an order form.>
One down... 20 more to find :D
<Indeed!  Thanks for the bird dogging!>

Aquatic Feature article for Conscientious Aquarist
Hi all,
Scott and I have contemplated putting an "Aquatic Feature" feature in each
issue of Conscientious Aquarist.  It would be a "Tank of the Month" kind of
thing, but it could be any kind of display or system dedicated to any of the
animals we cover.  It could be a reef tank, a pond, a terrarium, breeding
system, whatever.
If anyone has a system that they would like to show off or knows someone who
has an interesting (A lot of things could make it interesting, it doesn't
have to be beautiful!) system, please let us know.
Anyone who's system is chosen will be asked to provide pictures as well as
describe the system, it's function and philosophy, inhabitants, husbandry,
etc.  This will NOT be a paid submission, but at the end of the year we will
have a "Reader's Poll" to vote on the favorite, and there will be a prize.
We really need the Jan/Feb submission as soon as possible, so e-mail Scott
or I or both of us at camag@wetwebmedia.com if you are interested.
Thanks!
Adam

Spencer Glass addy
Bob,
Please send my check to:
Spencer Glass
311 Parkview Way
Newtown, PA  18940
Thank you!  ( a check, wow!)
Spencer Glass
<Got it! Thank you Spencer, BobF>

Sharing Hobby Experience!
Dear WWM Crew,
<Hi there! Scott F. here tonight!>
I frequently visit your site in search of info and have expanded my
knowledge in aquatic husbandry as a result.
<Thank you for the kind words. Glad to hear that you find it helpful! We are thrilled to bring it to you!>
The shared experiences of other aquarists can give one many practical tips in problem solving however I have noticed that most individuals write to you only when they have a problem/question and do not offer info about their successes (or if the info
is there it is not easy to find).  May I suggest that you add FAQ categories that include success topics such as; success in keeping SPS's, success with treating a reef system infested with ick, success with lowering hair algae growth in a reef system, success with removing flatworms... etc.  I would be
the first to contribute my observations if such a system was set up.  
<A great idea. we do love to hear success stories! As co-editor of WWM's Conscientious Aquarist Online Magazine with Adam Cesnales, I speak for both of us when I encourage you to write of your success, and share it with your fellow hobbyists. The magazine is an excellent vehicle to share experiences!>
These categories might be more helpful to those using the google search as well. When one is doing a search it is most likely to find answers to their question/problem. Instead of having to read through a million e-mails which detail other aquarists' problems the searcher can locate possible solutions and share their outcome.
<Agreed, but there is an enormous amount of good information in the FAQs. Our library of articles is outstanding in its breadth, too.>
I believe that each individual whom keeps fish/invertebrates is essentially conducting his/her own unique on-going experiment whether they set out to do it or not. Wouldn't it be more helpful
to compare results/observations as well rather than just compare setups and problems?
<Cannot argue with that! Sounds like you're a burgeoning author! Do submit some material for us to consider for publication in Conscientious Aquarist!>
I am familiar with your book and appreciate all the knowledge
that Bob Fenner etc. has introduced but I also think that there is a wealth of untapped info among your readers of this site.
Laurie
<Absolutely correct, Laurie! We strongly encourage you to share with fellow hobbyists, whether it's here in the Daily FAQs, in articles in Conscientious Aquarist, or on the WWM Chat Forum! Hope to hear from you soon! Regards, Scott F>

WWM/CA advertising
Hi all,
As a follow up to the discussion about changing the way that advertising is pitched and sold for WWM and CA, I am seeking some guidance for materials to be handed out at MACNA.
I have glossy paper and report covers to use to put together a slick looking package including some screen shots from WWM and the magazine.
<Sounds good>
What I need to know is what kind of rates we can offer and how far I can go with the types of packages we can offer. My suggestion is that rates are cut a bit from what they are now (perhaps 25% or so?) and we offer bigger banners as well as other placements, all included in the base rate. The tiny ads in the left sidebar just aren't going to sell. They don't get much attention and don't have any room for anything more than a logo. Even the top banners are a minimum. Ads in the range of 150x300 pixels are being offered at RC for similar prices.
<Sounds fine, easily do-able>
I was chatting with Steve Pro about our strategy for "seeing it all" at MACNA, and mentioned that I would be pitching ad space to vendors. He had the outstanding suggestion that we put an ad in each reply to the daily Q&A's. Telling an advertiser that their ad will be contained in an e-mail along with a question about a topic that is related to the product is pretty powerful. Zo... you are the guru here. Is this technically possible? Is it practical? Could we supply each crew member with a library of ad images to paste into replies? Does the Webmail program we use allow for any image (particularly an animated gif with a hyperlink) to be inserted in a reply?
I know this is last minute, but Scott and I have been hard at work on issue 3 (should be up in the next day or so). Please let the timing of this request underscore the fact that Scott and I CANNOT properly continue to produce the magazine AND do all of the advertising solicitation. Please also remember that Skipper over at Reefkeeping has a staff of several people to contribute to do what Scott and I are doing ourselves. We are glad to do it, but in order for the necessary time to be dedicated to getting and retaining advertisers, we need help.
Bob.... In the short term, can we please have some guidelines on what "rock-bottom" pricing for advertising might be, limits on where ads may be placed and how much "ad density" we will tolerate. Do you have any objection to ads in the replies to the dailies?
<The ad rate for CA can be whatever you two want to try... I am not a fan of placing any ads in the body of responses to queries. The shared-border ad space for the root and subwebs of WWM can be modified, universally, with the same offers made to all>>
Zo.... Can you please address the issue of ads in replies from a technical/logistical standpoint.
Thanks all! Please get back to me ASAP. I will be working on the solicitation packet and will hold off on details as long as possible.
Adam
<Thank you. Bob F>

Promoting CA
I know I have talked about this before with someone, but I can't
remember whom and to what extent, so here goes.  I think a great way to
get Conscientious Aquarist a lot of exposure is to offer the articles to
be reprinted free of charge to any and all aquarium societies.  The only
caveat being that they must reference both the offer and CA.  I believe
this could lead to a great increase in traffic and visibility to CA.  I
am envisioning a letter such as this,
Dear Newsletter Editor,
            As fellow members of various aquarium societies, we
understand that the newsletter editor is one of the most important jobs
that the club has.  We also know that it is one of the most difficult
and thankless.  We would like to proffer you an offer that we hope will
make your work easier and also be of great benefit to your membership.
If you are not aware, www.WetWebMedia.com <http://www.wetwebmedia.com/>
in its ongoing efforts to educate the public for free about the joys of
aquarium keeping has launched a new free, online magazine, Conscientious
Aquarist which can be found here
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/CAHomepage.htm  In comparison to the other
online magazines, this one covers a diverse range of topics from
freshwater to saltwater, plants to reef, ponds, and brackish aquaria.
As a part of our mission to freely educate the public, we are offering
you free reprints of any of our articles in Conscientious Aquarist.  We
are proud of the individuals working on this project.  You will notice
such renowned names as Robert Fenner, Anthony Calfo, Dr. Robert
Goldstein, James Fatherree and many others.  All we ask is that if you
choose to use our pieces, please reference the author and Conscientious
Aquarist magazine.
Sincerely,
The Folks at WetWebMedia
Feel free to add to, change, modify, or wholly rewrite what I have
started.  And so you don't think I am just dropping a bunch of work in
your laps, once the letter above is complete, feel free to send it to me
and I will forward it along to every club I can track down.  I will also
keep a record of everyone I contact, so later we can check for missed
societies.  -Steven Pro
<Thank you for this Steven. A very good idea, well-presented. Adam? Scott? Bob F>

RE: Promoting CA
Scott,
I think you hit Reply vs. Reply To All, so I forwarded your
comments around to the group.
By the way, it was nice to finally meet you as well, to put a
face to a name.  You and Adam have done a great job and I thoroughly
enjoy writing for CA.  -Steven
Steve-
It was great to see you this weekend at MACNA! I was very excited to see
your lineup of potential articles. We're thrilled to have your support!
Thanks again!
I LOVE the idea of letting Aquarium Clubs use the CA material...We
really
need the exposure! It's really starting to gain momentum (CA, that is),
and
I think this is an excellent way to get the CA/WWM name out there more!
Whatcha think, Adam?
Scott F.

Re: Promoting CA
Hi all,
<Adam>
Thanks for the kind words Steve.  Thanks also for the outstanding suggestion.  If no one has any objections, we will start offering material right away.  Do you have any objection to us using your letter or a form of it?
Also, BTW, Scott and Bob....  Sorry not to have said a proper good-bye at MACNA, but we had a chance to catch an early flight and had to dash out right after the last talk.  It was nice to get home at 7:00pm rather than 1:00am!
<No worries. Next time I may well try to stay for more than, actually less than a day... as the Zep sang, "Oooh oooh my head, rock on!">
Thanks again!
Adam

Re: Promoting CA
If seems like everyone is in agreement.  Go ahead and use my sample
letter as a start and when you have a draft you are comfortable with,
pass it along to me and I will send it to every newsletter editor I can
find.  -Steven Pro

Getting more attention for CA
Scott and Bob,
The good news....
I finally figured out how to glean out the stats I want to include in the
"new and improved" pitch for advertising.
<Good to hear/realize>
The bad news.....
The stats aren't as impressive as I had hoped they would be.  The ca home
page is averaging less than 100 hits per day.  I hoped/thought we would be
at least in the few hundreds.
<This all takes time... I am not discouraged in the least>
I suspect that most users come to WWM for specific info and depending how
they enter, navigate directly to it.  What say ye about making the link on
the WWM index page a bit more conspicuous?  I am not sure what the best
option is (page is pretty busy as is), but it would be nice if it could
include a thumbnail of the cover image.
Adam
<Good idea... do you want to give this a go? Bob F>

RE: Getting more attention for CA
Scott and Bob,
The stats aren't as impressive as I had hoped they would be.  The ca home
page is averaging less than 100 hits per day.  I hoped/thought we would be
at least in the few hundreds.
<This all takes time... I am not discouraged in the least>
<<Scott made the same comment, and I agree and understand.  I just had hoped
to have more eye-popping numbers to pitch to advertisers!>
<<Understood, and agreed... the numbers will definitely come... this is our
very slowest "season"... and we (WWM period) will soon be crushed...
September or so on>>
I suspect that most users come to WWM for specific info and depending how
they enter, navigate directly to it.  What say ye about making the link on
the WWM index page a bit more conspicuous?  I am not sure what the best
option is (page is pretty busy as is), but it would be nice if it could
include a thumbnail of the cover image.
Adam
<Good idea... do you want to give this a go? Bob F>
<<Yeah, definitely.  I will try to figure out how to create a thumbnail
image of the whole cover tonight.  I will probably go ahead and insert it on
the index page, but I may also send you the image and let you do it.>>
Thanks!
Adam
<Okay... you can left click on the image/icon on WWM and either "push" a
corner to the desired size OR right click and change the apparent size in
dpi... just re-size in either operation before saving/exiting. Bob F>

Article Submissions to WWM 7/23/04
Hey Bob,
<Adam here today.  Along with Scott Fellman, I am the editor of WWM's new online magazine "Conscientious Aquarist".  Scott and I will be very happy to look at your article.  If it gets published in CA, it will later be added to the WWM archive.>
I'm looking to write and submit another article for WWM and I want to make sure all the rules are the same, can ya give 'em to me again!?
<See here to check out the current issue: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/CAHomepage.htm
Once inside, you will there will be a link on the right hand navigation menu for information for authors.>
Thanks!  Heather
<Thank you!  Adam>

RE: dead WWM link mangroves, and CA AND REAL worries re
<Adam, Scott... the v.1 CA links have all gone dead... someone "moved" the articles... changed the "path" that was the link to where they were... and now... TROUBLE. Please take the time to learn (the hard way) and run the "Reports View" on FP or if you have it, the "fix hyperlinks" tool... but FIRST, establish a permanent (okay semi-permanent) plan for how you will archive ALL future work... there are tens of thousands of links that make up the sites... and it is a real BUMMER to have dead ones... and a maintenance headache to fix (more often than less often)... DO THIS NOW! Bob F>

RE: dead WWM link mangroves, and CA AND REAL worries re
Bob,
I moved them. I didn't realize there were any external links to issue one.
<Yep... recall, I made these in the WWM indices and the related WWM articles and FAQs files...>
All of the files for volume one are in a folder named cav1i1 in the ca subweb.
<Ahh, good, logical move>
Simply copying all of the files back out into the main ca subweb should fix the links. I will move them back ASAP as a short term fix.
<Mmm, not likely to fix... you've "cut the head off the octopus"... not able to put back on... unless the code/paths are identical>
I think Scott and I have come light years in our understanding of how the organization of the webs/subwebs works, but still obviously have a long way to go. Moving those files was a first step on my part toward an organizational structure that would lend itself better to archiving.
<This "movement" question/lesson is a VERY common one... Mike.K and I learned it TWICE! in moving/losing the original homepage... and the entire Nav. View!!!!!! No big problem, really... and something I had anticipated when we first saw V1 #1 with the opening page of CA being the Index... notice that other online zines have a separate opening page...>
In hind sight, it was a bad idea to leave those files in the main CA subweb to begin with. We should have built a system of folders (Which we have started to do with Issue 2) so that each issue would ultimately stay in one place.
<Yes!>
The way that we originally envisioned this working was that each issue would be moved from a "main stage" to an archive (knowing what we know now, this obviously makes no sense at all, but we had no idea how all of this stuff works). The way we now envision it is a system of folders where only the link to the cover changes and all of the contents never move (We're learning!).
<Again, no big deal... you're learning MUCH faster than I did>
I will set to work ASAP to set up a filing system in the CA subweb. Both issues will probably have to be moved, but once they are and the links are fixed, this problem will be eliminated.
<I will wait on links... and the links file system (tables at the end of the articles) on your word>
I will implement the temporary fix in the next couple of hours. The new filing system will be ready in the next couple of days. At that time, the issues can be properly filed and the links chased down and fixed.
Sorry for inciting chaos!
Adam
<No worries... but you and I know how the public reacts to dead links... Yikes. Bob F>

Subject: dead WWM link mangroves
hey, Bob
I noticed a reply on the dailies page from Ryan
referring to a link
(http://www.wetwebmedia.com/mangrovetrees.htm) that is
dead... not sure where Ryan grabbed it from but could
you check it out?
Ant-

CA Magazine
Not really a Question. It is a big thanks for the new online Magazine. I loved the article on Wormfishes. Keep up the good work.
Ray
<Thanks, Ray! On behalf of co-editor, Adam Cesnales, and myself (as well as Anthony & Bob for a great Firefish piece!), I thank you for the kind words! We're thrilled that we got the mag off to a good start, and will continue to refine this magazine as we publish our next issues! We have some terrific articles by great authors coming up, so stay tuned! Regards, Scott F>

"Aquatic Feature of The Month" for CA Mag
>> Due to popular demand, Adam and I are going to move
> forward with an "Aquatic Feature of The Month" piece
in CA Mag.
I think this is a good idea. Really quite popular with
readers. It was a staple in the old Marine Fish
Monthly whose content was...er, variable in quality.
<<THE most popular section of Aq. Frontiers...>>
> Since we encompass all sorts of aquatic systems,
> we'd look at FW, Marine, > Brackish, Ponds, Vivaria,
Planted Systems, Fish
> Rooms, Breeding Setups, and
> Propagation Systems...Does that sound appealing?
yes... very much so. Aquarists of all sorts will enjoy
seeing nice ponds, interesting public aquaria, coral
farms, freshwater breeder set ups, planted tanks, etc.
I have a good friend locally (Don Tuttle) that Bob
knows/remembers who would make a fine candidate IMO
for an upcoming slot. MOstly FW keeping, but pond and
some salt too. He's an old timer with a great fish room
of over 50 tanks.
<<A very nice gentleman and real aquarist for sure>>
> I want to develop a sort of "form" or at least a
> format, for prospective
> entrants to use to describe their systems in a
> manner that will be
> consistent and easy to place into a standardized
> format. I was thinking of
> broad headings like :
> System Overview
> Philosophy
> Inhabitants
> Husbandry Techniques
> Lessons Learned
> References Used
<<I would add, "What would you do now to have made this system better" to the above>>
> Is this too "off-putting" for prospective entrants,
> or should we simply ask
> people to describe their system, provide photos, and
> contact them as needed
> to write the thing up?
Not at all... most folks will be accommodating and
delighted to share I suspect.
<<Most folks really enjoy this sort of sharing>>
> I was considering a posting on the WWM Dailies to
> solicit entries. Do you think that this is too
cheesy, or would it be better to post in other areas
> instead (such as the Mag itself?). Perhaps on the
> WWM Forums, RC, Aquatic Gardeners Assoc., AKA, AGA,
ACA, etc.?
Hmmm... begging for entries does not appeal to me. Not
at first at least. Among our friends and extended
fishy families, I know that we can come up with quite
a few fine systems/folks to approach.
<<Agreed>>
> I suppose that ultimately, we could even post a link
> to the winning AFOTM on
> the WWM home page, so that the "eye candy" is just a
> click away...
spread the love :)
> Anyways- any thoughts that you have on this topic
> would be appreciated.
One thought: get Sam Adams Brewery as a sponsor.
Ciao, bub :)
Anthony
<<Or Anchor Steam... or Stella Artois if we're in Egypt... Bob F>>

Image work volunteered for CA 5/7/04
How's it going?  
<cheers>
I was talking to Amy Larsan, and she recommended I
volunteer some of my photos for your mag.  
<a dear/sweet friend and person on this planet>
You are welcome to use any of them you wish if you so please.  The link to my gallery is:
http://www.cvreefers.org/modules/gallery/Mane3215
<very nice! Thanks kindly... I'll cc this to the editors at mailto:camag@wetwebmedia.com >
Almost all of the photos are mine, with the exception of most in the Misc tanks and corals folder, and Acanthastrea folder.  All others are game. When you click a photo is brings up a small photo, if you click it again it gets a pretty high res shot of the same photo like this:
http://www.cvreefers.org/modules/gallery/album12/newfaviamouth?full=1
I hope this helps. -Chris Pasko
<your generosity to help us illustrate content will be helpful to others to be sure. Kudos. Anthony>

WWM and CA reader from Macedonia 5/7/04
Dear friend (who ever is on other side),
<Cheers, Boris :) >
Just want to say how happy I am for new first volume of CA online
magazine. Wish you all the best in your generous work. Boris - Macedonia
<thanks kindly my friend... it is all truly a labor of love. Anthony>

Re: Conscientious Aquarist now online!
Bob Fenner. Thank you for sending the first issue of the Conscientious Aquarist. It is a worthwhile undertaking and I wish you and all involved happiness and success with the venture.
Will this be distributed by e-mail? If so, please include my regular address Rofen@novalek.com. If not, your e-mailing list recipients need to know how to get future issues. Best regards. /.R3
<Good idea Dr. Bob... will send on to our twin editors and friends helping build the site. Otherwise, will be simply posted to the URL, bimonthly for now. Hope to see you at Interzoo. Bob Fenner>
Robert Rofen, PhD, Novalek, Inc.,
Kordon, AquaVet, Oasis, and TeraRep divisions

Re: Conscientious Aquarist now online!
Dear Bob:
Congratulations....not only on your excellent website and your dedication to the hobbyist, but WOW, the new magazine is great!
I guess the on-line mag is Scott and Adam's baby, but I know you're probably helping them all you can.
Anyway----you've got a great thing going---- Best wishes !
Suze (Susan Steele, FAMA Magazine)
<Thanks much Suze... high praise indeed from FAMA's styling leader. Bob F>

Conscientious Aquarist now online!
Date: Sun, 2 May 2004 23:21:14 -0400 (GMT-04:00)
Hi all,
On behalf of Scott and myself, I wanted to announce (finally!) the online publication of issue 1 of Conscientious Aquarist. You can follow the link from www.wetwebmedia.com or go directly to http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/HomeCA.htm
We can be contacted at camag@wetwebmedia.com
And aaaawwwwaaaaayyyy we go!
Scott and Adam
<Yeehay! Congrats you boyz! Bob F>

Conscientious Aquarist now online!
I know I speak for Adam and myself when I say that we would be remiss if we did not thank all of our fellow WWM Crew members and fishy friends for their support on this project!
We are thrilled to have gotten the project this far, and could not have done it without all of you!
We are committed to making this better and better!
Extra kudos to Adam for "delivering the goods" with all of the last minute changes required to get the mag off the ground!
Most of all, thank you to Bob for providing us a venue to give something back to this hobby that has given us both so much!
Scott and Adam
<Outstanding... a dream unfolds my friend. Bob F>

Conscientious Aquarist nearly final!
Hello all,
If you are receiving this message and are not intimately involved with CA or WetWebMedia, you are Family and friends who's input is greatly valued and to whom I was excited to offer a "sneak peek".
The nearly complete "working version" of CA is temporarily available here:
http://www.home.earthlink.net/~Cesnales/CA-first-shot.htm
Scott and I have been planning and editing content for a couple of months. We met at his home near LA the weekend before last to build the website. Since then, Scott has been tying up administrative loose ends, I have been putting the "bells and whistles" into the website.
You will note that the pages for advertisers, contributors and archives are all blank. The content will be placed well ahead of this Saturday, May 1st's launch date. The first page you come to will be the cover image. A title and publication info is yet to be added. Also, many of the photos within articles will be replaced with higher quality images.
At some point, the page will of course be published to it's proper place on WWM.
Scott and I would both appreciate your comments, and please don't be bashful or polite! Please be the friend that tells us about the toilet paper stuck to our shoe BEFORE we go out on the dance floor<g>. Neither of us are editors or web designers by training, education or trade, so your feedback is of tremendous value.
When you reply, please be sure to include both Cesnales@ and algaeguy
Thanks and warmest regards,
Scott and Adam
<Outstanding thus far. You go boyz! Bob F>

..."Houston- we have a problem"
Hi Bob: 
I wanted to bring you up to speed on a potentially problematic situation... Eagle-eyed Steve Pro was reviewing the semi-finished CA Mag, and recalled that he had seen Blane Perun's article on Sea Mat in FAMA some months back. Upon my investigating, sure enough- there was the same article in FAMA's September 2003 issue! 
<Yes, and Blane had said as much... that the piece had run before> 
Obviously, it is not our intent to run previously submitted content in this magazine, for a variety of reasons that don't need further explanation. Given the circumstances, do you feel that we should pull the piece before publication, or just run it and explain to him that this will never happen again? I believe that you have paid Blane already for this piece (yes?), so I wonder if it would be appropriate for him to "owe" us a future original piece, if we opt not to run this? 
<I see no problem with running previously used materials... you are right in that it is likely better to use novel content... but if the information is accurate, significant, meaningful... well-written, illustrated... good for all for its further exposure> 
Unfortunately, we discovered this in the "11th hour", so it does put us in an awkward spot... Any input/suggestions that you might have would be appreciated! 
Scotter 
<These are my thoughts. Bob F> 
-Not a big problem at all, my friend. WWM as publishers does not ask for (or care to have) or pay for exclusive rights for pics/articles. You learn to appreciate this as a writer with the opportunity to sell your work to editors in different countries/languages, etc. <G> My CA pond article is going to run in the UK (TFK print mag) and perhaps in German for Daniel. 
That said, authors should have IMO the professional courtesy to not pitch a pieces to overlapping markets. 
I see no problem here re: Blane's. Although we share some readers with FAMA... its not many. Not many at all (heehee... maybe dozens at the rate FAMA is going). And do we even care? I realize your sentiment Scott, and have felt the same way before/at times.   
What says Bob/others?  
Ant-
<I says about the same... but am over my send limit on MSN. Bob F>

Archived CA discussion and advertising questions
Scott and all, I was not aware of this: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/WWMAdminSubWebIndex/consaqonlinezine.htm There is much useful info and many good ideas included there.  There is a message from Marina that suggested the following great ideas: Best of the dailies (as we already discussed) Interviews with prominent aquarists or other interesting characters (public aquarists, aquaculturists, researchers) Public aquarium features I think all would make fine additions! The link referenced above is at the bottom of this page along with some other enlightening links: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/WWMAdminSubWebIndex/wwmsponsors.htm One of the things I found interesting was the advertising rates....  $500/mo for a banner or $200 for a side box on the main page.  There is discussion of $250 for a banner and $100 for a side box placed on an individual page.  The individual page rates are fairly well in line with what I proposed for individual article rates for CA. I would propose that we use the above rates for CA's Index page and individual articles (respective to the WWM main/individual page) and adhere to the same style/convention of presentation. I am at the point of having tracked down the appropriate contacts for several potential advertisers but want to have agreement on these rates and presentation before proceeding. Also, Bob and Zo, how do most advertisers submit their ad?  Is it in a finished form or do they supply graphics and we supply the "service" of designing an ad? Lemme know what you think. Adam

Article Submission
Dear WWM,
<Hi there! Scott F. with you today!>
I just wrapped up an article I wrote on the Golden Pygmy angelfish, C.
aurantia. I've kept a specimen for a year and a half and have had resounding luck! I would like others to learn what I've done so they too can have a better chance at keeping this beautiful little fish.
<Excellent!>
I have yet to get a good photo since the fish is quite fast and my
photography skills are quite, well, bad. I'm going to try to get a good picture, and if I do, I'll send it your way. Anyways, the link to the article is [url=http://www.fishgeeks.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=329&mode=nocomments&order=0&thold=-1]her e[/url]. Im a member at fishgeeks.com, which is mainly a fair amount of aquatic forums. I posted the article there 1st, and would like to know if you guys at WWM would also like to use it.
Let me know what you think.
Thanks in advance!
Liz Marchio
<Liz- thanks so much for your interest in sharing. Fellow WWM Crew member Adam Cesnales and I are co-editing the upcoming Conscientious Aquarist Online Magazine that will be launching in a couple of months. We're definitely interested in content from hobbyists. It promises to be an exciting publication. We'll be announcing an email address soon that you can send articles right to us for consideration, so do check back often! Thanks again for your interest! Regards, Scott F>

RE: CA stuff we need to have|
Bob and Scott,
<<<Bob twixt triple carrots>>>
editor@conscientiousaquarist.com
info@concientiousaquarist.com
webmaster@concscientiousaquarist.com
<Mmm, if you'd like we can get another site going... or just ask the folks 
at Datapipe (who host WWM) what they can do to set us up with another mail 
server spot (for conscientiousaquarist.com)... or?>
If it is technically easier or lest costly we could settle for:
CAeditor@wetwebmedia.com
CAinfo@wetwebmedia.com
CAwebmaster@wetwebmedia.com
<Oh, this is very easily done... just go on the WWM mail and "add folders">
<<This choice depends largely on where the magazine will be. If the URL for the magazine is www.conscientiousaquarist.com , then the e-mail addresses should be @conscientiousaquarist.com. If the magazine is going to be within WWM, then the @wetwebmedia.com addys are fine. Ultimately, this isn't that big of a deal either way. Perhaps in the interest of time, we should create the three addys under WWM. Again, this is not something Scott and I currently know how to do.>>
<<<The current URL is www.wetwebmedia/conscientiousaquarist... it's "nowhere"... we can place the site where you want it, with whoever as a host (we no longer have the Tuskfish server)... Would prefer Datapipe (the co.) as this is where/whom we have WWM hosted through... just familair with their set-up, billing process>>>
Bob, can you make this happen or ask Jason to set something up?
<Would really rather not bug Jas re CA issues... he's asked (repeatedly) not 
to be involved>
<<Sorry. I wasn't totally clear on this. I was under the impression that he was going to assist with some "technical" issues.>>
<<<You can try. Will cc him here, but do not (NOT) want to ask folks to do, help with projects they have no desire to be involved in/with>>>
I would also like to make www.conscientousaquarist.com live ASAP, as well as 
getting some info on the locations we should upload templates to. I plan on 
starting on a template as soon as Monday and will hopefully have something 
we can all look at by the middle to end of the week. It may be wise to use 
www.conscientiousaquarist.com/template.html for a template so it is 
accessible to us and crew members for comment, but won't be stumbled on by 
outsiders. We can place a "coming soon" message and the e-mail addresses at 
www.conscientiousaquarist.com
<Again, I/WWM will gladly pay for another "space" for CA if that's what you 
want... contact DP re if so>
<<This is really your call. You have a better understanding of the amount of space available at WWM as well as the costs involved. I would be partial to having the mag reached through a unique CA url (and associated e-mail addresses), but I am pretty sure that doesn't require hosting a whole new site (users could simply be automatically re-directed, right?).>>
<<<Mmm, have a concern re starting from one place or the other. The way this all works out is if the site becomes popular, and gets linked to many places (WWM is in tens of thousands now, if not hundreds of thousands), it becomes more tenuous (dead links) to move...>>>
Bob, do you have a vision for an accounting scheme? We need a name (CA or 
WWM?) and address for advertisers to send payment. I will chat more with 
Scott about specifics, but I suspect we will send you a "statement" just 
before publication of each issue with a list of contributors to pay and how 
much. Does this sound OK?
<Don't have any real notion... WWM can/will pay for content et al. for as 
long, as much as we can... we can keep together or separate>
<<The concern is for the logistics. I don't want us to "drop the ball" on any payments, etc. Scott and I will work out a system to provide you with a list of contributors for each issue. Who should checks be made out to for advertising, and where should they be sent?>>
<<<Could be sent here: 8586 Menkar Rd. San Diego, CA 92126. I have hired Di to do the acctg. for both WWM and WWM the books side... as have little patience, time for such matters. Could/would ask her to help with CA as well>>>
In terms of the e-mail addresses and web space, we really have to defer to you about what strikes the best balance between costs and "image". The e-mail addresses aren't that big of a deal, but reaching the magazine through CA's own URL is important in distinguishing it from (getting lost in?) WWM. Whatever the most efficient/cost effective way to do this is fine. Scott and I will get the content together and build the pages, but we need a place to put it (Ideally by March 27 at the latest).
Adam
<<<We could "try" CA on the WWM site (as a subweb) for a few ishes and then (if so desired) move it to its own URL. Bob F. Am going to ask Zo for his input here as well. He has substantial knowledge of what we're about, the Net period. Zo?>>>

CA Magazine In The Works...
I'm looking forward to seeing another ezine for aquarists.  Have you already put out your first issue, or is it still in the works?  If so, any ETA?
<It's still in the works at this point. We are working towards a May launch date...But we'll keep everyone posted as the date gets closer!>
Will it be monthly?
<Six times a year, initially>
I have plenty of relatively decent shots of interesting stuff, including  some microscope shots if you guys are ever interested.
Stratos Kotzabassi
<All contributions are welcome and will be considered for inclusion in the magazine! We'll be in touch! Regards, Scott F.>

Article Submission
I've written up something of a literature review on some of the research done on clownfish resistance to their host anemone's stings.  A few people have seen it and one remarked that I should present it to you folks for publishing.  So, here it is.  Either way, thanks for your time.
Sincerely,
Stratos Kotzabassi
<A nicely written piece, Stratos. I'll run it by my co-editor of the upcoming "Conscientious Aquarist" online magazine, Adam Cesnales, for consideration in a future issue!

CA online zine
Mr, Fenner:
    Hi, just checking in to see how things are progressing on
    the e-zine. I'm pretty excited about the release, are you still
    on track for the begining of next month ?
    Sincerely Blane
<Just saw Scott Fellman last night... he mentioned speeding along with the project. Will cc him and Adam (the co-editors here re). Bob Fenner>

First killifish column
Robert J. Goldstein, Ph.D.
Robert J. Goldstein & Associates, Inc.
8480 Garvey Drive
Raleigh, NC 27616
tel (919) 872-1174
http://www.rjgacarolina.com/RJGASOQ.PDF
tel (800) 407-0889
fax (919) 872-9214
Goldstein@rjgaCarolina.com
URL  www.rjgaCarolina.com
<Outstanding Robert. Will be posting in our first edition and on WetWebMedia.com for all's edification and inspiration. Check to you on my return to the mainland (out at the HI house right now). Bob Fenner>

Writing for CA
Mr. Fenner:
<Blane>
I should have the first in the series ready to mail to you this Sunday evening.
<Ah, good>
based on your previous advise would you have any interest in an article I wrote on Zoanthus that ran in FAMA ?
<Yes>
I'm working on one now on the propagation of Ricordea YUMA.
<A good place for propagation... except in the summer! I hope you have inexpensive techniques for cooling your system water. Bob Fenner> 
Blane

Article for Mag
I would like to write an article on the ID & care of green spotted puffers (T nigroviridis).   Mostly because there really isn't a good one out there.
<Great! You go Punkster!>
Is it true that the mag is paying for articles?
<Yes, a whole two hundred American per>
What parameters should I use?
<About 1,400-2,000 words, pix if you got 'em>
Can I still post this article somewhere on the web for referrals?
<Yes, can also be sold to other media... I'll help you with this if you'd like>
 Also, there is still a lot of misinformation (BW puffers listed as FW, wrong ID w/photos) at WWM.  I still need to go through it all.  
<I will give you access to the site so you can begin the process (part of a/the large plan on/for WWM) of moving you and possibly Ananda into "running" the brackish subweb... are you familiar with MS FrontPage or other web-publishing software?>
Jeni/PP
<Be chatting. Bob F>

CA online Zine
Bob:
thanks for all the advise keep me posted about the online zine and if you would like me to put together the outlined pieces.
Blane
<Mmm, please do. The 'zine will premiere when we have the beginning submissions, including yours. Bob Fenner>

C.A. E-zine Launch
Bob: 
Ok :) 
So I got the job so to speak for the marketing column or am still in competition for the job, or concept ? 
<No competition, the job is yours> 
If so :), some quick questions, 
a) what is your projected launch date ? 
<March> 
b) approximate word count per article ? 
<1400-2000> 
c) submission lead time per monthly release ? 
<A week or more> 
Offer,  I'm sure you guys have it under control but I would like to offer my design and graphic services at no charge. I'd get a kick out of having any part in making this thing look better than what people are use to. 
<Thank you, we have folks for this currently> 
I have a fairly large digital library as I'm sure the staff does as well, but I'd like to offer any of my pics at no cost to give the project an extra edge if needed. 
<Please do include with your submissions. Bob F> 
Blane 

Re: CA Online Zine V.1 #1
Hello,
<Hi there>
An FYI and a couple of ideas (the kind you get as
you're falling asleep)
I have a rough outline drafted on shipping and
transport methods adapted for the hobbyist. I know I
don't exactly have that "name recognition" thing
going, but there seems to be a dearth of information
for folks when they really need it (not to mention in
a really "handy" place) on this subject.
<Mmm, you know enough...>
Now for a couple of ideas - editorial, anyone? A few
paragraphs with each issue, possibly touching on
"forefront" issues, what it is to *be* a conscientious
aquarist, or similar. Wouldn't need to be from the
same person all the time, but I think it would
personalize the 'zine, as well as help keep its focus
for the readers.
<Good idea>
Also, folks seem to LOVE to make use of writing in to
print publications, and we sure don't seem to have a
dearth of such writing in to WWM - what if you pick a
"best of the best", either in general, or relating to
specific questions (either those that are unusual, or
simply VERY frequently asked) from our queries each
week or month? From the time I've spent placing, I
would wager a guess as to an average of 20-60 queries
replied to each day, and I'm sure there are others who
feel that some are real "cherries", worth special note
or placement.
<Also excellent... Mike.K et al. tried to do this in the old WetWebNews>
Also, how do you folks feel about trying to feature
public aquariums on some sort of a regular basis
(quarterly, maybe)? I think most would agree that,
the good ones at least, are the definition of
conscientiousness, and are not only something to
strive for, but an excellent source of information not
always available to those in the trade or hobby. I
found my time at LBAOP to be most enlightening, as it
was NOTHING like working in the trade at all!
While my own experience at LBAOP showed that the staff
vet, Lance Adams, was a bit.. "dry", when asked the
right questions he was like a faucet. How often to
the other mags offer information from people like
staff vets?
(Honest - and probably ignorant - question here, I
haven't read any one e-zine dedicated to the hobby
from "cover to cover".)
<Another very good idea... and could be done every ish or whatever we get... and a note to all re selling such work in the print domain. I will gladly help (forward, edit, prepare cover letters, address of contacts) for selling their work... which should be done ahead of its placement in/on CA though>
Which brings me to another question: interviews with
notables, staff vets, caretakers, curators, or folks
"in the biz". This might bring in another flavor that
doesn't necessarily exist in the other e-zines. These
sorts of shows are incredibly popular on cable
stations such as "Animal Planet" and Discovery Channel
(San Diego Wild Animal Park, the Zoo, et al), it may
be a niche just waiting to be filled from this end.
<Bingo>
I don't know if this would be possible for this one
(bandwidth issues at the very least), but what do you
think of streaming video spots intermixed within (as
part of the interviews)?
<Can be done>
And/Or.. a live cam or two? (Hey, I *told* you this
was the stuff that came just as I was falling asleep!)
<Don't know about this one... Jas, Zo, pls chime in>
Well, that's it for now, I can't say as I've well and
thoroughly thought any of these ideas through (except
my own offering for publication) beyond means to gain
interview, editorial subjects/authors, and that there
*would* be logistical issues with all, but I figured
I'd toss them out for others to chew on.
Marina
<Thank you for this... now, for yourself... develop and implement an action plan against one or more of these ideas. Bob F>