Editorial (... and Letters)

British Go Journal No. 54. October 1981. Page 18.

This issue heralds various events. The Ishi Press publication 'Go World' has become a quarterly and we hope that the BGJ can fill the gap. To this end we have increased the amount of technical material and now have three series: 'Shape', 'Yose Corner' and 'Revelations', and an expanded problems section. We are also trying to make the BGJ a more commercial looking publication and are testing various glossy covers. Last issue had a laminated cover which added an extra 50 to the overall printing cost, the BGA Committee decided this was excessive and so this cover is on ordinary glossy card. We are also still seeking a business manager to handle advertising/PR, and indeed, would like to hear from anybody interested in working on the journal in any way, especially as Alison is withdrawing into the art world.

The impetus for these changes stems from our concern over stagnating membership figures and the simple fact that the only material benefit that the BGA offers its members is the BGJ. It's time that BGA membership gave good value for money.

(The letter printed below, received subsequent to the writing of this editorial, would seem to suggest room for improvement in other areas of the organisation.)

Dear Editor,

On the 5th May this year I wrote to the BGA book distributor requesting information on books and equipment. I got no reply, so I wrote again. Again I received no reply, so in desperation I wrote to the BGA secretary on the 28th August, and to date have had no reply.

If this is the sort of service we can expect from the BGA then it is no surprise that BGA membership is static.

John Owen, St Andrews Go Club.