The quality of the contributions to The Square never ceases to amaze me. This issue, as I am sure you will agree, is no exception. As Editor I always strive for balance. I very much see the purpose of the magazine as to educate, inform and entertain in a Masonic context. There are occasions when the balance is not quite right and it becomes a little skewed; which is where you, the reader, come in – feedback is a very important aspect for our continued success. If you like it, let me know: if you do not like it – even more important that you let me know. One or two felt that the content of the March issue was rather ‘heavy’. That happens from time to time. I have always felt that a successful article will elicit a response something akin to: ‘that was interesting, I would like to find out

From the Editor

From the Editor more…’. The average article in The Square is probably about two pages in length. Occasionally an article may run to three or four pages but any longer than that, given the overall size of the magazine, means splitting an article over two issues. Not ideal, not always possible, but the lesser of two evils. So every now and again I will run articles, which are very worthy of publication, and welcomed by readers, but because of their length can skew the overall balance of an individual issue. Recently, I have had submitted for publication two excellent articles each of which run to in excess of 10,000 words - ten pages - and where substantial editing would destroy the integrity of the piece. No problems at The Square – just solutions. The solution in this instance runs parallel with the fact that we are currently re-vamping our website. One of the features we will be including on the new website is ‘Square in Depth’. It will enable me to publish articles on the website, including photographs and other images, which other than for their overall length would have very much featured in the magazine itself. The proposal is that the authors will prepare an introduction and summary of their piece, which will be published in The Square, and which leads to the website page which can be read in situ or downloaded as a PDF. The first of the new series will appear in time for the September issue. Needless to say, if you have any such articles in preparation or completed, you know the address of the Editor. That very neatly brings me to the next new and I think very exciting technological advance. The Square is going digital. Given a fair wind, we hope in time for the September issue to launch The Square App and a digital edition of The Square. The Square App will enable those with an iPad and/or an iPhone to download a current issue of The Square. A digital version will also be available on the website to download articles to a computer as a PDF as opposed to an app. Archive copies of the last two years or so will also be available to download. Bibliophiles and Luddites, do not despair! Given that I fall into both categories, you are in relatively safe hands. I have always believed in the written word and the ability to turn over the real pages of a book or magazine. The digital versions of the magazine are to complement and enhance the hard copy, not to replace it. Subscribers to The Square will continue to receive the hard copy, but in addition, and at no extra cost will, if they wish, be enabled to receive the digital copy - as well as, not instead of. The availability of a digital edition should assist many potential readers, especially those overseas, where delivery of the magazine not only takes time but is also relatively expensive. It will, we hope, enable us to reach a much wider Masonic audience - which has to be a good thing.

Photographic Credits

Cover

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23

46

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61

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Jonkers Rare Books

Paul Hurst

Caricature - ©Steve Chadburn

Ted Bastien

Library and Museum of Freemasonry

Cartoon - ©Steve Chadburn

Julian Rees

June 2012 The Square 5