As seen on http://www.fudgefactor.org.

Home Improvements

Over the course of this month and the next, we'll be making some fairly significant cosmetic changes to Fudge Factor. Some user requests we've received will get attention, along with with a few ideas from our staff. Since the changes are not yet complete, you still have a chance to get your opinion in and shape the future (feel the power).

We've gone a while without any significant overhauls, and the change is due. While we don't have a final version to offer you just yet, here's a few items you can look forward to:

• Better author visibility
• Better navigation between issues
• Categorized material
• Improved submission guidelines, including a few recommended column "styles"

All of this without taking anything away.

On an unrelated note, a special thanks goes out to this month's authors, and a few other contributors from the Fudge Mailing List. All of our contributors are essential, but this set went a bit further:

Sometimes your back is against the wall, and it's "put up or shut up" time. That time came for us -- we had exhausted the slushpile that consisted largely of material from quite a while ago, and recent submissions had been inadequate (read: almost non-existent).

When faced with such a difficult situation...well...we begged. Dignity was tossed to the wind, professionalism gently set aside, and pride ignored. Several contributors responded with generosity, and the slushpile was returned to enough health to bring you this month's issue, with a few articles left over for next month.

Of course, the slushpile shouldn't ebb and flow so desperately. We're showcasing some very good material, and we want to showcase yours. You have a brilliant Fudge idea locked in your brain, and we know that you just want to let us share them. The only thing is, you have to share them with us first.

Or, to offer the short form of this editorial (and others): Thank you contributors, everyone else please join their ranks.