Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02055249 2004-04-08
KIT FOR NEWSPAPER PAGE LAYOUT
Technical Field:
The present invention relates to the field of page layouts for newspapers,
newsletters and
the like. In particular, to a kit that enables persons with little or no
previous knowledge
in the field to produce professional looking newspapers and newsletters page
layouts.
Background of the Invention:
Community groups commonly produce newspapers either by hiring professionals or
using a specialized computer program. The process is expensive in the first
instance and
time-consuming (with non-professional newspaper, newsletter-style results) in
the
second.
Because of the expense of hiring professionals, groups are often forced to
publish only
once a year. Newspapers formatted by computer programs are tedious to produce
and
also result in fewer issues. These characteristics mean that community
volunteers have
been hindered from taking part in the communication process offered by
community
group newsletters.
What is needed is a solution that enables persons with little or no previous
knowledge in
the field to produce professional looking newspapers and newsletters on a
frequent basis.
Summary of Invention:
The present invention enables persons with little or no previous knowledge in
the
corresponding field to produce professional looking newspapers and newsletters
on a
frequent basis. The present invention comprises a kit used in creating the
page layouts
for the pages of a newspaper edition. The page layouts according to the
present invention
employ a simple format based on two columns and standard sizes for
photographs, flags
and copy. The page layouts may be produced with a variety of technologies,
including
computer programs, typewriters, stencil duplicators (e.g. Gestetner~) and
transfer
lettering (e.g. LetrasetTM). The associated production technique, based on
simplified
traditional newspaper paste-up, permits use by people without any formal
training. The
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CA 02055249 2004-04-08
compartmentalized, over-all design facilitates the group's conceptualization
of the basic
reporting skills which bring in raw material for the newspaper. The simple,
repetitive
format and the production techniques require no training so volunteers
themselves may
do the work.
Once the initial issue has been accomplished, the newspaper is quick and easy
to produce.
Again the simplified production techniques mean volunteers of any skill level
can
participate.
The present invention is adaptable to a variety of technologies, so it can be
cheap to
produce. Materials in the kit can be reused. The format, based on simple
tabloid style,
means untrained volunteers are able to produce a reliable, well-designed
newspaper with
a professional look.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a kit for use in
creating master
layout sheets for pages of a newspaper comprising: a plurality of page layout
guides
containing arrangable graphic elements; and a paste-up guide having a
plurality of
spaced-apart horizontal lines and vertical lines delineating a two column
format; wherein
the arrangable graphic elements can be mounted on to the master layout sheets
using the
paste-up guide to enable proper alignment.
Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to
those
ordinarily skilled in the art to which it pertains upon review of the
following description
of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying
figures.
Brief Description of the Drawings:
The present invention will be described in conjunction with the drawings in
which:
Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary page layout guide
containing a
nameplate and a masthead according to the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of an exemplary page layout guide
containing flags
according to the present invention.
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CA 02055249 2004-04-08
Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of an exemplary page layout guide
containing folio
lines according to the present invention.
Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of an exemplary page layout guide
containing a
dummy page according to the present invention.
Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a paste-up guide according to the
present
invention.
Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of exemplary page layout guides each
containing a
sample dummy page according to the present invention.
Detailed Description:
The present invention is directed to a kit used in the laying out of the pages
of a
newspaper or a newsletter. Herein after references to newspaper and newsletter
are to be
read as interchangeable. Also, herein after the term "newspaper-in-a-box"
refers to the
kit according to the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the
present
invention, the kit comprises a plurality of page layout guides, each of which
incorporates
one of more graphic elements (including text) arranged according to the
dimensions of
the sheet media (e.g. paper, newsprint and the like) onto which the newsletter
is to be
printed, and a paste-up guide. The page layout guides provided in the kit can
be in the
form of examples printed onto transparencies, paper or combinations thereof.
In order to
create a page layout, transparencies are used. Non-transparency examples in
the kit can
be copied to transparency before they are used. For simplicity, the following
description
of an exemplary embodiment of the kit of the present invention contains page
layout
guides provided in the form of printed transparencies but it will be
understood that the
description applies to alternative embodiments including page layout guides in
the form
of printed paper which can copied onto transparencies.
The contents of the page layout guides included in a newspaper-in-a-box
according to the present invention can be adapted to specific prospective
users.
Designing a custom newspaper-in-a-box usually begins with a consultation
between the
kit designer and the prospective users. The goal is to identify the various
interests and
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CA 02055249 2004-04-08
areas of concern for the group. Each interest or concern is related to a
descriptor word or
title. These words or titles become both the page "flags" which
compartmentalize the
newsletter, and also a focus and energizer for the reporting which brings in
basic material
for the newsletter.
The nameplate for the newspaper, the folio lines, the "flags", and the
masthead
are first produced on computer or using LetrasetTM and then photocopied onto
transparencies. These items are simply cut from the transparencies with
scissors and
attached using adhesive tape (i.e. arranged and mounted) to the page layout
(i.e. master
page of a master copy). The transparency material may be re-used in the laying
out of
subsequent newsletters.
Simple hints covering meetings; writing cutlines/headlines; legal issues, as
well as
taking and producing black-and-white photos to use in the newsletter can be
provide
together with the newspaper-in-a-box kit.
Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary page layout guide 100
according to the present invention containing a nameplate 102 and a masthead
104 which
can be created using Letraset~'''i and border tape or a computer. The
nameplate 102 is
chosen by consultation with the group and demonstrates the importance of the
participants being involved in the creation of the design.
The nameplate 102 and masthead 104 are photocopied on a transparency, ready to
be cut out with scissors and taped to the newsletter master copy. This
demonstrates that
newspaper-in-a-box is a hands-on, participatory experience, designed to
involve a
number of unskilled volunteers. The use of transparencies permits the kit to
be used
again and again. This not only reduces costs but the familiarity of re-using
materials
enhances the learning of new skills.
Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an exemplary page layout guide 100
containing flags 106 according to the present invention to be cut out and used
in the
newsletter. The flags 106 serve, as usual, to compartmentalize the newsletter.
The
difference here is that the flags 106 are chosen in consultation with the
group. 'They
embody the areas of concern and interests of the group. Indeed, the process of
choosing
flags 106 can help the group . actually focus on main concerns and direction.
Used by
unskilled volunteers in community communication, the flags 106 facilitate the
production
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CA 02055249 2004-04-08
of material for the newsletter by providing areas of focus for the
participants.
Figure 3 is a schematic representation of an exemplary page layout guide 100
containing folio lines 108 according to the present invention. The folio lines
can be cut
from the transparency and taped to the master pages. They are designed so the
page
number is always at the outer edge of the page. This makes it easier for the
participants
to assemble the master pages for photocopying. For example, pages 2 and 15
form a
complementary fold of a 16 page newsletter. Because the page number 2 is
placed at the
left side of the folio line (and page number 15 is at the right), volunteers
immediately
know to tape page 2 to the left and page 15 to the right. When photocopied and
folded,
each page will appear in the proper sequence.
Figure 4 is a schematic representation of an exemplary page layout guide 100
of a
dummy page 110 according to the present invention. As is well know in the art,
a
dummy page can be used to design a "master page" by providing an exemplary
page
layout to which specific instances of content can be adapted. In the context
of producing
community newsletters, using dummy pages 110 allows more participants to
participate
in the planning and design. It also permits more experienced volunteers to
pass on skills
to their colleagues. Finally the dummy page 110s provide a shortcut to
production by
bringing order to what can be, for inexperienced volunteers, a baffling
disarray of copy,
photos and graphics.
Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a paste-up guide 112 according to
the
present invention. The black lines on the guide can be seen through the master
page.
This is enhanced when a light box is used to provide back lighting of the
master page as
is well know in the art. Plans for a simple light box can be provided together
with
newspaper-in-a-box. The paste-up guide 112 makes it easy for the volunteers to
align
(both vertically and horizontally) their copy and photos. The paste-up guide
112 also
embodies the design principles of a simple, two column format for
inexperienced
participants. For example, the volunteers don't have to know why a "gutter" is
used or
what it is; the paste-up guide 112 provides a format for the page.
Figure 6 is a schematic representation of exemplary page layout guides 100
each
containing a sample dummy page 110 according to the present invention. The
samples
reinforce the simple two column layout of newspaper-in-a-box. A common problem
of
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beginning newsletter producers is to throw together a chaos of disassociated,
vertical
pieces which lack structure and coherence. The horizontal structure embodied
in the
sample dummy pages 110, as well as the minimal number of measurements (one-
quarter
inch vertical spacing; only three horizontal measurements - three inches, one-
half inch,
and six and one-half inches / for fax newsletters one-quarter inch vertical
spacing and
horizontal measurements- two and one-quarter inches, one-half inch and five
inches)
make it possible for an inexperienced person to create a community newsletter
with a
pleasing professional appearance.
Newspaper-in-a-box can work as a group process with production responsibility
shared by a number of individuals with different skills.
The dummy pages 110 (Figures 4 and 6) are used to design the newsletter. One
of the sample dummy pages 110 that contains elements similar in nature to
those of the
page being layout is selected. A broad marker is used to arrange stories and
photos (i.e.
elements) in a pleasing design in accordance with those of the selected dummy
page. The
size of the photos and the first few words of the cutlines/headlines are
marked in. Page
flags 106 can be used to compartmentalize the newsletter according to content
categories.
The dummy page 110 represents, for example, a page eight and one half by
eleven inches
(eight and one-half by seven inches for fax newsletters). The page begins, for
example,
vertically one-quarter inch below the folio line and ends one-quarter inch
from the
bottom of the page.
The paste-up guide 112 (Figure 5) can be taped to a piece of Bristol board or
cardboard. Then another eight and one-half by eleven inch sheet is taped on
top of the
paste-up guide 112. In alternative embodiment eight and one-half by fourteen
inch sheet
can be used, for example, for a fax newsletter. The black vertical/horizontal
lines on the
paste-up guide 112 make it possible to keep headlines, photos and copy
straight on the
page.
The nameplate 102 (Figure 1) can be cut out and taped evenly on the page (for
example page 1) one-quarter inch below the top. A black-an-white photograph
(e.g, six
and one-half inches or five inches for fax newsletters) can be taped one-
quarter inch
below the nameplate 102. A cutline (identifying what the photograph is about)
can be
taped one-quarter inch below the photograph.
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Other pages after page one require folio lines 108. The folio lines 108
(Figure 3)
are cut out and taped one-quarter inch from the top of their respective pages.
Exceptions
are pages with flags 106 (Figure 2), such as an editorial page. Here the page
number can
be taped inside the flags 106 which are, in turn, taped on the page one-
quarter inch from
the top. Headlines are centred horizontally across the page one-quarter inch
above the
story. Heads may be created (in for example 30 point size) using a computer
and the
printout taped to the page. Another method is to apply Letraset~ directly to
the page.
Stories may be printed by computer or typed in columns, for example, three
inches wide (two and one-quarter for fax newsletter). They can be taped on to
the page
1'0 so the lines are even and each column begins and ends on the same line.
After paste-up the pages are taped evenly to eleven by seventeen inches
(corresponding to two eight and one-half by fourteen pages) sheets of paper.
Page one is
taped to one side of the sheet and page two to the other side. If the
newsletter is, for
example, sixteen pages long page 16 will be taped next to page one and page
15' will be
taped next to page two. Alternatively, eight and one-half by eleven paper or
eight and
one-half by seven for fax newsletter may be photocopied and stapled but
folding gives a
more professional look. The "masters" are simply photocopied to both sides of
eleven by
seventeen inch sheets or eight and one-half for fax newsletter. Collating and
folding
finish off the community newsletter.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that numerous modifications and
departures
from the specific embodiments described herein may be made without departing.
from the
spirit and scope of the present invention.
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