hilltopics
daily kansan
monday
1.12.98
eight.a
It may look new, but it still is yours
Revamped features page will present topics that you find interesting
By Bryan Volk
bvolk@kansan.com
Features editor
On behalf of the Kansan staff, I want to welcome you to the new and improved HillTopics. Oh, I know what you are saying: "Why new? Why improved? Who are you to welcome me?" If scientists succeed with plans to develop a colony on the moon, would there be enough room for cows to graze?" While I cannot answer all your questions, I will do my best to clue you in about this page.
More than anything, it is important for you to understand that this page is your page. I thought about calling it, "Your name here," but was talked out of it. The sentiment is there, however. It wouldn't make any sense to have topics that you didn't care one iota about. Therefore, I want to know what you want to know about. That's why I've included the handy "Clip-n-return" coupons toward the bottom of the page. Each one is simple to use (hint: they both are the same) and the rewards you will reap will far outweigh the time it will take to fill one out — like that time spent doing your Spanish workbook instead will help much anyway.
Almost 100 percent new
The page is "new" for many reasons. You may have noticed that it has been redesigned. That's new. Instead of having a monopoly of the page like features editors in the past have, power now is shared with an associate features editor. That's new.
The attitude of the page also is new. Hopefully revolutionary. The motto for the page this semester is, "Topics ... with
an edge." What does that mean? I can't tell you. OK, I can. There is information out there (wherever "there" is) in its embryonic stages as I speak that soon will find its way onto this page. Because it will be here "soon," you will see it in its raw form. In a word, edgy.
As far as improvements go, the features desk is self-contained for the first time since the end of the Spring semester of 1996. Writing, editing and designing are all contained within the desk, instead of contracting out the different pieces. This should bring a higher level of congruity to each topic.
Coming soon
To get the ball rolling, let me tell you about some of the ideas already in store for the page. This week or next, we plan to look into the life of the live-at-home freshmen. What, if any, are the advantages besides free room and board? Also, we are kicking around the idea of an architectural "best of campus." What would campus be like if all the "best" buildings made up the skyline?
Something quite different we plan to include on a somewhat regular basis are quizzes, surveys and puzzles. Some serious, most probably not. These will give you an opportunity to learn more about what students around you are thinking, and may even reveal more about you.
Who are we?
My name is Bryan and I've been a Kansan staffer since Spring 1996. I was on the design desk for two semesters, then was the design editor. This is the first time I've been involved with story assignment and so I am thrilled to jump in. For national security purposes, this is all the material that has been cleared to be printed.
That is HillTopics in a banana peel. Let me now introduce the players. The voice you've been hearing, mine, belongs to me.
The associate features editor I mentioned earlier is Tim. Tim, say hello to the nice readers.
"Hello, readers. Like Bryan, I'm here to serve at your pleasure. Talk to me. Tell me what you know and what you want to know about. I'm not pictured above, so look for the guy in the newsroom that's about 5-feet 9-inches tall with sexy, sandy blonde hair. I don't see it, but some have used the term 'strikingly handsome.' Or you can just call and ask for 'Tim Harrington. Please call and help us help you."
In your hands
The bottom line is, we want to make you happy. We want to make you laugh. We want to make you think, maybe even a little angry. We want you to look forward to HillTopics — which, by the way, should be in your hands every Monday and Friday, and hopefully Wednesdays as well. Let me reiterate, this is your page. We are at your command. Can I get you a soda, or maybe a backbub? Just let us know.
Take it from here
One final thought. This is not a one-time-only offer. If you have any ideas you would like to see covered, call or come into the newsroom, 111 Stauffer-Flint Hall and let us know.
Why are these people
I can't repeat it enough — this page is for you. Unless, of course, you all want to read about alien abductions twice a week. I will not stand for that.
Why are these people smiling? The editors of the University Daily Kansan are excited to start a new semester of service to the readers. This especially is true for the purveyors of HillTopics, the Kansan's features page. Bryan Volk (back row, glasses) and Tim Harrington (not pictured) plan to bring edgy, raw topics to the University community twice a week, if not more.
LET US KNOW
We have provided two identical coupons in case you change your mind, come up with more ideas or want to share with a friend.
What do you want to see covered on this page? To the right are some potential topics, as well as ample space to suggest your own. Please check all topics that interest you. We will compile that information, analyze it and study it so we can identify the pulse of the University.
Bryan Volk
Please return coupon to:
Lawrence, KS 66045
Or, stop by the newsroom (same address) and put it in the TopTops box, near the mailboxes. If you are unsure where the mailboxes are, ask anyone you see. They all are friendly and want to help you.
111 Struffer-Flint Hall
The deadline for submittal is Friday, Jan. 23.
Clip-n-return
Please check all boxes next to topics that interest you and would like to see on this page.
Also, if you have other ideas not represented here, please write in your candidates.
The arts
Lawrence life
Toys
Books
Movies
Travel
Business
Music
___
Campus life
Nightlife
___
Contests
Photo stories
___
Fashion
Profiles
___
Food
Puzzles
___
Health
Quizzes
___
Home life
Spice Girls
___
KU history
Technology
___
Please cut out and return to the HillTops box in the Kansan newsroom, 111 Stuffer-Flint Hall. You also can call 864-48-10 to vote for your favorites, or e-mail Bryant at bkwl@kansan.com.
If you would like to be contacted about an idea, please include your name and phone number:
Clip-n-return
rease check all boxes next to topics that interest you and that you would like to see on this page. Also, if you have other ideas not represented here, please write in your candidates.
The arts Lawrence life Toys
Books Movies Travel
Business Music
Campus life Nightlife
Contests Photo stories
Fashion Profiles
Food Puzzles
Health Quizzes
Home life Spice Girls
KU history Technology
Please cut out and return to the HillTopics box in the Kansan newsroom, 111 Stuffer-Flint Hall. You also can call 864-4810 to vote for your favorites, or e-mail Bryant at bvlack@kansan.com.
If you would like to be contacted about an idea, please include your name and phone number:
MOVING SALE!
SUNFLOWER
OUTDOOR & BIKE
25% Off Select Clothing 30% Off Select Outerwear
844 Massachusetts, Downtown Lawrence 843-5000
Plus other BIG SAVINGS!
LAWRENCE'S ONLY WOMEN'S FITNESS CENTER START GETTING READY FOR SPRING BREAK NOW!
- Cardiovascular Equipment
- "All New" Strength Equipment
- High/Low Impact,
Step & Water Aerobics
- Hip Hop Classes
- Personal Fitness Training
- Daycare Services
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!
BODY BOUTIQUE
- VIP Membership
- Discounted Enrollment
- $100 Savings
The Women's Fitness Facility 925 Iowa·749-2424
---
Expires 1/31/98
FITNESS JOIN FOR $20 PER MONTH
TANNING
BUY 10 TANS
FOR ONLY
$20 (+tax)
•New tanning bulbs
•20 minute sessions
•Nonmembers welcome
Expires 1/31/97
Kansan Classifieds Get the Results You want