You go into journalism because you like people, find them interesting and like writing about them. You go into editing because you are a control freak and don't want others making the decisions.
While those two are not necessarily mutually exclusive, they come very close, and that causes a constant internal battle about where you would rather spend your time. Editing always wins out when you are an editor because, well, as I said above, editors are control freaks.
But sometimes there is a way out of this conflict, and I've found one. On Dec. 1, I become editor emeritus of Fort Worth, Texas magazine. Owner/Publisher Hal Brown and I have pretty much figured out what that means. I'll continue my association with this fine magazine and make appearances at the events it sponsors. And I'll get to do more writing than I have been able to do in the past. I'll also be involved in collecting and compiling some of the magazine's lists - not really a fun job but an important one and one which I find strangely satisfying.
But I leave you, gentle readers, in very good and competent hands. Managing Editor Jennifer Casseday-Blair is your new editor. That's good for you, the magazine and Fort Worth. I've been impressed with Jen's work ethic and her abilities in a variety of tasks in the three years since I became editor of the magazine. She has great ideas and great execution, and she knows and loves the city.
But let's now turn our attention to the December magazine. As always, there's a lot to read and digest, but I think you will find two articles of special interest.
One, by the talented Celestina Blok, Rise to the Top, takes a look at some of the most successful people in our community who rose from humble beginnings. The variety is wide, and the stories of difficulties overcome are inspiring. Make sure that your children and grandchildren read this article as a learning experience for them. Better yet, read it to them and discuss the implications it holds for them. You'll find it on page 46. A consistent theme: take risks, educate yourself and remember where you came from.
The second article is from historian, teacher and writer Rick Selcer, and it begins on page 58. You may recall the great streetcar debate of 2010 when the City Council voted 5-3 not to continue a feasibility study of a proposed streetcar line that would have linked the north side with the near south side through downtown. Those of us who are transportation geeks were deeply disappointed, especially since some of us knew the early history of Fort Worth and the role that streetcars played in the development and expansion of the city. Selcer takes a look at those days in When Streetcars Roamed Fort Worth. I, and others, had dreamed of a day when streetcars would again roam, easing congestion and linking parts of our city together again in a way that buses cannot. I guess we'll just have to wait, but I'm willing to bet you that it will happen.
