Loudspeaker (Jan-Aug 1931)

THINGS IN GENERAL By THE EDITOR The strength of any organization depends upon two things. The number and calibre of its members. The American Projection Society is particularly subject to this unbending rule. In reviewing the progress of the Society in the West the observer can find much to evoke praise for the pioneers who have builded in this fertile field a strong branch of the Society. The fact that the movement gained a secure foothold in the West in such a short time is particularly significant since it is the first academic organization to attract and hold any sizable number of projectionists in this section of the country. The chief function of the various Chapters of the Society is to bring before its members such material of an educational nature that may seem to be directly connected with the craft. Many diversified methods have been employed by enterprising officers to present to the Chapter members information about their work. The keynote of this message is: “We have done well — let us do better.” There are at the present time on the Pacific slope seven chapters, namely: Vancouver Chapter No. 11, Seattle Chapter No. 17, Portland Chapter No. 20, San Francisco Chapter No. 16, Oakland Chapter No. 12, California Chapter No. 7, and San Bernardino No. 19. Only seven when there should be seventeen at least, considering the amount of suitable material available in the numerous sizable cities that have no academic organization. Examples of this class of cities are: Sacramento, Fresno, San Jose, Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Diego, etc. These are only a few of the best possibilities in California alone. Extending eastward there are unlimited possibilities. Consider such cities as Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz. ; Salt Lake City and Ogden, Utah, and Denver, Colo. In the South there also are great possibilities such as New Orleans, La. ; Atlanta, Ga. ; Richmond, Va. ; Jacksonville, Fla.; Fort Worth and Houston, Tex. ; Birmingham, Ala.; Memphis, Tenn.; Columbia, S. C. These are only a few of the cities that should be organized at once as key chapters that would serve to completely merge the country into one society. Their example would naturally cause other cities to follow suit. There are many others in the United States and Canada. These cities should hasten to affiliate with the American Projection Society and take part in the splendid work being done by the Society. Get behind this worthy cause, push it — think it — talk it — live it. Your interests are the Societies’ interests, reciprocate by making the Societies’ interests your interest. Write for information about forming a chapter in your town at once. You will earn and receive the gratitude of your local co-workers by so doing. i i i Editor Finn Congratulated It is not often that a projectionist has the opportunity of writing an open letter to an editor and be absolutely sure that it will be published. I feel therfore that I am particularly favored as I write this. There is a man in New York who edits a first class projectionist magazine which has been fittingly named “The Motion Picture Projectionist” and is devoted to the craft wholeheartedly. This man’s name is James Finn. Most of you have heard of him. Whether or not you know him you are invited to read this letter to him. He will read it the same as you. He hasn’t the slightest idea that it is coming. So here goes: Seventeen