Not everyone is a "born" writer; in fact, very few people are. Some even study the art for years, and still can't master it. So when it comes to writing a show report for Crown Jewels, many collectors simply do not know where to start.

Show reports are extremely important. They inform collectors from all around the globe as to what's happening in our hobby. Through that magic window called Crown Jewels, a collector in Toowoomba, Australia can read about a show in London, OH. Or, someone in Miami, FL can look at photos taken at a show in Kirkland, WA. So, while they are not able to attend in person, they can still "be there", just by reading the show report. Therefore, it is important that show reports be "newsy" and of some length, and not skimpy.

Listed below are a few guidelines to follow if the job of writing a show report falls to you. Even experienced show reporters might want to see how they can enrich and enhance their future offerings. There are a few basic subjects that every show report should cover. The writer should always give, when applicable:

1. WHICH SHOW YOURS IS IN A SERIES. If your show is the second or more in a series, you can list it as "the 2nd annual White Lake Insulator Show", for example. (Did you know that technically, there cannot be a 1st annual anything? Only after a show has been held a second year in a row can it become an annual event!).

2. THE SPONSOR. Every show has a sponsor, whether it is a club, organization, person, or persons. Be sure to give the name of those responsible for your show. Often these hard-working and generous sponsors do not get the credit they deserve.

3. THE LOCATION. This is important. Please always list the city and the state. Those who attended the show will know where it was held, but those who didn't, won't. Also, you might want to give the name of the facility where your show was held; Twin Falls Firehall, Alta Mar Fairgrounds, Harvest Building, etc.

4. THE DATES. Always give the month, day(s) and year of your show. The year might not seem important, but your show report might not appear in Crown Jewels until the following year. For example, a show held in November 1986 might not be reported until the February 1987 issue, so please give the full date. It will then also become a permanent record or your show dates.

5. THE ATTENDANCE. Was it good, fair, poor? How was it compared to last time? If it was poor, you probably won't want to say so. But attendance is one item I've listed in order to give the show reporter an additional subject about which to write.

6. THE NUMBER DF TABLES.

7. THE NUMBER DF DEALERS. Again, if your show was smaller than expected, you might not want to list items 6 and 7. However, they are good items to list if your show was successful, and would be or interest to those who didn't attend.

8. THE NUMBER OF STATES REPRESENTED. It might not always be possible to list states represented at a local show. But it would be of interest for a regional or national show.

9. THE NAMES OF COLLECTORS AND DEALERS IN ATTENDANCE. This is ok for small shows, but be careful about listing them all for larger shows. A long list of names might tend to bore those readers who didn't attend that particular show.

10. THE NUMBER OF DISPLAYS.

11. THE DISPLAY CATEGORIES.

12. THE DISPLAYERS' NAMES. These 3 items (10-12) arm always or interest to readers or your report, no matter if they were in attendance or not. Along with the award winners, give the names or every displayer, listing the display category, display theme, and what in particular they displayed. Saying someone won in the "color" category is really not enough. Saying that they won with their all-blue collection would be better. The displayer's name is important because although locally you all might know who displays Hemingray tolls, 3,000 miles away they might not know. Another point; when photographing the displays, try to get the displayer to stand next to the display, so that everyone will be able to see what he or she looks like.

13. THE AFTER-SHOW FESTIVITIES. Did your weekend include a Saturday night dinner, banquet, or get-together? Did you all go to a local collector's home to view their collection? If so, tell the rest or us about it. Maybe even include some photos.

14. THE BEST (RARE OR SCARCE) INSULATORS SEEN OR SOLD AT THE SHOW. Did an emerald green Busby appear on a dealer's table? Or a cobalt blue castle? Or did a little old lady walk in with a gunny-sack full of mint lemon yellow Plutos? If so, mention it in your report, along with photos, if possible. Those who couldn't attend your show would simply love to hear about it.

15. THE NAMES OF OLD-TIME COLLECTORS IN ATTENDANCE AFTER A LONG ABSENCE. Did someone show up who hasn't collected since 1972? Why not tell the rest of us? We may have known him or her years ego, and always wondered what happened to them. If you mention them in your report, maybe now we can locate them and renew an old friendship.

16. THE WEATHER. How was the weather during your show, and was it a factor (for good or bad) in the attendance? Did it rain, snow, sleet, or hail? Was there a heat spell? Was there any other event (hurricane, earthquake, fire) nearby that added pizzazz to your weekend? If so, that bit of news would interest your readers.

Well, that covers a lot if items which you could and should include in your show report, to help you make it full and informative. Now hare are a few additional tips as to the handling of the report itself:

1. Take lots of good photos. It's better to have to choose from a big bunch, than to not have enough. Black and white photos are preferred, but good sharp, contrasting color photos can be used also.

2. Type your show report if possible, and use double-spacing. Otherwise, print or write vary clearly, so that Carol or her "translators" will know what you meant to say! Remember, your report is only one of many they must transcribe, so be neat and make it easier on their eyes. (And don't worry about your spelling or grammar. Any glaring defects will be corrected).

4. Be prompt in sending your report and photos to Carol. Old news is not as interesting as fresh news. Even those who went to your show will want to read about it as soon as possible, and not 6-8 months afterward. However, if circumstances make it impossible for you to get your report in right away, it's always "better late than never". Your report should be sent in within 14 days after the show ends, and should be received before the first of the month to be included in the following month's issue (space permitting).

I've seen many shows listed in the "Calendar" section of Crown Jewels for which no report was ever written. Maybe these tips will help, and more reports will surface. It isn't that difficult at all. If all you did was list the information in items 1-16, you'd have a fairly newsy report, even without any elaboration. Keep in mind that a show report is a good advertisement for your show, and could do a lot toward boosting attendance for your next endeavor.

There are scores of good show reports in Crown Jewels, but here are 2 examples you could follow. To read a truly newsy, colorful, and fine piece of show reporting, see Claude Wambold's report of the Kulpsville, PA show in Crown Jewels 1-86-26. Here you find interesting words and phrases, bits of information unique to that particular show, and lots of clear photos with identifying labels. The report is well-written, informative, and concise. It tells it all, and yet does not ramble. As a second example, any show report written by Bob and Phoebe Adams is always newsy, well-written, and includes all necessary and important information. They usually answer the 5 important questions any good news reporter should answer; who, what, when, where, and why?

In conclusion, please remember that the information presented herein is just a guide. For your show report you can arrange the material in items 1-16 (or any additional material you might think of) in any order you choose. But try to Include all items when possible. Shows, whether large or small, are a tremendous amount of work for someone. So why not "tell the world" that you had a show? We all would enjoy reading about it. And after reading about It, who knows? Maybe next time that person who stayed home will make a greater effort to attend!