FAQ
About belairargus.com
What’s the publication’s mission?
Since 1957, the Argus had been the voice of the students at Bel Air High School. It is the hope of the magazine that the content be newsworthy, well-written, and visually appealing to those who support the print/online publication. The print publication has struggled in the past few years, mostly because of budget cuts. It costs more than $1,000 to print one magazine, and raising that kind of money through fundraisers has been difficult. In 2010, belairargus.com, the online version of the Argus, was launched to help bring the Argus into the digital, multimedia age of journalism. Whether reporting on students and their achievements, or stories that affect the community, the magazine presents the campus not as an isolated entity, but as a place engaged with the weighty issues of the day – social, political, educational.
How often does the magazine appear?
The staff is currently fundraising in hope of publishing a magazine this semester.
How many staff members work on the magazine?
The adviser of the publication, Carol Viescas, has overall responsibility for editorial direction and content. Editor in chief Sienna Mata oversees the print magazine’s day-to-day operations, manages staff writers, edits features assignments, and serves as the lead layout editor. Chief Videographer Stephanie Alvarez oversees and helps train videographers.
Do students have any role in the magazine?
Yes. Bel Air students are the ones who do all the work. They handle the reporting of campus events, perform research for stories, submit photographs, help with copyediting, proofreading, layout and design, and update the online magazine a minimum of once a week.
Receiving the Magazine
How do I sign up to receive Argus Magazine, the print edition?
When we are able to print, the Argus is sent to all financial contributors of the magazine. All members of the Bel Air community faculty, staff, students receive it during the academic year.
Advertising in the Magazine
Does the magazine accept advertising?
Yes, the print and online magazine carries display advertising. Space reservations are a month prior to print publication. Camera-ready art is due one week after. Frequency advertisers receive a discounted rate.For information on advertising rates, deadlines, circulation, and mechanical requirements, an Argus Rate Sheet, or contact the advertising department at: email: [email protected]; or phone: (915) 434-2178.
Comments
How do I get my comments published on any article?
Each article published has a comments section that follows. Readers are encouraged to leave comments, whether you agree or disagree with the article. Our staff writers eagerly await comments and are more than happy to reply. The comment is reviewed prior to approval. If a comment is considered lewd or derogatory in nature, it will not be published.
Contents of the Magazine
How do you select story ideas for the magazine?
Ideas come from a great variety of sources. Because the magazine is interested in addressing the issues of the day in the context of the campus, many ideas come from the general-interest and higher-education press. Many come from meetings with editorial staff. Continuing interaction with campus administrators, faculty members, and students; and the editors’ general sense of the intellectual currents of the campus also guide story ideas.
How do I submit a letter to the editor?
You can submit a letter to the editor via our Contact Us form or by e-mail to [email protected]. Letters to the editor for publication should be no more than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity.
I have an idea that I think is publication-worthy. Should I submit the idea with you?
Absolutely! The Contact Us page was specifically established with you in mind. The message should include your contact information so we can follow up with you and anyone else involved with the story idea. Our feature articles range from 600 to 1,500 words. We encourage ideas for profiles, for issue-oriented stories that draw on campus expertise, or for other pieces that conform to the magazine’s editorial mission.
Have a question not covered here? E-mail us at [email protected]
