A SHORT HISTORY AND A LITTLE ADVICE FOR "D. AND M." CONTRIBUTORS.
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Last year we devoted some little space to what we inlay describe as a review of the "D. and 31." pages for the preceding year. In that review were incorporated a few useful hints and suggestions which have proved, as many of our correspondents have admitted, of great service to them in the drafting of their " Driver's " letters. It is our intention to continue such friendly criticism and advice on this present occasion.
When we first started the feature, which was headed "The Driver's Column," on 30th March, 1905, we were possessed of two driver correspondents. Six months afterwards the column had attained the dignity of a lull page. At that time a weekly prize of 5s. was offered for the best letter received. On one occasion a rather fortunate ( ?) contributor ran his letter out to the full page. There is no record in this office that he expressed any overwhelming gratitude on receipt of a postal order for the promised amount. On 17th August, 1905, the first illustration appeared on the "D. and M." page. We had by then commenced to " lick letters into shape."
Some considerable time afterwards the first prize was increased to 10s., and we decided to pay for all letters received and published. A prosperous era for "Drivers and Mechanics" had set in. Employers had begun to look to the page for suitable employees. Several early contributors are now in responsible positions in the service of big motor transport and public-service-vehicle companies. One contributor in particular energetically pressed forward his views, week by week, on the design of steam wagons. He was placed in touch with a well-known firm of steamwagon makers at the request of the managing director. Ile is now works manager, and is in receipt of a salary well in excess of £500 per annum. Some of our contributors regularly send in letters, which are concise and to the point, accompanied by sketches which would pass muster in any drawing office. Other letters which we receive have added considerably to the age of the various members of the editorial staff. No matter what the state, or size, or colour of the contribution, however, we do our best to get at our correspondent's meaning. If we can grasp in the least degree at what he is aiming, the letter is redictated, sometimes at far greater length than the original, and suitable sketches are put in hand where required. We are pleased to receive suggestions, hints, accounts of repairs, alterations, workshop dodges, long runs, fuel and water consumptions, and everything likely to be of interest to drivers and mechanics. It will interest our readers to know that over 3500 letters have been received since space was first devoted to this feature. During the past year the standard of the letters received has been well maintained, while the number received has considerably increased. It would considerably lighten our task, however, if contributors would observe a few regulations. In order that these rules may be placed prominently before contributors whenever required, all letters intended for the "D. and M." page will be acknowledged after 31st December. A special postcard has been prepared for this purpose, and this will bear particulars for the guidance of contributors which we trust they will observe. We cannot do better than reproduce for the guidance of mechanic readers a short list of " Don'ts," which we printed last year, and which may well be borne in mind when contributing letters to the driver's pages of this journal.
Don't choose a very dirty piece of paper on which to write.
Don't write on both sides of the paper.
Don't crowd the words.
Don't make thumbnail sketches ; make drawings as large as possible. Don't bother about spelling and punctuation, unless it comes naturally to you. Don't forget to add your employer's name and address in strict confidence. This is to safeguard yourselves from undesirable competition.
Don't overlook the simple things. Filing a dead flat surface looks a very simple job, but there's not many of us can do it.
Don't look at your job with unseeing eyes. Everything, no matter how old, is new to somebody, and you have a way of using your tools that the other man hasn't. Tell us about THAT.
Don't get mad just because all of your letters are not used. "Toby" has been rejected several times this year. Don't mind acknowledging our postal orders when they reach you—we send you a card to do it on. gext week we shall publish letters from successful contributors who are listed amongst our Bonus Prize Winners, which will tell how they "knock out" their letters, and how suitable material is obtained and written up, with sketches, etc., etc. A careful perusal of these letters will prove useful to contributors -0 the "Drivers and. Mechanics" page.