Production Pipeline

Formatting the Master Layout
This list summarizes what must be done in order to print the magazine. Production's work begins when story teams are finished with their work.

1. Collect all files from staff members
Story teams should submit their work to our CAE shared space, which can be accessed by all members that have been added to the group. The shared space will need to be cleared in between stories, as we only have 6GB of space, which may not be enough for all of the raw files.

Organizing files can be tough. It is best to copy everything into one directory, and organize files by story. Eventually you will "package" all of the files into two folders and a file, but it might be beneficial to keep story folders until then. It is also beneficial for yourself and others to keep all of your files on one computer.

2. Check that you have all pictures & fonts
This can be done quickly initially. Just count the number of pictures in each document, and make sure that you have that many files. A more detailed check will be preformed later when everything is in one document.

3. Copy stories into template layout
It works well to copy them right into last issue's layout. This minimizes labor, and hopefully errors as well. Spend some time planning on where you have to put stories to get the cover story in the right place. There will be two documents in general: a 4 page four-color document, and a 20 page (larger) two-color document (Pantone 200 U and Black). Copy the stories into the latter one.

4. Edit layouts
The layouts should be complete, but they are often missing something. Feel free to edit the layouts, while preserving the intent of the production staffers. You may need to change pictures, fix captions, or add other design elements.

5. Update table of contents
Be careful when updating the volume and issue information. Also be careful when entering story information. It's easy to mistype someone's name, so it's best to cut and paste when possible. The images will also need to be updated.

6. Add in advertisements
Be sure to check with the ad staff ahead of time and have all of the files that you need set aside. Sometimes you will have to change layouts to fit in ads.

7. Finalize cover
It's best to get as much input as possible when creating the cover. The cover should never really be finalized until at least 5 or 6 people have given their feedback. The cover is the single most important page of the magazine, so be sure to pick interesting stories for the cover, and add interesting catch phrases. See Susan's notes on covers. The cover will be full color.

8. Figure out the Just one More
We have had recent success with using suggestions from the class. This works like an icebreaker. In class have everyone work in teams to create a ton ten list of some sort. Then use class suggestions for the Just One More. Alternatively, there will be someone with creative talent on staff who can create some artwork.

9. Finish other odds and ends
At this point you may be missing files. Run a preflight check to make sure you have everything. Also make sure that no images are embedded. See the preflight section .

10. Final edits
You will need to print out a copy of the magazine for editors to look over. Make sure that an editor from each department gives you a thumbs up. The Editor(s)-In-Chief must also ok the final product. The Wisconsin Engineer advisor should also approve the final copy.

11. Pre-flight
Double check that you have all the files you need. Make sure that all fonts are included, and all photos are properly referenced.

12. Getting the files to the printer
Make sure that the printer liason has contacted the printer at least a week or two ahead of time. Currently the printer contact is Shawn Christoph. Check on the contacts page , or with the printer liason or EIC to find out who the most current contact is.

13. Editing the proof
Within a few days usually you will receive a proof from the printer. This proof will contain a fully printed version of the magazine, along with the pages that were printed in full color. Have as many people as possible look over the proofs.

14. Make sure that the delivery goes smooth
Make sure that you are aware of when the magazine is being delivered. The magazines aren't always put in the same place, so you might have to track them down. Check the ERB loading dock, the ECB mailroom, the ECB loading dock, and the office (if they aren't in there already).