Testimonials

When I accepted the job of Waggin Tongue editor 5 years ago, I had no idea what to expect. First of all, I took the job to save the magazine because the previous editor had sold her house and was moving. It seemed that no one else would take the job so I volunteered. Second of all, I’ve always wanted to test my computer skills along with my writing and editing skills and this seemed the perfect opportunity.

But I think the greatest team I’ve had the pleasure working with is located at the Mobile Home Board and Mobile Home Park Magazine office’s on Mountain View Alviso Road in Sunnyvale. They took the time to walk me through the steps in publishing my first magazine. They showed me how the magazine is put together and printed. They pointed out the quirks of the offset printer they use along with its’ own requirements. They showed me the different ways to get my publication to them on time pointing out their own requirements (they publish over 350 Mobile Home Park magazines every month). These guys are good!

Although being the editor of the Waggin Tongue magazine is strictly a volunteer job – there is no monetary compensation – it comes with many unwritten benefits. In my 5 years I’ve met many residents of Willow Ranch that I might not have had the opportunity to do otherwise. Many of these folks are caring and very helpful often emailing or writing me with suggestions and articles for the magazine. Some even made grammatical suggestions! I’ve had many chuckles over the past few years. Being editor has also sharpened my computer skills – I’ve learned a new piece of software, Adobe PageMaker, that I used to edit each month’s version. And, of course, I’ve sharpened my writing skills, under pressure, because everything is on a deadline. Many times, magazine contributors have to be gently nudged to get their articles and columns in on time so being diplomatic is a big part of the editor’s job. The magazine editor is pretty much left to his/her own as far as content is concerned, so you must be able to make decisions without help.

All in all, the job has had many, many rewards.

Elliott Smith, Waggin Tongue Editor
Willow Ranch

Dear Mobile Home Park Magazines:
I want to thank you for the great service you have provided our community every month since 1989! When you print our active homeowner association's editorial to announce special events, meetings and community news, we have plenty of room to insert pages for management and park groups as well. Residents ask for extra copies to share with their friends and kids love seeing their pictures published. We even mail out copies to former residents so that they may continue to feel connected.
On a more serious note, any park considering starting a newsletter needs to understand it is an important tool to minimize community apathy. Since there is no printing cost to the park there is no risk in giving it a try.

Barry Kaufman, Editor
Creekside Newsletter

The staff at the "Mobile Home Park Magazine" is committed to ensuring satisfaction in our advertising needs by offering wonderful, courteous customer service as well as their unique product.

Ed Tallman
Bay Area Homes, Inc.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend our utmost thanks and heartfelt appreciation, not only in the sprit of the season, but for the past twelve years of phenomenal support that you have provided Casa Volante Estates in providing guidance, printing and moral support in the publication of our monthly newsletter. You are to be truly commended for the professionalism instilled in making our publication such an overwhelming success. Please extend to Betty, Bo and other members of your staff our best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and we look forward to the continued harmony we share in serving our senior residents with timely and informative material enjoyed by all.

Earl & Sherri Hilliard, Community Administrators
Casa Volante Estates

On behalf of all the residents here in Quail Run Mobile Home Estates, we thank you for your "free publication" of our telephone book.

We would also like you to know how much we appreciate your timely publication of our monthly newsletter, the Quail Quill.

Collie Kidwell, President
Quail Run Board of Directors
Quail Run Mobile Home Estates