Ode to the copy desks in this time of crisis

Richrd Luna, managing editor at the Ventura County Star has one (reg. req.) singing the praises of the copy desk at his paper as it handles far beyond its normal load.

The scene is being repeated in every newsroom in the country -- not to mention the almost beyond-human effort being put forth by journalists whose homes are in the stricken area.

We owe a huge thank you to all of them, but I'd like to take a moment, like Luna, and say a special thanks to the copy desks whose contributions during these times are often overlooked at a time of vastly expanded news sections. As Luna writes:

Copy editors might edit and write headlines and cutlines for more than 50 articles a day. Other members of the desk can each read more than 100 files a day. Designers can create anywhere from three to 30 pages a day -- or more.

At times, there is a sense of being overwhelmed, yet, time and time again, they respond with a true sense of professionalism.