Editor's Message – Why The New OCB Format?

Over the last year your new OCA leadership has shown that we're quite capable of producing a first class state chess bulletin. Many of you have commented that it was better than ever and we appreciate the complements.

However, the OCA leadership has to also consider whether such a first rate publication is also prudent. Most OCA members don't realize that the OCB printing and distribution costs consume nearly all of the OCA revenue and a large portion of the volunteer time of the leadership.

In a poll at the Annual Members Meeting it became clear that only a small handfull of members feel a strong need for the OCB publication. Most are able to receive the same information from the OCA website or email in a much more cost effective manner. Therefore, it appears that the most prudent way forward is somewhere between the OCB of the past and going completely to the internet.

This issue of the OCB reflects a new approach which should cut associated costs by almost half and still provide the most important information in a hard copy format. Items that the OCA bylaws call for being published in the OCB are still included, like Policy Board Meeting minutes, Treasurer's reports, etc. You'll also still find interesting articles about Oklahoma related chess events and governance issues. Of course, information about upcoming tournaments will also remain.

The OCB still has top level results from all recent tournaments. However, you'll be directed to the OCA website for the detailed cross tables. There are also far fewer annotated games, which are now available at www.ochess.org/games where you can play through them interactively or download them into your own computer. You can also find lists of Champions, the tournament Clearinghouse, top player lists and lots of other information on the website.

We do hope that you'll understand and appreciate the necessity of the new OCB format with its references to information on the OCA website at www.ochess.org. If you haven't visited the OCA website, we hope you will soon. If you don't have the internet, check it out at the library, work, or home of an acquaintance.

Thanks for your support,

Mike Swatek