Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor,
I’d like to comment on the new on-line version of Preventing Suicide magazine, the pros and the cons.
I found the original Preventing Suicide magazine to be an excellent resource, an outstanding collection of thought-provoking ideas and information.
I was disappointed when I learned that the magazine (print version) would not continue. Then, I was a bit wary of the on-line version, but I decided to check it out anyway.
The Pros
The on-line version is a high quality publication, user friendly, and current. I had no problems finding what I needed quickly. I’m impressed by the fact that features will be updated between new issue publication dates.
A remarkable variety of topics can be addressed, so I see the potential for the archives of the magazine to become an on-line encyclopedia. Not only will this encyclopedia be accessible to US subscribers, but it will be easily available to anyone in the world via the Internet.
I visit the major suicide prevention websites regularly, and I’ve found significant information on all of them. None of them, however, offer the type of articles and information that Preventing Suicide will publish.
Preventing Suicide, the on-line version, should fill in the gaps, provide what’s missing. At one place, we will be able to find everything we want to know about suicide prevention. We won’t have to go through dozens of magazine boxes looking for the article that contains what we are looking for.
The Cons
The only con I can think of is that if our power goes out after dark (which happens on a regular basis in rural Georgia), I won’t be able to get on line to read the articles. Hmmm … I guess if the power’s out, I won’t be able to read the printed version either – unless I can find my flashlight.
Thanks to the editorial staff and to Reese Butler for having the vision to reach out to connect and educate those whose passion is suicide prevention, and thanks again for this pioneering step to move the magazine on line.
Peace,
Karyl Chastain Beal
Parents of Suicides (POS)
Friends & Families of Suicides (FFOS)
Pavo, Georgia
karylofpavo@alltel.net
Dear Mr. Butler: June 8, 2005
I want to thank you for sending me a copy of your journal, Preventing Suicide (January, 2004.) The journal was referenced at a conference I attended recently, and the presenter told us (all directors of college or university counseling centers) that it would be worthwhile to obtain. She was right! I am planning to make it required reading for my counseling staff this fall. I appreciate your work very much, and also your kind responsiveness to my request for the journal.
Sincerely,
Jane C. Parnes, Ph.D.
PSY 4476
Director, Counseling Services
Whittier College
Whittier CA 90608
562-907-4239
