In place of our typical editorials the InPark team checks in to learn more about one another…one question at a time
ABOVE: Marty and Judy take a peek at InPark issue #67 during the 2017 TEA Summit, Joe conducts a round table interview at the Museum of Latin American Art on its award winning exhibit “Transformations”
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Joe Kleiman, InPark Magazine news editor
Question from Judith Rubin
Tell us about your extracurricular blogging and how it complements your InPark role
The blogging actually started well before I joined InPark. About fifteen years ago, I owned a website called WorldEnteractive that reported on the digital transition in home entertainment, cinemas, and attractions. My business partner was a university English professor and she made sure we followed the AP Style Book and that all sources were vetted. At the time, trade shows did not consider most bloggers as legitimate media. I saw many turned away from the press office at CES, NAB and ShoWest.
These days, blogging allows me to approach topics (and approach them in ways) that may not fit the mission of InPark or other trade publications that I’ve written for. I speak in my own voice but always base my opinions on conscientious research. Whether it’s an homage to Star Trek attractions long past or showing that a major travel agency’s commitment to ending dolphinariums conflicts with their owner’s opening of a brand new one, I try to write in a style where there’s something to be taken away by everyone.
My blogging has given me great international connections and the skills to conduct deep research. As a result, I’m able to see patterns others may not. I’ve taken these connections and skills and applied them to my work at InPark. Likewise, working with the phenomenal editing team at the magazine, my writing has improved substantially on my blogs over the past decade.
Judith Rubin, InPark Magazine editor
Question from Martin Palicki
You have an illustrious career with several trade publications, including InPark. Why do you think the industry media is important, particularly now?
Professional journalism brings perspective and objectivity to the table. Those are basic to maintaining high editorial standards. But we also serve and support a specific industry. That calls for specialized information, put into meaningful context – knowing your industry and helping others to know it too. It also calls for distribution – a breadth of distribution that helps the story reach a useful cross-section of the business community as well as into overlapping sectors. Various parts of the industry learn what various other parts of the industry are doing, with reliable information from a reputable, even prestigious source. That exchange of information supports collaboration, innovation, best practices and growth. In COVID times, it can help the industry get back to work.
Martin Palicki, InPark Magazine publisher
Question from Joe Kleiman
What inspired you to publish a trade magazine on the themed entertainment industry?
Honestly, this is the number one question I get at parties. Fun fact: When I was about 10 years-old I wrote a letter to Ron Toomer of Arrow Dynamics asking how I could become a roller coaster designer. He responded and told me I needed to start studying mechanical engineering. I never had the patience for that much math and physics, so in college I turned to the operations side and began working for Six Flags Great America. I tried to get full-time work there, but ended up pursuing other jobs – though I still kept ties to the park. My degree is in English, so I figured there had to be some way to tie together my passion and my education. Thus, InPark was born.
Professionally speaking, InPark and I grew and improved together, with a lot of help from friends and colleagues who also love this industry. The core editorial team of Marty, Judy and Joe evolved, and InPark took flight.
