It's almost cute to hear a little girl dressed up like a princess say things like "I is a big girl."

But when an international car company runs a national commercial with a terrible example of subject-verb agreement -- "Its popularity in the hearts and minds of millions have solidified its reputation for quality and high MPG." -- it's not so cute.

I won't mention them by name, but "oh what a feeling" of pain I endured when my ears first heard that. I had to rewind a couple of times to make sure I heard correctly.

We work with clients to plan content months ahead of time. It's not uncommon to write a story on the history of Christmas cookies in June or interview entrepreneurs with summertime businesses in February. This early and detailed planning is just one essential piece of the publication puzzle.

The kids are back in school. Halloween candy is stocked on store shelves. And before we know it, the ball will drop on the new year. Have you done everything that you wanted to this year: on your website, in your publications, with your money? If not, now is the time to get busy. Here are six things to do before 2008 is history:

We'd already been toying around with the idea of writing a post on soliciting and handling content from your members, when SNAP beat us to it. So first, we recommend you check out Gregory Fine's tips on handling volunteer content on the SNAP website.

I'll add these thoughts, based on Hammock's years of working with association publications. Consider these ideas as you manage your publication and your volunteers. Every association is different, so you'll need to create a process that works for you.

It’s the beginning of September and we already have one of the features (edit, photography and layout) ready for the December/January issue of MyBusiness. How’s that for working ahead?

Are we studious? Umm, yes, but that’s not exactly why the story’s ready to go. You see, that feature was slated for October/November up until pretty much the last minute, but we ended up not having room for it, so we’re putting it in the next issue. You didn’t think we were just going to throw it away, did you?

Every year at this time, Hammock editors work with our clients to compile annual editorial slates. Here are a few hints we’ve learned that make the process go more smoothly—and pump up magazine stakeholders about the coming year.