Welcome to the first chapter of The Stone Soup Storyteller!

As many readers may be aware, The Stone Soup Storyteller seeks to educate, inspire and liberate the interpretive community; to make connections between interpretive sites; and to help organizations build public awareness.  In this spirit, it seemed especially befitting for the inaugural issue to include articles that closely reflect these objectives.  While it is not currently our intention that each chapter will have a theme, you will likely notice the focus on creative problem solving, gaining fresh perspectives, and seeing hidden opportunities throughout the articles, interviews and resources in this chapter.

As in this chapter, all future chapters of The Stone Soup Storyteller will contain feature articles on a variety of topics, interviews with individuals associated with the interpretive field, resources and departments wherein readers can find answers to their questions, share their experience with colleagues, and gain a deeper appreciation for the interpretive community of which they are a part.  Given the vast range in size and scope of interpretive sites, the overall content of The Stone Soup Storyteller will be developed to match.  Every effort will be made to cover the extreme ends of the spectrum from very small, independent nature sites to huge, internationally recognized heritage sites and everything in between.

As you read each chapter, be aware of two things.  First, that The Stone Soup Storyteller is a free offering of Stone Soup Communications.  Second, that The Stone Soup Storyteller contains no advertisements.  We are dedicated to making this an ad-free publication so that the focus remains on the information.  Together, these two aspects will allow you to enjoy each chapter comfortable in the knowledge that The Stone Soup Storyteller will not cost you anything nor will it try to sell you anything.

In return, all we ask is your participation in the form of feedback that will be used to shape this publication so that it best serves you and your fellow interpreters.  There are two ways you can give your feedback: by sending us your comments and suggestions via the Suggestion Box; or by sharing your opinions through the Voice Your Choice department, a section wherein you can give your input on new departments or features being considered for inclusion in The Stone Soup Storyteller.  We also encourage you to make other interpreters aware of this publication, because increasing its readership strengthens its overall interpretive network and its value to you.

Beyond all else, it is the intention of this publication to provide inspiration and information that will help you make your interpretive site the best it can be.  So, sit back and enjoy the first chapter and let us know what you think!