amends with haunters after last year's mess. Next March, they will be
having the first annual Haunter's trade show on the second floor of the
convention center. While this may prove to remedy some of the problems
from last year, there are still a few problems that exist, with some
vendors that haunters buy from choosing to exhibit on the main
"wholesale" floor. I applaud TransWorld's efforts to patch the bridge
between themselves and the haunters, but we'll just have to wait and
see if this show will live up to the expectations and if haunters are
satisfied with the overall result.
I also expect to see a brand new IAHA in 2005. With all of the
chaos that has ensued over the last month or two, members of the board
of directors have resigned, members have revolted and all hell
literally broke loose, both in private and public forums. While I won't
get into details, so as not to fuel the fire, I will clear up my
stance, as it relates to IAHA. When the 'Reformation Platform' was
announced to the haunting community, it was endorsed by Leonard Pickel,
Larry Kirchner and myself. In no way am I bashing IAHA or its board of
directors, but rather, I, like many others, feel a drastic change and a
brand new board are necessary in order to progress IAHA to where it
should have been years ago. I do support, and will continue to support
IAHA as an organization, I just feel that change is necessary.
Another exciting thing to look forward to next year is brand new
HauntSearch Magazine products. If you've seen the news section on our
website, you already know that we've struck a deal with up & coming
company, "Haunt Inspirations" to commission the creation of a
HauntSearch Magazine desk lamp, unlike anything you've ever seen
before. In addition, we're working with Rustyknife Haunt Soundtracks to
create an original haunt soundtrack. Both items should be available in
the coming months. We're also planning on adding a few new and exciting
products to the site in the upcoming year!
Now, on to this issue. Since it's the holidays, we feel that a
haunter's wish list is only natural. This list consists of unique and
novel items that any haunter would be proud to have in their crypt.
Also in this issue is a follow up interview from issue 2 with Steve
Hickman of the Terror Syndicate. In addition to the interview, for the
first time ever, we've done an in-depth walk through of a home haunt,
taking you through "Dark Works" 2004 in a picture-loaded virtual tour.
New projects for this issue include a faux flame skull project, which
is sure to turn any atmosphere into an atmosFEAR. In keeping with the
"lighting" theme, we've also included a how-to for creating LED
spotlights that look like vines. A great way to add specific lighting
to any area, while blending it into the surrounding scene. All this and
more are packed into this issue!
With that being said, I hope each and every one of you have a
safe and enjoyable holiday season. Take a few momets to relax, be with
family and reflect on life and what's really important. We'll see you
back here in 2005. So until then, take care!
Rick Whitlow,
Editor-In-Chief
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