By CHRISTOPHER SCIRIA
The Citizen (Auburn, N.Y.)

	WORKSHOP

If there is ever a reality TV show, "Small Newspaper Makeover," the Savannah (Ga.) Morning News' Duncan White will be the perfect host.

Using a blend of humor, information and props, White gave small newspaper sports editors some helpful tips on improving their design.

White started the panel off with an oath.

"Repeat after me; never again will I just say 'I'm just not a visual person,'" he said.

That drew some laughs and set the tone that White wanted for his presentation.

White, who has also worked in Glens Falls, N.Y., can relate to his fellow small-newspaper sports editors.

"A lot of small newspapers have challenges that big newspapers don't," White said. "We need to get back to the basics for small newspapers that are struggling with that stuff."

The basics, according to White, are 10 simple tips that can help improve design.

• Look at the big picture — use a clear dominant image to anchor the page.

• Pay attention to headline hierarchy — top stories get bigger headlines.

• Be aware of column spacing — not using wide columns of text.

• Don't go crazy trying to make a story fit — when designers use too much kerning to fill a space.

• Understand how layering adds to the story — using images in breakouts to liven up presentation and give the reader a reason to read the story.

• Play to your strengths and know your limitations.

• Keep it simple but don't make it obvious.

• Be consistent — finish what you start.

• Strive to surprise the reader — everyday. That means using new, creative ways of presenting photos and graphics.

• Have fun.

Fun was another important part of White's message. He tossed out T-shirts to editors that made keen observations.

One small-paper sports editor was impressed with White's panel.

"It had a lot of good tips on things that newspapers with small staffs deal with," said sports editor Michael Farkas of the Bristol, Va., Herald Courier.

Farkas said White's tips will help his sports section become more creative.

"You don't have to do that main image thing," he said. "You can do things to make your pages look better and make them sing."

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