Today we turn the spotlight on HOGstr, an active editor who never lets the dust settle on the Offbeat news forum. HOGstr is a shining example of a Topix editor, constantly keeping the news page updated with interesting stories. Who would have ever imagined one could share a passion for both Harley Davidsons and Chihuahuas? Let’s see what she has to say!

What are some editing pitfalls you’ve learned to avoid?
Posting a duplicate a story is the main pitfall for editors that I see. An editor should always review the page to make sure another editor hasn't already linked to a story already on that page. Having two (or more) comment threads splits the conversation and confuses the reader. I also find it annoying when an editor posts a story on a page that's not relevant to that page.

What is your prior editing and writing experience?
I owned a photography business for 15 years before going back to college and getting my journalism degree. After graduation, I started as a reporter/photographer for a small weekly newspaper group in southern New Jersey before moving up to become the managing editor. When Gannett bought the papers, I was transferred to the Asbury Park Press as a night desk editor. Eventually, I morphed into a humor columnist and social interaction Web editor. I now write a weekly humor column called Kickin' Back and blog Say What? about unusual news two or three times a day as well as approve user-generated articles and photos for app.com. I also monitor user blogs, online forums and story chats.

What is your editing environment like? Do you post from work or home?
Because I'm an offbeat news junkie, I post stories I come across while I'm at work and from home. I'm constantly looking at the news wire to see what's new. Because of this, I'll see stories that are posted before they make most major Web sites. This gives me an advantage to blog about breaking stories and post them right away. I almost feel obligated to post on Topix as often as I can because I don't want readers to miss out on the latest offbeat news and what's happening around the world. It can become obsessive at times.

What do you do when you are not on Topix?
I own and ride a Harley Davidson motorcycle, thus my screen name HOGstr (Harley Owners Group). I also spend a lot of time with my three beautiful grandchildren who are very young, of course ... :)

What is your most memorable editing experience on Topix? Big story? Reader response?
Possibly the story I posted about the man assaulting his father with a bag of Cheetos. I think that got a lot of response.

What advice would you give to other editors in making a great page?
Post photos with your stories.

The Offbeat forum has a close family-knit feel to it. Would you say being an Offbeat news editor has helped your relationship within the Offbeat community?
Ah, yes. This is so true. The Offbeat community has many, many regular posters who are smart and witty. They make my day with their unusual and creative comments! I don't think there's a day that goes by when they don't make me LOL! And, they have been very receptive to my story selections. I can't thank them enough.

One of us at Topix has an obsession with her two Chihuahuas, and noticed you have an insanely cute picture of one in your avatar. Does he have a Dogster page?
I have three Chihuahuas. I call them perma pups (they always look like puppies no matter how old they get). My avatar is a picture of my first little girl, Elsie, who got her name because she has cow markings. When I first brought her home, she was very lonely and used to chase flies for fun. So ... because her only friends were flies ... I adopted an older female Chihuahua who became her mom so to speak. I then figured well, I have two, why not three, and bought Toots who is my plus-sized girl. None of them have a Dogster page, but as soon as I get time, I'll see that they sign up.

What other user-edited pages on Topix would you recommend?
As an owner of three Chihuahuas, I think the Pet page is excellent. I'd like to contribute to it more, but never seem to get the time.

Anything you'd like to say or comment on?
I have to say that Topix is the best online site that I've come across in a long time. The moderators are great and allow readers to express their feelings without taking away their individuality. Nothing worse than having to say (because of site restrictions) "I have to urinate" when you really want to say "I have to pee."

Bravo Topix, for allowing your readers to be themselves and still maintain a wonderful site where they can politely interact and, at the same time, have a hell of a good time!

Kudos to you, HOGstr, and carry on!