I read today that Stanford Professional Publishing Course is closing.

I was on the faculty of the course from 1988 to 2000. I have many fine memories teaching there, sharing my subversive pr campaigns on books ranging from the brilliant White Trash Cooking to Flattened Fauna. I also sat in on some classes including one taught by John Kennedy, Jr. on the planning and launch of George Magazine. One earnest student asked him what the mission statement of magazine was. He turned beet red and said, “Next question?” prompting the class to crack up.

I’m sorry to see the course close down. But I guess it’s getting harder and harder for companies to justify the thousands of dollars it takes to send a person.

Ciao SPPC. I salute you!