People like to talk about teams. Some even claim, “there is no I in team,” even though they miss the point that the word team contains the letters m-e. So, let me say that I (me) could not have done this project without lots of I‘s.

A project such as the design, development, and production of the second edition of the Encyclopedia of Public Relations is a team effort. As such, it requires a lot of I‘s and me‘s setting aside other projects to pitch in. Perhaps violating the spirit of no I in team, I'm going to express my (a variation of me) gratitude to many who helped bring this project to fruition.

First, I acknowledge SAGE acquisitions editor Jim Brace-Thompson who came to me and said, “Because of the success of the first edition, we would like to do a second.” That actually was an exhilarating opening line of the drama that culminated in the production of this edition. In that regard, we as a discipline also need to acknowledge the librarians and others who believed that the cost of the work was money well spent. That is hugely gratifying.

Second, I acknowledge SAGE's willingness to let me pick and invite a first-rate advisory board. As important as that ever is for an editor, this time it was INVALUABLE. I simply did not know a lot of entries and authors that should be selected and invited to contribute because of the expanded array of topics. The entries on new communication technologies, which were recommended by older colleagues and written by younger ones for the most part, enriched this work. The new technologies are a playground and perhaps stumbling blocks for public relations practitioners, and seem best understood as such by our younger colleagues.

Also, I appreciate the Advisory Board members who offered topics and contributors generically under critical theories. I knew just enough to realize what I did not know and appreciate. I did not know who to ask who would be willing and able to write on what are often quite complex topics.

Third, I appreciated the advice and guidance on topics that fall under the headings of feminism, race, gender, and ethnicity—what seem to be identity topics. That sort of topic is definitionally the nature of societies and cultures. It, and other topics similar to that, are not matters of political correctness. They are core elements of society where public relations is enacted and where it can help or hinder such persons’ narratives. The nature of that stew determines how good the meal is. That appreciation, by definition, extends as well to those who helped to give a much more global topic structure and content for Encyclopedia of Public Relations, Second Edition. Several of the Advisory Board members also edited entries as they came in and went through various iterations before going to publication.

To each of the Advisory Board members, you are welcome to see your role as generously in the contribution to the final project as you wish.

I acknowledge so many colleagues who might have been doing any number of activities if not writing entries for an encyclopedia. I believe the culmination of the product and its contribution to academic and professional work are rewarding.

Finally, I acknowledge the SAGE team. Carole Maurer, senior developmental editor, raised and then helped solve hundreds of editorial challenges. She made my work look, and be, easy. I acknowledge the patience and precision of Anna Villasenor, reference systems coordinator. SAGE developed an SRT (SAGE Reference Tracking) computerized system. We used a version of it in the development of the first edition of the Encyclopedia of Public Relations. The new and improved version is super. But, for so many of us, a computer system is at times horrid and daunting. I appreciated a thorough tutorial one afternoon to get me ready to [Page xxxvi]help make it work. Then, some days later, I started to “make it serve me.”

Thank you, Anna, for being one of those who walked me through the SRT, both during the orientation and again and again. You made it work for us and did so with such a sense of fun and patience. I found all of the SAGE personnel to have a good sense of work and enjoyment for the project. But Anna and I got into the easy habit of everyday banter as Monday arrived, and she saved me once again as Friday arrived. Anna, I enjoyed working with you. And I would also like to thank Tracy Buyan, project editor, and Diane DiMura and Janet Ford, copy editors.

In the Acknowledgments to the first edition, I noted how the process of pulling off an encyclopedia together is similar to that of the barn raising in the movie Witness, starring Harrison Ford. I imagine that many of the younger authors don't remember that movie. One scene focused on the harmony in an Amish community where everyone young and old, male and female, played a key role as all hands helped raise a barn and nourish those hard at work. That sort of collaboration, cooperation, and camaraderie characterized the crafting of Encyclopedia of Public Relations, Second Edition. Our team really clicked.