No More Secrets

No more Secrets

It is no secret that the era of print media is giving way to digital publications.  The ratio of digital subscribers to print subscribers is changing in favor of electronic sources.  Hello brave new world.

Around 1440, a German named Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press based on the existing screw press technology available at that time.  The press utilized type blocks of inverse letters placed into galleys by compositors (or typesetters).  Ink was then applied to the blocks and transferred to paper, a slow and clumsy process.  The printing press opened the way to mass publication of materials revolutionizing people’s worldviews and ushering in the age of modernity.  Though there were many refinements, this process remained basically the same until the 1970’s when a shift was made to offset printing.  In this process, an image was etched onto thin aluminum plates.  The process was called offset because the plates did not touch the paper but transferred ink onto a rubber roller which turned the print page. 

Long before the FSS Secrets, the 366th Services Squadron distributed a print publication called Timeout through the base paper then published as The Gunfighter.  Printed Timeout issues only continued through September of 2008 but continued digitally in the form of PDF files through March 2009.  In the spring of 2009, two issues of a new publication were printed under the title of Services Secrets. Then, in June of that same year, the first publication of the FSS Secrets debuted to the public.

Today, the age of cell phones, iPods, iPads, and tablets have moved us well beyond the age of modernity into a postmodern age.  From e-mail  to instant text messaging, it is clear that there are better opportunities to inform the airmen of the 366th of all that is available to them.
FSS is making every effort to connect with all electronic readers in the 366th.  Although printed media is not being completely eliminated as part of our communication venues, it is being substantially reduced.  This issue will be the last issue of the FSS Secrets, but there are many other ways you can stay informed and find answers to your questions:

• Facebook:  FSS is now on Facebook.  You do not have to have a Facebook account to view the pages, only to interact with them.  Join us online at www.facebook.com/366fss.
• Website:  For sometime now, FSS has been accessible to the public via its website at
• www.mhafbfun.com.  Be sure to visit the site often, and look for an updated look in the next couple of months.
• Blog:  FSS is looking into the possibility of continuing the FSS Secrets tradition in the form of a blog.  In a recent 366 poll, respondents chose the name FSS Insider as the title of this new medium.  The blog should be available through the website.
• Television:  FSS broadcasts information on local television channel 13.  This is an excellent resource to watch during your cardio workout at the Fitness Center.
• E-mail:  FSS publishes the 366 FSS Weekly, an  email containing information on events and programs through FSS for the coming week.  It is sent to all e-mail address in the 366th, 728th, and the 428th.  This publication is generally sent on Thursdays.
• Marquee:  FSS maintains the marquee at Holt Park.  Be sure to catch the news as you’re driving by.
• E-mail/Text Message Alerts:  Airmen or family members can subscribe to e-mail or text message alerts.  Subscribers can even customize the alerts they wish to receive.
• FSS Monthly Publications:   FSS will still be printing brief pamphlets, posters, and flyers highlighting FSS events and promotions and will be available at selected FSS facilities.

The era of the FSS Secrets has come to its journey’s end.  No more secrets.  However, the 366th Force Support Squadron is committed to supporting all Gunfighter airmen and their families for a better quality of life.  We will continue to provide top quality events and programs and do our best to keep you informed.