Showcase editor Doug Rieder is on vacation this week, and Dave Richards, who steps in and runs the show when Doug isn't here, is away from his desk this morning. (That's because he usually works until 2 or 3 a.m. when he's subbing for Doug). I still write my Take Thirty column for Showcase, which is probably why I received two calls today from local organizations, asking how they can make sure their event is featured on the cover of Thursday's guide to arts and entertainment.

The answer is: there's no way to "reserve" or to "book" a Showcase cover in advance. Some people have been known to call as much as a year before their event takes place to "make sure we get on the cover." But that doesn't work, either.

Here's why: Like every other section in the Erie Times-News, Showcase is always searching for the big story to play on its cover. But the wrinkle is that a true cover story also needs to have compelling art. It needs to be striking and colorful, and it needs to fit the format.

Rieder normally prepares two or three cover mock-ups, which Features managing editor Jeff Hileman then presents to Rick Sayers, executive editor of the Times-News. I used to follow the same routine when I was Jeff's position until a few weeks ago. After getting Doug's input, and having a brief discussion with Rick, the decision for the cover is made.

Sometimes it's a close call. I don't know why this is, but there have been many times when we'll go several weeks in Erie when there isn't a huge entertainment story -- a major concert, play or live performance of some nature. And then, as luck would have it, you'll get three -- or more -- in the same 7-day period. That's when the art plays a pivotal role. In just about every case, the best photo or illustration will win. In fact, I can't think of a time when it hasn't been the determining factor in selecting the cover.

People involved in local arts organizations have told me they keep track of who gets Showcase covers, and who doesn't. But I think they're reading too much into it. This really isn't a political process. We just always go for the best story with the best art.

About the only way to get a leg up on contending for the cover of Showcase is to make sure your event has great art -- photos, illustrations, etc. Visual is so important in American media these days. It's often what draws readers in to an article, or, in the case of Showcase, an entire magazine.

I'm always pleased to hear from readers who want badly to be on Showcase's cover. It means this product is still lively and relevant, even as it nears its 26th anniversary. If somebody wants to be on the cover, we take it as a compliment, and we're happy to explain the process. We can't guarantee placement on the cover, of course, but we're glad to hear from groups that consider "making the cover of Showcase" to be such an honor.

Perhaps it's because there's no "Showcase curse," unlike the "Sports Illustrated jinx." No way you're going to be upset by your opponent and lose your No. 1 ranking after appearing on our cover.

Many readers already know how this system works, although it's probably not a bad idea to share the information with everyone. Our Showcase crew is an affable bunch, and you should feel free to call and chat with them on any Thursday or Friday. That's a good time, as Rieder and Richards are always glad once they've gotten passed those tight Wednesday deadlines.

-- Kevin Cuneo