From time to time we run into evidence that many members believe AP staff is closely monitoring member Web sites for stories to pick up for the wire. They think it's no longer necessary to proactively send their stories to AP as they did before the Internet.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Nearly all of AP's daily newspapers, radio stations and TV stations have sites, and it's simply impossible for AP to check all of them throughout the day. That means that some stories that should be in the state report wind up being overlooked.

The best way to make sure your stories and photos are available to other members is to send them without being asked. As always, stories may be e-mailed to mnpe@ap.org. Photos can be sent to our state photos operation in New York via FTP or e-mail (statephotos@ap.org). If you send a photo by e-mail, make sure to call to point it out to editors there: 888-AP-FOTOS.

Getting AP Images Accounts
Under changes made to AP's photo services effective Jan. 1, most newspapers should abandon the old 'one-account-for-everyone' method and get individual AP Images accounts. How to do that? Send a  request via email to: api_member_support@ap.org  or call 877-836-9477.

Newspapers subscribing to Member Choice Limited are invited to take part in a weekly WebEx training call each Wednesday at 2 p.m. Eastern through March.

The training is designed to help editors and copy desks navigate the transition. We urge you to take part so that your desks will understand what to expect with the service and how to find needed content.

The training lasts about 30 minutes, including time for questions. AP staff will review what is available with Member Choice Limited, while also demonstrating the service through AP Exchange. Anyone who may benefit from the training is encouraged to take part.

To participate in any of the training sessions:

• Go to www.webdialogues.com/join
• Enter conference ID 95552
• Then dial 866-206-0240 with conference ID 965 385#