Masonry Magazine January 2001 Page. 12
from the editor
The time has finally come. It's January, it's a new year... and what a great year it's going to be for MASONRY magazine... starting right now! As promised, we're kicking off the new year with the January 2001 Buyer's Guide issue - MASONRY's very first monthly issue. This very special issue with its extended Buyer's Guide listings, three new monthly departments, an interesting mix of hard-hitting features, and an enhanced, overall visual appeal - we think it's sure to spark some excitement, and hopefully make an impression. Read on... we'll let you be the judge.
This year, we decided to take a slightly different approach with the Buyer's Guide listing by treating it as its own entity more along the lines of a telephone directory, with its characteristic "yellow" pages. We also limited the directory to consist strictly of company and product category listings, omitting all editorial content and display ad placement. Our goal is to make the Buyer's Guide quick and easy for our readers to locate and reference throughout the calendar year.
What's also new to MASONRY this year are three new departments, which you can expect to feature in every monthly issue from here on in. We'd first like to introduce "Contractor-to-Contractor... A Member's Perspective." This unique department has been packaged and delivered to you in interview format, where featured member mason contractors from around the country personally highlight their favorite, most innovative project they've experienced, and also share their perspective on the most critical issues they face today as mason contractors. Our second department, titled "Making the Grade ... Apprentice in the Spotlight" pays special tribute to a fundamental segment of the masonry industry - the apprentices. Since the survival of our industry depends largely on the recruitment, training and retention of skilled masonry apprentices, we thought it was appropriate and necessary that a section be dedicated to them from month-to-month, placing them in the spotlight to recognize their hard work and achievements throughout the year. Thirdly, we bring to you "Homegrown Tools", a "handy", new section that highlights innovative methods and solutions for tools, adapted from mason contractors nationwide, that are sure to get the job done. Please know, we are encouraging and accepting participation from our readers in any of these new departments throughout the year, so feel free to contact the MCAA with your ideas.
Finally, with each consecutive issue of MASONRY, we are placing an emphasis on improving the overall look and feel of the magazine in terms of layout, use of fonts and graphic elements, and through the increased use of color. Our goal is to keep the publication visually appealing and impactful, yet organized and easy to read. So as you read through all 84 glorious pages of MASONRY's biggest issue to date, keep us in mind - let us know how we're doing. We appreciate your feedback and suggestions, and we want to continue to make your magazine the best it can possibly be. Enjoy!
Debra J. Mitchell, Editor-in-Chief