The Path Ahead

Words: Todd Fredrick

The Path Ahead

Dan Kamys, Editor - dkamys@staging1.masonrymagazine.com

What a whirlwind April proved to be. The new Masonry made its first appearance at the Coverings show. While our new approach has gone over very well, I still want to continue to push the envelope of both our messaging and the ways in which we get said message out. Though Coverings has a focus on tile and stone, I think there is a place for that type of content within the Masonry umbrella.   I was pleasantly surprised at what an event this show was. Jeff Buczkiewicz and I were able to meet with organizations from Italy, Spain, Egypt, Turkey, Brazil and right here at home about how we might work together. The beauty and craftsmanship that was on display in that convention center was something to admire, and I couldn’t help but snap a few photos for myself.   Now, I have to admit one of my favorite parts of the show was getting the chance to finally sit down and meet with Dean Marsico and Derek Stearns, who have written for us since we overhauled. It was a truly thrilling experience to get to interact with some of the industry’s most well-known personalities. In a sense my batteries were recharged when we started discussing how we’re going to work together in the coming months. There will definitely be some exciting new content coming your way.   One thing that seemed to be a running theme through our discussions was the need to deliver content in the right way to the right person. For example, a print magazine is traditionally something people who are a little older come to expect as a news source. However, a younger person may be more inclined to watch a short video on the same topic. The real art and science behind the new Masonry is figuring out how to funnel people back and forth.   The print version of this magazine isn’t going away any time soon, but we will be rolling out new methods of reaching our audience. Some, like Masonry: Regional, I’ve talked about before. Others, like the ideas Dean, Derek, Jeff and I are coming up with, are going to be brand new for the industry. I’m very excited.   I’d also like to personally welcome aboard our new Assistant Editor, Bronzella Cleveland. She’s one of the hardest working people I know, and I had the pleasure of working with her in my last role. When I got the greenlight to bring in another member of the team, I didn’t have to think twice. She’s going to keep me on my toes and help make sure that Masonry continues to improve and develop as time goes on.   As always, if you have any comments or suggestions, please drop me a note at dkamys@staging1.masonrymagazine.com. Better yet, you can send them to Bronzella at bcleveland@staging1.masonrymagazine.com and help her fill up her inbox.   All the best, dsig
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