Reader Response(and responsibility)

Please allow me to introduce myself. I am your managing editor and have been part of Team Designfax for almost one full year. I've learned bits and pieces about the wide world of OEM design engineering and a little bit more about collective you and in some cases, individual you. This much is clear: you are a creative and interesting bunch. Many of you are careful readers, and you're sensitive to the idea that rampant innovation and technology could be a double-edged sword. You're also passionate about political, human and design world issues.

Frances Richards
Managing Editor

We are pleased at the responses we have received from our first Trilogy issue, Future of Technology: A New Perspective. We have succeeded in our goal to provide thought-provoking perspectives. These, in turn, elicited responses, stirred up your sense of responsibility to the world you help mold every day, quickened your mental pulse and created reactions. The addition of our Reader Connection department also has increased dialogue between us (gatekeepers of innovative componentry, helpful tips and useful stories -- editors with a small and humble "e") and you (the judges, the awards committee, our patrons -- Readers with a capital "R").

I'd like to share a few quotes with you, from letters that came in regarding Trilogy Part I. Think of it as stream of consciousness from your peers. * "If I'm getting your message, the actions of a single individual (in a world of billions) do make a difference and are worth the risk, even if at times they seem small and inconsequential..." * "My response to most of the quandaries raised is 'Apply appropriate technology!' What we do definitely does matter. I believe it is every parent's responsibility to instill that attitude in their own children." * "Your August issue is great! I read it twice... I am sure the cover article evoked much introspection among readers. Whenever my sense of purpose is put under a microscope, it is clear that my efforts are primarily geared toward personal survival and providing my kids with happy experiences." (Editorial comment: Amen) * "How refreshing it is to have quotes from Gandhi and servomotor ads in the same book let alone across the page from each other..."

We wish we could share more. Our hope is to keep sharing perspectives about not only ways to get your job done more effectively with new components and design tools, but also to consider the big picture world -- where your creations fit in the advancement of human interests and quality of life.

This month, we offer the second installment of our Trilogy series, which explores advancements among selected design tools that are changing the future of design engineering; workspaces of the future that use color-changing plastics and climate control technology driven by individual keyring-style memory cards; a summary of four in-depth design engineering studies; tips on machine controls from an industry veteran and much more. And, we look forward to your continued response. It's been my pleasure to meet you.

frichards@designfax.net