Terry Persun
Editor-In-Chief

In my last editorial, I noted that Designfax and its editors enjoy exploring new ground along with our readers. Our twentieth-year anniversary has passed now and we're finding that working on this magazine is more fun than it's ever been. Not only has technology speeded along, it seems we're on a roller coaster about to run the loop-the-loop. The Internet has literally forced some companies into the future faster than they're used to moving.

Because we're a small group here at Designfax, we've been able to move more quickly than most. I suppose another reason we're able to turn on a dime and meet the needs of our readers is our lack of fear to do so. Although that might take us off-course at times, through concious effort we're able to quickly re-adjust our heading.

The title of this editorial, you might notice, was written a little tongue-in-cheek. Many of you will know that I've been gone from the magazine for a couple of years. During that time, I went out exploring and Designfax did the same. We've both learned a lot from our experiences and have come together again with more interest and excitement than ever.

My return to this magazine marks an important advancement in my life. I realize how much I've always loved this business ­ publishing. And how much I enjoy working in the field of technology. In my opinion, there are few other people as creative and practical at the same time, as design engineers. I'm glad I'm back, and I promise to provide you with the most pertinent information we can find in the easiest and most readable format. Now, check out the 'special news' we have for you. And let me know how it works for you, too.

Special News!

Many readers have noticed our new 1RS URLs at the end of each article, application story and new product brief, and have been using those URLs. We also had some questions regarding them. The 1RS program was put into effect for two primary reasons: to help our magazine keep tabs on reader interest and to help make it easier for you to acquire information.

The publications of Adams Business Media are, at this printing, the only magazines using this system. Once again, Designfax is first in our exploration of how to use the latest technology for the mutual benefit of its users. Let me explain further. By using the 1RS number to enter the internet, all you have to do is jot down the sequence http://www.1rs.com/011df and then fill in the standard "bingo card" numbers (example: http://www.1rs.com/011df-555. You no longer have to jot down one company URL after another, taking the chance that you've written the wrong one. I suggest you type the numbers into a Word document where you can paste the prefix of the URL and then just type in the three-digit bingo number. By keeping Word handy in a small window, you can hit the URL you want to go to one-after-another.

The other reason the URL is helpful is that it allows Designfax to keep track of the response on each item. This is only one of the ways we recognize the effectiveness of the material we're publishing. If a certain article type or product category gets a lot of response on a regular basis, then we as editors know there is interest amongst our readership. This information helps us to serve you better. Without it, we end up having to guess at your needs like many other magazines do. So, by using our 1RS numbers, you'll be helping us learn about your interests, and helping yourselves streamline your information retrieval through the Internet.