Masonry Magazine October 2001 Page. 10
TOTALLY FOCUSED ON MASONRY
One would think that a trade publication with masonry in its title would be cognizant of the editorial content and graphics used in each issue. One would think that such a publication would decline from featuring articles which advocate the tying off of masonry workers on scaffolding if the overall position of the industry would be opposed to such an action. One would think that such a publication would focus on articles that were applicable to mason contractors in the masonry industry, and not competing industries. One would expect that such a publication would ensure that what is being published is accurate and true to the masonry industry. One might guess that the average person or construction customer might not even recognize a difference in what is being published. But any publication with the word masonry in its title, that is published for mason contractors, should be even more sensitive to what is being published since, unlike construction customers, the mason contractors do know the difference. Professionals earning a livelihood in this industry, many of them involved in the masonry industry for decades, are aware of the editorial and graphic content published in their literature and I can assure you, they won't be quick to dismiss inaccuracies or falsehoods.
We all know that publications of any kind, regardless of the industry being served, have an obligation to get it right! This is not to say that mistakes don't happen. In fact, I believe that if you are not making some mistakes, you're not trying hard enough to do a good job and make a difference. But there is a difference between honest mistakes and not being focused on and dedicated to the industry at hand. What's even worse, is not understanding the industry you are serving.
Our commitment at MASONRY Magazine is to be totally focused on the masonry industry and to publish thought-provoking articles that can educate, inform and mobilize the industry into action on behalf of building a stronger industry. It's no wonder, since this magazine is published by the Mason Contractors Association of America, as opposed to a faceless group of investors. We are the industry. Our members earn their livelihood from the industry and they have a deep respect for this industry. It's all they know and love. The "Contractor to Contractor" feature is just one of many good examples of how MASONRY strives to publish quality articles that are pro-masonry. Hopefully, you will never see articles in MASONRY Magazine that are detrimental to our industry, since ultimately, the mason contractors are our bosses- who we answer and report to. If we don't take care in what we publish, they will ensure that we do, or we'll be looking for new work.
There are philosophical differences between industry publications. One is profit and the other is the advancement of the industry. And just in case it's not clear as to which is which, MASONRY Magazine's focus will always be to advance and serve the masonry industry because it is the focus of our publisher, the Mason Contractors Association of America.
We are proud to publish what we believe is the best masonry publication in the industry today. We are glad that you now have an alternative to what you have had to read in the past. And we hope that you will continue to enjoy MASONRY Magazine into the future. For as long as MASONRY Magazine is published by mason contractors like yourself, we will always strive to build a profitable future for you.
Debra J. Mitchell, Editor-in-Chief