You Say It’s Your Birthday
Sep 1, 2003 12:00 PM,
Mark Johnson
Two decades have passed since Sound and Video Contractor magazine began (that’s more than 250 regular issues, supplements, and show guides). Either way you count it, this issue marks the 20th anniversary of S&VC. Although S&VC wasn’t initially on my radar screen 20 years ago, it soon became a valuable resource of information about what was happening in the world of systems contracting. Most important, it told me what tools and techniques could help me work smarter and more efficiently.
The industry has grown during the past 20 years — many of us along with it — but parallels can be drawn between 1983 and 2003. Twenty years ago, opportunities to expand my knowledge base were few. AES and NAB were practically the only trade shows relevant to my job. Although managers could occasionally attend those shows, the chances of worker bees like me going were slim to none. Information had to come from other sources, and magazines were a huge resource. Topical information about products and applications was very useful. Why reinvent the wheel when you could learn how others do things? How did they overcome their challenges? What products might work in your situation? Magazines provided that information, and S&VC was key.
With the political and economic climates being what they are today, people are traveling less. Professionals need alternate sources for information. S&VC‘s goal, as it has always been, is to be that source. S&VC strives to provide comprehensive and up-to-date information about the technology and tools — and how to apply them — to the systems integration industry.
It’s timely that I became editor of S&VC so close to its 20th anniversary. It’s made me reflect on my time in the industry, which extends a bit more than 20 years. I look back with pride and with fondness and thanks to the people who have helped me along the way. Here’s to the first 20 years — and the 20 years to come.
