Publishers Note 05/97

Publisher’s Note - May 1997

So Much, So Fast...

I have to tell you, being the certified control freak that I am, that I was truly amazed by the amount of collaboration that went on within our staff over this month’s issue. At MODE, it is not a dictatorship. Many of the decisions about content, direction, and development of new products are a communal process. We utilize e-mail to it’s fullest potential, and often see ideas go through several phases in a matter of hours. It is truly awe inspiring to see such drive, desire, and commitment to what was just a dream several months ago. Plus it is an honor to lead a team of people as dedicated as the staff of MODE. I want to thank everyone who contributes to MODE personally, for April was a milestone for us. A milestone Gloria and I did not project seeing until late Fall. We are truly happy. All I can tell you is that it has a lot to do with how nice and thick this issue of MODE feels.

But enough of that. Isn’t this month’s cover great. I never knew how much I liked Little League, (and how much I missed it), until Gloria, Ed Truax, and I went to take the pictures for this month’s cover. What a rush to be around half a dozen baseball teams, in their sparkling new uniforms. It was team picture day. Now imagine the rush when I found out that their team photographer bagged out, and Scot was the only semblance of a photographer for miles and miles. Needless to say, Gloria and Scot took a lot of Little League pictures for a good part of a Saturday last month, and never had so much fun. I even owe someone with a big smile a free pizza!

Switching gears, I have some explaining to do. It seems there have been a few questions as to the method (or madness) by which our "A Matter of Taste" reviewer conducts her dining reviews. I will clarify. Unlike most reviewers who base their entire opinion on the one or two dishes they sample at a quiet evening out, our reviewer Dawn Eckenrode likes to travel in packs. When its time to review a restaurant, Dawn invites anywhere from 6 to 10 of her best friends to join here and her husband Andy. They invade the target restaurant, and order almost everything on the menu. The rules are simple. No two people order the same thing, and everyone has to share with Dawn, or they don’t get invited out the next time. The result is a review that covers a majority of the items on the menu. The benefit is that you the reader can enjoy a broader opinion based on a myriad of choices. So to quell those dining review concerns, NO, Dawn does not eat out every night of the week, (that’s Dan), and NO she does not weigh 450 pounds. We love you Dawn :-)

Backpeddling again. How many of you have ever done a trade in your business or profession? If it’s mutually beneficial, most people would never pass up the opportunity to do trade instead of spending cash, wouldn’t you agree? I raise this point because MODE, and it’s parent publishing company Image and Print, Inc. recently joined the BXI Trade Exchange of South Central Pennsylvania. It’s an organization of professional bartering with over 110 offices nationwide, and nearly 35,000 members. Now, instead of trading with someone that I want something from directly, I can trade with that person, (if they’re also a BXI member), and use my barter credits elsewhere for something I may want or need. There’s a much better explanation on page 31, and I suggest you read up. MODE is a firm believer in professional trade, and you'll see alot more about barter in the issues to come.

Finally, I would like to tell everyone that July, 1997 will mark our one year anniversary, and we are very excited. I tell you now because we want your comments about MODE. Complimentary or not, please tell us what you think. We’re planning to print the good, the bad, and the ugly... just don’t be too ugly. Thank you for your continuing support.

TTFN.
Scot Giambalvo, Publisher

P.S. Regarding the Media Play pix on page 9, (print version) it was the comment about Stew in his underwear that made everyone close their eyes! :-)