My Take: Kicking Off A Bright, Shiny 2012

People who know me have probably heard me say more than once that I’m like a parakeet: I like bright, shiny things.

While others may enjoy discussing a range of “bling,” let’s just say that silver is my thing. That’s one of the reasons I’m so excited about this January issue. It marks the 25th Anniversary of Maintenance Technology magazine! To make note of it, you’ll see we’ve added lots of my favorite metal to the front cover, including in the special 25th Anniversary Medallion. But the party doesn’t begin and end on this month’s cover. As our publisher Bill Kiesel alluded to in his column, we’ll be celebrating our big 25 throughout 2012. Moreover, we’re asking you, our readers, to help plan the “festivities.”

Starting next month, every issue of Maintenance Technology in 2012 will include at least one article or column selected from our archives—something from our collection of greatest hits. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been reading us. We’re asking for your suggestions on articles or columns from our past 2+ decades to republish. While I admit to having several candidates of my own (based on repeated requests for reprints that I’ve received in the 6½ years I’ve been onboard here), drawing solely from them would be way too easy and not as much fun. I prefer to hear from you: So, which editorial in our magazine (since January 1998) has sparked your interest most or made the greatest impact on your reliability and maintenance career?

Can’t decide? Feel free to make more than one recommendation. Email the title(s), name(s) of the author(s) and approximate publication date(s) of your choice(s) to me at the address below. Then, each month, look for content bearing the 25th Anniversary Medallion shown here. I’m really looking forward to hearing what you come up with in the way of favorites.

As you wander down memory lane, though, don’t overlook several new departments and interactive features we’ve launched for 2012. They include a “Stuff Happens” news section; a “Question of the Month” for you to ponder and answer; a previously discussed quotable-quotes opportunity (“Fightin’ Words”) to which many of you have already responded, per my December 2011 column request; and a bi-monthly “Automation Insider” column by a very well-known, respected “insider.”

For now, on behalf of all of us who are working with Maintenance Technology these days—and all the others who helped birth and build this magazine from the ground up—thanks for a great run! We could not have done any of it without the loyalty and support of our valued readers and advertisers. It’s truly an honor to be serving your information needs. Here’s wishing each of you a very bright, shiny and prosperous new year!

jalexander@atpnetwork.com