From the Publishers Pen

THESE ARE CHALLENGING TIMES FOR PUBLISHERS OF NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES AND TRADE JOURNALS. THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY MOST PUBLICATIONS ARE SUFFERING FROM DECLINING ADVERTISING REVENUE AND ALL ARE EXPERIENCING INCREASING COSTS. MANY TRADE MAGAZINES HAVE CEASED PUBLICATION AND OTHERS ARE ATTEMPTING TO MIGRATE TO A WEB PRESENCE ONLY.

Our vision for the SRG is to create a magazine that is interesting and fun to read. Instead of hunkering down and retreating in the face of increased costs, as a regular reader, you’ve probably noticed that we’ve transitioned to an all color format, expanded our page count, and have added several regular monthly columns. We have expanded our circulation beyond granite countertop fabricators to include tile contractors, polished concrete contractors, decorative concrete artisans, concrete countertop fabricators, and general concrete contractors.

Over the next few months we are rolling out a new website for the SRG (www.slipperyrockgazette.net). The new website will have many improvements including a fully Google searchable content, free classified ads and the opportunity for manufacturers to have specific advertisements in the various categories in which their products compete. We think it will take about six months to roll out all of the changes.

It is our intent to create something that supplements but does not replace the printed magazine. There are some things which we think technology does better, but nothing will ever replace the printed page. If you have a chance, take a look once in a while and let us know what you like and what needs fixing.

Hope you enjoy this month’s SRG,

Rich Hassert

Email responses to: publisher@slipperyrockgazette.net