Pretty in print
Welcome to our new format Motion Control!
Of course, I am writing this editorial comment before actually seeing what the end result is, but I hope it reflects the work put in by clients and our production team. It is encouraging to see that there is still lots taking place in the world of Motion Control.
Thank you to all my Technews colleagues and contributors who have coerced me and helped me in putting this issue together.
An integrated model
But wait! There is more!
The Technews model has always been one of an integrated media partner for our clients and an essential information resource for our readers.
For years we have offered:
* A magazine in print: Traditional paper and ink.
* An e-Zine: E-mail magazine version of the print articles.
* Online articles: All articles ever published in Motion Control since it became a Technews title
* A buyers’ guide: Traditional paper and ink.
* An online buyers’ guide: A cross-referenced searchable database of suppliers and service providers.
Each of these publications has attracted a dedicated and loyal following of readers and users who are avid consumers of the published articles and use the advertisements and buyers’ guides to help inform their purchasing decisions.
We have now added an additional format for those who are keen to read their Motion Control as an e-book, which Wikipedia describes as: “An e-book (short for electronic book, also written eBook or ebook) is an e-text that forms the digital media equivalent of a conventional printed book … E-books are usually read on personal computers or smartphones …” The differentiating factor between our traditional online presence is that online readers 'turn the pages' of an e-book and they see the complete content, including advertisements.
Personal preferences
When it comes to acquiring knowledge some prefer to read the physical medium of traditional print, some prefer to read in an electronic format. There is place for both. The older generation still seems to prefer the traditional approach, younger readers tend to spend more time online.
Putting myself firmly in the 'older generation', my preference for magazine and book reading is the medium of print. As an example, I enjoy reading my photography magazine this way and I do not think I get the same pleasure from reading a technical magazine cover-to-cover online. Similarly if I want to read a book on landscape photography, I will take the print version.
But if I want to learn how to use some software I will happily buy an online 'book', be it a true e-book or simply a PDF – after all I am going to use it in conjunction with my PC anyway.
Similarly if I want to search for something specific – say a comparison of lens performances – then I immediately turn online.
Each medium has pros and cons, supporters and detractors.
The e-book for this issue can be viewed at www.motiocontrol.co.za/digital. We hope that you enjoy exploring this new medium.
Andrew Ashton, editor: Motion Control
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