Greetings from California, where the sun always shines, Windows always boots up, and a cup of coffee costs $5.
Of course, that's what the Silicon Valley tourist bureau would have you believe. In reality, it's raining for the fifth straight day, Windows has trashed my hard disk again (taking with it my latest book, "Creative Indecision: Options in Confusion," slated for rejection by Random House) and a cup of coffee costs $6. But I digress.
To paraphrase Admiral Stockdale, "Who am I? What am I doing here? And why is Ross Perot tugging on my shirtsleeve?"
If we haven't met before, my name is Robert Luhn and I'm the former editor in chief of Computer Currents magazine, and the current editor in chief of the ComputerUser.com Web site. As James Mathewson has no doubt told you, my publication was recently acquired by ComputerUser and folded into the issue you now hold. I like to think that snapping up Computer Currents was a great idea-both publications are free and dedicated to serving small-to-midsize businesses and consumers. Both follow a very similar publishing model, with a lot in common in terms of focus and market. And both have strengths that complement each other.
In mingling the two publications, we hope to provide the best of both worlds. In this April issue of ComputerUser, you'll encounter a brand new look; CU's patented features, analysis and commentary; and some new stuff. You'll find new columns, including Gigglebytes (the longest-running computer humor column in the galaxy) and a raft of new advisor and review columns that cover Windows, mobile computing and other topics. (Computer Currents' E-Commerce section--E-Commerce in Review, E-News, E-Commerce Step-by-Step, E-Commerce Makeover, Web in Review, and a hosting table--will take up residence on our Web site.)
What will my role be in the new shape of things? As editor in chief of the Web site, I'll not only "repurpose" material from the magazine, but start delivering original content that expands on what we offer in print and takes the organization in new directions.
What might that involve? Aside from the site's new e-commerce coverage (with articles appearing on a biweekly basis), we'll be rolling out features, columns and more. These will appear daily, weekly, biweekly and monthly. Some of the items you can expect to see in the coming months:
Up-to-the-minute tables and databases devoted to ISPs, hosting companies, training and more.
Technical dictionaries that help you keep current with the latest jargon.
Interactive help forums that expand on our advisor concept, giving you access to experts who can solve your computing conundrums.
Fast-breaking reviews and previews of shipping and prerelease products.
Buyer's guides that show you how to buy and use a variety of products and services.
Original columns that range from legal issues (especially vital for Web publishers) to online investing.
Book excerpts, great resources culled from other Web sites and other material that will help you make savvy buying decisions, and master these machines instead of the other way around.
The goal in all of the above? To provide you with honest, fair and critical (in the best sense) coverage of the products and services you use, and the companies that provide them. I look at it as no-B.S. editorial-no hype, no cozying up to vendors, no falling for the party line. If a product stinks, we'll say it loud and clear-and tell you why. If a product is fabulous-even if it's from Microsoft-we'll give it its due. Either way, the bottom line is serving readers first and last. That's my pledge and if I slip, don't hesitate to let me know.
Your comments are always welcome. You can email me at rluhn@aol.com or write to me care of ComputerUser.
Robert Luhn is the former Editor in Chief of Computer Currents, and is Editor in Cshief of ComputerUser.com.
