EDITOR’S FORUM
Bigger Pot? Get a Bigger Spoon By Solomon Daniels
“You’re not 90.” The waitress looked at me quizzically, her requisite hostess smile stuck somewhere between high-
wattage and polite. “I mean, usually the waitresses here at Peppermill tend to be pretty old,” I clarified. (Boy, can I flirt.) “Oh,” she laughed, indecision releasing and a real, genuine smile lighting her face. My friend and I both joined in her merriment as we sat down. I was having breakfast with a retailer on the second day of CES, and we were discussing the need to promote a message. It was not an original message; in fact, it was one that has been touted by just about every organization, manufacturer and representative group in this industry: we need to work together. I mention this conversation because it epitomizes where we are today as an industry. CES signifies a fresh start for all of us, in terms of products, strategy, and most important, outlook. The same goes with this magazine. I started with Mobile Electronics magazine in 1999, and was excited at the opportunity to focus the publication on the then-current trends in the industry: expansion of vehicle safety products, changing speaker technology, and a new focus on OEM integration. Today, I’m equally excited to help make this publication and online presence something that represents us as we are today — a wider, broader industry, brought on by the elimination of walls between mobile and portable, information and enter- tainment, OEM and aftermarket. My conversation with the retailer focused on opening interactive channels between every entity that has the good intention of furthering our industry, taking the reach and impact of each and strengthen- ing it with the collection of ideas and combination of resources. Then, we deliver our messages, both through the people who touch consumers — our retailers — and the places in which our consumers live and interact — social networks, groups and forums. As an independent “mirror and microphone” of the entire industry, Mobile Electronics will play an integral part in causes which bring us together. To that end, we are expanding our editorial and outreach to represent and reflect today’s industry. In addition to our retailers and installers, we will expand to address the needs and issues of representatives, distributors, expediters, suppliers and large chains. And when there are events outside of these avenues that affect your business, whether in portable electronics, OEM advancements, automotive aftermarket or integration with home, com- mercial or business technology, we will bring that information to you. One thing that will not change is us listening to you. A printed book is only a part of a publication’s toolbox to truly integrate with its audience. We will make avid use of surveys, social networking and Web-based reporting to interact with you on a daily basis. Let’s face it: mobile electronics is no longer an island to itself, as evidenced by the types of com- panies that occupied the CES show floor. We are a segment of moving pieces of a larger industry, and each of those pieces affects us. It’s our responsibility as the industry’s magazine to give you a complete view of our changing and broadening landscape so that you can make informed decisions to grow your business. In doing so, it’s also our mission to further the larger cause of increasing awareness of our prod- ucts and services, and this happens when we point all of our efforts in a single direction. Though there have been large-scale initiatives to make this happen, it starts with each of us individually — reviving the drive and passion for car audio, mobile video, security, safety, customization, portable integration, and in-vehicle information and entertainment in ourselves and others. Add this to your list of goals this year, and we’ll be right there with you. ■
6 Mobile Electronics February | March 2011
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