Thank you for being part of what will certainly be a growing segment of The Lutheran.
While the printed word isn’t likely to disappear anytime soon, the means of distributing thoughts and ideas is undergoing profound change. The Internet, which brings you my missive, is a major player in this new world. Combined with fiber-optic cable, satellites and other forms of electronic transmission and reception, a printed volume of 60 pages almost seems quaint. And delivery by mail?
Well, we’re not quite ready to jettison the print version of The Lutheran. But we are very much aware of the rapid pace of technological change in the early 21st century. That’s why we set up The Lutheran on the Web, to be a part of this wave into the future.
I’ve done my best to keep current, but I’m sure it isn’t enough. You need to know how far I’ve come, just like the majority of writers and editors who stuck with the business over the past 30 to 50 years: My first job in journalism, as a reporter at the Marquette [Mich.] Mining Journal, occurred just as linotype machines (type set by molten lead) and the huge 19th-century inspired letterpresses were being scrapped. From that antique beginning, I’ve wandered through the valley of IBM typewriters with bar codes under the letters to primitive and eventually sophisticated word processing computers.
The magazine’s staff wants to provide extra value to our readers by branching out into electronic publishing. We see it, at least for now, as a complement to our print edition. The Web offers us a chance to keep news “fresh” between issues, as well as ultimately providing virtually unlimited “space” on topics that can’t be adequately covered in the confines of a 60-page magazine. And the possibilities for referrals for more in-depth inquiries is endless.
Prior to my arrival at The Lutheran on Dec. 1, editors here had the foresight to hire a qualified Web manager and invest in continuing education for the position. The fruit of that action is obvious, as our electronic offerings evolve and improve. Granted, it will take some time for everyone at the magazine, plus our readers, to think about print and electronic versions of The Lutheran at the same time, but it will happen.
Exactly where this leads us remains to be seen. No one knew for sure where newspapers were headed when they ventured into offset printing and computers in the early 1970s. Just like then, a brave new world beckons now. Frankly, it should be exciting and fun. I look forward to the experience, with you.
(Check out "A letter to the 'publishers,' " Lehmann's February editorial.)
This week’s front page features:
Bonhoeffer at 100: What will we make of his legacy? (Image at right.).jpg)
Join Wyvetta Bullock (right), ELCA executive for leadership development, to talk about future leaders in the ELCA — today through Jan. 31.
We'll tabulate the results and share them with readers of The Lutheran, so those congregations facing financial difficulties or that want to fund a special project may benefit from your experience.
Julie Sevig (right) considers what her children might grow up to be: kind, compassionate, loving, forgiving, joyful, trustworthy, loyal, playful, fair, faithful..jpg)
Tell us! Is your congregation's Web site one of the ELCA's best?
Did you know: An individual subscription to The Lutheran magazine is only $15.95 a year and includes a Web Premium membership at no additional cost?
© 2013 Augsburg Fortress, Publishers
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