An Advertising Feedback Study on our April 2002 issue reconfirms what we've known for a long time: Converting is the industry's most preferred magazine. So, this month I'd like to "toot our own horn."

Conducted via the Internet, a survey link was broadcast to 5,000 readers by Cahners Research, Newton, MA. Along with seeking opinions on the most-read ads in April, the survey found that (among five publications) 61 percent of respondents consider Converting to be the most useful trade publication.

Our closest competitor garnered only 21 percent of the vote.

Beyond the numbers, though, were the verbatim comments that survey respondents provided. Here are a few:

"I read Converting because they write more of their own stories rather than getting stories supplied by other sources." True, we publish more total staff-written editorial pages each year than any of our competitors. We enjoy seeking out and writing original converter-based features because we know you like to read about your competitors.

"Roisum's column (Web Works) is a must-read every month." "I read and keep Web Works." "Made copies for operators to read." Do I sense a pattern here? Clearly, readers value Dave Roisum and his wealth of web-handling expertise. Overall, we also publish more pages of technical and economics features and columns than our closest competitor.

"Like reading about new products and changes in the industry." "Normally read about new technologies." Another vote for Converting. Again, you want information on new machinery, equipment, materials and services, and we deliver. Not only do we devote a higher percentage of each issue to new products, but compared to one competitor we publish twice as many pages of new-product information.

"I find the short paragraphs telling about events, people and other news in the industry to be of keen interest." From our exclusive Frontline and regular news pages in the magazine to our frequent news updates on our web site and our E-News newsletter sent twice-monthly to 15,000 readers, we've really got you covered.

It's nice to know that readers recognize our hard work. In today's economy, we feel that—more than ever—our job is to help you do your job better.

On a final note: This issue is no exception. Read managing editor Melissa Larson's exclusive coverage of the installation of Fox Valley Technical College's new gearless Avantie press (page 8). Find out how rapidly-growing WS Packaging Group maintains a personal approach with its customers (page 66) and makes a presstime acquisition of Portland, OR-based digital-label printer IdentiGraphics (page 78).

And of course, our extensive Labelexpo Americas 2002 report (page 48) will prepare you to investigate "all things labeling and narrow web" at this major industry event.

While you're at Labelexpo, be sure to pick up a copy of our Show Daily newspaper, produced in cooperation with Labels & Labeling magazine. It's just the latest example of the way we serve you—the converter.