As the majority of baby boomers approach 50, perhaps it’s time to re-label the term “mid-life crisis.” The “crisis” in turning 50 often refers to the looming realization that our existence is finite and the time has come to second-guess some of our choices. However, this generation in particular has a stronger sense of what they want and a willingness to break with tradition. They run marathons, hike, kayak, ski backcountry, mountain bike, travel the globe and start new careers. I personally enjoy that other familiar image of middle age: the silver-templed man or woman driving down the highway in a luxury sports car—top down, wind blowing through their hair (a truly enviable image for us balding boomers).
So what does this have to do with Microwave Journal? Well, next year, your beloved Journal turns 50 and we intend to celebrate with all the enthusiasm of a vigorous baby boomer. Our magazine will take a look back at where we (the microwave industry) have been and where we are headed (from the perspective of numerous special guest editorials). But before we start this celebration, we have been putting the pedal to the metal of what may be the media equivalent of a fast luxury sports car—the Internet.
In September, the Microwave Journal website will launch a host of new features that will tap into the interactive capabilities of this medium. To start, the Journal is partnering with Besser Associates to provide a free webinar series focused on RF/microwave topics. Besser Associates has been providing professional training for decades and is the recognized leader in teaching microwave concepts. This month the instructors discuss RF fundamentals in a 45-minute presentation and 15-minute question and answer session. We look forward to this series of active and informative webinars, along with additional webinars from leading microwave component, software and service providers.
Other new Web features include monthly interviews with executives and company technologists, more product highlights, and an expansion of the content and functionality of our resources section, including the Buyer’s Guide and Vendor Views. To kick-off the interview series, we talk individually to the executives of two leading RF circuit design companies, both of whom have an eye toward enhancing the state of EM/circuit co-design as summarized in their product features running in this month’s magazine. Our online interviews compliment these articles with added depth and executive perspective.
Starting this month, we expand the number of featured exclusive technical articles and white papers posted online. The increase reflects the growing quantity of high-quality technical material that is being submitted to the Journal’s editorial board. The Web allows us to deliver more content than ever before. In the coming months, our Web team will launch a new Web-exclusive technical article library archive with excellent search and article referral capabilities. Many of our more observant readers will notice the “Ask Harlan” feature to be missing from this month’s magazine. Our Expert Advice column is now exclusive to our website. In the near future, look for this feature to expand in a way that only an online community could.
Finally, the Microwave Journal website will cover the 2007 European Microwave Week (EuMW) with its Online News Service. In the run-up to EuMW the Online News Service Web Page will offer a guide to Europe’s premier microwave, RF, wireless and radar event. It will contain essential information on the four conferences, the European Microwave Exhibition and organized social events, together with a visitors' guide to Munich. Through Exhibitor Perspectives exhibitors will share their views on EuMW and the microwave industry in general. Exclusive interviews with the conference chairpersons are also highlighted. During the week of the show (October 7th to 13th) the editorial team will provide daily updates from the show floor, including up-to-the-minute news, new product announcements, promotions, etc. After the show concludes the whole Week will be reviewed, highlighting key events, major product announcements and follow up on ongoing stories.
The Microwave Journal website is an invaluable resource for microwave professionals who prefer the convenience and 24/7 readiness of the Internet. As our staff prepares for our 50th year in publication, we are leveraging the capabilities of electronic media to extend our delivery of microwave-centric content beyond what is possible through print alone. While the Web cannot fully replace the thrill and practicality that comes with receiving your monthly print edition of Microwave Journal, we are confident that our readers will come to rely on the Journal’s web site for additional insight into and interaction with the microwave community. Through a combination of print (monthly and special edition supplements), electronic media (website and e-Newsletters) and live events (industry trade shows and sponsored workshops), Microwave Journal is ready to keep you informed for the next 50 years and beyond. Welcome to our mid-life renaissance.
