From the Editor: Publishing during a pandemic
If this were a normal year, Tom McKenna's editor's letter would be filled with stories about how much fun we had at Fine Woodworking Live 2020 last April. But this has not been a normal year.If this were a normal year, my editor’s letter would be filled with stories about how much fun we had at Fine Woodworking Live 2020 last April. But this has not been a normal year. The COVID-19 virus changed it all.
Every crisis has its heroes. As always, our first responders and hospital staffs have stood tall. But other front-line workers have shown their importance to our society, too: grocery workers, truck drivers, delivery services, and the like all have been providing us with the essentials during this entire health crisis. I send a big thank you to every one of them.
Fine Woodworking has its own front-line workers: my staff. When our offices shut down on March 23, all of us scattered to our homes to work in isolation. That’s not an easy task when you consider all of the personal and technical interaction required to make our magazine. Because of some creative thinking, technically and editorially, this issue is going to the printer on time, so some thanks are in order.
Thank you, Ben Strano, for continuing to create compelling videos for our audience, keeping the Shop Talk Live podcast going remotely, and for helping editors put together great online content.
Thank you, Liz Knapp, for bearing the brunt of all the production challenges and figuring out creative work-arounds.
Thank you, Betsy Engel, our outward-facing ambassador, who has continued to serve and communicate with our members and readers, handle all of the editorial contracts and payments, and just be an anchor for us, even remotely.
Thank you, Mike Pekovich and John Tetreault, for laying out the issue under trying circumstances while maintaining the beauty and clarity Fine Woodworking is recognized for.
Thank you, Jon Binzen, Anissa Kapsales, and Barry Dima for adapting to this new way of working. Each of the editors stepped up in a unique way to develop content that woodworkers care about, in print and online.
On another note, I feel the need to acknowledge and recognize family and friends we’ve lost during the pandemic. I was touched personally by it, losing my mother on April 16, and I know many people have been through the same trauma and some are going through it now. I wish you all peace and comfort in the present and future. And I hope that our readers and members have been able to find tranquility in their woodshops. Be well, and stay safe in and out of the shop.
Comments
Your magazine, podcast and website have been a Godsend during this time. I work in administration at a hospital, so days are long and full of hard thinking. Fine Woodworking has brought relief to my mind, a chuckle to my throat from one of Ben's podcast comments and thoughtful woodworking comments by Mike, Anissa and rest of the cast of characters. My thanks for a wonderful enterprise you have in place!
During the shelter in place directive we were under here in the Dallas,Tx area Fine Woodworking was a wonderful island to which I retreated often. I love your magazine and staff people. Mike Pekovich is probably my favorite, but all are good. I've been studying Mike Pekovich's Hanging Wall Cabinet consisting of something over 25 different videos. I got a huge chuckle when Mike closed the drawer on the cabinet without putting his temporary pull handle made of painter's tape on the drawer. Even Mike Pekovich is human!!
In a world gone mad with disease, fear, and destruction, having a resource that provides as sense of normalcy, fellowship, and creativity provides a welcome relief. As all institutions are strained to find a path forward in a new landscape I hope that Fine Woodworking continues to survive and thrive. Thank you.
Kudos to all. Thanks for the videos, the articles and the commentary. Much appreciated.
Tom - so sorry to hear about your loss. I'm sure it's been really tough for you and your family and must still hurt every day.
As a long time magazine subscriber I thank you for sticking to schedule during the lockdown, and for Shop Talk Live which is a highlight of my week/fortnight. Best regards to you and all the FWW team.
John Forbes, London England
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