Call for papers – Embedded Conference Scandinavia
The fifth annual Embedded Conference Scandinavia will be held on 19th to 20th October, and the organisers have issued a call for papers. Proposals are invited that cover hardware design, system development, software implementation or a project case study. Submit your proposal to Lars Johan Larsson before 15th May to ensure you have a chance to participate!
EP&Dee goes digital
EP&Dee (Electronic Products & Design Eastern Europe) has added digital distribution and has started a push to grow its digital circulation. The title currently has a circulation of just over 6000, and the move to digital will help increase this without the high cost of print and postage that is incurred with international distribution. It will be interesting to see how the publication develops – the title is probably the only one to establish a significant footprint across several Eastern European countries, and the digital edition should grow this significantly, as well as allowing growth beyond its current reach across South Eastern Europe.
Optimism amongst event organisers
With Embedded World only a week away, it was great to get some positive news about a couple of events. The Embedded Masterclass has more workshops planned for 2010 than last year, they have moved the southern leg of the event to the new Hilton at Reading because they needed more space, and the organisers tell me they think they may even exceed last year’s record attendee numbers.
Engineers in Scandinavia are looking forward to a new event, S.E.E. (Scandinavian Electronics Event), which will be held in Stockholm from 13th to 15th April 2010. The event is planned to be held every two years, and I’m delighted that there are still event organisers prepared to create new shows.
It looks like the first S.E.E. will be a success as the organisers tell me that around 250 companies will be exhibiting! They also have some great new ideas for the show, including areas where stands are not allowed to have high separating walls, creating a very open environment. They have also chosen to place seminars and special exhibitions and displays right in the middle of the show, on an “activity street” that cuts through the middle of the exhibition. Putting the seminars and activities that draw visitors in the middle of the hall is really important to draw people past the exhibition stands, and can only help increase the meetings on exhibitors’ stands.
ART running IPC instructor-level training at NEW South Africa
It’s great to see our friends at Advanced Rework Technology (ART) will be running IPC training at National Electronics Week SA 2010.
Editor interview – Paul Whytock, Electronic Design Europe
ED Europe is a purely digital publication. So does this mean print is dead?
Absolutely not. In my opinion print publications will never be redundant. We humans read for many reasons such as pleasure, education, information-gathering and business requirements and for many people there is considerable enjoyment in reading a well-written, well-designed magazine or newspaper that is traditionally printed. There is also for some a desire to own well-produced books that perhaps form part of a personal collection.
I see no future print scenario that will emulate Ray Bradbury’s novel, Fahrenheit 451. ....now there’s a book worth owning.
From a B2B information perspective I think traditional print and electronic media can co-exist. The only proviso I would mention is that free circulation B2B print publications face sharply escalating costs on paper, printing and postage and therefore it is financially logical that B2B media companies will increasingly use electronic media to reach existing and new audiences
What are the benefits your readers see from a magazine that is delivered digitally?
Convenient delivery to their computer desktop, easy storage for reference purposes, easy to print if required. Individual pages or the whole thing can be emailed to colleagues, customers, etc.
ED Europe is delivered only as a PDF, whereas most other titles have some online system with animated pages and an option to download a PDF. Why haven’t you offered an online reader?
Unlike many PDF-delivered publications that are really print publications that have been adapted for, or in some cases just shoved onto, computer screens, ED Europe was specifically designed for PDF delivery. This provides numerous advantages for recipients. It opens in a landscape format that fits computer screens. Readers do not have to zoom in to read it or scroll around the page trying to find the story they want. Reader navigation throughout the publication is quick and easy and because of some very smart compression techniques we can produce a 26-page edition with lots of colour graphics that goes out typically as a 3meg file.
Let’s not forget here that ED Europe was created back in 2005 so it’s not unreasonable to call it a pioneering success in digital B2B media terms. It has during that time won three major awards in the USA.
On the subject of Flash-related animations in digital publications Penton Media is fully aware of these and plans to make full use of them.
Can you explain the difference between writing for a print publication and writing for a purely digital title?
In the case of ED Europe, there really is no difference. Because of the way it is designed we can run short news stories, full-length technical features and opinion columns in exactly the same way as a traditional print publication.
Now ask me that question relative to writing directly online and that’s a very different journalistic proposition. Penton Media editors now write directly to websites and the way headlines and other related information is written has to be within certain parameters that suit web journalism.
So we now see a complete Penton Media portfolio where editors write for traditional print, digital and online media
ED Europe launched an HTML email newsletter. Why didn’t you simply create a shorter PDF magazine to cover the news? What are the advantages of the HTML delivery?
Three reasons for that. ED Europe’s NewsLine newsletters provide readers with a fast, convenient, easily absorbed information service. For Penton Media it has created an additional revenue source while also doing the valuable job of driving traffic to our websites.
You have been one of the pioneers of online video in the European electronics industry. Do you see video continuing to grow as a medium in our industry?
Penton Media are committed to online video in a big way and yes I do see the use of video as a B2B communication tool expanding. Penton Media has an Engineering TV department that works in conjunction with publications and editors to produce very high quality professional standard coverage. For me and many of my editorial, colleagues at Penton one of the major video innovations has been the way in which we report on exhibitions. To be able to shoot a three-minute interview with somebody that has been deeply involved in the development of new products and technology and have them explain it directly to our design engineering audiences has to be one of the most immediate and informative ways of communicating complex information.
In addition to our editorially created video coverage Penton Media is now looking at hosting vendor videos on our websites. Conceptually, these are videos produced by companies that want to promote their products and as such can considered as being a modern high-tech form of advertising. Penton Media will be hosting these videos for a fee and the number of weeks/months the video will appear for will depend on the level of fee paid.
What is the one thing you'd like to change about the way companies do PR in the electronics industry?
Generally speaking the successful PR executives and PR agencies do a pretty good job of presenting and distributing information to the media.
But while we are on the subject of PR agencies I will just release one particular bee-from-my-bonnet. PR agencies in a bid to do the best for their clients will often promote the use of editorial columns to publicise the client. And why not? Its a powerful form of promotion that contains that all important credibility ingredient called editorial integrity; although sometimes I wonder, and call me a tad cynical here if you wish, if the real attraction is more to do with the fact that editorial coverage is free.
Without going into a full scale, force 10 rant here let me put the point simply. There are agencies with foresight that appreciate magazines do need advertising income if they are to stay in business. Sadly, there are others that will soak up all the editorial support they can without thinking that in the long-term publications are a business and understandably need to turn a profit or otherwise face closure; a situation that benefits no publicity agencies.
If an industry feels there is a value to having B2B media circulating in its sector then it needs to consider supporting that media with advertising.
And let’s get one thing straight; I am certainly not talking here about a pay-to-play editorial approach. Clearly, that would ultimately denigrate the content of any journal and would not serve the interests of either readers or advertisers. What I am saying is that all industry clients and their agencies should recognise that in the long-term maintaining independent, well written and well produced business media is in everyone’s interests.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time, when you're not writing about electronics?
Wining and dining with family and friends, travelling in Spain, playing classical Spanish guitar (badly)
What's your favourite gadget?
A corkscrew
New Tech acquires Electronica (Israel)
New-Tech magazine continues its aggressive growth in the Israeli electronics media by purchasing Electronica magazine. The title already reaches an impressive 30K Israeli engineers, and this will further strengthen the title. New Tech Magazines (the publisher) also publishes a military and microwave title, addressing some of the key applications in the Israeli market.
Although this pretty much puts us back to the old situation of two titles in Israel, the acquisition is likely to continue to propel New Tech forward. Although Israel is a small country, the amount of high-technology development in the country is likely to support two publishers, although with a larger circulation, it will be interesting to see if New-Tech Magazine can translate this into a majority of the advertising revenue.
Reed to close EPE
Although not as high-profile as the closure of EPN France, Reed has also announced that they will be closing EPE at the end of the year. Whilst this decision still leaves Spain with a reasonable number of titles – unlike France – this is another disappointing move, particularly as the industry appears to be emerging from the economic downturn.
Industry forecast seminar planned for London and Geneva
Future Horizons has announced that their Industry Forecast Seminar for 2010 will be held at two different locations: London on 26th January 2010 and Geneva, Switzerland on 27th January 2010.
AUTlook to add video coverage of shows
Starting at the SMART Automation show, AUTlook is planning to offer video "highlights" of key shows, as well as the traditional written coverage. Although several electronics titles already publish video interviews, AUTlook is one of the first in the automation sector to do so.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about this move is the pricing: like many publications AUTlook does not treat video in the same way as other editorial content. The magazine has decided to offer the videos at a cost of EUR295 - less than most titles that charge, but still likely to make a decent income with 20-25 videos per show. Personally I think that publications will struggle to charge for editorial videos in the long term, as it will simply be seen as another format. In the near-term, however, I think there should be some reward for pioneering with a new medium, and the fact that the charge is moderate is something that should be applauded.
Chip News takes a break
Chip News (a Russian publication) has stopped publishing, although they hope to restart when the economy improves. They have made the decision only five issues after moving from a print to a CD format. The publishers cite a number of reasons for the decision: logistical problems, technical problems with ads, the expense of mailing and the fact that not as many Russian companies are ready to work with an electronic advertising format.
The decision to switch to an electronic edition of Chip News was made in Feb 2009. The publisher conducted a survey of most of their readers, and received a response from around 1/3. Westerners might be surprised that 95% of respondents requested a CD issue, rather than electronic delivery by email. Despite the clear demand from readers, it's apparent that advertisers have been less enthusiastic. Interestingly the major competitor to Chip News, Electronics and Components has also started to use a CD format, although they have retained a print version.
I'd expect Chip News to roll out an online publication pretty quickly, perhaps even by the end of this year, and hope that this will ensure the brand continues to live on.
D&E to publish case study special issue
Here's a really good idea from "DESIGN&ELEKTRONIK". The magazine will publish a case study special in September 2009, providing design engineers with a range of reference applications and success stories. Although - having worked for both a component manufacturer and distributor - I know the difficulty of getting case studies written and approved by customers, I know how valuable they are in the promotion of both products and support services. I really hope that the special issue convinces some more companies that it is worth putting in the effort with customers to create success stories.
New date for IEF
Maybe things are looking up: Future Horizons has announced a new date for the postponed International Electronics Forum 2009. The event will now be held at The Ramada Encore Hotel, Geneva, Switzerland from 30th September to the 2nd October 2009. Let's hope that this is a sign that they think the market will improve!
Press release "administration charge"
I was very disappointed to see that ElectronicWorld Publishing has decided that
'all press releases are now subject to a €50 charge for administration and handling, unless the client is signed up for our "Platinum PR Subscription"'
I do sympathise with publications that are struggling to make ends meet in the current economic climate, but I'm not sure that turning your site into advertorial content is going to be a sustainable business model. In the past I've written about my disappointment when websites charge for images. Charging for editorial is another step down a very slippery slope.
PR in Russia
Although I guess that we should consider Mediaspray a competitor, I was impressed with Mediaspray's blog about PR in Russia. It's always good to see other agencies sharing their knowledge and expertise. As the company is driven by the same brains behind channel-e, I'm more than happy to give them a plug.
Editor interview - Rolf Sylvester-Hvid, Aktuel Elektronik
What do you most enjoy about your job?
There are so many things to enjoy.
Which areas of electronics interest you the most?
All of them! It's very hard to separate the various issues of the electronics business, as they are so strongly linked. Components, EDA, manufacturing and test goes hand in hand. However in all cases I prefere the compact and limited solution that gets the job done. A humble microcontroller can be a fastastic component in the right application - and most solutions for power-electronics are often made for one specific purpose that's solved "quick and dirty". I am particularly fond of power-electronics, but having spent six years in the Danish Technical University dealing with this subject, it shouldn't be a surprise? From a more bizarre perspective, I've always been fascinated by electron valves. Beautiful component - and in a few cases with superior performance compared to semiconductors.
It must be difficult for magazines in countries like Denmark, which are relatively small markets when compared with countries like Germany, France and the UK. Do you think that there will always be local Danish electronics magazines?
Good question! From a financial point of view (revenue per capita of the spoken language) Danish is the 18th most important language in the world - which almost puts the Danish on par with French! (these are OECD-figures, so they should be kosher). Denmark is also the most computer-literate country in the world and there are more printed titles per capita than anywhere else in the world. Also a lot of the International R&D is deeply founded in Denmark which means that there's a substantial demand for technical information in the Danish society. Some claim that the Danes are the Jews of the North. It may be quite difficult discovering the Danish brands, but in a very subtle way, we are deeply involved in all walks of the business - financially, politically, technologically or otherwise. Companies knowing that the Danish design-footprint being very important in products from a large amount of international brandnames are usually doing quite well - so you should never underestimate the potential of small countries.
Do you think that paper magazines will ever be replaced by digital versions and/or websites?
A Danish philosopher once said: It's very hard to predict anything - particularly the future. And having been proven wrong on a few occasions, I'm rather reluctant to have a rock-solid opinion about these matters. However, you may ask yourself a few questions: 25 years ago, everybody said that the computer would give us the paperless society. So far this is not the case. Also, after the introduction of the internet there are more printed titles now than, say, five years ago. Now, this should perhaps pose the answer in itself. And when you think of it: Apart from the flatscreen and the performance has the computer really changed since the introduction of the IBM XTs/ATs more than 25 years ago? No, not really. I think a useful digital version of the printed paper or magazine should be constructed in a completely different fashion. Personally I'd always prefer the lowest common technogical denominator that does the job - and a good printed publication is still hard to beat.
Do you have any plans to enhance the magazine or website over the next year?
Funny enough, Aktuel Elektronik is on the increase despite the present economical climate. Unfortunately our company also owns some titles within areas that are more or less affected by the economical downturn. This means that we don't have as many editorial hands as before. This puts a hold to most plans of product development for the time being. This being said, our web-site runs very nice swiflets of the present and back-issues of Aktuel Elektronik, which is particularly interesting on our overseas markets (there are many Danish engineers working in both Silly Valley and China).
We are increasingly helping companies and organizations setting up conferences in Denmark. This seems to be quite popular. Also we're placing video-interviews and productbased video-tutorials on our website. Our readers in Denmark obviously prefers the printed paper, so we're making an effort to make different use of our website.
What is the one thing you'd like to change about the way companies do PR in the electronics industry?
More international press meetings and seminars. This is not a waste of time of money, but it's the perfect opportunity to show the readers the people behind the products - and in the end people do business with people - and no matters how good a product, you'd never buy it unless you trust the people behind the product.
Also companies should recognize the value of sucking up to the editors. Without PR, no sales. And without the deep, personal contact to the editors, no PR. The media are the door-openers for the business, and whether the companies like it or not without using the media as a megaphone to the end users, they'll die. The companies should also appreciate the within this particular segment the editors are at least as technologically savvy as the companies themselves - combined with a deep contact to the markets that the varous companies want to approach. Hence: Take good care of the editors - and they'll take good care of you. (Does this seem like a familiar approach?)
Do you personally prefer to get information in print or online?
Depends: Talking about press releases, I want to receive these as e-mail dedicated to me, in Danish, as a short and sharp word-document (10 to 15 lines are better than three pages of corporate blah-blah) and with a good picture attached as a jpg. When it comes to articles, I prefer a phonecall before any mails come through. This assures that the article could be useful. When I get my own information, I prefer to stay informed via printed media, whereas I can normally find exactly what I'm looking for in less then 10 seconds using google.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Sure you want to know? ;-) No, well, there are more things. It's good fun to play with my kids on the Playstation which is connected to a 80" TV-set. It adds some realism to Fifa ´09 or whatever. Also playing some decent rock'n roll (much into Rockabilly and Emo these days - yeah-yeah, I know I'm 30 years to old for the latter) on my Gibson Standard or Stick-bass. Also got a garage full of classic bikes and cars that require frequent attention. And, hey, then there's my membership of the Malt Whisky Society (thanks to David Milne of Wolfson) - but sitting down for a profound chat with International collegues of the business over a pint or two is most enjoyable. What else? Oh yes, just published a book on Model Trains. Being part-owner of one of the largest model train shops in Europe this seemed like a wise move - so obviously I'm enjoy model trains too. Finally there's the dear Mrs. who requires quite a lot of attention too (6' of leggy blonde). As odd as this may sound, I like taking her to the after Xmas sales in London - which means about three days of shopping-frenzy up and down the Streets around Piccadilly and Covent Garden. And as long as I got my black Levis 501's, a black T-shirt and black Doc Martins, I'm happy.
Finally hunting down peculiarities that collegues and PR-people around the world really like is part of the fun. I've always got an eye open for Mocca Chocolate Beans for Suzy (at Napier) or similar funny items with a Danish background. So if anyone out there needs anything odd Danish stuff, just let me know, and I'll if I can find it.
What is your favourite gadget?
Right now? Must be my new 24-track Tascam Portastudio. I'm working on a record, and eventually the technology has reached a level, where the quality is fully up the CD-standard, and the price of the hardware is acceptable.
Israeli military show
Hi-Tech is organising a Military technologies conference on the 24th May 2009 to be held at the Events Centre at Kiryat Airport. This conference is part of a comprehensive programme of events organised by Hi Tech, including electronic supply and manufacturing; embedded systems; chip design; R&D: and wireless technologies.
Technik Report relaunches
The austrian title, Technik Report, is relaunching, promising improved content with a clear focus on manufacturing and automation and enhanced editorial that is all packaged in a "clean, fresh layout".
New industrial title launches in Ireland
“Industrial Plant & Equipment Ireland”, a new magazine covering both the Republic and Northern Ireland (and the sister title to the IP&E) will launch with a Feb/Mar 09 issue, and will publish three further print issues in 2009 (Apr/May, Jun/Jul and Oct/Nov), and will be edited by Tim McManan-Smith. It's always great to see new launches, and I'd like to wish this new title the very best of luck.
Electronic Components Russia gets Western European representative
As an agency we've been actively working with Eastern European magazines for more than 10 years, and have conducted many successful campaigns for our clients in this exciting region. We're glad to see that the publishers are gradually organising sales representatives to sell space in Western Europe, as this will help grow and develop these valuable titles.
In the latest move, four Russian titles - Electronic Components, Electronics Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management, Embedded Systems Russia - are now being represented by Nick Walker, who continues to be the commercial face of EPN and several other Reed titles. For advice on these titles and many, many others across the countries of Eastern Europe, contact Napier.
Changes at Elektronikk
After 17 years as its editor, Bjørn Ø Andersen has handed over the editorship of the Norwegian magazine Elektronikk to Einar Karlsen. Einar has vast experience, hacing written about electronics for over 20 years. It's rare we cover a story aabout the Norwegian electronics media, which is not surprising with such long-serving, experienced editors working over there.
Bjørn is going to focus on developing the website, and the greater focus on online is shown by the newly redesigned website that has more comprehensive content management and advertising tools.
Freelance marketing expert in Israel
Orna Gadel, has left her co-editing and advertising sales roles at the Israeli title Electronica to become a freelance marcom consultant. We've worked a lot with Orna in the past, and wish her the best of luck in her new role. For information on how be market sucessfully in Israel, or just to get in contact with Orna, contact Napier.
News from the Nordic Connection
Aktuel Elektronik is now offering online advertising on the www.techmedia.dk. This includes swiftlet banners that are visible when reading the current or archived issues online. The swiftlet banners stay visible for the entire time that the user is reading that issue, and are booked on an exclusive basis for each issue of the magazine.
Elektroniktidningen has announced an opt-in database (ETN Direct) that will help marketers reach the Swedish electronics industry. Currently the list is extremely small, with only 800 contacts available (about 600 of which have email addresses). The ETN website will also be sectionalised by product area, but as they are the first Swedish publication to offer list rental, we’re sure it is going to be popular!
Sergio Lorenzi named Editor-in-Chief of Spanish titles
Sergio Lorenzi has been named Editor-in-Chief of both Mundo Electronico and Productronica. The two magazines are well resourced, with Eugenio Rey Veiga the Editor who supports Sergio on both titles.
Elektronik & Data launches new website and email newsletters
Elektronik & Data, the Danish monthly design title has revamped its website and launched email newsletters. The site and the newsletter look good, and interestingly the magazine has chosen to offer many of the stories in English (although the headlines are all Danish). We think this is a good compromise, allowing a decent number of stories to be posted by the busy editor, Lars Kristiansen. It does mean that comnpanies sending translated releases through have a huge advantage, as their stories will be covered in the engineers' own language. For more information on our translation capabilities, and why supplying Danish releases is so much more effective, contact Napier.