- 06 September 2006 -
No Issue is Too Hot for Metal Finishing to Handle
By Reginald Tucker, Editor

Several reader e-mails and letters concerning the proposed AESF reorganization and the drive toward the formation of the NASF provide the basis for this month's editorial:

Reader No. 1 writes: "You have, in the past, editorialized on the so-called benefits of consolidation with MFSA and NAMF. Why not publish an article for an independent AESF that would clearly point out the benefits of independence, which up to now have not been editorialized in a trade magazine? Or are you too concerned about losing advertising revenue from MFSA members? Do you not believe in allowing equal time?"

Reader No. 2 states: "As one of the most active branches in the AESF…we would like to see the case for preservation of the AESF published. The pro-dissolution forces have had overwhelming access to the industry press for several years…Our branch, and numerous AESF members who have written to me in private, feel that it is not too much to ask that the case for preservation of the AESF, as prepared by a proponent, be presented in the industry media at this crucial time."

I'm a firm believer in the premise that says: "No one is beyond reproach." And that includes the trade magazine press—especially the trade magazine press, in fact, given both our responsibility to the industries we cover as well as our dependence on the survival, viability, and success of those industries. It's a line that we straddle every day.

The readers are justified in requesting that this issue be more evenly flushed out in the media during this "crucial time," considering the upcoming and pivotal Council of Delegates vote at SUR/FIN (see "NASF Formation," MF, July/August), as well as the flurry of branch meetings and association conferences leading up to this historic event. I’m sure they speak on behalf of scores of industry members who would be hard pressed to cite an issue that has incited so much passion, emotion, and discussion. Regardless of where one stands on this matter, you have to admit it’s inspiring to see readers share such a passion for preserving an organization that has stood for many years and is supported by so many individuals.

Bottom line: You can count on Metal Finishing magazine to be increasingly diligent in presenting more evenly balanced editorial content regarding this contentious subject. The previously aforementioned feature, which also appeared in our e-newsletter and on the MF Web site, is a step in that direction—but it’s just one step. A follow-up story in the very pages of this edition reports on ongoing developments in the reorganization process, juxtaposed with opinions from dissenting voices.