Nick discusses some developments and future content within the magazine.

At last, ‘tis June, and what better way to celebrate than with a laser roundup? Who doesn’t love roundups? It gives one a chance to see how various makes and models of something stack up against each other in terms of price, features and performance. Thanks to all the manufacturers that participated in the study. Readers can expect more roundups in the future. And if there is a type of equipment or tool you’d like to see in a future roundup, be sure to let John or me know, or post some ideas on the Web site bulletin board.

We’re very excited to announce that Walls & Ceilings now has 32,000 subscribers, and with a projected pass-along readership of more than three additional people per copy, it’s read by more than 128,000 people! Although I swore in my youth I’d attain fame as a movie star, 128,000 construction professionals reading our magazine every month ain’t so bad!

The traffic on the W&C Web site (www.wconline.com) is also increasing. The online bulletin board remains a big hit with our readers and a great source of networking information. Readers can also sign up for the e-newsletter at the Web site. The W&C e-newsletter will be sent in the middle of each month because we know how painful it is to go a full four weeks without a fresh dose of W&C! Therefore, about that midway point between issues, we’ll be sending subscribers an electronic newsletter with some fresh industry news and information, in addition to information about what’s happening in the magazine.

By request, our July issue is going to be the annual Sourcebook issue, rather than December. Now, readers can have the latest information about the players in the industry at the peak of the season. Be sure to let us know what you think of this switch.

W&C also recently completed its latest Market Trends Study. Publisher Amy Tuttle and the entire staff want to say that we appreciate our readers’ help and input in the industry studies that we do. Coming in August is the Ad Score Readership Study in which readers will vote on which ad they like the best. These studies are a big help to us so that we can provide a better Walls & Ceilings for you.

Don’t forget to attend one of the regional shows this year. The Florida Walls and Ceilings Contractor Association show is scheduled for July 10-12 and the Carolinas Lathing and Plastering Contractors Association show will be held Sept. 12-14. Contractors who might shy away from some of the large national shows ought to consider attending one of the regional shows. They are smaller and offer a different experience that can be, in some ways, more personal and practical. Plus, regional associations work hard for their members and for the industry so they need your support. The work regional associations do directly benefit its memberships. We hope to see you there!

Finally, Robin the Plaster Man asked that I point out to the readers that if, for some reason, a column doesn’t appear in an issue, it is likely cut due to space considerations, so fear not: All your favorite columnists will remain here for the foreseeable future!