文章基本信息

标题：From the editor
作者：Natasha Spring
期刊名称：Communication World
印刷版ISSN：0817-1904
出版年度：2005
卷号：Nov-Dec 2005
出版社：I D G Communications

From the editor

Natasha Spring

I'm not quite there yet, but I see where it's going. By "it" I mean the mobile technology revolution that's powered by those little devices that sit in your pocket and make it possible to communicate with anyone via the Internet or phone at any time. With so many people carrying these devices these days, a prompt response (10 minutes or so?) to an e-mail or voice message is almost expected, any time, day or night. I've noticed that these "connected" individuals are practically married to their cell phones and BlackBerry devices, so obsessed are they with checking messages. Nothing is more important--not a conversation, not a candlelit dinner, not even a movie. It doesn't matter whether a message is expected or not. Someone may be trying to make contact, and it might be important.

I believe there is an invasion going on. And where work and business are concerned, it's directly related to information overload. How can a person live with anything that requires constant attention, especially if it's your office following you around wherever you go? When and where does one find the downtime to be able to function properly? As with all that is new, there will be a time of obsession and a time of reflection. For now, I will join the obsession by attempting to learn more about mobile technology and bringing what I discover back to you. Let's start in this issue with an excellent article by the very astute Dan Steinbock, author of The Mobile Revolution. Right alongside Dan's is an article by longtime IABC member Gary Grates, who offers an education about managing information for employees. So, let's give in to the mobile technology revolution and gain a better understanding of its effects on individuals and organizations. Perhaps in time what we learn will lead us beyond obsession and closer to that ideal point of reflection.

As we closed this issue, I received some sad news. After more than 35 remarkable years of service as a CW columnist, Alden Wood has decided to retire. Look for a retrospective piece on Mr. Wood's work and career in the January-February 2006 issue.

Natasha Spring

Executive Editor