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We survived Y2K. We lived through all the hype, hysteria and alarms about a new century and millennium. Civilization, as we know it, didn't end on January 1, 2000. Now, we can relax.
Or, can we? Was January 1 really the first day of a new millennium? Or was it the first day of the last year of the old millennium? Or did it just start another year in some antique and inaccurate concept of a calendar? Who knows for certain? Who cares? Does it really matter to us? The answers are: Nobody really knows for certain; very many people care—historians, scientists, computer technicians and pious people everywhere just to mention a few; and of course it matters, in more ways than just the computer glitches that may have occurred.
We Americans thrive on debate. Even the observance of a unique date in our lives aroused major controversies. As expected, the media and pundits went overboard with statistics and forecasts about the occasion. We were inundated by a deluge of historical trivia about important dates, people, highlights, landmark events and warnings that we must be very serious about all the hype. So, naturally, most of us tuned out. Enough already.
We at D&WC have decided that now is the correct time to pause and reflect on where we in window coverings have been, where we are and where we might be going (after all, we've been the different, innovative, educational and leading publication in our industry for almost 20 years). So, for some months to come, on no regular schedule, regardless of any special dates or anniversaries, we will publish quietly—without a lot of hype—some articles and stories about our industry that will interest, enlighten and possibly amaze you. For example: Which fashions and products have lasted and will continue? Which supplier and retailing companies were survivors in past decades? Have mergers been good or bad for the industry? We will ask our panel of design experts to make some learned predictions. Our computer and technology professionals will provide enriching tips and suggestions.
We hope, too, that the topics will help you in your business and career. Of course, that has always been our goal.
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