Traditionally this space is reserved to recognize F. A. Davis as a special place. We are still very proud to be the last of the original closely held independent health science publishers in the land. And we have good reason to keep it that way. Gauging by the reactions of most readers, I should probably stick to that theme. After all, how many countries, let alone publishing companies, can stay independent for 117 straight years?

But this year I'm going to change the theme because I believe somewhere in cyberspace it was decreed that information technology has become a bigger story. Rather than challenge that notion, I shall report that F. A. Davis has vigorously joined the revolution. We have spit in the eye of adversity, which means we have worked through the corporate version of manic-depression associated with this decision. Even a bantamweight technocrat, like myself, has found the time to "repurpose" my paper clips and appreciate my wastebasket for its "functionality."

So how has life at F. A. Davis changed? Yes, in the past year we've filled up an additional 10,000 square feet of office space and 40,000 square feet of new warehouse space. But more dramatically, the culture has changed. We've spent so much time with the technically gifted, that we've even begun to trust them. And I guess we better, because computer experts have officially become a part of us. The compatibility of this coexistence has vastly improved. We have grown to appreciate their uncanny ability to rationalize system failure while making it sound like the overall plan. We've even forgiven them for making their explanations irrefutable.

But we especially marvel and amuse at their sense of measuring time. Do we have a choice? For the uninitiated, I offer this key. It should help you through the arduous process of technical interpretation.

One second = the amount of delay deemed intolerable when summoning information to your computer screen.
One minute = having suffered through the above delay, the amount of time it takes to generate an avalanche of support for purchasing double the memory currently in use.
One hour = having gotten approval for the above, the amount of time it takes to prepare a formal explanation as to why your new equipment is suddenly obsolete (typing is not their forte).
One week = at least 7 days.
Two weeks = an eternity, especially when used to answer the question "when will it be working?" If computer science was medical science and your physician gave you two weeks to live, cancel the appointment with the estate attorney and go buy a new suit.
One month = considerably less than two weeks.

When our digital pipe dreams become a reality, I can go back to glorifying the niche that only F.A. Davis occupies. Chances are it won't go out of style. But for now, we are busily being the F. A. Davis of today, while preparing diligently to be the F.A. Davis of tomorrow.

And if you're finally satisfied with your experience installing a new information system, by all means take your MIS people out to lunch...let's say in about two weeks.

	President's Letters 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2001-02 2000 1999 1998 1997
Robert H. Craven, Jr.