It's been said that only a wet baby likes change. This would certainly explain why many New Year's resolutions don't survive past January 2nd. But it is equally true that few things are as rewarding as change that results in tangible benefits. We are, therefore, very excited to bring you this issue of AMERICAN PRINTER.

Here's what's in it for you: * Easy access - the front cover lists feature stories with page numbers, and the table of contents has been revamped.

* More news - our news section has been expanded to include E-news, Management and Installations.

* More in-depth features - every issue carries prepress, pressroom and postpress articles that provide timely coverage of the industry trends and techniques that will help you be more productive and profitable.

Just as our readers periodically re-evaluate their businesses, we spent much of 2000 reviewing what we do. "What can we do better?" we asked ourselves. We also spent a lot of time talking to readers. We came away from these discussions determined to capture the excitement of an industry that is reinventing itself at a dizzying pace.

Although each issue of the magazine is a group effort, Christy Tuttle Bauhs, our art director, was certainly instrumental in creating our new look. Christy, recently one of three finalists in the best overall design (trade publications) category for a Folio: Ozzie Award, was more than equal to the task. She listened to everyone's suggestions and incorporated these diverse ideas into one cohesive package.

We found that while we all had definite ideas about what we didn't like, it was much harder to describe what we liked. "I know it when I see it," explained one editor.

Somehow, Christy deciphered and interpreted all of these ideas, proposed compromises and in the end created a bright, easy-to-read, invigorating design.

"The most fun for me was working with a photographer to get our cover shots," Christy says. "It is pretty cool to see something from start to print - watching our magazine on press was amazing. I certainly learned a lot - it gave me new respect for the challenges our readers face everyday."

WELCOME ABOARD While we're proud of our bold new look, we're not all sizzle and no steak. We take a practical approach to bringing you the latest technology, management, products and solutions. In this issue, for example, you will learn how Herald Printing (New Washington, OH), improved its productivity 100 percent by updating its bindery, as well as why some quick printers chose certain CTP systems.

We are also introducing two new columns: Dick Gorelick on Management & Marketing, as well as "Spotlight On...," a Q&A profile of an innovative graphic arts service provider. We are particularly pleased to welcome Dick Gorelick to these pages. Dick, president of Gorelick Associates as well as the Graphic Arts Sales Foundation (GASF), joins us from another graphic arts magazine where he was brought on board by the publisher at the time, none other than our very own Perspective columnist, Dick Vinocur.

Dick G. makes his AP debut with "The outstanding sales meeting,". We look forward to bringing you his astute observations each month.

"Spotlight On . . ." showcases one graphic arts service provider-how is this company dealing with some common industry challenges? What makes it unique? You can meet this month's Spotlight, The Castle Press.

Also, after years of writing of our Estimating and Frontline Supervision columns, contributing editor Don Merit has decided to tackle Customer Service. Don is a printing industry veteran as well as the author of two books on this topic. You'll enjoy his real-world perspective.

NEW ONLINE LOOK, TOO Don't forget to visit us online at www.americanprinter.com. We've got a new look here, too, with easy-to-use menus and more content than you can shake a stick at. You'll find the current issue of the magazine online, plus breaking news and extra features. You can browse back issues, learn more about our sister publications and the rest of the Industryclick.com family.

AMERICAN PRINTER can trace its roots back to 1883. But like our readers, we, too, must pay more attention to tomorrow than yesterday. This industry is changing - and so are we. How are we doing? Let us know - we look forward to hearing from you. You can e-mail me at the address above, or give me a call at (312) 609-4274. Here's to a profitable and productive 2001.