eWeek - February 1, 2010

Looking ahead

In this issue, eWEEK Labs analysts named their picks for the 25 Technologies that Changed the Decade. Lists are a dime a dozen these days, but I really think the selections the analysts made show a great deal of insight into not only the products and technologies that had a big impact on the last decade, but the ones that will continue to have an impact moving forward. Because, after all, looking back is interesting and can provide perspective, but we’ve got to keep looking ahead.

I wanted to use this, my last “This e WEEK” column, to say how grateful I am to have had the opportunity to work on and eventually lead this book. I started at this company 20 years ago this March, as a copy editor on a newspaper called PC Week. I didn’t know TSR from a tomato in those days, but I learned.

Debra
Donston

We hope that you find the list interesting, and are eager to hear what you think. What did we leave off the list that should have been there?

Shortly after I joined the company, I moved into the Labs department as an editor, and there I really learned.

What product ranked that shouldn’t have?

‘I STARTED AT HIS COMPANY 20 YEARS AGO. I DIDN’T KNOW TSR FROM A TOMATO IN THOSE DAYS, BUT I LEARNED.’

One of the new initiatives I’ll be working
on in my new role is a Website dedicated to
eWEEK Labs. If you are interested in taking
an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of this
new e WEEK site, please contact me at debra.
donston@ziffdavisenterprise.com.

However, instead of writing to me with your responses, I’m going to direct you to eWEEK Labs’ Jason Brooks, who will be taking over the lead editorial role on this publication. Jason is one of the rare people I know who is an amazing technologist and an amazing writer and editor. I am really excited to see the new ideas that Jason will surely bring to this publication.

I’ve worked on this publication with some of the smartest, most insightful, most giving people I’ve known. I was fortunate to have come up through the ranks at a time when mentorship was paramount. I hope along the way I’ve provided that for others.

I’m also excited about my new role here at Ziff Davis Enterprise, and about the fact that it will put me in closer contact with the people who read every issue of this publication. I will be working across ZDE’s Websites (including a new site that I can’t wait for you to hear about) in a community-oriented position. That means I will be reaching out to you directly for your insight, your opinions, your thoughts on the products you are using and evaluating, and your ideas for the future.

I will continue to work with the Labs gang, but I’d like to acknowledge how grateful I am for everything Jason, Cameron Sturdevant, Andrew Garcia and Jim Rapoza have done to make this publication what it is. I’d also like to say how thankful I have been to work on e WEEK with Managing Editor Rick Dagley and Senior Production Designer Tara-Ann Fasulo. They make their tough jobs look easy, and their talent and skill have certainly made my job easier through the years. I’d also like to thank you, the readers, for all of your support.

But, as much as I’ve loved working on this publication, I am excited to start a new chapter. Because, after all, looking back is interesting and can provide perspective, but we’ve got to keep looking ahead. ;