KBB - August 2008 - (Page 18)

Editorial In My Opinion… I love a good debate. I love getting involved in one, too. Maybe this has to do with too many holidays spent with a family of lawyers. Even if only a few of us actually practice the profession, believe me when I tell you, each of us would have been skilled at it. I mean, just how many times did I hear—and have I heard throughout my life—“you should’ve been a lawyer”? Way too many. If not already educated as an attorney, anyone who lived in my house, or even just visited it, got a quick lesson in how to stand your ground, persuade and argue. No, not ﬁght—we love each other—but argue. OK, or to just keep quiet, eyes wide open, and observe. One of the most valuable lessons I learned—and one I’ve tried to adhere to wherever I go and whomever I’m with—is to listen. Really listen. To both sides of an issue, that is. And that’s easier said than done, especially when you’re particularly passionate about the topic. But I like to gather the information, opinions and insight on each side of an issue, think about them, deliberate, and go from there. Do I want my opinion to be heard? Sure thing. In fact, when I have one, it’s usually very strong. Anyone who knows me knows that. But I also enjoy hearing the opposing view, if for no other reason than to strengthen my own. So why all the talk of opinions? Simply put: We all have them. Some of us share them. And at K+BB, we are interested not only in hearing yours, but in presenting them to our readers—your peers and colleagues—so that your voices count. After all, it is not our industry, it is your industry. We write about it and report on it, but you live it. And dialogue about issues that affect it is critical. This magazine is a vehicle for that expression. K+BB is, and will remain, objective in its editorial coverage when the article is authored by a staff writer or contracted freelancer. We do, however, welcome the perspectives of our reader audience, even if they do not represent the views of K+BB, and do offer, through our Opinion and Feedback columns (letters to the editor), the opportunity for you to opine. I want to make sure that this is clear to all of our readers, as it recently came to my attention that maybe it was not so. I’m speciﬁcally talking about the piece that ran in our June issue titled, “Lawful Enterprise,” by Edward Nagorsky (page 22). It is an Opinion piece and labeled as such, which entitles the author to present his opinion (there’s that word again) on an issue—in this case, the heated topic of design legislation. Our decision to run that op-ed piece touched a nerve and prompted so many of you to reach out to me to let me know your thoughts about it, whether supporting Ed in his stance or announcing to me, in no uncertain terms, your disagreement with him—and your disappointment in me. And while I encourage the former—as to every point, there is a counterpoint and I would hope and expect it to emerge (especially given the sensitive nature of this issue)—I have to say that I am disappointed by the latter, having thought it was obvious and understood that a bylined Opinion piece is what it says it is, not the position of the magazine, nor the editor. I stand by my decision to print the piece. Just as I stand by my decision to run a rebuttal from the ASID in this issue (see Opinion, page 32). You see, I equally welcome and encourage differing points of view, with an open invitation to you all to express them. And chances are, we’ll run them. Take for example the plethora of letters that hit my inbox this round: We’re running them all, some in print (turn to Feedback, page 20) and, as there were too many to print, some online at www.kbbonline.com/legislation, where you can also read both the NKBA’s and ASID’s Opinion pieces for side-by-side perspectives. I am a passionate person so I can truly appreciate the passion and position that Ed’s article—and moreover, the issue at hand—has provoked, but I must underscore once more the impartial view of the magazine and its mission to be fair, balanced and supportive of all of our constituents. K+BB’s professional audience includes both kitchen and bath designers (NKBA and non-NKBA members) and interior designers (again, both ASID and non-ASID members), among others, and the publication has a close working relationship with both associations. And, yes, while the platforms of the associations or the opinions of their members might shape our editorial, as would be expected for an industry magazine, they do not dictate our editorial, as we are an independent voice, providing, without endorsement, an open forum for discussion. For all of you who did take the time to write to me, thank you. By and large, your letters were insightful and thoughtful—and, yes, impressive, as they showed true concern and commitment to the cause, and a conscientious effort to explain the issues, no matter what side was argued. I applaud that. And I know, ultimately, our readers will beneﬁt from hearing the educated perspectives of our readers so that they too can be more informed about the issues that affect their lives and livelihoods. As always, to share your thoughts about this issue, or any others, please email me at ctrauthwein@kbbonline.com. s Christina Trauthwein, Editor-in-Chief ctrauthwein@kbbonline.com 18 + K BB August 2008 / www.kbbonline.com / The Ofﬁcial Sponsor of K/BIS www.kbis.com July 2004 http://www.kbbonline.com/legislation http://www.kbbonline.com http://www.kbis.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of KBB - August 2008

KBB - August 2008
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KBB - August 2008