Dear Member
Welcome to the first online issue of IP3 Today. By name, one third of us
is paper, and another third printing; so it was never going to be an easy
decision to replace the hardcopy magazine with this electronic
alternative. It looks like the harsh economic realities have made that decision
for us.
With members spread across the globe and a dearth of advertisers, the Institute
found it very difficult to support the cost of printing and mailing a members
magazine. We appreciate that 2005 has been a very lean year in terms of membership
communication. A great deal of work has been going on behind the scenes,
looking at ways to make the Institute relevant, vibrant and active, but perhaps
this has not always been evident to the membership.
What does seem apparent is that the majority of members are no longer able
to devote the time and money needed to attend meetings and events across
the country.
The hope is that with this new electronic magazine we will be able to create
a web-based community that members from around the world will be able to
travel to at the touch of a button - no petrol costs, no railway fares and
no time lost in travelling.
What the electronic magazine does allow for is the quick exchange of ideas
and opinions. In future issues we plan to make the online magazine more interactive.
We want to encourage members to comment; suggest ways in which the Institute
might develop..
The Institute is about the members; its vision is to share information.
If every member was able to share their knowledge and expertise in their
particular field, what an enormous and valuable resource that would be. That's
what we should aim for.
Don't forget that for the latest news you should check the main IP3
website.
I hope you enjoy the read.
Duncan Place
Editor