New Equipment Woes

Does this font make me look fat? OK, don’t answer that. If you think you notice something different about Greenhouse Grower this month but can’t quite put your finger on it, you’re right. We have new fonts. It’s a mini-makeover, a grooming. The new fonts are just the visible part of a huge overhaul going on here at Meister Media Worldwide. Our editors, artists and production staff have switched page layout software, moving from Quark to InDesign. And it hasn’t been a completely painless process. There are new keystrokes and workflows to learn, but ultimately this move brings us into the 21st century.

Even though we all knew that this switch would increase productivity and add a few tools that would make work easier, I think we all resisted, at least a little. Yes, new is good, but it also takes a while to get used to. Now I have a better understanding of why some greenhouses don’t immediately upgrade to the newest equipment and technology. Here’s what else I learned: 

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Better Ain’t Cheap

Our software and equipment switch was not cheap. New software and new computers for some cost a pretty penny, and more than a few hours have been devoted to budget planning, research and training. They’re necessary evils, however, in keeping up with the times. 

Patience Is The Virtue

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There has already been more than one time that I wanted to pitch my new computer and software out the window. After a few more issues, all the kinks will probably be worked out. This frustration, however, is nothing compared to that caused by the system we’re throwing out. I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to take my old computer out back and slam it with a crowbar.

Patience is how we make it through times like these. I think I’ve at least taken a deep breath and counted to ten before picking up a phone, sending an e-mail or just plain shouting out loud, “How does this work again?” 

Good Things Really Do Come

Once I got the hang of it, I could definitely see how this new technology will help us get our job done quicker and more efficiently. It allows us to focus on what we do best, writing and editing, with new and better tools. Seeing the finished product and delivering this finished issue to your mailbox is our reward for all the hard work.

Good luck in your search for those processes, products and pieces of equipment that make your business run more smoothly.

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