An unreserved apology
29 April 2009I rarely apologise for anything in print. Truth is, we're encouraged not to. Such is the mangle of the legal system, in this business an apology implies guilt. When an apology is demanded, or indeed warranted, what usually happens is a resounding of the statement recognising that it may have offended or misled. It's actually an underhanded way to state the same thing again.
So, it's not often you'll see me write 'sorry'. Today is different.
As I've explained, my new role at Progressive Media Publishing incorporates the editorship of Cranes Today magazine. In my opening comment I said: "This is my first issue as editor of Cranes Today, having covered lifting of a slightly less glamorous kind on our factory crane titles for the past three years."
I cringed when I read it back. Who was I to state that the industry that welcomed me so whole-heartedly three years ago and given me so many fond memories and good friends was "less glamorous" than any other? It was a cheap way to flatter the construction crane industry. It lacked substance and thought. And for stating it I'm regretful and sorry.
One email from a long-standing supporter of the magazine demonstrated the extent of my betrayal. He had gained me passage to one of the UK's most fascinating and secret facilities when I had important visitors from the States who I was keen to impress. He has contributed articles to the magazine and has always been on the end of the telephone whenever I've needed help or assistance. How betrayed he must have felt by my cheap shot at the factory crane business.
(Paul, I'm sorry for any offence caused.)
The industrial lifting industry remains close to my heart, and always will. I have retained the editorship of Hoist magazine because I am passionate about continuing its growth and development, here in the UK and across the world.
Hoists and overhead cranes, indeed the shackles, pins, chains and components on them, aren't less glamorous than sky-scraping construction cranes or 1,000+ tonne mega cranes, they're just different.
If I could write my opening column as editor of Cranes Today again I would. Unfortunately, the ink has dried and it's already in all four corners of the world.
Once again, I'm sorry.
Richard Howes, Editor
