THE ROAD WELL TRAVELLED–OR NOT

Year’s end is always a time of reflection. We look back over the past 11 months and take measure of where we are now in relation to where we were when the year began. We hope progress has been made in the positive and the road we took, with all the different twists, turns, and intersections life has thrown our way, was the proper one.

From there we plot out where we’d like to head as the New Year begins. So it is around our offices — and with me personally. Those times of business and self-reflection are valuable, although not always easy.

I was reminded of this yesterday when a loyal Custom Rigs reader and Pride & Polish show participant from down in San Angelo, Texas, called to ask if I had time to chat. I did.

An hour later we’d covered everything from how our Pride & Polish truck beauty shows are judged to how the content within the pages of Custom Rigs is determined to suggestions for making our web site better. Along the way he gave pats on the back and kicks in the butt. (I needed both!)

It was a great conversation because we learned from each other and added more to the already high respect level between us. A number of the things my Texas trucker friend brought up will help as we plan the 2010 magazine editorial, web coverage,  and the Pride & Polish events.  Some of the conversation will stick with me when I walk the truck shows. Some other aspects are already being addressed.

As I told Tommy Roach as we were ending our conversation, I am one of those editor’s who needs to hear from the readers whether or not  their comments are accolades or admonishments.

Without personal contact with readers, be it through phone calls, e-mails, letters, or conversation out on the road,  I’m driving Custom Rigs on instinct alone. And that’s not always comforting.  Of course, I trust my abilities and instincts. But it’s always better to have a co-driver — or in this case, some 50,000 of you–to make all the right turns!

Happy holidays, all.