Why I've Been Quiet This Week
At JCK we don’t just chronicle the economic turmoil roiling our industry, we live it.
This was a terribly sad week at the magazine. This week saw the departure of our editor in chief, Hedda Schupak, one of the best, fairest and most inspiring bosses anyone could ever hope to have, and an incredible storehouse of industry knowledge. Also leaving is my long-time friend, Carrie Soucy, who I remember from her first week at National Jeweler and has become an amazing fashion-guru and editor. There is also William George (“Bill”) Shuster, who’s been with JCK for some 29 years and is a tremendously hard-working and dedicated journalist, and another treasure trove of industry knowledge. Two other highly respected and hard-working colleagues – web editor Anthony DeMarco and sales rep Mitch Horowitz (who I’ve also worked with at two magazines) – are also leaving, as well as two good people behind the scenes.
Obviously, layoffs are an all-too-familiar story in this country (and industry) today. It seems we read about hundreds of these stories everyday. These cutbacks came as parent company Reed Business cut 7% of its overall worforce. As for those of us who remain (on the editorial side: myself, Jennifer Heebner and managing editor Rich Dalglish) we are going to work hard to keep the brand up to its usual standards and make it more of a practical, reader-focussed publication, in tune with this new era.
But for now our thoughts are with our departing colleagues, how much they’ve contributed, and how much we’ll miss them. They may no longer be my colleagues but they’ll still be my friends. They are people with a tremendous amount to offer this industry, and I look forward to seeing what they contribute next. (And anyone who wants to can connect with them on linkedin.)
Best of luck to them – and to all of us in these trying times.
Marty Haske commented:
So sad, micromanagement by the bean counters, no longer does JCK
even have a gemologist after the firing of Gary Roskin months ago.
Luis de Agustin commented:
Thank you, Sushil for reminding us our current dilemma belongs to
the world dream: fleeting and illusory, a trap within the great
wheel and the larger scheme of things. Let us tend, as you suggest,
creatively to our dharma, and shed our worn-out garments each turn
of the wheel. I share your wish for us to each get our nature right
and through it gain salvation. Let me also share with your Eastern
thought that of the very Western Oscar Wilde, “The aim of
life is self development. To realize one’s nature perfectly,
that’s what each of us is here for.” And, “Most
people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else’s
opinions, there lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation.”
My wish for you, Sushil – may you be reborn no more. Good
karma to you, sir. Luis de Agustin
Mark Boston commented:
I can't believe it and totally agree with Rob and the comments
expressed on this page. I'm all her friends in England, India and
the many countries where she is appreciated and respected will be
as surprised and disappointed as I was to read this news, however,
she will I'm sure soon bounce back because the industry needs
experienced, talented and genuinely nice people also.
Sushil Choksey commented:
In the Eastern thought process...our concept of life itself is
circular.. matter is created and matter perishes ..and so all of
our fellow industry members involved in all facets who are in this
circular process professionally – all you creative
individuals will come back..in some form or another in this trade
or another... Thank you for the insight and service that you all
have provided. Our collective good wishes to you all. And on Mr.
Agustin relevant points.. media gave away content for free.. and
maybe in our trade.. where if, we, the readership can discern
quality and can overcome our mental hurdle to pay for that value
then an on-line modest fee subscription can be supported which in
turn ensures the advertisers that their audience is not
parsimonious in thought and action.
Luis de Agustin commented:
The sacking of the editor in chief and tenured editorial staff at
the premier trade journal of an industry due to permanent change in
the revenue model is cause for greater reflection than say the on
going Robbins Brothers saga. For JCK it’s not a matter of
holding on until the eventual growth recovery materializes. Its
business model like that of all print media was decommissioned
several years ago as if an incubus had seized hold of the world
they’d known for over a century. If the chief and the others
axed were merely being replaced for hip staff who know digital
media, that would be encouraging; but that does not seem the case.
It’s the whole traditional idea of how print media are
supposed to be compensated that’s generally irreversible.
This blog’s excellent editor says he was blog-quiet the week
the pinks hit; shell shocked was probably more like it. JCK’s
parent had cut 14% of staff in recent months, and 13 of 14 titles
of its construction industry publications closed. The reason? Its
advertising business model was unsustainable. Could the same happen
to JCK? One hopes not. But as inexpensive as a subscription to the
magazine is (whose ads subsidize the online edition we get gratis),
subscribers are surely not renewing in necessary numbers and new
subscribers wanting. Ironically, the magazine is still an enjoyment
to hold and leaf through, but with an economy struggling on a wing
and a prayer, the challenge to deliver excellent product on
receding revenue demands a change in structure. For a producer
whose pay for product can be mostly found free of charge elsewhere,
its only choice may be to turn from mainstream to niche, from
informative but bland to edgy. The same strategic and conceptual
study that print media must absorb, retail must as well. Those
expecting to continue to operate until the fabled recovery arrives
for real and then regain footing and even market share as if they
were back during the commodities boom era of flush liquidity and
false prosperity, and on top of that mismanagement, fail to
anticipate changed patterns of consumer attitudes, they’ll be
looking for eggs in last year’s nests. Luis de Agustin
CFoshee commented:
Dear Hedda, Sorry to see you are leaving but I know that you will
be fine- we don't want to lose sight of you, however! Your insights
are great and inspiring. I had an idea. You know the NYTimes has a
Perfume writer in Chandler- you could be same for Jewelry! After
all, much of the retail traide in New York is jewelry! Give it a
go- you have nothing to lose- and, will you be starting your own
blog? Keep in touch- let us know! Thanks, and Best of Everything to
you all.
Jon Parker, DJP Executive Search commented:
I have absolutely no doubt, Hedda Schupak will land squarely on her
feet in some signifigant role of her choosing. A long time ago, I
remember asking her if she could have her 'dream' job, what would
it be. Hedda she was IN her dream job. When I asked her if she
weren't with JCK, what else would she consider her dream job. She
said she'd have to think about that...So, Hedda; choose wisely.
Where ever you go will benefit greatly from your vision, talent and
insights. PLEASE make certain whatever you decide to do benefits
you, like JCK did.
Hedda Schupak commented:
Rob, that was one of the nicest tributes to fellow teammates ever!
You guys all have been the absolute best--unquestionably,
incomparably, the best. I don't think there's a chief editor in the
world--in any media--who has a more loyal, dedicated, brilliant,
eager-to-win staff than I did in the JCK editorial team. We were
more like a goofy crazy happy family than coworkers, and I think
that's why it worked so well. You guys are the bestest!!!!!
