Letters, feedback, get it off your chest: 10 June 2009

Andy Vels Jensen’s call-to-arms strikes a chord with the readers and earns him some praise.

Re: State of the industry: Andy Vels Jensen tells it straight at the NPA National Print

If only we had more people like Andy speaking out about how recessions and changing technologies can be met positively and with a great deal more imagination than our industry seems to have done so far.

The price war seems to live on, and there appears that there are not many with different ideas. As Andy said: "Ultimately, it’s the people who excite the interest of customers in companies.”

For too long now you would have to be forgiven for believing that the only thing a customer wants to know is what new technology you have invested in, and if you haven't do you really care about the needs he has. His/her needs have nothing to do with your technology; they have to do with the goals of his/her company.”

Andy's speech should become compulsory reading throughout our industry.
John North

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Andy's speech was brilliant in content together with a fine balance of humour, the later often sadly lacking in corporate presentations. His final paragraphs are worthy of exploring further, in considering creating "one industry organisation, representing the total industry and backed by all 100,000-plus industry members.”

Having survived over 30 years in the print industry I have witnessed not only the continued fragmentation of the industry but in some cases the total obliteration of parts, such as typesetting and pre-press.  The changing technological landscape and consolidation of companies on both sides of the fence, printers and suppliers alike, together with the emergence of printers with totally digital solutions has continued to challenge the relevance of what were once very strong industry associations.

I support Andy's view that the time is right, now, to create a single industry organisation, not only would this help with presenting a polarised view of the industry to all but would also help the suppliers in being able to consolidate their support and subsequent spend, rather than the fragmented avenues that currently exist. At the end of the day the support of the suppliers is critical.

To achieve such a body one could take a leaf out of Soccer Australia's book where they were able to put all ego's, history and previous agenda's aside to create a single entity with one view supported by all ... the promotion of the world game in Australia. Without it they realised that they would never be able to raise the profile of soccer to a sustainable level.

Andy has through a very entertaining speech presented a challenge that I believe is worth pursuing, however without total support it will be as useless as a chocolate fire screen.

Steve Smith
Pre-Media Consultant

I thought that was an excellent address and the man is to be commended.
Ian Harry