From the Editor: Reader Survey Remains Open
Thank you to the more than 80 people who have already completed the five-minute WPI Journal reader survey. A few interesting preliminary results: 48% of those who receive the print version of the magazine say they keep it around for a month or more and almost half spend up to 30 minutes reading each issue. These stats show the advantage of a print magazine over a digital presentation—the ability to pick it up, read whatever catches your eye, and then set it aside for future attention.
I’m also encouraged that 81% of respondents judge the quality to be very good or excellent. Of digital readers, 57% say they have shared a link to a story via email or on social media—exactly what we hope will happen to get Journal content seen by more eyes.
Most of the respondents identified as alumni (39%) and staff (34%), but some students also gave their opinions (19%). In fact, congratulations to student Alice Trujillo for winning the reader survey raffle.
She received a $100 gift card to the WPI bookstore. Although the raffle is over, we hope you will still take the survey, which will be open until the end of February. Visit wpi.edu/+journalsurvey or scan the
QR code at right to add your thoughts on your university magazine.
Sharing is Caring
The survey has already generated some great ideas, including one from Director of Program and Business Development Kristen Keane, who shared that at a recent conference she met a man who told her
he knows what’s going on at WPI because he reads the WPI Journal at his local library. Apparently, instead of sending the magazine directly to the recycling bin after reading it, the original recipient donates it to the library in case others are interested. Kristen asked, wouldn’t it be a great idea to encourage others to show their crimson pride in the same way?
Sounds like a fabulous idea to me so I’m bringing the suggestion to you, dear readers of the print magazine. If your library has a similar donation basket, how about extending the life of your WPI Journal? To put my money where my mouth is, I located such a basket at my own public library and dropped in a recent issue. Another option is to bring one to your doctor’s or dentist’s office and discreetly add it to the offerings in the waiting room. It’s a small way you can help spread the word about the great things happening at this institution.
In Gratitude for 50 Years
Fifty years is a long time to work for one institution. That’s how long intrepid proofreader, copy editor, graphic designer, and institutional-knowledge keeper Peggy Isaacson worked at WPI, using her sharp eyes and good humor to hold everything coming out of our office to the highest standards. Her devotion to WPI was rivaled only by her devotion to the rules of style and grammar.
Ever the humble servant, she wanted no great fanfare to mark her milestone work anniversary, nor any celebratory event to send her off on a well-earned retirement. She simply expressed that she has loved her job and the WPI community tremendously. As a representative of that community, I can confidently say that love is returned in equal measure. Best wishes to Peggy for a joyful and peaceful retirement.
—Kristen O’Reilly, Editor