Stainless Steel Industry, in line with many trade/technical magazines will cease producing a printed version in December 2012. The magazine is in its 40th year and this decision has been taken on economic grounds but also becuase many readers have said that they would be happy to view an on-line version on their PCs, ipads, tablets, etc. However we appreciate that many people like the physicality and flexibility of the printed word and for that reason we will be producing and printing two 'Special' issues a year. These will be distributed free of charge. The first Special will be in April 2013 when we will look at 100 years of stainless steel and preview the celebrations and centenary conference taking place in Sheffiled in June 2013. We welcome ideas for other Specials.

The one advantage of on-line magazines is that all the links work, so the Product Guide for example, becames a much more useful tool. All a visitor has to do is click on a web address or e-mail address to be taken to a web site or send an e-mail. The same applies to advertisements. Also there is the option of video for both advertising and editorial. The magazine can actually come alive.

At present you can view the on-line version for free. This option will cease at the end of 2012. However an annual subscription is only £50 (€65, US$80) or you can pay monthly. New Annual subscribers also get a 30 day free trial. You can sign up now if you want. Just click on 'Join now' on the Subcriber login box on the right column.

We hope you like the changes and we look forward to publishing your news and also informing you about stainless steel events and news from around the world.