This is my thirteenth December editor’s note, yet I just did something I never thought to do before: Go back through the entire year’s worth of tables of contents. The exercise illustrates how much the magazine relies on so many people to pile a little more on their own professional plates to write something for your benefit. As we wrap up 2011, let me thank everyone who contributed features for us this year. And I extend a special thank you to our columnists, who have found fresh ways to deliver good information to you, month after month, for quite a long time now. They are a big part of the core identity of the magazine that you’ve come to know.
(Speaking of longevity, Howard McKew is finishing his 20th year of writing a column for us! A special tip of the hat from all of us to Howard for his continuing role in helping to shape the industry’s conversation about itself. Have a look at his column on this milestone in the usual spot, and join me in looking forward to a good many more to come.)