INTRODUCTIONS

During the 2001 SIGGRAPH conference in LA I chanced to meet Patricia Galvis-Assmus, editor for the ACM SIGGRAPH quarterly Computer Graphics.  It was my first attended conference in my capacity as the Academic Department Director for the Media Arts & Animation department at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. We met at one of the events, some where in or around the LA convention center, and then we met again in the lobby of the Marriot where we were both staying. She was together with Karen Sullivan, whom she introduced as a colleague and the cover editor for the quarterly. While we talked, the question came up if I would be interested in standing in for Karen while she worked with the art gallery committee for the 2002 show. I said yes, absolutely clueless as to how to approach the job. Four years later, and at the conclusion of a 37 year run as a printed publication, I have agreed to step up to a new volunteer position, this time as editor for the new online version of Computer Graphics that ACM SIGGRAPH is launching this year.

So, where do I go from here? The real question is, “Where do we go from here?”

Let’s start with:

THE TABLE OF CONTENTS

Columns

FROM THE EDITOR:

Though Computer Graphics is being replaced by an online format for publication. The quarterly in itself is not being replaced, which means that the content will be the same as what we have grown used to reading four times a year. If anything, this change presents the opportunity to enhance content from contributing members through all the multimedia tools the Internet has to offer. So give us your best shot and let’s see how exciting we can make it from quarter to quarter, and there in between.

ABOUT THE COVER:

As before, each issue will have a theme of sorts and it would be great to continue showcasing work contributed by members.

VISFILES:

Over the years there have been many articles for the VISFILES from long standing contributors such as Bill Hibbard and Kwan-Liu Ma, providing a scientific and research perspective on the diverse uses and development of computer graphics. Look forward to more great insights from this academic sector of our community.

MEMBERS AT WORK:

A while ago a Members at Work section was introduced to profile some of the interesting people in our folds and some of the interesting things they are doing in their work with computer graphics. We have a wealth of resources in the organization and we should take the opportunity to get to know each other better. Members at Work has been a great way of doing just that, so I am hoping that there is enough interest to continue this venue. Remember, not only are you able to promote yourself, but if there is anyone that you truly respect, admire for their accomplishments or that you know is involved with some truly awesome project, make a submission!

CHAPTERS:

All around the United States and the world there are both professional and student SIGGRAPH chapters that are independently organizing meetings and activities for their members.

Please report what you are doing or even submit your minutes if you are interested in sharing what’s going on in your districts. This online publication can also serve as a forum and as a wonderful networking tool between chapters for collaborative initiatives or just to share.

CHAPTERS LISTING

No brainer: it is always good to have a current list of the chapters around the globe. With the flexibility of the internet, this has the possibility to be up to date at all times, provided that the chapter’s contact information is submitted when changes are made.

PUBLIC POLICY

The Public Policies Committee has from time to time provided analysis of public policy issues effecting computer graphics professionals. This is where the same information and current policies can be updated to the benefit of all members.

CONTRIBUTIONS

Let’s not forget what is probably the most exciting part of the quarterly that readers look forward to, quarter after quarter; the articles submitted by our members. Most typically this is where we also find the theme for each quarterly and the images chosen for the cover of each issue. Please make my job easy and continue to submit articles that fascinate the likes of individuals that can’t get enough of the in-s and outs of computer graphics, in all its shade(r)s and forms.

With the online format, there are forms of presentation that were never possible in the printed publication, such as animated examples and interactive presentations, so let’s take advantage of the tools that we now have at hand.

ACM SIGGRAPH ACTIVITIES

In this section all official ACM SIGGRAPH activities and affiliated activities will be posted, current and accessible at all times. Dates and times for events, meetings, minutes and elections that have occurred will be placed in an archived section of this column for the convenience of members that might need this information for reporting or budgetary reasons, etc.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Conference dates and information around the year and around the world will be posted in this section, again with the advantage of being in real time on the web.

MISCELLANEOUS

For membership information look to this section.

At this point, I would call this soft start as a works in progress. As we go through our “growing pains” and we get more comfortable with the new format, method of publication and distribution, you will see our cherished “Computer Graphics” shape up as it is shipped out, again and again in the months and years to come.

Remember, this is your publication. Together, let’s make it every bit as good as the one we were used to getting in the mail four times a year.

Regards,

Hans Westman
Editor