Dear EMT friends,

The report of the Club of Rome and other recent publications have addressed themselves to the problems of our future.  And, even if some points are open to argument, the basic propositions raised in these publications remain.  At what rate is the world population growing?  What is the future outlook for raw materials?  What about energy sources?  And, above all, what's to be done with our vast waste products? 

It is easy to talk about these problems theoretically.

To reach conclusions about how each individual can do something about them is, of course, more difficult.  What sort of steps are open to as and to our profession?

We must first take no energetic stand against the throwaway syndrome which has become so prevalent in recent years.  We can build equipment which is durable - that is, as it should be built - even if it doesn't always meet the desires of the designers.  Every piece of equipment must be repairable.  The buyer should not be continuously annoyed by the appearance of ever newer- but scarcely changed - models.  The state of technology should always be considered and manufacturers should no longer consciously delay possible improvements in equipment only to incorporate them later in a new model.  Improvements or new additions should be designed so that they can be used to up-date older models, without necessitating the purchase of a completely new unit. 

How does EMT meet these requirements with its product line?  Without exaggeration, we can say, not badly.  Many EMT turntables are still turning today after 15 years of service.  Important improvements, such as the transistorization of the amplifiers to lessen energy consumption, can be incorporated into the oldest models.  Far many pieces of equipment, parts ore still available even after 10 years or longer.

Let's face it, nobody is perfect and this adage applies to us as well.  We have been forced repeatedly to make compromises.  But we believe we have found the right philosophy and we will in every future decision continue to adhere as often as possible to these basic principles, which we feel are correct.

With these thoughts in mind, we wish all of our clients and business friends much joy during the approaching holidays and a little leisure time to be able to enjoy the little things in life - such as the 1-p record colour game which is printed on the front page of this Christmas issue. 

With best wishes for the New Year 

Staff and Management of EMT

(From: 'EMT-Kurier', issue #23, Nov. 1974)