We are pleased to have seen so much activity on this forum during its first two months. Thanks to all authors who provided excellent answers in timely manner. That helped me a lot, as the moderator and "head hunter" for answers. The forum actually worked out similarly to our former workshops , so we're not sure if there is a need for future workshops However "similarly" means that we would like to see less of an increase in posts by jobseekers and other peripheral matters. Since it doesn't happen too often I don't want to impose a lot of extra forum rules at this board. Our NDT NewsWeb (Gate to the NDT Newsgroup) can be used for some of these subjects. Those who wish to post a "request for quote" can use our profile request form in the exhibition.

Let us concentrate more on in depth professional discussions related to the current month's articles or previous articles. Also we should try to make more use of graphics - some subjects really need that. That's why we offer the use of an FTP to upload a graphic file as attachment for your message! I know not everyone is comfortable with the procedure for that; contact me if you need any help. In the future, we are hoping to incorporate the use of white boards on the forum page, together with a Java Drawing program so you will be able to add your own sketches to your message!

Back to this month's issue on power generation. It's a big industry, and I got a huge number of posts (but the holidays are coming!). Testing of welds is not this month's topic, but it is a big deal in Power generation. What do you think about the news topic Critical argument regarding the European TOFD draft standard. We reported on that lively dispute among the experts of the Ultrasonic Testing Scene at the DGZFP Ultrasonic Workshop, NOV 17-18 Saarbrücken. WE even have multimedia here, with Mr. Wuestenberg's statement in Real Audio format. If you have an opinion on TOFD you are invited to continue the discussion here.

I see a good chance for this forum to develop into a high-quality workshop and plan to bring one or more experts on board as "session chairmen" in conjunction with this month's focus.

Thank you and our greetings for this holiday season.