Editors' Retrospective

TLT: At 20, no longer the adolescent
By Christopher DellaCorte 
2003-2007

As the founding editor of TLT, I played my part in its inception and launch. While it was an exciting time, it also was a bit nerve-wracking. Both publicly and privately I had my doubts that the shift from the monthly journal Lubrication Engineering to the more magazine-like format of TLT would have staying power. Serious hurdles had to be overcome. A major challenge would be the sourcing of timely, technically rigorous tribology relevant articles, month after month after month. I was nervous that the STLE staff and our string of writers would not have the stamina to keep TLT going for more than a year or two. It turned out that my concerns were overblown. The TLT team established a framework to collect topics of interest from members and visionaries in the field from which new articles emerged. This turned out to be a very effective content generation strategy. 

Ten years ago, I gave a brief retrospective on TLT. At that time, TLT was no longer my own baby, as I had relinquished the lead position to new, fresh editors. At that time, I was serving on the STLE Board of Directors. Every quarter I had the chance to review reports on TLT and, like a proud uncle, I beamed. At 10 years old, TLT was growing up to become a pillar for the society alongside the education program and the annual meeting. More important, TLT was relevant and highly respected. A few years later, I moved from my STLE board position to lead STLE-affiliated journal Tribology Transactions as editor-in-chief. As a current member of STLE’s Editorial & Publications (E&P) Committee, I again have the opportunity to check in with TLT on a regular basis. Just like an uncle attending family gatherings at the holidays each year, I have watched TLT grow up. 

I am pleased to report, and I am sure you’ll agree, TLT is no longer a child. It ranks among the most respected monthly technical publications in our field and is distributed and enjoyed the world over. TLT regularly includes tribology news and announcements, cutting-edge technical articles and even humor. Under the new leadership of TLT editor Selim Erhan, TLT is holding steady on course and making even more progress toward a brighter future. Like a favorite uncle, I could not be happier. 

Great going, TLT team!


STLE’s official magazine
By Maureen Hunter
2007-2009
You won’t find TLT at a magazine stand or bookstore. You receive it with your STLE membership, and for 20 years, it has been chosen by the STLE membership as the society’s most important benefit. TLT is designed to help each of us to become the best professional in our chosen field. I especially encourage all young professionals, but seasoned experts too, to read it cover to cover. You don’t want to miss anything!

TLT is the most cost-effective and time-efficient way to learn about developments in our industry, including trends and challenges, successes and failures and even our colleagues and friends. From the many Feature articles and columns to the Sounding Board survey results and new product writeups, it’s incredible how much knowledge one can gain. TLT is not intended to be a peer-reviewed magazine. It has professionally written articles that lead us to scholarly peer-reviewed journals and technical books. It’s also interesting to learn about key industry colleagues through Newsmakers and 20 Minutes interview articles and to browse the many advertisements. There is even a section on upcoming industry conferences and events to help plan your own calendar.

TLT also can be used as a prompt for investigating various fascinating topics. A rich variety of topics that at first glance seem to be outside of our industry will engage and amuse you. With new ideas, knowledge of emerging trends and the comradery found in our industry, young professionals should understand the achievements they too can reach. Reading TLT gives each one of us perspective on the breadth and complexity of our industry and how important we are to the future of our ever-changing world.