The Rupp Report: Thanks For Your Feedback

Some of you may remember Watergate. The Watergate scandals were a series of American political
scandals during the presidency of Richard Nixon that resulted ultimately in his resignation on
August 9, 1974. Even the movie “All the President’s Men,” with Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman,
has become a legend. But the issue for this report is not what happened, but how it was discovered:

Thanks To The Independent (Or Free) Press

The Washington Post revealed the immense scope of crimes and abuses, which included among
many others campaign fraud, political espionage, sabotage and illegal break-ins. Its writers, Bob
Woodward and Carl Bernstein, got the freedom from their editor-in-chief to follow-up the true story
and eventually published the whole story behind the curtains. With certainty of an impeachment in
the House of Representatives and of a conviction in the Senate, Nixon resigned, becoming the only
US president to have resigned from office.

The Link

So what is the link between Watergate and this report? There is quite a lot. The Rupp Report
has been “on the air” since mid-2007. In 2008,

Textile World
published 50 reports. The feedback from all over the world is sometimes pretty astonishing,
and, frankly speaking, very encouraging. Most of the feedback refers to the fact that the readers
appreciate the open expression — even if the reports are from time to time rather provocative, but
always honest. Like “Deep Throat” revealing the Watergate story, we often get our basic information
from readers to elaborate a new report.

Nothing’s For Free

However, even the independent press is not for free. Its work has to be paid for. I remember
years ago a rather intense discussion with the owner of a textile machinery company. He was very
well-known in the global trade press for sending out countless editorials without ever placing any
advertisements. He argued that the press as such must be happy to get a lot of articles to publish,
and that it is the duty of the media to do so. I replied and asked him how many machines he gives
away for free before charging his customers? Not one, he replied. You see, said I, you expect from
the press what you are not willing to do: a job free of charge. That’s not the same, he said. Of
course it is, I replied. You are producing machinery and we are producing magazines — or, in this
case, Rupp Reports. The consequence of the discussion was that he left in anger.

Your Positive Feedback

In personal encounters — mostly mill visits and exhibitions — people mention that it is good
to have at least the Rupp Report and Textile Industries Media Group’s magazines that write openly.
They appreciate our work and the freedom of expression. Readers often mention that they see a
declining of quality press; prefabricated articles are more and more in the foreground. “
Advertorial” is one of the key words. This is a blend of the words “editorial” and “advertising.”

However, to carry on with our job,

TW
needs your support. The year 2009 will be probably one of the toughest years in decades.
Every company, including in the textile industry, is saving money and spending their money only
where there’s value.

TW
will continue its support for the textile industry to publish true stories. We hope you don’t
forget us with your support.

In this spirit, for 2009 we wish you a strong will and the ability to carry on. As the new
president-elect from the United States says, “Yes, we can,” and we will. And don’t forget your
feedback to
jrupp@textileworld.com

January 6, 2009

SHARE