So you think you know what competition is, huh? Sure, the security installation, manufacturing and monitoring businesses are more competitive than ever. Most operators have to invest more time, effort and money — and are losing more sleep and hair — than they would like. But I am here to tell you the security trade publication world just may be the height (or low point, depending on how you look at it) of the industry’s ruthless, cutthroat, dog-eat-dog competition.

Of course, I am being a little tongue-in-cheek. But I am particularly up in arms after seeing the lengths some people will go to steal others’ original concepts and hard work.

Here at Security Sales & Integration, we pride ourselves on going the extra mile to bring our readers the very best in business trends, technology developments, industry news, installation tips, case studies, people/company profiles and product news.

Sure anyone can make that claim, but what truly separates us is how our staff’s extensive in-the-field industry experience is evident from cover to cover. In addition, we have an unyielding drive to being as credible and accurate as possible, as well as enjoyable to read and aesthetically pleasing.

With dozens of security magazines out there, it is crucial to do whatever it takes to stand out from the crowd. That’s why we outdo our competition by helping our readers outperform their own competition. We relish this partnership.

It was back in 2002 when we upped the ante by redesigning and repositioning SSI as the progressive industry magazine. Readers and the larger publishing world took notice; the former with scores of favorable correspondence, the latter with editorial awards. The changes did not escape our competitors, who brazenly began mimicking our moves like a scavenger pilot fish following a shark.

For a while, I silently observed these poor, lost souls desperately trying to keep pace with us, merely shaking my head and knowing how important it was for us to remain vigilant in our quest to always remain at least one step ahead. In any case, I thought, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right?

I will not bore you with the countless ways SSI has been shamelessly copied, but I will tell you what has driven me to finally speak up about it.

You have probably noticed our exclusive cover story this month (click here) centering on Discovery Channel’s new reality series, “It Takes a Thief.” Hopefully, you are also aware that SSI has exclusively partnered with Reed Exhibitions to recruit the show’s hosts and security consultant for the ISC East keynote, and that we will be moderating the event and hosting “Thief” representatives at our booth (No. 1451).

As with all special projects we undertake, we put a lot of thought, time and effort into bringing this all to fruition. As the first publication to expose this exciting TV program to our industry — in “Industry Pulse” and “Publisher’s Perspective” — we were especially determined to beat everyone else to the punch.

Well, no sooner did word hit the streets that rival trade publications began bombarding people from the show and ISC East with phone calls and E-mails to get in on the action.

Much to their dismay, they were roundly refused any access to those associated with “Thief” due to their exclusive commitment to SSI.

But these folks were not done, not by a long shot. Among other things, one rival’s publisher snuck onto the set during a recent “Thief” taping. When a representative from the show confronted him, he asked if he would be granted interviews. He was not, but he did manage to snap some unauthorized photos that figure to appear in yet another knockoff of SSI.

Ironically, these publications’ overtures regarding “Thief” have been criminal. When will they learn that there is no substitute for talent, originality and a commitment to excellence? Until they do, their feeble, copycat maneuvering will continue to push us even harder and make SSI that much stronger.

 

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