From the editor:

The pursuit of knowledge.

WHEN I’M asked to summarise the types of articles we run in Popular Mechanics, my face usually assumes a bit of a glazed stare, my mouth hangs slightly open, and I doubt I appear too intelligent to the question asker or any bystanders. It’s not because I’m an idiot, I don’t think. (Although, maybe I should gather up a few thirdparty opinions.)

Rather, it’s because the content we publish is so unbelievably diverse that it’s difficult to encapsulate it succinctly. Also, every month, the limits of what we cover seem to become broader, as interesting ideas come across our desks, ground is broken with modern innovations, or fascinating things happen in the world. The human race is always evolving, after all, and with it the subject matter of the magazine you’re holding in your hands.

The phrase on the spine of every issue of PM – ‘The way the world works’ – is probably the most concise description, as that’s exactly what you’ll find here.

We’re sure some of the stories we run won’t strike a chord in you, but we’re confident many will, and, sometimes, maybe you’ll encounter something in these pages you never thought you’d find interesting, which could cause you to think about it and want to know more. When I was a young writer, the best advice one of my first editors told me was that you just can’t please everyone, and I’ve never forgotten it. The likes, dislikes, interests and preferences of humans are just so varied that there will always be someone who is content with a certain article, and another who dislikes it.

And yes, we receive emails from both, although, I like to think that the former is much more common. (Please do take that as a subtle hint to write in – we love to hear your ideas, thoughts on global innovations, feedback about your recent woodworking project, or suggestions on topics we should cover. And please include high-resolution pics where relevant.)

I’m betting that this month, the hard-core PM reader might raise their eyebrows at our ‘tech in the beauty industry’ piece, or our reporting on the continuing hunt for Bigfoot. Wondering how you’ll react actually brings a smile to my face, and I hope you digest it all knowing we’re here to entertain, enlighten and inform. And if you’re puzzled by the inclusion of some or other article, remember that someone else out there is possibly enjoying it. Either way, we value you all.