13:13 Mar 16, 2009 

Or it can, on its own, be entirely neutral. e.g. - The impact the news had was incredible! (Could be good or bad, depending on what the news was and what effect it had.)

13:12 Mar 16, 2009 

The impact the new had was incredible! (Could be good or bad, depending on what the news was and what effect it had.)

13:10 Mar 16, 2009 

I think "making an impact" is generally a good thing, but "having an impact" is (or tends to be) more negative. It all depends on the context though.

13:09 Mar 16, 2009 

The impact of the news was palpable.

13:00 Mar 16, 2009 

You have point there David. Even though I'd probably use "devastated" instead in your context... ;-)

12:58 Mar 16, 2009 

The current economic climate has had a major impact on our cashflow situation.

12:54 Mar 16, 2009 

I consider "eingreifen" to be pretty neutral, but even if it weren't, I still think what is meant is "greifen" rather than "eingreifen". And while "impact" can have a negative connotation, having an impact is mostly considered to be a good thing nowadays.

11:33 Mar 16, 2009 

True, good point.

11:25 Mar 16, 2009 

"take effect" - make that an answer, Cetacea!

11:24 Mar 16, 2009 

"Eingreifen" can be negative as well.

11:17 Mar 16, 2009 

Although "impacts" probably has an equally negative connotation, doesn't it?

11:13 Mar 16, 2009 

I think that brings the meaning across very nicely. I prefer it to Stephen's "affect", since IMO, "affect" primarily has a negative connotation, which is certainly not wanted here.

11:06 Mar 16, 2009 

So far, I've written: The innovative potential of this project impacts the system in several ways. What do you think?

11:04 Mar 16, 2009 

Maybe they mean "greifen" rather than "eingreifen"? "Greifen" in the figurative sense of "take effect".