stunthanger.com
General control line discussion => Open Forum => Topic started by: Robert Zambelli on October 09, 2012, 03:46:11 PM
-
Subscriptions are down considerably.
This may spell the end for CLW.
Bob Z.
-
What?
I just renewed for next year!
Come on guys. Jump on the band wagon. Everyone complains about MA, here is one rag that covers everything CL.
-
Here is an email I got today
OOPS, habit... put wrong contact number below. Here is correct number.
Hi All,
Control Line World needs your help...
The number of CLW subscriptions has dropped this past year. There is much doubt that we can get back to 1,000 subscribers, especially with all of the subscriptions running out with the latest October issue. I need help spreading the word to family and friends to re-subscribe. It is my fear that if we do not hit this number, that it will not be feasible to continue the magazine.
I have asked that a notice be put on the Brodak website to urge people to renew. If you are not sure about your renewal date, NOW is the time to ask. If you know someone who has not yet subscribed and has been meaning to, please suggest they do it NOW.
I would hate to see CLW disappear after 6 years, so once again, please help by spreading the word...forward this message to your family and friends.
Thank you in advance for your help,
Nikki Albert, Editor
Control Line World
100 Park Avenue
Carmichaels, PA 15320
nikki@brodak.com
To check your renewal date: please email me or flyin@brodak.com
OR
To renew: please visit the Brodak website - www.brodak.com (click on the CLW magazine cover), email flyin@brodak.com / nikki@brodak.com or call 724-966-7335.
-
Is it just me?
Or why "isn't" there much better advertisement/s about (in this case) CLW?
Why are we waiting til its about to fall into the abyss before anything is "detailed"?
Like I stated, it might just be that I am not in the "know" of the more extensive world of control line period.
And yes, I know that "advertisement" does cost $
But wouldn't it be, that in the case of SSW, and SH, isn't there a better way to have these types of things italicized?
Doc, the blind
(flame away!)
-
I just renewed my subscription, could not have been easier, I just clicked on the link and followed directions, we really need to keep this going, one of the best deals for the money . Covers all disciplines of control line ,
Will
-
I have no problem with control line advertisements here
-
Just re-upped mine on-line. Easy!
-
Well, for what it's worth, this is just a sign of the times. Major magazines are having tough times with circulation, so imagine what it must be like for a small time operation. The PAMPA mag runs late sometimes due to production issues and submissions for content. Bob Hunt has been on the forums many times soliciting articles and such for pulication. It can be hard trying to fill all the pages with just c/l stuff and not over advertise. You really do need a certain amount of content to have enough pages to make it worth going to press. The main reason for any publication failing is the content on the pages, or lack of same and people will lose interest and not subscribe if they don't like what they see, or are getting the info somewhere else, like this internet forum. That's what has happened to the newspaper industry. Kind of ironic I guess using one form of technology to try and save another. So in addition to soliciting subscribers, they should also be soliciting authors for articles, as it all kind of begins and ends there. Good luck to them.
Type at you later,
Dan McEntee
-
I'm gonna get me a subscription then...
Marcus
-
Just got my renewal notice a couple of days ago. I'll be renewing online tonight.
CLW is a great publication, at .082 cents per day all avid C/Ler's should support it. Since it's inception it's been one of my top three favorites to arrive in the mailbox, great reading and info, every time. y1
-
We have to keep CLW going, I got pic in there for the first time with out Smantha. Did not do much Larry Wilks ask me to be his pit man. He had all the hard work done just had to fuel and start the motor. When we took second Samantha said hay dad first time you didnt take last. I hope we can keep it going I like this magazine, I think both CLW and Stunt News are getting better all the time.
Steve
-
Maybe if it came down to the wire, they could offer an on-line publication for a fee, like Stunt News from PAMPA.
-
Maybe if it came down to the wire, they could offer an on-line publication for a fee, like Stunt News from PAMPA.
Hi, Dick. Knowing John as I do, I do not think that would happen and I'd be total agreement.
Maybe some of us are "old school" but I like to lay or sit back on my couch and thumb through the issues.
I do not like reading a magazine from a computer screen and I'd be surprised if others didn't share my feelings.
I like the portable nature of a magazine in that it can be enjoyed just about anywhere.
It's really the only model aircraft publication that I read - I usually give Model Aviation away without even opening it.
In any case, I enjoy the publication as well as having the privilege to be a regular contributor.
I really hope we can save it as it is the only true all around C/L magazine.
Bob Z.
-
As a collector of magazines and owner of one of the largest and most complete collections in the country, I have to agree with Bob. I prefer a hard copy to look at also.I would suggest they contact subscribers and just aske why they did not renew. Times are still a bit rough for some people, and economics may play a part for some. But it also a factor for the publisher to have enough content to fill enough pages to make it worth going to press. I work in the printing industry and I'm kinda familiar with that. But like I said before, if the larger magazines that cover all aspects of modeling are having a tough time, I can imagine what it is like for CLW being a special interest magazine. All magazines are much thinner now, and I think it was Flying Models that recently announced a reduction in the number of pages in their magazine to save money and paper costs, but still have to meet a minimum number of pages to make it viable, and it covers everything. I hope CLW can survive, but it is going to take more than a few more subscribers to do , I'm guessing.
Type at you later,
Dan McEntee
-
Hi, Dick. Knowing John as I do, I do not think that would happen and I'd be total agreement.
Maybe some of us are "old school" but I like to lay or sit back on my couch and thumb through the issues.
I do not like reading a magazine from a computer screen and I'd be surprised if others didn't share my feelings.
To clarify this - Stunt News is available in 3 formats: online PDF, CD with the same PDF, and a classic hard-copy magazine.
Brett
-
I get my SN via download. I have them all on my computer then down load in iTunes to my iPad and phone. I take it anywhere.
The good thing about the hard copy is it keeps good people like Nikki working.
This would also make a good Christmas gift.
-
I also chose the SN down load version, primarily as a cost savings measure. It allowed both AMA and PAMPA membership and the CLW subscription be done at the same time for me, right at the end of the year during the holiday season. Sure, I would like the hard copy, but there was enough difference in cost to make the E-copy a sensible choice for me.
-
I haven't received the latest issue nor a renewal notice to date. Had it not been for this post I would be unaware of renewal time. I have friends 30 miles from me that received their copies last week. Hard to renew when you don't know about it. Like others I would hate to see it go. Time to check into it. Thanks for the heads up.
Larry
-
I too did not realize it was renewal time until I seen my issue laying on the bed. Being on fixed date for Soc Sec to go in the bank makes it hard to renew. Will get it in the works asap. By the way the article that Tom Dixon wrote is very educational and some things I have never really thought of.
PS:Maybe they need to notify us by E-Mail if possible. jeh
-
As several of the above, I just received my notice and I will definately have it out in the mail tomorrow. CLW is a great publication and I wouldn't want to lose it. I have to agree with Bob, the hard copies are nice to get and they do not have to be wasted if your not a collector. Mine go to a couple of local waiting rooms with an attachment in the back about our club.
Dalton H.
-
Here is an email I got today
OOPS, habit... put wrong contact number below. Here is correct number.
Hi All,
Control Line World needs your help...
The number of CLW subscriptions has dropped this past year. There is much doubt that we can get back to 1,000 subscribers, especially with all of the subscriptions running out with the latest October issue. I need help spreading the word to family and friends to re-subscribe. It is my fear that if we do not hit this number, that it will not be feasible to continue the magazine.
I have asked that a notice be put on the Brodak website to urge people to renew. If you are not sure about your renewal date, NOW is the time to ask. If you know someone who has not yet subscribed and has been meaning to, please suggest they do it NOW.
I would hate to see CLW disappear after 6 years, so once again, please help by spreading the word...forward this message to your family and friends.
Thank you in advance for your help,
Nikki Albert, Editor
Control Line World
100 Park Avenue
Carmichaels, PA 15320
nikki@brodak.com
To check your renewal date: please email me or flyin@brodak.com
OR
To renew: please visit the Brodak website - www.brodak.com (click on the CLW magazine cover), email flyin@brodak.com / nikki@brodak.com or call 724-966-7335.
Is it me or there is something wrong with the link?
I went to renew, followed the subscribe cover at Brodack's and it sent me to an order page with nowhere to order. It says is out of stock!
I went to the home page
http://www.controllineworld.com/
and it seems the last time it was updated was 2007. Went to the Subscribe link and it sent me back to Brodack's!!!!
n~ n~ n~
-
I just renewed on the website, worked OK for me.
-
I would say if your having issues use the email address or call Nikki. She is a sweet heart of a gal. ;D
-
Thanks for the reminder! I'm gonna renew too! Like the "ZAM" said, I much prefer reading a magazine than looking at a stupid computer screen. Reading a mag. is much more comfortable too me.
Doug
-
Hi All,
Okay, first let me start by saying...DO NOT PANIC!! I just wanted CLW supporters to know what is going on with the subscriptions. Please reread what I have typed: It is my fear that if we do not hit this number, that it will not be feasible to continue the magazine. I do not have the authority to discontinue CLW, but I do have the ability to try to keep the renewals going strong. Especially with all of the help I am getting from everyone.
There has been an issue at the Brodak website (www.brodak.com) but it has been FIXED and you may now renew online. Also I read that some people are still going to the old web address (www.controllineworld.com)... unfortunately this web site was designed by past CLW staff and we are unable to update or delete any of the info. Sorry for any inconvenience this is causing.
Some readers have not gotten their October issue...I can only suggest that you give it a day or two. We have no control over the postal service and when they deliver. I do know that they were taken to our local post office for bulk mailing on the 1st of October. Those that needed to renew will see a renewal form with their magazine...please be sure to get them mailed in by November 10th or sooner, if possible. This will assure that you do not miss the January 2013 issue of CLW.
Please anyone reading...feel free to contact me (nikki@brodak.com) anytime with any questions or concerns! Especially if you are interested in submitting material to be published.
If you are unsure of your renewal date, please contact: sandy@brodak.com
Thank you for your time and support to CLW,
Nikki =)
-
I let my subscription lapse a couple of years ago but just renewed.
Mike
-
Hi All,
Okay, first let me start by saying...DO NOT PANIC!! I just wanted CLW supporters to know what is going on with the subscriptions. Please reread what I have typed: It is my fear that if we do not hit this number, that it will not be feasible to continue the magazine. I do not have the authority to discontinue CLW, but I do have the ability to try to keep the renewals going strong. Especially with all of the help I am getting from everyone.
There has been an issue at the Brodak website (www.brodak.com) but it has been FIXED and you may now renew online. Also I read that some people are still going to the old web address (www.controllineworld.com)... unfortunately this web site was designed by past CLW staff and we are unable to update or delete any of the info. Sorry for any inconvenience this is causing.
Some readers have not gotten their October issue...I can only suggest that you give it a day or two. We have no control over the postal service and when they deliver. I do know that they were taken to our local post office for bulk mailing on the 1st of October. Those that needed to renew will see a renewal form with their magazine...please be sure to get them mailed in by November 10th or sooner, if possible. This will assure that you do not miss the January 2013 issue of CLW.
Please anyone reading...feel free to contact me (nikki@brodak.com) anytime with any questions or concerns! Especially if you are interested in submitting material to be published.
If you are unsure of your renewal date, please contact: sandy@brodak.com
Thank you for your time and support to CLW,
Nikki =)
THANK YOU NIKKI!! It is working now. I just subscribed. H^^
-
Sent in my order.
BIG Bear
RNMM/AMM
-
Renewed my subscription about 2 hours ago. I could not get the website to work so I called and talked to Sandy and she took care of it. Great magazine, I want to keep it coming.
-
Waiting to get my first issue!!
Marcus
-
I renewed.
It is great w/morning coffee and evening ..... (you know)! D>K
Roger V.
-
As a collector of magazines and owner of one of the largest and most complete collections in the country, I have to agree with Bob. I prefer a hard copy to look at also.a few more subscribers to do , I'm guessing.
Dan McEntee
Me too!
Dan, out of curiosity, roughly how many magazines do you have? I have over 10, 000 model & full scale mags in my collection. I will concede the crown if yours exceeds this number. If you need a picture, let me know. ;D ;D S?P S?P
-
I'd never seen a copy of the magazine until last night, and that was only a quick look at the cover. I don't have anymore room for magazines, and I have a tough time throwing them in the recycle bin.
I rather like the CD version of SN, because the pictures are 1000% better than the printed version. #^ Steve
-
Me too!
Dan, out of curiosity, roughly how many magazines do you have? I have over 10, 000 model & full scale mags in my collection. I will concede the crown if yours exceeds this number. If you need a picture, let me know. ;D ;D S?P S?P
I'm not sure, I've never tried counting them. They are all in four drawer file cabinets, and I guess I have 8 or ten cabinets full, plus some on shelves. Going off memory I have the following:
1) Flying Models complete from it's first issue with that titles in 1947 to today and almost all of the Flying Aces and Air World issues leading up to that.
2) Model Builder complete.
3) Model Aviation. Complete as it is publiched today. Working on completeing the first version of it.
4) American Aircraft Modeler complete.
5)Model Airplane News. Working on filling in the last few gaps of the early years, but complete from 1933 up to 1990 (I think) .After that, I haven't been trying much because they dropped C/L and F/F in 1984.
6) R/C Modeler. Complete from first issue up to the late 90's. I think it went under in 2005, and haven't been working too hard on that either.
7) SIG Air Modeler. Complete, but that wasn't too hard since they only published 7 ussues
8) Air Trails. complete from 1938 until it split up into Air Progress and American Modeler in the mid 50's.
9) Aero Modeler from around 1960 to the mid 90s. HAve a gap here and there because that was a hard one to find on the news stand. . Early ones are hard to find also.
10) Air Progress. pretty complete from the mid 50's to
the early 80s.
11) Sport Aviation. Not really sure on these because I haven't cataloged them yet. Had a large collection of them from the early 60's through the 90s given to me and haven't gone through them yet.
12) Air Classics. Not really sure about these either, but I've been buying that one for a LONG time.
13) Flight Journal. Complete from first issue up to today.
14)Many, many years of Stunt News
Lots of other euro mags and tons of books. I'm not making the claim out of arrogance, it's just what others have told me when the subject came up and described what I have. I've supplied Flying Models with all sorts of stuff that they don't have in their archives, including the mysterious May 1954 issue. ( Do you have that one?) I've also supplied data from old articles by Alexander Lippisch to Stan Stoy when he was working for McDonnell Douglas on a RPV program. I'm behind a little on looking for some stuff for Wynn Paul in Aero Modeler and hope to catch up on this this weekend. I'm sure I'm forgetting some stuff also, as I'm not at home right now. Having it is one thing, I just wish I was as organized with it as Keith Trostle is with his library. That is the bar that I'm trying to reach!
Type At you later,
Dan McEntee
-
Dan,
I hope you have a large "NO SMOKING" sign posted at the entrance to your "library". ;D
-
Renewed yesterday.
Chuck
-
I'm not sure, I've never tried counting them. They are all in four drawer file cabinets, and I guess I have 8 or ten cabinets full, plus some on shelves. Going off memory I have the following:
1) Flying Models complete from it's first issue with that titles in 1947 to today and almost all of the Flying Aces and Air World issues leading up to that.
2) Model Builder complete.
3) Model Aviation. Complete as it is publiched today. Working on completeing the first version of it.
4) American Aircraft Modeler complete.
5)Model Airplane News. Working on filling in the last few gaps of the early years, but complete from 1933 up to 1990 (I think) .After that, I haven't been trying much because they dropped C/L and F/F in 1984.
6) R/C Modeler. Complete from first issue up to the late 90's. I think it went under in 2005, and haven't been working too hard on that either.
7) SIG Air Modeler. Complete, but that wasn't too hard since they only published 7 ussues
8) Air Trails. complete from 1938 until it split up into Air Progress and American Modeler in the mid 50's.
9) Aero Modeler from around 1960 to the mid 90s. HAve a gap here and there because that was a hard one to find on the news stand. . Early ones are hard to find also.
10) Air Progress. pretty complete from the mid 50's to
the early 80s.
11) Sport Aviation. Not really sure on these because I haven't cataloged them yet. Had a large collection of them from the early 60's through the 90s given to me and haven't gone through them yet.
12) Air Classics. Not really sure about these either, but I've been buying that one for a LONG time.
13) Flight Journal. Complete from first issue up to today.
14)Many, many years of Stunt News
Lots of other euro mags and tons of books. I'm not making the claim out of arrogance, it's just what others have told me when the subject came up and described what I have. I've supplied Flying Models with all sorts of stuff that they don't have in their archives, including the mysterious May 1954 issue. ( Do you have that one?) I've also supplied data from old articles by Alexander Lippisch to Stan Stoy when he was working for McDonnell Douglas on a RPV program. I'm behind a little on looking for some stuff for Wynn Paul in Aero Modeler and hope to catch up on this this weekend. I'm sure I'm forgetting some stuff also, as I'm not at home right now. Having it is one thing, I just wish I was as organized with it as Keith Trostle is with his library. That is the bar that I'm trying to reach!
Type At you later,
Dan McEntee
And you should see his plans and kit collection!
Chris...
-
Well, I gave up and made a check out. Both check and form on their way by snail mail.
-
CONCERNING "Ken's Problem..............Ken, check your PM for information concening your CLW problem.
Joe Just
-
All;
Just heard tonight on the way home from work that a stalwart like 'Newsweek' is going digital. No more print copies after December 2012.
The wave of the future is digital. I think if Brodak's looks at that and runs some numbers, they will find that they can reduce costs, expand subscriptions, and remain viable.
V/r
Bob
-
I saw the Newsweek news on the TV right before I left for work tonight. That is gonna sting some commercial printers that print the mag/ The thing that gets me is that most mags that I have seen that offer a digital edition, charge the same amount as that for a hard copy. That ain't right! You don't even have anything to line the bird cage with when you are finished. Ther are still lots of people that would prefer a hard copy of any publication, and forgetting about them isn't a smart thing to do. On line adverising is a pretty fast hit and miss proposition. A magazine or newspaper can be looked at, put down, picked back up again and the same single copy can be viewed by several people. Can't do that with something being read on an I-pad or laptop. The printing company I work for has a slogan that goes, "The Power of Print." That can't be completely discounted yet. It will be interesting to see how it all shakes out.
Type at you later,
Dan McEntee
-
1138 have looked at this, if all subscribe, all is good!
-
I saw the Newsweek news on the TV right before I left for work tonight. That is gonna sting some commercial printers that print the mag/ The thing that gets me is that most mags that I have seen that offer a digital edition, charge the same amount as that for a hard copy. That ain't right! You don't even have anything to line the bird cage with when you are finished.
It's still about *content*. If Newsweek had something people wanted, they would still pay for it. It's no coincidence that the old media dinosaurs are virtually 100% hard left in their perspective. and that they are having problems. No one wants their values attacked on a weekly basis, and they sure as hell aren't going to pay for the privilege. They are finding they can't make money just selling to the hard-core left in large cities - just like all the rest of the propaganda organs. Give them a few years and they will be gone completely.
Any product has to offer value to be successful. As long as it is worth it people will pay for it.
Brett
-
It's still about *content*. If Newsweek had something people wanted, they would still pay for it. It's no coincidence that the old media dinosaurs are virtually 100% hard left in their perspective. and that they are having problems. No one wants their values attacked on a weekly basis, and they sure as hell aren't going to pay for the privilege. They are finding they can't make money just selling to the hard-core left in large cities - just like all the rest of the propaganda organs. Give them a few years and they will be gone completely.
Any product has to offer value to be successful. As long as it is worth it people will pay for it.
Brett
I don't think Control Line World is "left leaning" at all. On the contrary, there are a lot of pictures of old guys in it. As far as attacking values, I haven't seen any articles on Monokote in any of the issues that I have read.
-
Internet publications are OK as an "ALSO", but a publication needs to be HARD COPY to last in the long run and and get people to pay for it. People think that everything off the net should be free. How do you run a pure internet magazine?
We've gone through many computer data formats over the past four decades. Most of the stuff is already lost in antiquity.
-
My post had nothing to do with politics, e.g. "left leaning", or anything else.
Control Line World provides a great service to all the control line disciplines. Perhaps the business model needs to be reviewed and see if a digital format will enable control line enthusiasts to enjoy the magazine from the digital domain. As for costs, that will be a Brodak decision. On line is most assuredly less expensive, but where the cost point will be is a Brodak call.
Regardless, the future is having an "on line" version option, and pricing to reflect that. It can be done.
V/r
Bob
I don't think Control Line World is "left leaning" at all. On the contrary, there are a lot of pictures of old guys in it. As far as attacking values, I haven't seen any articles on Monokote in any of the issues that I have read.
-
I don't think Control Line World is "left leaning" at all. On the contrary, there are a lot of pictures of old guys in it. As far as attacking values, I haven't seen any articles on Monokote in any of the issues that I have read.
I was referring to Newsweek, not CL World.
Brett
-
The old media dinosaurs are virtually 100% hard left in their perspective...No one wants their values attacked on a weekly basis, and they sure as hell aren't going to pay for the privilege
Well today you helped me break another stereotype! I was sure that Californians are all "lefties". LL~
Steve
P.S. Improve yourself: break one stereotype every day!
-
I can say this much, Stunt News in full color on my Ipad is awesome. And, my Mk1 Eyeball on a paper magazine can't match the pinch and expand zoom touch function for reading those fine captions or zooming in on those nice color photo's on the Ipad.
The reality is, CLW is probably ALREADY in a digital format before it goes to print. A conversion to PDF is just a matter of software and a few short minutes of processing power. It's the business decision to forge ahead and make it an option is what will take the time.
CLW content serves a niche' market, similar but not the exact same as SN. The SAM newsletter is an example of what could happen to all of us over time. As to Newsweek, I know what Brett meant, the capitalist pig! Doesn't he know that all subscriptions to the Provda West are mandatory! LOL! Kidding aside, we will have to deal with certain realities over time.
You think virtual magazines are an odd concept? All the big trade shows in the computer industry are almost all virtual now. You used to be able to go press the flesh with guys from IBM, HP, INTEL, etc at COMDEX every year in Vegas or Atlanta... now, it's virtual. Tech Data, and the other distrubution wharehouses have dropped their trade shows too. Now once a year, you log in and go to virtual booths. You "Chat" with real sales people on line minding the booths. You drop your virtual business card into virtual fishbowls after visiting a booth for a chance to win a give-away. I kid you not!
This is the world we are becoming, like it or not.
The other news piece was that Hallmark was cutting way back on printed greeting cards as well. This is where even with all the Ebay deliveries, the Post Office is still taking it in the shorts. Cha cha cha change....
EricV
-
I was referring to Newsweek, not CL World.
Brett
I know Brett, it was a joke.
-
I was referring to Newsweek, not CL World.
Brett
Never thought you were, my friend. Truth be known, we are probably right of the Pope...
I should have quoted something else.
My apologies.
V/r
Bob
-
If CLW does make a change, I would like to see a CD verson lke Stunt News. Takes up a whole lot less space and is in color.
-
The reality is, CLW is probably ALREADY in a digital format before it goes to print. A conversion to PDF is just a matter of software and a few short minutes of processing power. It's the business decision to forge ahead and make it an option is what will take the time.
.....
You think virtual magazines are an odd concept? All the big trade shows in the computer industry are almost all virtual now. You used to be able to go press the flesh with guys from IBM, HP, INTEL, etc at COMDEX every year in Vegas or Atlanta... now, it's virtual. Tech Data, and the other distrubution wharehouses have dropped their trade shows too. Now once a year, you log in and go to virtual booths. You "Chat" with real sales people on line minding the booths. You drop your virtual business card into virtual fishbowls after visiting a booth for a chance to win a give-away. I kid you not!
This is the world we are becoming, like it or not.
The other news piece was that Hallmark was cutting way back on printed greeting cards as well. This is where even with all the Ebay deliveries, the Post Office is still taking it in the shorts. Cha cha cha change....
EricV
Years ago, the USPS made the business decision to underprice mass mailings, e.g. junkmail, and overprice 1st Class delivery. Now we email rather than send letters, pay on line rather than with an envelope, and the revenue stream dried up. USPS is in a heck of a squeeze.
As for CLW being in digital format prior to printing, you can bet on it. There are different packages out there for that. From there, its very easy to output it through Adobe Acrobat and put it in PDF format, processed for pagination and security, and then be in a format can then be downloaded. Then it is just a matter of uploading it to a web site, creating the hyperlinks, etc. There is another option that I have used on line but never tried: e-magazine format. Not downloadable, but readable on line. CDNN Sports uses it. Their catalog used to be downloadable in PDF format, but they use the e-magazine format now. I know that it would take a robust web site to handle the bandwidth. It is a viable option if there is a concern over the mag being pirated.
Bottom line is there are options to keep CLW affordable and increase its circulation through the digital domain, especially for international users.
V/r
Bob
-
Just went to Brodak site for my first time subscription THANKS to the encouragement from all of you.
Hope to receive the current issue. #^
John
-
I was referring to Newsweek, not CL World.
Brett
Newsweek has always leaned "right." The problem with mass print is that fewer and fewer of us can...
1) read critically
2) afford magazine subscriptions.
3) understand news, propoganda or otherwise.
4) wait for gratification.
5) be interested in much more than the blemished lives of people we imagine we know.
Thus the popularity of gossip rags, most of which also are threatened by the immediacy of the internet. CL World doubtless is more the victim of #2. That is the case in this family recently - since the investment scandals. I hope that it is sustained, since a hard copy of any good publication is preferable for the reasons given above. It's part of our legacy, as is Stunt News, FM, and the previously more informative M.A.N. I miss my S.N. hard copy, but am reading it on-line to maintain our own priorities here. Hence, no CL World so far either.
Let's try to keep politics out of especially as benign an issue as the survival of a good non-political publication.
Thank you very much.
SK
-
Although have a laptop, iPhone and iPad, I have never and will never download a magazine to any of them.
Maybe I'm just a traditionalist but I really like having the magazine in my hands - I take them on airplanes, to the table, in the bathroom, wherever.
I like to quickly leaf back and forth to study various articles at random.
Something to consider - many people on this website may indeed be into the digital age, welcoming magazines in electronic format. I'm sure that they are comfortable doing so.
But, I know for a fact that there are many who are not and have absolutely no interest in the internet. For that matter, a lot of people do not even have a home computer – hard to imagine but it’s a fact.
And many who do have desktops which indeed rule out portability.
It was mentioned that Newsweek will soon be available in digital format only. It’s a whole different thing. I truly cannot believe that anyone would collect and save issues of Newsweek for reference. Our model aircraft magazines are quite a different thing. We often read and reread various articles that pique our interest.
There are many articles, photos and tech info that are indeed worth saving. Flipping through a magazine is kind of fun for me. Staring at a computer screen is not. I spent the last thirtysome years of my engineering career doing that – for magazines, give me a soft copy!
Regarding CLW going digital. At this point, I cannot say for sure but I doubt that it will happen in the near future.
I have recently spoken to John and there have indeed been quite a few renewals. This should keep things going and satisfy new and recurring subscribers. Hopefully, CLW will continue to serve the interests of all the CL disciplines.
Bob Z.
Ps – keep in mind that the premier issue was sent out at no cost to anyone. It came out of John’s pocket to the tune of around $5,000.00.
-
Bob-
Well said!
SK
-
Bob;
There are a couple of dynamics here that I think you are missing.
Firstly, for those of us who are comfortable with the digital domain, whether something is stored digitally or print format doesn't really matter. Whether you agree or not, when properly archived, digitally stored data is just as safe as printed, and it doesn't degrade with time.
Secondly, we bemoan the aging demographics of control line. If you want to appeal to a new generation, it bears consideration that publications be in a format they are comfortable with. Many of the younger generation prefers digital over paper. Whole school districts are going to digital textbooks, so digital publications will most probably be their preferred format as time goes on.
Thirdly, costs for international members can be better controlled due to no shipping costs.
Finally, consider choice. If some readers want paper, fine, if they want digital, fine. Both can be easily accommodated. You can read CLW as you hold your magazine, someone else can read it holding their tablet. This means numbers, numbers with correct pricing assures profitability and sustainability.
But, let there be no doubt, if you are publishing these days, you need to be on the digital train, lest you be left behind at the station.
V/r
Bob
Although have a laptop, iPhone and iPad, I have never and will never download a magazine to any of them.
Maybe I'm just a traditionalist but I really like having the magazine in my hands - I take them on airplanes, to the table, in the bathroom, wherever.
I like to quickly leaf back and forth to study various articles at random.
Something to consider - many people on this website may indeed be into the digital age, welcoming magazines in electronic format. I'm sure that they are comfortable doing so.
But, I know for a fact that there are many who are not and have absolutely no interest in the internet. For that matter, a lot of people do not even have a home computer – hard to imagine but it’s a fact.
And many who do have desktops which indeed rule out portability.
It was mentioned that Newsweek will soon be available in digital format only. It’s a whole different thing. I truly cannot believe that anyone would collect and save issues of Newsweek for reference. Our model aircraft magazines are quite a different thing. We often read and reread various articles that pique our interest.
There are many articles, photos and tech info that are indeed worth saving. Flipping through a magazine is kind of fun for me. Staring at a computer screen is not. I spent the last thirtysome years of my engineering career doing that – for magazines, give me a soft copy!
Regarding CLW going digital. At this point, I cannot say for sure but I doubt that it will happen in the near future.
I have recently spoken to John and there have indeed been quite a few renewals. This should keep things going and satisfy new and recurring subscribers. Hopefully, CLW will continue to serve the interests of all the CL disciplines.
Bob Z.
Ps – keep in mind that the premier issue was sent out at no cost to anyone. It came out of John’s pocket to the tune of around $5,000.00.
-
I agree Bob too.
Still, for me, despite the lack of color, I do like to be able just to pick up my copy on the spur of the moment and easily scan and skip back and forth quickly, when an idea presents itself - or when looking for inspiration.
As newsletter publisher though, I'm naturally happier to e-mail a more attractive product, rather than stapling, folding, addressing, adding postage, driving to the P.O. - AND buying toner cartridges. Of course the electronic newsletters can be printed quickly by their recipients. And YES, the e-files are easily stored and arranged.
Finally, I have to admit that as we age and accumulate periodicals that have immense value to us, but are unwanted by anyone else, it can get crowded and even troubling in our homes.
SK
-
Yep, I have several stacks of magazines beside the bed that are taking up room. Tried the school and they don't want them. Anybody local to me that wants them let me know. Otherwise off to the recycle bin.
-
Newsweek lost customers because they overhauled their format under a new female CEO. The magazine became a big photo-enriched tabloid-like weekly instead of reporting hard news. I guess she figured the people wanted entertainment, but I'm glad it will no longer be delivered to me.
Floyd
-
Floyd-
That seems to be a trend across the board in news, automotive, aviation, sports..."journals." I don't know that either extreme would work for that news magazine. Too many people look at magazines for the pictures, and the internet provides that entertainment. We just aren't such a literate society anymore, something that has been particularly evident this season.
SK