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Feedback/Ideas for New Magazine?

Hi Guys,

In perusing the forums here at A-gon it is very apparent to me that many of you do not trust commercial magazines and reviewers. Obviously, with any magazine the derives its income mainly from commercial advertising, questions always arise regarding reviewer bias and the mag's political slant. I constantly see the question, "Why are there no negative reviews?"

Having been a reviewer for 4 magazines, I know the insider's perspective of why there are very few negative reviews published. In life, it is true that you get what you pay for, and since many of the e-zines are free and the print mags are very inexpensive because they pack in lots of advertising dollars to cover their costs, this maxim holds true.

More and more lately, I've been leaning toward starting my own audio magazine, which would allow me the freedom to be unusually candid and truthful about the topics and review gear the magazine covers.

My question, is: "Would you be willing support a magazine that is mainly funded by subscriptions if you had to pay a minimal yearly fee for it?" Please be honest, because as much as I'd love to start a venture like this, there's no point in doing it if there won't be a market for it. I'm speaking of an online publication to begin with; print would come much later, if at all.

Let me know what you think, and feel free to e-mail me privately if you prefer.

Thank You!
plato
plato OP
1,543 posts
 
Guys,

It will probably take a couple of months for me to get my website up and running, but I'd like to encourage any of you who are interested to take a moment to e-mail me privately, so I can keep your e-mail address on file and you will be among the first to receive my free, informational newsletter that will contain news on the website, contests, and other audio-related topics. Of course there will be no obligation, and you are free to opt out at any time (though I'm sure you'll like what you see and want to learn more).

Let me hear from you!

Frank Alles :)
Senior Editor
StereoTimes.com
sbachman
41 posts
 
Plato,

I commend your wanting to produce a magazine that would offer up no nonsense, unbiased and unsolicited reviews of equipment. Your problem lies in the fact that all of these magazines produce their main source of revenue from the advertisers, NOT the subscribers. This now puts you in a quandry. How do you review a line or a piece from a manufacturer that is an advertiser and review them truthfully even if you felt like making disparaging remarks. Makes for a slightly sticky situation.

If you can figure this dilemma out I salute you. I would absolutely buy your mag. Let me know how things work out.
BTW, what mags did you write reviews for? I have a good friend who was part owner of the now defunct "Fi" magazine.

Good Listening,

Steve
kkursula
95 posts
 
Plato good luck getting any $ out of these folks on Audiogon. Average "white collar" + "audiophile" is a cheap, cheap, cheap kind of creature. Unless, off course something is there for them...! Cheers!
plato OP
1,543 posts
 
Steve,

Maybe you didn't read my entire post. I said that my publication would be subscriber-based and would not take manufacturer advertising. That's how I can "afford" to be completely honest in my commentary. Magazines I am or have been affiliated with include: The Audiophile Voice, Soundstage!, Positive Feedback, and StereoTimes.com.

Kkursula, you may be on to something -- saying you'd be willing to open your wallet and opening it are two different things... But we'll see how things develop and go from there.

Best regards,
Frank
unsound
7,332 posts
 
I'd like to see clear photographs from every angle.
I'd like a list of ALL peritnent specs, including measurements, sensitivity, input and/or output impedance and any other relevent information that could aid and/or prevent inappropriate system matching including any unusual considerations or quirks.
I'd like the manufacturer to recommend their products in the context of a complete system and setup prior to evaluation.
I'd like true value ratings that consider the manufacturers reputation for reliablity, customer service, resale value, cost of ownership, warranty and comparison to other products both new and used.
I'd like reviews done within the paramaters of similarly priced associated components.
I'd like reviewers to review gear as a typical customer would recieve it and refrain from using "souped up" gear.
I'd like reviewers to use appropriate and appropriately described rooms with complete photographs.
I'd like some reviewers to maintain systems that are similar to what subscribers have and use them in the same type of rooms that subscribers do, at various price points.
I'd like experts in the field of scientific measurments develop accurate measurements and a data base to discover any consistencies or inconsistencies.
I'd like reviewers to make comparisons to other products that a consumer might consider.
If "best of" issues arise, I'd like the reviewers names to be included. That the true value rating mentioned above be the rule.
I'd like reviewers to state up front if they had, have or have pending any personal or business relations with any one directly or indirectly that might in any way, shape or form be considered a conflict of interest.
I'd like all reviewers required to sign a contract refraining them from gifts, loans or any other advise or considerations that might be considerd a conflict of interest.
I'd like all reviewed items to actually be purchased in the
manner that a typical buyer would.
I'd like multiple reviewers simutaneously and discretely reviewing gear in multiple settings.
Well, I can wish can't I?
Good luck!
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