Feedback/Ideas for New Magazine?

Your e-zine sounds like a great idea, and it seems like you will gain a niche market. From a business standpoint, why not take advertisements from non-audio gear companies to avoid conflicts of interest?
I understand that non-audio businesses might not have an interest in advertising with you, but if you were to do a thorough market research, you might be able to come up with hard data that might be convincing to some of these companies. I'm sure audiophiles have a life and do other things, or have other interests and needs, (stretching...but you get my point). A couple of things I can think of are softwares, beverages, maybe furniture (chair for the sweet-spot), firearms,etc... Ok., maybe not firearms, but there have been times where some of the things that I've bought seem to serve no purpose other than target practice.
Just a suggestion, as I would really like to see something like this take-off. Maybe you can use Audiogoners as a focus group (which I understand you are right now), but with an emphasis on how you can gain advertisments from non-audio gear companies.
Now..., back to reality. What else do I buy besides audio gears?

Plato, how could I refuse someone with such a gift for humerous diplomacy?

Mhu, that's not a bad idea, in fact, I thought of it the other day and then forgot about it. One of the books I've been reading on successful marketing states that any site that has a certain amount of traffic could be used to derive income from banner ads and such. If the companies are not audio companies, then there should be no conflict of interest. There are potentially many other businesses, like the ones you suggested that may be open to advertising once I get an established flow of traffic. I think maybe sporting goods/wear, automobiles, watches, wines (thanks Slappy!), and many other types of non-audio-related industries would lend support and advertising dollars once I cross the required hit threshold. Good point!

Unsound, that's right -- you can't refuse; it is not permitted! I'll add you to my list. Thanks :)

I would be interested in everyone's views of an opinion piece I wrote recently in UltraAudio on some of these issues. I have no doubt that there is a degree of cynicism about the review process and some of it may in fact be warranted, but let me know what you think. the link is www.ultraaudio.com It is a part of the Soundstage network. Once you enter the Ultra site go to the Opinion section and look for my piece which was published on October 1. The piece is called Obligation and Integrity in the Audio Community (or something very close to that). I actually briefly discuss the idea of a subscription based magazine. Others I know are toying with the idea and have even more substantial plans than those outlined in this thread. I am very interested in what members of the community think
Thanks,
Jules

Jules- I read your piece last night and I must say I was very impressed. Excellent writing and a very calm and impartial view of the industry. I'd recommend anyone interested in this hobby who takes the time to look at reviews give his article a read. That said, I don't know if I agree regarding the narrow margin of excellence you cite as one of the reasons for universally "positive" reviews. Perhaps reviewers have cultivated objectivity far beyond my capacity for same, but I tend to be pretty picky about what sounds good to my ears, and what I don't like. That is not to say that what I don't luck is necessarily a bad component, but more likely doesn't combine well in my system, or simply does not suit my tastes. I don't think I have the vocabulary nor the discernment to write a review like the more "informed" ones I read in the rags and online. It all comes down to what the component does to the sound for me, and I tend to speed-read the technical stuff (which may be another man's desert) and go right for the listening impressions and try to get an overall sense of those. Blah, blah, blah.....anyway, I enjoyed the piece Jules. Some of the insight into the review process you offer was eye-opening and your suggestion of disclosure was refreshing, though I doubt that would ever happen. Hope you at least get some pizza out of it...heck, I'd take you out for a slice if you're ever in Seattle and I have nothing to peddle....well, my Muse rig is up for sale...perhaps you could say a few good words about that and I'll throw in a beer! I look forward to reading more from you.

Best,

Marco