new publishing schedule

[blizard05]

4 issues a year,NO THANKS!I was hoping to see more issues, not less,I will not renew my subscription.thank you. good bye and good luck!

[Ron Olson]

Where did you see that at?

[blizard05]

A letter from Jon Chappell editorial director , dated sept 14. Dec 05 issue will be mailed on Oct 28,in 2006, 4 issues a year `Summer,Fall,Winter and Spring.check your mail!

[Doubledog]

you've got to be kidding? & to think, I re-upped for two years. If its true, how about a proration on the missing two issues?

[LarDog]

:( Yea I got my letter today,needless to say;won't be renewing when subscription is up!!!

[Ron Olson]

I'm currently not a subscriber. I got tired of seeing them in the Hobby Shops a week or more sooner than I'd see one in my mailbox.
If it is true like you say, I'd hope to see more content than what they now have. In the meantime, I'd like to see Matt post something here either in response or a separate thread as to what the reasoning is behind their decision. I see a lot more boats this year and those that are coming out in the next and upcoming years plus those that have recently hit the market that need to be reviewed. Waiting 3 months between issues is too long.

[bugfanatic]

Three months between issues? What is this, amateur night? I paid good money for my subscription & let it run out just a little while ago. Glad I did. I hope someone out there sees a need to pick up the slack & start publishing a decent RC boating mag. Maybe they'll have in-depth (multi-issue) buildup articles & honest reviews that aren't catering to the rc boat manufacturers. Boy, this would be a perfect web site for someone to start up - it would save on the initial cost of nationwide publishing & distribution until you get enough people interested. For a small fee you'd get a password & be able to read articles, contribute to a forum, download video, etc. Just seems like we deserve something better than what we've been given in the past.

[CG Bob]

I got the same form letter from RCBM. I'm not renewing my subscription either, mainly because I work part time in a hobby shop and can read the magazines when I want. There is a new magazine, Scale & RC Boat (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=403828) that will be appearing soon. Local distribution will be through Kalmbach Publishing (Model Railroading, Trains, etc.).

[Doubledog]

I'll admit, I'm desparate to have the reading material with me on the jon. But am debating the worst........

[Ron Olson]

With that magazine coming out in December and another publishing company starting to delve into R/C boats in a car mag, I feel that it is a poor choice of RCBM to be doing this right now.

[MattHiggins]

Good morning, guys. I understand your disappointment but I don't understand your hostility. First, I and everyone else here would love to put out RC Boat Modeler twelve times a year, but the truth of the matter is that it just doesn't make sound financial sense. It turns out that six times a year wasn’t making sense. We are a business and we can't lose money on a magazine just because we're passionate about the subject matter. Believe me, I love RC boating as much as you do, but the cost of producing and distributing a real magazine has gone through the roof. Like it or not, RC boating is a small niche; RC as a whole is a niche hobby. I also have to admit that the hostility that many of you demonstrate doesn't make me want keep plugging away on RC Boat Modeler. Saying that we don't run 'honest reviews" is the same as calling me a liar. The bottom line: the RC boating hobby isn’t growing by leaps and bounds but the cost of publishing a magazine is. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email me matth@airage.com.

[Doubledog]

Btw, where's my T-shirt~:D LOL

[blizard05]

Matt, some time back you asked us (how to improve RCBM)what we would like to see,dont recall seeing cutting no of issues sugested.

[Ron Olson]

Are the magazine suscriptions still going to be honored for the 6 issues for $19.95 or is this going to be changed also? There are no changes as of right now on the www.rcboatmodeler.com site nor is there anything about the changes to 4 issues per year.

[Doubledog]

To think, I actually liked this magazine at one time. Maybe it was in my young & dumb days.


Good morning, guys. I understand your disappointment but I don't understand your hostility.

Who was hostile? Seems like you're being over sensative. Get over it. Defensiveness is a good sign you're hiding something.

We are a business and we can't lose money on a magazine just because we're passionate about the subject matter. Believe me, I love RC boating as much as you do, but the cost of producing and distributing a real magazine has gone through the roof.

Sounds to me like its time to look at the management & cut from there first. You came in strong after Garry Yarrish, but have dropped the ball & then get defensive when folks call the magazine out. Garry is right at home doing planes. btw. Keep him away from boats but it seems like we need to find you another job too.

I also have to admit that the hostility that many of you demonstrate doesn't make me want keep plugging away on RC Boat Modeler.

Theres that word again....

Still defensive. Matt, you don't like it YOU leave. Cancel the mag & all 12 of us readers will just have to move on. Sounds like there's another magazine that might be better reading material at the jon after all.

Saying that we don't run 'honest reviews" is the same as calling me a liar.

You've got nads man~! Lets just say that a lot of us wonder what an article would look like after a long term test of the product. My guess is it would still be sweet as cane syrup. :rolleyes:



Do any of you read Motor Cyclist?
Let me shed some light on a strong issue..... advertising $'s and truth of a product. One of their columists (Dexter Ford) did a hard hitting article (June 2005) on helmets & how they claim to meet impact standards etc. Some mauf. claimed excessive results (to paraphrase) and after MC testing, they failed or was much less.

Motor Cyclist printed the article~! Gutzy move that cost them boo-koo $'s in advertising but possibly saved someones life.

Ms DUD 1/12 , got rave reviews.
Shockwave's ...... same
Ms DUD 1/8 ....... mirror image

& to quote you again... Saying that we don't run 'honest reviews" is the same as calling me a liar.

You knjow what, after reading all of this over, I've been done. Make that 11 subscribers now. Keep the T-shirt dude. It was to be used as a grease rag anyhow. Btw, if you guys want to bust me for speaking my mind, do so. Its been a fun run while it lasted. 3000+ posts.

Peace & love,
Jamie
rdoubledog at hotmail dot com


Thanks for the friendships.

[MattHiggins]

Doubledog, you're entitled to your opinions, but I'm not taking the bait and responding to your insults and instigations.

[bugfanatic]

Matt, I would never call you a liar. But I am calling the magazine out as a whole on the reviews. I know that when reviewing a boat, the article is written from 2 standpoints. The first being a forgiving impression of the boat, the 2nd being a wink to the supplier who pays the bills. But, does every boat you review have to be the best or near the top of the pile? There are a lot of boats out there. Budget boats, racing boats, scale boats. Some will be great, some will not. As you read through the threads you can see how owners will give a more accurate review of a lot of these boats as well as hop ups, improvements, suggestions. I'm not hostile, I'm not even mad. I'm casually writing this & wishing RCBM luck as they go on their way. I have to admit, this forum has been the best. You have even given us the opportunity to add sections to the forum as we see fit within certain restrictions. Kudos! Where RCBM is falling short is in the actual printed magazine. Honestly, if it were a better magazine, you wouldn't have this problem of not being able to publish more. You asked & we have given you our fair opinions on how to make the magazine better from a reader's standpoint. Don't be short with us when it has been RCBM that has chosen NOT to implement any of these suggestions. I can see some strong opinions in this thread, but you gotta admit, at least these people are speaking honestly how they feel because I believe that no one here wants the magazine to die. Don't get defensive, just sit back & listen. Pick good ideas from the forum. Implement good ideas from the forum. Give credit for good tips from the forum. Some of the best discussions to listen to are passionate. This is your tool, you can gain so much from it. You're right, DD is entitled to his opinions, but why would you want to get caught up in a confrontational response? Were those really insults & instigations or is that his way of describing his frustration? Read the responses, pass on some of these ideas to your cronies at RCBM.

[blizard05]

it's too bad it's come to this, I have had a subscription since 1993,some years got 7 issues most years 6,but 4 come now, you can do better than that

[MattHiggins]

I know that when reviewing a boat, the article is written from 2 standpoints. The first being a forgiving impression of the boat, the 2nd being a wink to the supplier who pays the bills.
That is simply not true. I know you mean well with your post, but it's, at times, patronizing and off base. I have a template/guide that I created and give to anyone (even my boss) who is writing a boat review. In that, I'm very clear on two things: first, the reviews must be honest. For example, we list "Hits and misses" and I state that no boat has zero misses. Second, I ask that all boats be judged by the author using appropriate standards. A $150 RTR is judged as such. Thus, a $800 race boat is judged by different standards. I made this clear that that this was my policy as editor and I stand by it. No manufacturer dictates what or how we review anything in RCBM.

Honestly, if it were a better magazine, you wouldn't have this problem of not being able to publish more.
That's just not the case. RCBM's readership hasn't gone down under my watch or anyone else's. Ask any media professional and he or she will tell you that the cost of publishing has gone up tremendously. That is the reason why we are reducing our frequency.

I want to repeat how I feel about the actual subject at hand. I fully understand your disappointment, but we have to do what we have to do. We will keep doing our best to offer you the best publication we can.

[Joe Brinduse]

So what about rcca?

[Ron Olson]

I've seen on this and other forum sites that are discussing this issue that they have dropped their subscriptions. This does not mean that they have quit buying RCBM but may be buying them from another source.
What I'd like to know is if the magazine itself will be the same, smaller or larger in pages or content?
As an experienced R/Cer with a few years (30+) under my belt with various forms of our hobby/sport and know when to "separate the wheat from the chaff". Being spoiled by owning semi-high-dollar boats makes it hard for me to keep in mind that I was a new boater at one time also and that they may not have the money to buy what I can or don't want to get as heavily involved. The trained eye can see where some manufacturers could have done better at most of the time no cost so that's where we in the forums come in handy.
One thing that I have seen would be a need for a "Best of RCBM" book that would cover more than what's currently in the bookstore and be updated from what was printed in those.
There is probably more involved than what Matt can talk about publicly as this does involve his duties at the magazine.
Irate? Yes, we probably are now. Will we get over it? Eventually. I'd like to see a monthly (or weekly!) issue as I'm an information junkie when it comes to anything that I've ever had a passion for. I still drag out my old issues and go through them what seems like a thousand times. I was just reading some for the umpteenth time while my son was online looking for an article.

[Rex R]

while I have a chancem there is something I'ld like to see added to the boat reviews that would help newbies(like me) judge whether or not they would like to put a particular boat on their wish list or not. could you include run times on the electrics please? yes I know that they will vary from person to person depending on their driving style and weather conditions, but an average of what the testers got(kinda like the folks at car & driver, who list epa and what they got). this would be most useful on the rtr boats. thanks

[MattHiggins]

So what about rcca?
RCCA is our flagship title and is going strong and will not (I can safely say, never) see a reduction in frequency.

[zigzagracer]

I'll wait and see how things turn out before condemning the magazine.

4 times a year is better than none at all.

[hobbygroup]

I agree with zigzagracer

"4 times a year is better than none at all"

P.S. Love the Buyers Guide Issue Don't take that one out

[macleod]

Hi Matt,

I agree with zigzagracer, will wait and hope !!!

But I will continue to enjoy, how ever many issues you will put out. :)

Just hope you never stop the RCBM. :rolleyes:

I dont have a subscription, but I will continue to get my local newsagent get the RCBM in for me.

I am sad to hear you have to decrease the number of issues of RCBM, but as you stated the cost of publishing is expensive.
Have you asked anyone if they are prepared to pay a highier price for the magazine, and in turn increase the number of issues???? :confused: instead of cutting numbers??????
Your expences go up, while not the magazine price????

I pay per issue (well after you guys get yours): 9.95 AUD thats 7.53160 USD

Ross

[Watercadet]

I have a template/guide that I created and give to anyone (even my boss) who is writing a boat review. In that, I'm very clear on two things: first, the reviews must be honest. For example, we list "Hits and misses" and I state that no boat has zero misses. Second, I ask that all boats be judged by the author using appropriate standards. A $150 RTR is judged as such. Thus, a $800 race boat is judged by different standards. I made this clear that that this was my policy as editor and I stand by it. No manufacturer dictates what or how we review anything in RCBM.

Mr. Higgins,
When was the last time RCBM did a review of a $800 RACE boat? I am not talking $800 RTR, but as you put it, a RACE boat? I stoped my subscription several years ago so maybe I am off base here, but I can't remember the last time there was an article for the "racers" out here.
True, "No manufacturer dictates what or how we review anything in RCBM" but their advertising money still spends.

RCBM's readership hasn't gone down under my watch or anyone else's. Ask any media professional and he or she will tell you that the cost of publishing has gone up tremendously. That is the reason why we are reducing our frequency.

I think the posts following your quote will illustrate my point clearly. Notice that they seem to be new in the hobby. Not a slam there zigzagracer, macleod, and hobbygroup. I have not forgoten that my first boat was a Kyosho Nitro Viper that I drueled over on the pages of RCBM for months before I got one.
Maybe the readership has not gone down, but how do your renewals look? I would think that you are bringing in a lot more new blood than you are able to retain experienced boaters. The articles on RTR's are OK for those of us "racers" that have kids entering the hobby, but what about the racers that want to see which of their club mates won at the NAMBA nats, or the IMPBA Internats?? Maybe the racers that want to go faster but don't get the chance to travel to away races and share info would like to see in the race results section what prop or motor and pipe combo the guys were running. I believe that without simple things like those two, your readership will eventually deminish. Not even the LHS here in San Diego carry RCBM. Forget Barnes and Noble or Borders taking up space with a seasonal publication with toys all over the pages. We are a coastal city with a 12 month boating season!!! My club has monthly races through the whole year. I don't think anyone in the San Diego Argonauts is a subscriber to RCBM. With your club regestry you could tell me.
I understand that cost of publication has gone up. Fuel prices are not only affecting people trying to get to work, but also the guys that are bringing our "Throne Reading." So why, I wonder, are other mags. not being reduced in frequency? Maybe because they are selling issues? And why do you think that is? Because boats are not that great? Well they are and if you ask anyone in the LHS what they think about boats, they will say they look like a lot of fun. Well, why don't they get into boating? They don't know too much about it, or all they see are the plastic toy boats in the shelves, or they see all the "racers" blazing up the pond and they think it is too expensive. The latter is not true BTW. I have three "race boats" that I got "RTR" for less than the cost of a new T-MAXX.
Quit defending your company and tell THEM what the real hobbyests (is that a word?) want to see. Then maybe Airage could afford to send out a few more copys each year.
Adam Griffiths

[Doubledog]

Very fine post Adam. Very fine.

[zigzagracer]

:D :D :D :D :D

I think the posts following your quote will illustrate my point clearly. Notice that they seem to be new in the hobby. Not a slam there zigzagracer, macleod, and hobbygroup.

Thank you so much , I wish I was new to the hobby , then I would be young again.
If having close to 20 years experience with large gas boats is new to the hobby then what would you call many of the companies that sprung up in the last 8-10 years that supply this hobby now? startups?

Mr. Griffiths I don't know what makes you feel that I am new to the hobby , perhaps it is because I am not jumping on the bandwagon to bash RCBM?
or perhaps my low post count? which is low because I normally don't participate on this forum. Post counts are not an indication of knowledge or experience or lack thereof.

The magazine may not appeal to everyones tastes , I don't read every issue in fact I hardly read it all.
But I do understand that the publication does serve a purpose , there are many facits to this hobby. There is more than just racing , just playing or just complaining. The magazine as has been pointed out, is an excellent vehicle for introducing new people to the hobby. This hobby needs new blood all the time , surely you aren't suggesting that people are leaving because of the magazine. The market for it is with the general consumer not the hardcore racer as the stats show there are only about 4200 members between NAMBA and IMPBA , not even all of those members race or attend races. Yet RCBM has a circulation of close to 30,000 copies per issue.


Writing a review is probably the most difficult task that one could attempt.No matter what there are going to be supporters and detractors of any product who will find fault with the report. There is a difference between subjectivity and objectivity, the reviewers have a responsibility to the reader to remain objective and let the reader decide for themselves. Present the facts as they are. Writers must keep personal prejudices and opinions to themselves.

I'm sure everyone would like to see long term tests or critical reviews , but that is not a practical consideration. It may take years for something to wear out thats given proper care by a well informed user , that in the hands of some one who considers the owners manual to be packing material , has such an item self destruct within minutes.
Racing equipment gets reviewed all the time: at the races. NAMBA and IMPBA have publications to post race results and other activities relative to the respective organizations.Race coverage with pictures would be nice.
I'm sure if you read the RCBM submission guidelines and prepared some material appropriately that it would be given some consideration.

[Ron Olson]

I just had to look at something, actually a lot of somethings that should have been obvious to everyone. Ever look at the covers of the issues? They all look alike to me. Pretty much the same 3/4 front left/right shots. How about some more creativity? I haven't gotten the latest issue yet but looked it up on the RCBM site. I thought at first that it was an older issue, not the latest! Throw some exciting shots on the covers, it will make people want to take a look inside! Throw some racing pix on there, some side-by-side racing with huge roostertails, some boats getting air, shots from the rear, anything but the same old tired shots that make the latest issue look like the last. It does even have to be boats featured inside, just wake up the cover!
Give us some original shots when you borrow articles from your other Air Age magazines. When you want to talk about fuels, don't show us a row of fuel bottles made for cars and trucks. If I want to read about articles that pertain to cars and trucks, I'll buy RCCA (which I do once in a while).

[Watercadet]

If having close to 20 years experience with large gas boats is new to the hobby then what would you call many of the companies that sprung up in the last 8-10 years that supply this hobby now? startups?

Glad to hear that you are a "salty dog" too. Pin a rose on your nose.

Mr. Griffiths I don't know what makes you feel that I am new to the hobby , perhaps it is because I am not jumping on the bandwagon to bash RCBM?

There are a few of the pioneers and old timers of this sport that are on the net, but there are a ton of go fast guys that are not on here. I don't give a flying rip how many posts a contributor has to his handle. To quote myself: "Notice that they seem to be new in the hobby." What I meant was (I can't believe that I have to clarify such clear verbiage!!) these contributors SEEM new to the hobby. I said nothing about post count.

The market for it is with the general consumer not the hardcore racer as the stats show there are only about 4200 members between NAMBA and IMPBA , not even all of those members race or attend races. Yet RCBM has a circulation of close to 30,000 copies per issue.

Where did you get your numbers? Just wondering.

Writing a review is probably the most difficult task that one could attempt.No matter what there are going to be supporters and detractors of any product who will find fault with the report.

I have written up reviews that I toyed with sending into RCBM. It was not hard writing them, they were negative! Because of that, and realizing the negative impact that would have the magazine as far as advertising dollars, I sat on them.

[Hydro Junkie]

I totally agree with WC. There are lots of products out there that either aren't reviewed or always get a glowing report. I'm going to pick on my favorite, the 1/12 scale Pro Boat Miss Bud. Hell, it's not even scale, as the full sized boat is 29' 6", not 27 feet. I can't believe the guy that wrote the review liked it. What did he do, run the thing long enough to realize it had to be broken in and stop? These things aren't balanced out to run. If they were aircraft, they would be unflyable being so tail heavy. That solid shaft was set so deep in the water, I cant believe it threw a rooster tail at all. And testing with a plastic prop, no less!!!!!!! Why didn't he do a long term test? The hull cracking, radio box and water problems would have all shown up if the boat had been thoroughly tested. I didn't even need to run one to know they weren't worth the price. WC, how much money did you sink into yours? Hey Matt, why don't you let some of us test out some of these products for review? Since we don't have to worry about advertising dollars, our reviews would be unbiased. Or better still, put a section in the magazine for owners feedback once a month. I remember when there used to be lots of race stories throughout the year. What happenedto them? Oh yeah, Jerry Dunlap's was so edited (due to space, wasn't it), that the article might as well have not been printed. When I compare RCBM to some of the R/C airplane and car magazines, how can they fill a magazine twice as thick EVERY MONTH? I think the editors and writers really need to take a long look at what makes the other magazines soar with the eagles and not scratch the ground with the turkeys

[Doubledog]

I offered to write an article for one of my European made boats and it got shot down... In a nice way was told it would not be accepted because they don't advertise in the magazine.

Makes sense doesnt it. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[MattHiggins]

I offered to write an article for one of my European made boats and it got shot down... In a nice way was told it would not be accepted because they don't advertise in the magazine.

Really? We review boats from companies that don't advertise. For example, we recently devoted a number of pages to a BBY boat. They don't advertise. It is likely that I would say no to a boat that wasn't widely available in the U.S.; Even though we get distributed around the world, we are predominately a U.S. magazine. The bottom line is that we review what we get sent or can get sent. There are a lot of very cool boats that we'd love to review, but the smaller companies can't always come through. A company doesn't have to advertise to get their product reviewed.

Makes sense doesnt it. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[Doubledog]

You've got a PM Matt.

[MattHiggins]

There are lots of products out there that either aren't reviewed or always get a glowing report. Yes, there are a lot of boats out there that don't get reviewed. If a boat is complete garbage, we simply won't review it. The fact is, however, that nowadays most boats are very good and the people who review them really enjoy them. We have no problems listing any problems we find with a boat.

I'm going to pick on my favorite, the 1/12 scale Pro Boat Miss Bud. Hell, it's not even scale, as the full sized boat is 29' 6", not 27 feet. I can't believe the guy that wrote the review liked it. Your comment here is very telling. What is important to you isn't important to everyone. I doubt very much if too many of the hundreds and hundreds of Pro Boat Miss Bud owners care if it's a spot on scale replica.

What did he do, run the thing long enough to realize it had to be broken in and stop? These things aren't balanced out to run. If they were aircraft, they would be unflyable being so tail heavy. That solid shaft was set so deep in the water, I cant believe it threw a rooster tail at all. And testing with a plastic prop, no less!!!!!!! It got tested with a plastic prop because that's what it came with. The Pro Boat Miss Bud boat does run, regardless if it's balanced the way you would like. I get a lot of emails and letters about this boat. Guess how many have been complaints? None. The point is this boat serves its intended audience very well. Could it be improved? Yes. That's why the Miss LLumar is different.

Why didn't he do a long term test? I want to do just that. I plan to add long-term tests. I believe our website (which I'm trying to beef up) would be the perfect place for this. With features like the new Club Directory, an article bank, a great forum and long-term test reports, I hope to make our website the leading destination for RC boating information online.

I didn't even need to run one to know they weren't worth the price. You haven't run one, but you know all about it? So you learned everything you know about this boat via Internet? It's discontinued, but at $300, in my opinion, it’s worth the money. It’s a RTR. Could you piece together a better boat? Yes you could, but you couldn't do it for $300 and the type of person who would buy a RTR certainly couldn't do it or want to.

Hey Matt, why don't you let some of us test out some of these products for review? Since we don't have to worry about advertising dollars, our reviews would be unbiased. I'm always looking for good contributors. BTW, saying that my reviews are biased is the same as calling me a liar and a sell out. The reviews aren't biased. The boats are tested for what they are--pure and simple.

I remember when there used to be lots of race stories throughout the year. What happenedto them? Race reports score the lowest in reader interest in every survey we've done. That said: they will still appear in the magazine. Last year's FE Nats had about 20 racers in attendance. Not exactly the event of the century. This year's was much bigger and will see 6-pages of coverage in the December issue.

When I compare RCBM to some of the R/C airplane and car magazines, how can they fill a magazine twice as thick EVERY MONTH? I think the editors and writers really need to take a long look at what makes the other magazines soar with the eagles and not scratch the ground with the turkeys The hobbies are just different. The car and plane segments have a lot more people and manufacturers involved. Like it or not, but RC boating is much smaller than RC planes and RC cars. It isn't because of mismanagement that RCBM is smaller, but thanks for the insult.

You are entitled to your opinions and I sincerely value all constructive criticism and input. Let's just be civil and respectful. I hope my above posts and comments are not adversarial and I apologize in advance if they are. I believe that having all of us arguing online isn't good for the hobby. Let's work together and not toss jabs online at each other. If you have ideas for the magazine, please do share. My email is matth@airage.com

[zigzagracer]

I have someone double checking my numbers , I'm sure Matt can confirm the number I quoted for RCBM. The exact number I have is 28,406
The numbers for the organizations were supplied by a former club official and they were not confirmed.

[blizard05]

why is Matt taking all the(heat)? he didn't sendthe letter,lets hear from Jon Chappel the editorial director. Mat isn'tthe only person on the staf.

[MattHiggins]

Total circulation is 28,406.

Our total readership is approximately 85,000. "Readership" is based upon our total circulation and our average pass-along rate. All magazines try to determine their total readership. For example, I buy Field & Stream. When I'm done with it I pass it along to my brother who also hunts and fishes. Like us, Field & Stream does a lot of surveys and asks if readers share their magazines with others. They try to average the responses over time to get a realistic pass-along rate. "Readership" isn't a scientific, hard-fact number, but it does give a good idea of the amount of people seeing the pages of RCBM. In my experience, hobby magazines tend to have a pretty high pass-along rate compared to other magazines. One reason for this is clubs where people often get together and share stuff. When I’m at a “fun fly,” RC car race or RC boat event, it’s not uncommon to see a lot of magazines getting passed around.

[MattHiggins]

I'm fine with taking the heat. As editor of the magazine, it's on me.

[blizard05]

I never pass my coppys along.have every one starting with 1993.some of my favs are the early years of model boating,from steam to nitro & gas,from free running to tether to RC, as far as the Oct issue,kind of flat,not of much intrest,but did read cover to cover.

[MattHiggins]

I never pass my coppys along.have every one starting with 1993.some of my favs are the early years of model boating,from steam to nitro & gas,from free running to tether to RC, as far as the Oct issue,kind of flat,not of much intrest,but did read cover to cover.

That's fair enough. Not everyone passes along. It's interesting that nothing jumped out at with the October issue. It appears this issue will be one of our best of the year. I'll work on getting some more in-depth articles for the more experienced guys. Thanks for the response.

[Ron Olson]

This is not the only site that is talking about the change from 6 to 4 issues a year. This quote was taken from the President of the IMPBA, Bill Zuber, posted at Jim's R/C Boat Dock in an article pertianing to the changes in the magazine:

"I dropped my subscription to RCBM last year got tired of them not giving equal coverage to IMPBA."

The IMPBA Internat's are a big deal to it's members, whether they attend or not. I have seen races covered like the NAMBA Electric Nat's/Michigan Cup race that don't have the attendance of a District race that run Nitro and Gas classes thaqt got plenty of coverage. When an event the size of an Internat's race isn't covered or the magazine says that it's not interested hurts. I worked at the `03 IMPBA Internat's, pretty much the Who's who of the sport/hobby were there, and Gerry Yarrish, not you, wasn't interested.
Yes, I understand that you have a lot to squeeze into a limited amount of space. You've also told me that the electric boats are the largest sellers but when it comes to racing Electrics, attendance is dismal.
In this following papragraph I'm not trying to be a jerk but asking what I feel is are serious questions.
Do you personally own any boats? I don't want to know which ones. Have you ever raced at a race of any type? These are just background questions so don't feel offended in any way.
BTW, I did resubscribe to the magazine last week.

[MattHiggins]

Ron, yes I own many RC boats and yes I have raced. I have over 20 years experience in RC and I know full well that there are plenty of people with a lot more experience than me. I enjoy RC cars, boats and planes. I am a proponent of racing, but I also know it makes up a small portion of the hobby. Do I race every weekend? No, since I’ve moved, instead of being minutes from racing, I’m now hours away. I just don’t have the time. I don’t know what this has to do with anything. Air Age didn’t put someone in charge of RCBM who doesn’t own an RC boat.

[zigzagracer]

IMPBA is about 1000 members.
I will relay NAMBA numbers when available.
The combined numbers are probably lower than I was told.
Both NAMBA and IMPBA need to get new members.If you want to see how boats stack up against other rc , go to ebay and look at rc airplanes and rc cars. Its very clear where the interest is.
RC boats are a very very small segment of the rc hobby , it will never be anywhere near as popular as airplanes or cars.

[blizard05]

I don't race,I run with those that do,I'm not a gas junky,I enjoy a quiet after noon sail,2 sail boats.also enjoy semi scaie electric the ORCA & SS MINNOW from your plans,I have 4 gas boats & 3 other electric craft. my father was a boat builder,he made me a little dingy .

[Micho523]

I tried finding the "suggestions" topic for the next issue, but i couldnt, so will post it here.

Why not have an article tracing the evolution of RC boating??
start out with early history like steam engines and such, working up to present. I think it could be both an interesting and informative article.

Personally, i would like to see how those steam r/c's were done... not fast boats, but highly mechanical :D

[bugfanatic]

Thanks guys I feel vindicated. Looks like a lot of people out there are calling it like they see it & not because they are 'patronizing and off base'. Matt, I still have to scratch my head when you give smart responses & then make the comment 'I believe that having all of us arguing online isn't good for the hobby. Let's work together and not toss jabs online at each other.' Again, read the responses, use them for what they're worth, & as editor don't get caught up in the jabs but instead thank the contributors for adding their personal comments. By responding the way you do makes yourself look angry & defensive. Remember, we're not here to put the magazine down, we're here to voice our frustration & to help us get a better magazine. And, this is sticking in my craw, you made the comment that 'If a boat is complete garbage, we simply won't review it.' That just shows us that you are missing the whole point & censoring what you review. Review it, let the readers know what to look for so they don't waste their precious time & money on 'complete garbage'. After all, car mags reviewed the Yugo.

[MattHiggins]

Thanks guys I feel vindicated. Looks like a lot of people out there are calling it like they see it & not because they are 'patronizing and off base'. Matt, I still have to scratch my head when you give smart responses & then make the comment 'I believe that having all of us arguing online isn't good for the hobby. Let's work together and not toss jabs online at each other.' Again, read the responses, use them for what they're worth, & as editor don't get caught up in the jabs but instead thank the contributors for adding their personal comments. By responding the way you do makes yourself look angry & defensive. Remember, we're not here to put the magazine down, we're here to voice our frustration & to help us get a better magazine. And, this is sticking in my craw, you made the comment that 'If a boat is complete garbage, we simply won't review it.' That just shows us that you are missing the whole point & censoring what you review. Review it, let the readers know what to look for so they don't waste their precious time & money on 'complete garbage'. After all, car mags reviewed the Yugo.
You're entitled to your opinions as I am mine. I've been asked questions here and I've done my best to answer them. I don't believe you, me or anybody else has to take jabs from people who really only want to fuel the fire. As for thanking people, I do thank the people who care and have constructive things to say.

[Ron Olson]

Thanks for the reply. It helped me (and maybe a few others) to help to know you a little better. I know that you've gotten to know us better through our postings, both the good and at rare times, the bad.
I do at times, get to meet some of the members in here face-to-face or we chat using various IM services.

BTW, I just noticed something, a thread that you (Matt) started came up missing, the one on the October issue. Before you cringe, I was going to say a lot of positive things about it.
The article that Rick did on props alone was worth the price of the issue for those who were afraid of trying to do their own, excellent job Rick! The "Head 2 Head" was pretty good and I like seeing the comparisons like that even if they were electric boats. :D There are other good things that are worth mentioning but I can save those for another time or thread.

[blizard05]

6 issues at $19.95= $3.33 ea 4 issues at$13.95=$3.49ea WOW you save 16 cents each. keep the 6 and charge 20 cents more per

[zigzagracer]

Still leaves the problem of coming up with content. Producing that content costs money , that money comes from advertisers ,
small market = low number of advertisers =low circulation = low adverising rates =low rates = less funds available for content= less content
Vicious circle.

I saw Kalmbach mentioned above , model trains is big business compared to RC , NMRA has well over 100,000 members. Model Railroader published by Kalmbach has a circulation of 176,000 monthly.With this kind of backing its easy to see why the magazine is large and 12 issues annualy. Their foray into rc is going to be interesting.

[Ron Olson]

Throughout all of this, I hadn't seen any mention of the possibility of raising the price of the magazine, maybe something that the powers that be at Air Age may have wanted to consider.
Would I pay more for 6 issues a year? Yes.
Matt knows now that I understand the paper and printing business as I've worked in it for 33 years and am well aware of the costs of putting out a paper product. We are all also becoming aware of what we're going to have to start paying for everything in our lives with high Gas prices and then the South getting hit with Katrina. Air Age along with the rest of us have their overhead and haven't raised the price of the magazine in a long time. Asking us to pay a little more per issue isn't that big of a deal. I just hate the idea of having to wait 4 months between issues. A lot happens in our little segment of the hobby in 90 days, or more figuring in their lead and deadline time.

[macleod]

Throughout all of this, I hadn't seen any mention of the possibility of raising the price of the magazine, maybe something that the powers that be at Air Age may have wanted to consider.

Ron did you mean from Air Age or from everyone in the thread ?????

Hmmmm, it is clear to me that my comment at the start of this thread went unnoticed :

: Have you asked anyone if they are prepared to pay a highier price for the magazine, and in turn increase the number of issues???? instead of cutting numbers??????
Your expences go up, while not the magazine price????


I didn't even get a responce from Matt in regards to this question, that makes me wonder why I even bother to comment. Maybe I should have insulted or abused someone to get a response.......
They want ideas but don't listen to what is offered.

I'll just crawl back under my ROCK !!!!!! :mad:

[Doubledog]

Can't wait to see this response.

[MattHiggins]

Ron did you mean from Air Age or from everyone in the thread ?????

Hmmmm, it is clear to me that my comment at the start of this thread went unnoticed :



I didn't even get a responce from Matt in regards to this question, that makes me wonder why I even bother to comment. Maybe I should have insulted or abused someone to get a response.......
They want ideas but don't listen to what is offered.

I'll just crawl back under my ROCK !!!!!! :mad:
Didn't mean to offend you, macleod. I simply didn't respond because I don't have an answer for you. As an editor, I have nothing to do with the price point of the magazine. It isn't that I didn't appreciate your comment or notice it, but I have no control over pricing. Realistically, while the price does need to go up, it would have to be raised quite a bit to offset the costs of putting out six issues. I also believe it's important to let people know that 4/year isn't necessarily forever. We were at four issues per year before and went up to six for a long time (maybe too long). When it makes sense to do so, we will go up to 6/year again.

[blizard05]

Matt are you listening? some of us would pay more to keep 6 issues,think it's about time some one from up stairs joind in,what do you say to that? HELLO??

[MattHiggins]

Matt are you listening? some of us would pay more to keep 6 issues,think it's about time some one from up stairs joind in,what do you say to that? HELLO??
I am listening and I appreciate that you'd pay more, but the cost jump needed to truly off set being a bi-monthly might totally kill our sales. It's likely the price will go up anyways just to stay with inflation, but I would worry that if we jacked the cost up to say $7 or $8 that we would end up killing RC Boat Modeler.

[zigzagracer]

It would take a major hike in the price to effect any significant increase. 25 cents an issue is not enough to make any kind of real change.
Broader coverage is the only way , but that would only include more of the things that you guys don't seem to want to see. IE: more consumer oriented content

Make racing a majority and it will come to you. Good luck.

[skipgall]

MY TWO CENTS.
was a subscrbirer RCBM. a couple of years. but there were never enough articales on what i am in to. i do have to admit that my likes are not along the lines that most are.
so i give up my sub. and wait till the next mag to come out and i'll try it for a wile.
i know that my likes will never be compleatly filled but i'm spread around and if there is just enough i'll hang on.

wingnut163

[ososlow]

IMO, I don't see much of a problem with this. Would you guys rather have 6 issues that have less content, or would you rather have 4 issues that contain much more content providing more reading.
Plus it puts less stress on the staff who are trying to provide you with enough content to keep you occupied through 6 issues.
Yes, four is very few, but for all the reasons given throughout this thread, it seems to be the most logical choice.
Just my opinion.

[blizard05]

The score is RCBM 4 readers 0 I don't want to play any more,I'm going to take my ball err boat and go home

[zigzagracer]

there were never enough articales on what i am in to

Thats common with any magazine. most of the complaints I see here are the same thing you see in the car magazines etc.

[RCUK John]

News travels slowly to this side of the Atlantic. I too am in the "missing" issue catch. Over this side of the water I have the choice of TWO boat magazines - namely Model Marine International or Model Boats (formerly Radio Control Boat Modeller) both priced at about £ 3.25 each (or about $5.75 to you) and both are 12 issues per year. I have just paid $44.95 @ 1.6918 ($26.57) to subscribe to the magazine - so why? That is simple it is because the magazine deals with the subject in which I am interested. Not like the UK mags whose subjects are sail boats and the history the "Taplin Twin".
My mags go back to 1995 when they used to come to me through the Inter office mail from a colleague in Barrington, Ill who used to buy them for me. OK this may be the thin end of the wedge but atleast there still is a mag. AND YES, it is the same over here - access to suitable water is scarce and the numbers of active boaters is reducing!

[blizard05]

It's October 28,the December issue is on it's way.is it the 1st of the new value added issues ? I hope it is

[macleod]

It's October 28,the December issue is on it's way.is it the 1st of the new value added issues ? I hope it is

Yer and its December 28th and I haven't even seen the December Issue. Looks like the cuts they have made doesn't include sending issues to Auatralia ????? :confused: :mad: :confused:

[zakerid]

i think that rcbm should be included in the rcca mags... they could fill a boat section for 12 mos without a problem. the boating hobby will reach more people. maybe some other mfgs. will look into the boating hobby as well... HPI boat??? hmmm

[blizard05]

Received Spring 2006 issue today,looks good. something for every one,well almost. I have no complaints . however I am shure someone will.