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

Showing 1 response by sbachman

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