Martin
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Post by Martin on Jan 10, 2013 15:12:25 GMT
I let my subscription lapse at the end of last year and consequently didn't get the January 2013 issue until today.
I was initially delighted and intrigued by the 'feature' on the new English-made Islander banjo sold through UK store Banjos Direct.
Until I read it all the way through.
It looks as as though the copy was written by the manufacturer/supplier, which surely makes this 'feature' an advertisement. To make matters worse, a few more pages in and there is an actual full page advert for the very same banjo with some similar blurb.
I know it wasn't supposed to be a full-blown review, but come on - surely even features such as this should retain some objectivity? And for it to appear to be written by the maker?? I checked - there's no author name attributed to the piece, and it starts to talk in the first person (plural) after a while...
Really not sure about this re-subscribing business...
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Jan 10, 2013 15:50:57 GMT
Well spotted Martin - for some reason I hadn't read that piece (!), but it isn't the first time that sort of thing has happened. My main problem with the mag is the (inevitable) increasing proportion of advertising - and there's even an ad strip across the bottom of the music pages now as well. Oh and the rubbish paper and layout we get lately. And the increase in proportion of "acoustic players" whose use of the acoustic guitar seems to be mostly as a stage accessory rather than an integral part of their music. And the fact that at least two of their writers can't spell Wizz Jones correctly, or even consistently. Keith AAAAND, they missed out Paul Brett's column the month he submitted my write up on HB3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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leoroberts
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My main instrument is: probably needing new strings
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Post by leoroberts on Jan 10, 2013 17:24:21 GMT
I realise, and accept, that advertising is a necessary evil. Indeed, properly relevant and targeted advertising can be beneficial, despite my rant in the 'Forum Lament'
However, I remember moaning about advertising copy being passed off as journalistic content a couple of years ago (I seem to recall it was with regards to an amplifier) and, that it is still going on, worries me greatly about the integrity of the mag, and particularly equipment reviews.
I'm not sure what the answer to this problem is if, indeed, there is an answer. It seems, as far as the magazine is concerned, the editors/publishers don't accept that there's a question, let alone one that needs answering.
Worried of Liverpool.
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davewhite
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Post by davewhite on Jan 10, 2013 17:31:28 GMT
I suspect that in the world we currently live in the "luxury" of a published magazine devoted to objectively and independently covering the acoustic music and instrument scene is not affordable or economically viable via a subscription only form. Once it's advertising driven then he who pays the piper calls the tune.
There are other ways and economic models though - the t'interweb being one.
Cynical of High Wycombe
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Martin
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Post by Martin on Jan 11, 2013 9:38:48 GMT
Don't suppose there's any chance that might be included at some future point? What does Paul reckon about that? Seems such a waste, and it would make a very positive, high quality contribution to the mag too
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leoroberts
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My main instrument is: probably needing new strings
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Post by leoroberts on Jan 16, 2013 11:12:53 GMT
Acoustic Mag tweeted this morning asking for questions for an upcoming interview with Slash. I suggested that they just let Slash write his own interview as that's what they'd done with the Islander banjo review. This is the conversation: @acousticmag: We're chatting to Slash next week all about him and the acoustic! What do you want to know? We'll put your questions to the man himself leoroberts: @acousticmag why not let Slash write his own interview? After all, it's what you did with the Islander Banjo review.... @acousticmag: leoroberts the review isn't published until tomorrow in issue 75. What you're talking about is the preview we ran prior to reviewing leoroberts: @acousticmag "First look", "feature" .. Which if these suggests you've printed advertising copy? Isn't my subscription worth more than that? @acousticmag: leoroberts We printed first look feature about what makes it special. UK-made etc The review follows after we had it on test for a month. So now you know....
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Martin
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Post by Martin on Jan 16, 2013 13:49:28 GMT
@acousticmag: leoroberts We printed first look feature about what makes it special. UK-made etc The review follows after we had it on test for a month. So now you know.... Well, that explains it then - thanks for your efforts, Leo Now, what makes me special... Well, I'm 6'4" tall, 25 years of age, tanned and muscular, with a particular facial resemblance to Brad Pitt, and currently hold three PhDs. Make sure to look for my full review in 'What Bullshitter' in February...
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leoroberts
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My main instrument is: probably needing new strings
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Post by leoroberts on Jan 16, 2013 14:30:40 GMT
Well, I'm 6'4" tall, 25 years of age, tanned and muscular, with a particular facial resemblance to Brad Pitt, and currently hold three PhDs. Good grief, Martin, I didn't realise we were identical twins.... Now to read the actual, genuine, in-no-way-influenced-by-advertising-revenue review in the mag which dropped through my letterbox today
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Martin
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Post by Martin on Jan 16, 2013 14:50:01 GMT
Hope it's impartial and informative, Leo. I suspect it will be generally very positive, but then again the product MIGHT be very good. Guess I'll never know for sure. I'll also have to make my way to the newsagent if I want to read this month's mag - which I don't. Not yet anyway
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Post by scorpiodog on Jan 16, 2013 15:11:05 GMT
I suspect it will be generally very positive, Actually, it's not gushing. Star ratings are 4 for build quality and 3 each for sound quality and value for money. But that disguised advert last month shouldn't really have been put in the mag without identification. It's not a bad read this month, IMHO. There's some stuff which is questionable for inclusion in an acoustic specialist mag, but I can't see much that's not worth reading.
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Post by andy3sheds on Jan 24, 2013 20:50:04 GMT
I've also let my subscription to the mag lapse the renewal notice did Stirling work in getting the log burner to do what log burners do best!!
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Martin
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Post by Martin on Jan 25, 2013 14:22:05 GMT
I've had three or four renewal notices in now, but I just can't justify the cost of a years subscription just now, particularly as I'm finding I'm just not reading the magazine as avidly as I used to.
Might be me, or the content or a mixture of both, but I feel distinctly 'meh' about it right now.
Last time I subscribed I got two years for £50, and TBH that's kind of what I'm willing to pay...
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