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
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!
Unsound, is that ALL you want???

Should be a piece of cake. We're still on Earth, right?!

Frank ;)
Unsound stole my thunder.

I'd like reviewers to review gear as a typical customer would recieve it and refrain from using "souped up" gear-

AND- to guarantee this...

I'd like all reviewed items to actually be purchased in the manner that a typical buyer would. (and notes regarding this purchase experience included- was the dealer a prick?)

It would then be nice to see how much the new MEGA-DUPER 2000 was purchased for new vs. its used sale price not too much later. Where will you get the capital to constantly purchase items and then sell them used at a loss? I have no idea, but it's your magazine, think of something.

I'd also like to see a column similar to what some car mags do-- Vintage buys or some such-- something like "the Rowland Consonance Preamplifier" or "Adcom GFA-565"-- reviews of under or over appreciated older pieces that can be purchased used for fractions of their original sales price and how they stack up (or don't) to current new models-- is the piece's rep deserved or hyped? Basically a column aimed at people who buy used gear.

I'd also like to see stuff reviewed with more mainstream music, not Jezzky records presents the audiophile approved crap quintet. Sure, reviewers will have varying musical tastes, but it gets a little old when it's all music with little merit recorded perfectly. "I could really hear the lute player's fingers and the digeridoo's image was rock solid while the percussive sound of the broom handle striking the half full paint bucket had impressive weight"

Obviously you will have to ban an entire list of ridiculous and overused words and metaphors used to describe sound as part of the company charter.

Oh, and have pie charts and hot broads scattered throughout.
Plato, actually what I would really like is a system that is so real, so user friendly, so reliable and yet so inexpensive that it would negate the very reason for a such a magazine. I might return to earth tomorrow, then again, maybe not. In the mean time, what I'd really like, is to sincerely wish you good luck in your endeavour.
Pmkalby, you really had me going; hey, maybe you could do an audiophile-humor column for me! I thank you for that bit of fun and for your suggestions.

Unsound, I enjoyed learning about your meager expectations and I will certainly take your advice and sentiments to heart. Your encouragement is very much appreciated, as are the ideas and suggestions of all the A-goners who replied.

So, may I put you on my e-mail list?

Frank A :)