Question- Woodcarving Illustrated Magazine Format

kitaye · #1 09-06-2007, 03:32 PM

Good Afternoon,

I finally received my order of back issues and I must say the difference in the format is amazing. When I've purchased WCI,over the last couple of years, at the news stand there is a 1 in 10 chance that it will be kept for reference at a later date. So far I've had a 100% keep rate on the back issues.

The biggest difference is the number of step by step pictures in the older magazines. On average the number of step by steps in the older issues is 30 pictures. In the newer issues the average seems to be closer to 15.

Another noticeable change just in the first few back issues was the relevance of the articles, tutorials, and even tool building (I love the build your own vice article and the detailed blacksmithing article was great for my spouse). It seems the newer issues focus on "Pros" Galleries and biographies, Contest Galleries, and just a few pages of tutorials.

It just seems like WCI was originally designed for all levels of carving whereas the newer issues seem to be geared towards the intermediate to professional carvers.

So why the changes to the format and the focus of the information? Any thoughts on bringing back the more detailed tutorials and do-it-yourself articles?

BobD · #2 09-06-2007, 03:50 PM

Kitaye,
Thank you for your honest feedback!

Part of what we are trying to do is to provide a mix of inspiration, how-to, community building, and technique articles.

I just counted the pages of technique/how-to information in the latest issue (Fall 2008) and found that it had 44 pages of how-to. That's a little less than half of the magazine (more than half if you take out the advertisements and the calendar of events).

We did devote upwards of 20 steps to two projects (the rustic bowls and the African Elephant), but what we are trying to do is stuff in more variety. There is nothing I hate more than to see an enormous amount of space dedicated to an article I'm not at all interested in (not that something like that has ever happened with WCI). So we try to be a little briefer with the articles to fit more projects in. Maybe that logic is flawed.

How does everyone else feel?

Bob

chuckt · #3 09-06-2007, 08:58 PM

Its a really tough call Bob. IF the project was one I was really interested in trying, the longer and more thorough the article the better . . . if not, then you are right. Given that you can't possibly hit on articles that everyone will like all the time, it seems to me that the direction that's been taken makes sense in terms of maximizing for a broad and diverse audience of carvers.

All I can say is that I have been happy with the issues I've got - both old and new. I for one really like the inspirational bios of carvers - and would really like it if they have shop shots and discuss not just their carving but how they became professionals as well as what drives their creative vision.

There's my input.

ChuckT

Eddy Smiles · #4 09-06-2007, 10:46 PM

Bob... Has WCI ever given thought to posting additional photos of any given project on a subscribers only thread? Seems to me that would help situations like Chuck brings up (and I agree, extra photos would be helpful on projects that I myself decide to take on) and at the same time be an added marketing incentive for new subscribers.

kitaye · #5 09-07-2007, 07:17 AM

I guess I'm still new enough to carving that I prefer the more detailed tutorials and such regardless of whether it is something I will try right away. I know I can always refer back to it at a later date when I am ready to try it.

I just read the Chip Carving Articles last night in issues 11, 12, and 13(I believe) and I really enjoyed them. Detailed enough for a newbie and advanced enough for someone with some practice under their belts.

Joy · #6 09-07-2007, 07:52 AM

I like Eddy's suggestion....a subscriber's only website with additional detail. That should entice even more subscribers.

I like the bios, but I personally am more interested in learning something new. And even if I'm not interested in trying a particular project I find the tips and techniques used very helpful.

BobD · #7 09-07-2007, 08:20 AM

The subscribers only area is something we're working on; we're just working out how to get all of the software to play nicely together.

I'm also trying to find time to post all of the extra photos an author provides that I don't have space for...in all my spare time.

Bob

mikeg · #8 09-07-2007, 09:12 AM

I've often thought that if we could eliminate sleeping, we'd have an extra 6-7 hours a day! Just think of all that we could get done with that extra time!

Unfortunately, I'm still trying to figure out how to stay awake for the next 40-50 years!

mikeg

BobD · #9 09-07-2007, 09:21 AM

Dale Carnegie wrote about a veteran who came back from WWI with a brain injury that prevented him from sleeping. He didn't suffer any ill effects from lack of sleep, he just didn't sleep. It was difficult for him for a couple years because we are conditioned to sleep...so he would just lay in bed for 8 hours...but finally he took the time to start studying...he ended up with 10 college degrees...I'm so envious!

Bob

chuckt · #10 09-07-2007, 10:27 AM

Wow! No sleeping - what a concept. Makes me tired just thinking about it. <grin>

Seriously - the subscriber only area for the site is a brillient idea and I look forward the implementation of it. Working in the web space myself (I am a PM/Bus. Analyst for a large Interactive Design Agency), I am always amazed at how much COULD be done on sites like this that isn't done. But - time and budgetary constraints usually prevent many of these great ideas. Glad to hear that WCI is already working on this.

!
ChuckT