WCI #47 - Cover Preview

[Merle Rice]

I voted for the #1 because of the colors. I like the dark contrast and that grabs my eye. The other cover has a light background and is less interesting to me. I believe colors are important to catch the eye as we try to pick the right colors to make our carvings stand out. My subs. runs out in 2012, so will be around for a while. I also think the important part is inside the cover. I started to give my 2 cents worth but I think I ran my bill up to 5 cents. lol. Merle

[big dave]

i agree with lynn o

[chip]

The proverbial bucket of worms and the almighty dollar!

You ask so I will respond.

When all is said and done…who has the most fun?
A woodcarver 'chipping' a wildlife masterpiece work of art,
>OR<
A woodcarver 'whittling' a mechanical masterpiece work of art.

IMHO, wolf is ‘preaching to the choir’ on this forum..

Merely days ago, we (grandkids and I) found your marvelous forum while looking for whirligig ideas.

IF you want to go with what this forum is about…
>high skill levels< the Wildlife

IF you want to venture out and catch the attention of would-be artist the Whirligig

Thanks for asking.

[santacarver]

I am a subscriber and I like the "Wolf" cover best. However, I agree with a lot of people....your cover should show a woodcarving, either finished or in progress. Concerning your past issues that really "grabbed" people....I believe the Wood Spirit issue was the best and any issue showing a "Santa" a close second. People really like those subjects.

[JimSawyer]

First off.. I like this idea of presenting us with a preview of the upcoming issue.
I chose the wolf cover. I think the little dragon caracature might have made a better cover. It would appeal to the beginer and would also interest current carvers. I think the Whiligig is just a little Too simple. I think we all want to be challenged, at least a little bit.
I like the sell lines on the Wolf cover better as well, though adding in the Gargoyle stick and Dragon caracature might also help to draw in new eyes. Like most folks, I pick up a magazine and look through it to see if it's something I want, But the sell lines get me interested.
Tom's Quick and Easy Wizards article was the one that I got first, (at the carving store), and then I got myself a subscription. It was something about it, (the Wizard article), being a project I thought I could handle. That's why I think the little Dragon might have been better.
Well, there's my opinion...
Looking forward to the next issue. It looks like there are a few things in there I'd like to get into.

[Paul_Guraedy]

Shannon, the cover of the magazine going to us suscribers is a moot point. It could come in a plain brown wrapper....you already hooked and reeled us in.

So, what would make me pick up the magazine at the newstand? The only place I browse periodicals is at one of the major book outlets. Where it is mixed in among the other woodworking/craft/collecting magazines. The first thing to remember is that the potential purchaser will probably have to pull it out of the rack to even see the cover. They are in this section because that is where things related to woodworking are and woodcarving is not popular enough to warrant a place on the front row.

What would make me, as a newbie, pick it up and potentially make a purchase? The title of the magazine! I would be looking for something on woodcarving.

What would make me, as a seasoned carver, pick it up and potentially make a purchase? The title would make me pick it up and the articles inside would sell it.

What would make me, as a non-carving hobbyist, pick it up and potentially make a purchase? The articles that might relate to my woodworking interest.

I vote for the wolf because I think the list of articles on the cover will relate to a wider variety of non-woodcarvers.

[Shannon]

All great comments! Keep em coming - and don't forget about looking at back issues and letting me know what grabbed your eye there.

Marci - A lot of individual stores in a chain won't have the authority to choose which products they carry - that decision is made by corporate. Our newsstand consultant will pitch the magazine to corporate - if they agree, the magazine is then distributed to the retail locations.

You can find the magazine in Borders and Barnes & Noble - also Woodcraft or your local carving supply store. Mom and Pop carving supply stores can contact us directly to get the magazine sent to them each time it is published - ask them to carry it if they don't already!

You can also order back issues direct from us or purchase gift subscriptions.

[Mottles]

Shannon, wanted to mention that I have seen WCI magazine at our local Prescott Valley, AZ., Safeway store. I don't see it every time, they even had the special Christmas Issue. I haven't seen it the last few times I've been shopping there. Before I started subscribing to WCI I would pick it up at Barnes and Noble.
Just thought you'd be interested in knowing that a super market carried it too! I think it must be pretty popular and sell quickly because I don't see it all the time.
When I was purchasing WCI magazine at Barnes & Noble I first looked for the Name. Then, looked at the cover, then thumbed though the articles to see which interested me. Always purchased the issue because there was always something for me at that time a very newbie. I really feel you try very hard to have something for every skill level.
Kathy

[fpace]

Hmmm... Looking at the article titles on the cover I believe the gargoyle cane or the caracature dragon would make me pick up the magazine and buy it. Luckily I subscribe so I get it anyway! :>) I'm kinda like some of the others... if I knew nothing about the magazine and my focus was carving based solely on these pictures I don't think I'd pick it up. Just an opinion... sorry. Having said that you guys are the pros and I'm always excited when my issue arrives. Just wish it was more frequent!

Carve on...

[catbird]

I like the wolf best.