F&C

[Harbo]

The mag is now under a new Editor but I was disappointed to read the feature "F&C Selects 14 of the best Dovetail Saws".
This turned out to be a "Roundup" of saws with photos, brief descriptions and a few remarks - non negative.
No conclusions, no best buys and no recommendations.
Is this to keep the Advertisers happy - I wonder?

Rod

 

[Aled Dafis]

I thought the same Rod, the "reviews" have been superficial for a number of issues. Maybe it's time to cut my subscription, I have been umming and aahing for a good few months, but this is a new low.

I also subscribe to Good Woodworking which undulates between "average" and "poor", so it may be time to stop this one too.

In fact I haven't seen a critical review in any magazine for months. What is the world coming to?

Cheers

Aled

 

[Mr Ed]

Not seen F&C for a while, I finished my subscription a couple of years ago as I was finding the mag repetitive, subjective and superficial. Occasionally I pick one up in WHSmiths and within a couple of minutes of flicking through I confirm that I don't need to start buying it again any time soon. I'm not singling out F&C - I suspect most of the other magazines will be the same.

In my view, the online community has replaced a lot of what we would previously have looked to a magazine for.

Ed

 

[OPJ]

In fact I haven't seen a critical review in any magazine for months. What is the world coming to?

I don't think you've been reading Good Woodworking closely enough! Andy always gives a very honest opinion, highlighting any bad points or things he would like/expect to see in various products. And in British Woodworking, Nick often writes about what he doesn't like, as much as the things he does like.

 

[jjc_uk]

In fact I haven't seen a critical review in any magazine for months. What is the world coming to?

I don't think you've been reading Good Woodworking closely enough! Andy always gives a very honest opinion, highlighting any bad points or things he would like/expect to see in various products. And in British Woodworking, Nick often writes about what he doesn't like, as much as the things he does like.

I agree with OPJ in fact the only two I subscribe to now are Good Woodworking and British Woodworking

 

[newt]

They could have said all saws worked and were about the same as each other, but the price varied.

 

[Gower]

If it's a question of reader enjoyment, it's Good Woodworking and British Woodworking for me. Being a magoholic I have been taking these, F&C and 2 American magazines. Just had an ultimatum from the 'Great Leader' to get a grip so it'll be Good Woodworking and British Woodworking from now on.
I've been reading Woody Magazines for about 8 years and they have been fundamental to my learning curve, being a late starter, but even I see the repetition. It must be a hell of a headache for the editors to find fresh material and generally, I applaud their efforts.
Cheers,
Jim

 

[jhwbigley]

The mag is now under a new Editor but I was disappointed to read the feature "F&C Selects 14 of the best Dovetail Saws".
This turned out to be a "Roundup" of saws with photos, brief descriptions and a few remarks - non negative.
No conclusions, no best buys and no recommendations.
Is this to keep the Advertisers happy - I wonder?

Rod

I was hoping it was going to be more like there latest chisel test.

John-Henry

 

[newt]

Theres quite an interesting story to the chisel test, but I will let woodbloke tell, but it may be a bit difficult to reveal all.

 

[ProShop]

I think all these mags have a limited attention span for most readers. It certainly has with me. a couple of years and then I tend move on.

F & C didn't even bother to introduce it's new editor (unless I missed that) or the new editor introduce himself which I thought was rather odd.

And I was a little brassed when I saw the article containing the MDF wall mounted plate rack as that has definitely been printed in another British mag not so very long ago, I hate that when these articles get regurgitated and do the rounds with various other mags.

 

[Ironballs]

I agree with the comments about the saw "review" and lack of intro from the new Ed, the mag also seems to be a little thin these days and it doesn't hold the appeal it used to. Will keep my sub for the time being though, see how it goes

 

[wizer]

I only pick up British Woodworking now. I agree Good Woodworking upped it's game a while back but I still feel it's repeating itself too much.

 

[Aled Dafis]

In fact I haven't seen a critical review in any magazine for months. What is the world coming to?

I don't think you've been reading Good Woodworking closely enough! Andy always gives a very honest opinion, highlighting any bad points or things he would like/expect to see in various products. And in British Woodworking, Nick often writes about what he doesn't like, as much as the things he does like.

British Woodworking will soon be the only magazine that I subscribe to, and I find that it's by far the best on the UK market. Nick writes honestly and truthfully, which is quite refreshing in this day and age.

The other magazine that I rate very highly is Fine Woodworking of course, but i think that their budget is slightly richer than Nick's. I'm holding out until christmas for the subscription, as, if I drop enough hints, I may get one. (and a subscription :wink: :wink: )

Cheers

Aled