Hi all,
Well I don't know what to say really. Of course, I'm biased, and of course I hate to see unhappy readers, or, even worse, ex-readers. And, of course, I have my own opinions about the changes. I'm not going to get involved with the details here, but they can be summarized as I Like Some Of Them And Dislike Others.
Gill, when I saw Nick recently he told me that sales were significantly up, and against a falling market.
As for projects, I agree that there appears to be fewer. I certainly haven't written many this last 12 months - I haven't had any commissions. The few pieces I've made for chez Maskery have been sitting for months waiting to be sprayed, due to it being permanently winter, so have been completed only in the last couple of weeks. It does mean, however, that all of a sudden I have a little rash of them to submit.
I think one of the weaknesses of GW in the past was that, although many of the projects were good and interesting, there was very little about the more advanced techniques. So I've spent much of the last year writing about these - mathematical design for woodies, dovetails on the bandsaw, etc, and whatever interesting jigs I could write about. Some for old hands, some for beginners.
My own journey started by wanting projects, projects and more projects. I wanted stuff I could make. Then I wanted stuff I could dream about making. Then I wanted the tools to make my own dreams. Now, as Philly says, I spend more time on this wretched machine using SU than I do actually in the workshop.
I don't know what the answer is. GW projects are almost entirely written by readers, not the GW staff, so the short answer is "If you want projects, then write them!". I'm sorry if my posting here detracts from the mag, perhaps I'd better stop shooting myself in the foot (not for the first time in my life) and keep mum.
One of the problems is that mags, UK ones at least, are not awash with cash. ALL mags have a lower circulation than 5 or 6 years ago, because so many of us get our WW input, well, here. Fewer readers means less income, less ability to sell advertising space, which means less income again. They can't commission projects for the sake of filling the pages.
But one thing I can promise you. If you don't like what I write, or the way I write it, please tell me. I can't speak for the mag, I can only speak for myself, but I really do try to give what I'm told people want. If it's not, say so (nicely, please, I'm a sensitive little soul) and I'll try to change. If you do like it, tell Nick, he's my boss! He does take criticism (good and bad) seriously, even though he may not like it or agree with it. But if there are specifics, like "We want more Projects suitable for xxx" then tell him. It may take a few months (there can be quite a lead time - some of my recent articles were actually written pre-millennium!) but if he can, he will.
That's all, I've said enough, I think.
Cheers
Steve Maskery, Internationally Renowned Woodworking Superstar. Almost.
