The Fisherman Mag

[Nebe]

This is just me and yes i am biased because i have been writing for them, but I think people cancel or loose interest in the magazine because there is a learning curve in surfcasting or boat fishing and once you start on that climb, the fisherman and OTW are great ways to glean knowledge. But lets face it, once you get to a certain point, that curve starts to flatten out and the magazines that were once great learning tools become less interesting. It happened to me and i am sure others will agree.

[BigFish]

I agree Eben! I also agree with NIB about the new writers such as T-Lap and Eben for example! Also, since we are on the subject, always a fan of editor Dave Andersons articles! Talented bunch of guys for sure!

[Joe]

Eben wrote:This is just me and yes i am biased because i have been writing for them, but I think people cancel or loose interest in the magazine because there is a learning curve in surfcasting or boat fishing and once you start on that climb, the fisherman and OTW are great ways to glean knowledge. But lets face it, once you get to a certain point, that curve starts to flatten out and the magazines that were once great learning tools become less interesting. It happened to me and i am sure others will agree.
Very true. You only need so much theory - fishing then becomes a matter of practice and developing your own style. On the other hand, a lot of guys with experience read the magazines with the hope of learning just one thing per issue.

The outdoor genre - particularly the type of writing that fits into a weekly - is very much restricted. The readership expects certain things for their subscription - the magazine has to fulfill those basic expectations. They step outside the lines occasionally - and that's great - but the basic format is what people really want. I would think it's more a matter of doing those expected things better, than revamping something that has been profitiable for decades.

You really can't publish a weekly or a monthly with too many articles that are over the heads of the people who have been fishing five years or less - they are the ones buying the mags and the stuff from the advertisers.
Congrats Dave...

[Clammer]

dave

a little late // i wish you the best with this opportunity .,.,

[NIB]

Originally Posted by Joe

Eben wrote:This is just me and yes i am biased because i have been writing for them, but I think people cancel or loose interest in the magazine because there is a learning curve in surfcasting or boat fishing and once you start on that climb, the fisherman and OTW are great ways to glean knowledge. But lets face it, once you get to a certain point, that curve starts to flatten out and the magazines that were once great learning tools become less interesting. It happened to me and i am sure others will agree.
Very true. You only need so much theory - fishing then becomes a matter of practice and developing your own style. On the other hand, a lot of guys with experience read the magazines with the hope of learning just one thing per issue.

The outdoor genre - particularly the type of writing that fits into a weekly - is very much restricted. The readership expects certain things for their subscription - the magazine has to fulfill those basic expectations. They step outside the lines occasionally - and that's great - but the basic format is what people really want. I would think it's more a matter of doing those expected things better, than revamping something that has been profitiable for decades.

You really can't publish a weekly or a monthly with too many articles that are over the heads of the people who have been fishing five years or less - they are the ones buying the mags and the stuff from the advertisers.
Congrats Dave...

Just because thats they way it is set up..It does not have to be like that..
I don't see why they could not do both..Entertain the Experienced as well as the New to Surfcasting..
Could you imagine the possibilities $$$$..The number of folks who have learned, then turned away from this publication that would love to read something entertaining..
Writing simple is easy no toes stepped on keep it generic...
One problem is finding good writers to fill the pages..At a Minimum rate..50 times a year,without being redundant..Good Luck...
U also have to consider striper fishing or any kinda fishing still has the cloak of secrecy surrounding it,And the more knowledgeable writer..How much does one divulge without crossing the line where it becomes a detriment to his self.Toby is not gonna write a article filled with tips on fishing the Conn. river...I don't blame him.
Only the older of salts start to talk.As they don't want to pass into oblivion without someone knowing that they once knew something..
This era of teacher barely has a grip of the computer.So channels are not open like they are to the young internet savvy writer..
I think as time goes on u might see the new older writer chime in..
For that reason only it is worth the yearly price of about one custom plug..

[ThomCat]

Originally Posted by Nebe

This is just me and yes i am biased because i have been writing for them, but I think people cancel or loose interest in the magazine because there is a learning curve in surfcasting or boat fishing and once you start on that climb, the fisherman and OTW are great ways to glean knowledge. But lets face it, once you get to a certain point, that curve starts to flatten out and the magazines that were once great learning tools become less interesting. It happened to me and i am sure others will agree.

Their are only so many ways you can present "Basic Eel Fishing for Big Bass" or the like. To keep the interest of veteran anglers and readers it often takes interesting writing. A little occational humor combined with experiences and insight can often keep readers tuned in. The Fisherman tends to take a "just the facts, ma'am" approach which after about a million articles becomes a bit of a yawn.
I like Zach myself and have fished and knocked down a few with him. I wish him well. I stopped submitting articles to the magazine a couple of years ago because I tired of the lack of communication. Fishing articles have a shelf life that coresponds with the season. When a writer doesn't know where an article stands it doesn't allow him to get the story published in a timely manner. I've had much better communication with the other mags I write for.
We've not yet met, Dave, but good luck and maybe we'll try it again.

[Canalman]

Yea Let's try it again. Give me a chance

Originally Posted by ThomCat

Their are only so many ways you can present "Basic Eel Fishing for Big Bass" or the like. To keep the interest of veteran anglers and readers it often takes interesting writing. A little occational humor combined with experiences and insight can often keep readers tuned in. The Fisherman tends to take a "just the facts, ma'am" approach which after about a million articles becomes a bit of a yawn.
I like Zach myself and have fished and knocked down a few with him. I wish him well. I stopped submitting articles to the magazine a couple of years ago because I tired of the lack of communication. Fishing articles have a shelf life that coresponds with the season. When a writer doesn't know where an article stands it doesn't allow him to get the story published in a timely manner. I've had much better communication with the other mags I write for.
We've not yet met, Dave, but good luck and maybe we'll try it again.

[Canalman]

Thanks to everyone. I can't say that I'll change the face of the magazine or outdoor writing..

But I appreciate the crtiticism just as much as I do the compliments and "atta boys"... And when I say I'll read a sample from anyone who wants to give writing a go.... I MEAN IT... One major thing that will help the face of the magazine to change is new writers with new angles. I've always said/thought that even something as seemingly obvious as Thom's example "Eeling basics for Big Bass" would probably be a great read over and over if Toby wrote it, or John Lee or Zach or Charley, McKenna, #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&, or Cookie Monster.. because these guys are all going to have insights and nuances all their own. If you ever go looking for an article about surfcasting that will totally blow you away after 5 years of doing it/reading about it... you're screwed, you're not gonna find one... but if you read the articles for new spins or maybe just an "Oh, I never thought of it that way" than you've won... just adding a new item to your extensive bag of tricks. I could babble on about how nice it is to have a good read from a good writer, but I might be one of the few dorks that just likes that. Guess that's why I have this job. Anyway... please email me if you guys have ideas, photos, article queries or just a suggestion.

Thanks.
-Dave Anderson
danderson@thefisherman.com

[spence]

Originally Posted by Canalman

One major thing that will help the face of the magazine to change is new writers with new angles.

Dave, if you want an article on wader/dry top color coordination and matching waterproof fabric textures for the season...

Just let me know

-spence

[Canalman]

Originally Posted by spence

Dave, if you want an article on wader/dry top color coordination and matching waterproof fabric textures for the season...

Just let me know

-spence

If I could get away with it... I'd run it for sure.