The Fisherman Mag

[Mr. Sandman]

Dave,

Congrats! on the new job. I bet the deadlines of a weekly make for some high pressure moments. Again, congrats and good luck with it. Been a subscriber for decades.

My only gripe is I would like some way to look up (or search for) past articles. But I realize how this is structured and it probably can't be done easily.

All the best.

[flatts1]

Congrats Dave!!

I haven't subscribed for a while myself, but that was because I could always check it out at the Barber shop or at a co-worker's office.

I didn't think it was bad in the past and I am curious to get folks' take on what was wrong with it in the past and why it is so much better now. I ask because the last issue I read was 3 weeks back.

Beyond the Editor's Log, are there different/new folks submitting different/new articles now? Are there less Ads now? Have new sections been added? What is different enough to make folks want to subscribe now as opposed to before?

Best,
Mike F.

[Bazza]

Congradulations Dave!! Good luck as the new editor.

[blue oyster]

congrats and good luck , please look into the delivery system like others have said sometimes it does not come for weeks or not at all , they have been great when you call and send them right back out but still a pain .

[NIB]

Originally Posted by flatts1

Congrats Dave!!

I haven't subscribed for a while myself, but that was because I could always check it out at the Barber shop or at a co-worker's office.

I didn't think it was bad in the past and I am curious to get folks' take on what was wrong with it in the past and why it is so much better now. I ask because the last issue I read was 3 weeks back.

Beyond the Editor's Log, are there different/new folks submitting different/new articles now? Are there less Ads now? Have new sections been added? What is different enough to make folks want to subscribe now as opposed to before?

Best,
Mike F.

I have to say every week there is a article that gets my interest..I like Zach he is a young guy with young person energy.It seems to rub off some. I deffintely notice the difference..Between NJ and NE..
Add to that there is a new bunch of writers submitting there thoughts.. More new blood.I do like Timmy Coleman an Charlie Soares also...
Other than that the layout appears to be the same..
The New Jersey edition seems to have quite a few of the same articles rehashed over and over.
I live in NJ.I don't really care if its a few days late the report section really means nothing to me.Just something to read at lunchtime.

It looks like they developed a new position for Zach Senior Field Editor..
Thats good I hope he sticks around..

[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.

[pbadad]

Dave.Congrats and good luck with your new venture. Always enjoyed your informative articles. Billy D. C.S.A.

[ProfessorM]

Congrats again buddy. You will do a great job. I too used to be a big reader of the mag. I have not seen it in years though. Maybe I will start to check it out again. Good luck. P.

[ThrowingTimber]

Dont really read it or anything.

But congratulations dave, best of luck

[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

[OnTheLedge]

Originally Posted by Raider Ronnie

I let my subscription lapse because the delivery sucked !!!
Most of the time it would show up close to a week late,
some weeks it never showed up, then all of a sudden, I would get 3 to 4 week old magazines showing up !

I had the same problem about 2 yrs. ago. The mag. never was delivered! It got so annoying I cancelled my subscription. I would consider subscribing again, though, if the problem was solved. Is anyone still having this problem?

[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

[RIROCKHOUND]

Dave.
Shoot me an email.
J.L. has been trying to twist my arm...

[striperman36]

Originally Posted by Robert

I had the same problem about 2 yrs. ago. The mag. never was delivered! It got so annoying I cancelled my subscription. I would consider subscribing again, though, if the problem was solved. Is anyone still having this problem?

Every other week it comes the week after. So I get 2 drops a month.

[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.

[Canalman]

Originally Posted by RIROCKHOUND

Dave.
Shoot me an email.
J.L. has been trying to twist my arm...

It's on its way

twist twist

[Fish_Eye]

Good luck Dave, I look forward to working with you soon.

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by ThomCat

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.

Guess I better get that bluefish article up, eh

Originally Posted by Canalman

Anyway... please email me if you guys have ideas, photos, article queries or just a suggestion.

Thanks.
-Dave Anderson
danderson@thefisherman.com

Spammer

(I just had to do that and was in stitches doing it)

[MakoMike]

Dave,
We need to talk about a couple of things of mutual interest between you and nor'east Drop me an e-mail after you get settled in. Where is Zac going?

[ZuluHotel]

Have back to being a professional deck ape for the fall (Maridee II, Point Jude) and will be freelancing when the weather gets rotten. Still involved with the mag, but not in the day-to-day.

Dave, needless to say, is going to do great. Any magazine--I don't care which one--needs some fresh blood after X years, or, as some here have pointed out, it gets stale. Dave's got a lot of good ideas, and a pretty damned fine set of writing/ editing skills. I'm psyched he's there now, 'cause one of my only worries about stepping out was being replaced by a chump.

Good luck, Dave. I'm looking forward (sincerely) to seeing the course you plot.


ZH

[fishaholic18]

Originally Posted by ZuluHotel

Have back to being a professional deck ape for the fall (Maridee II, Point Jude) and will be freelancing when the weather gets rotten. Still involved with the mag, but not in the day-to-day.

Dave, needless to say, is going to do great. Any magazine--I don't care which one--needs some fresh blood after X years, or, as some here have pointed out, it gets stale. Dave's got a lot of good ideas, and a pretty damned fine set of writing/ editing skills. I'm psyched he's there now, 'cause one of my only worries about stepping out was being replaced by a chump.

Good luck, Dave. I'm looking forward (sincerely) to seeing the course you plot.


ZH

Kind word Zacs, Dave will appreciate I'm sure. Widh u the best on your new venture..

[MakoMike]

Zac,
Glad tyo hear that there were no hard feelings. I'll stop by next time I'm down that way. maybe we can wet a line together one day when you're not working.

[RIROCKHOUND]

Zacs...
You got on a good boat, I have mutual friends who are good buddies with Andy, it's a good boat and good capt..
best of luck!

Bryan

[goosefish]

Zach,
Keep taking pictures and don't drop you pen overboard--you may miss the best line of the day. Better yet bring a voice/burner/recorder/2gig/hard-drive input moderator, along with you.

I'd also finally if I had to recommend something, a triviality perhaps to some, is handy to others in you forthcoming field: a goatee and a smoking jacket.