I got a phone call from PBM wanting me to renew. Told them their mag hasn't been worth the money for a number of years and that I thought it unlikely they would last through 2010.
Can I ask what your issue is with the magazine?
I just find it extremely difficult to understand how people do not like this magazine. I know they took a lot of crap about the Manatee thing and calling OSO member nit-wits, and that left a bad taste in many peoples mouths. I know a lot of people don’t like seeing wake boarding boats, or deck boats, or smaller boats, or larger crazy offshore boats that aren’t affordable, etc. etc. (Cant please everyone… get what I’m saying?)
But I mean come on, a magazine dedicated to performance boating? Well-written, Awesome photography and interesting articles...What more could a powerboat enthusiast ask for? I know you can't please everyone all the time but I don't understand how dropping 20 buck for one year or 35 bucks for 2 years is really THAT MUCH money when you get a material object that you can read on your porch, read in the restroom, read on a snowy, rainy, sunny, whatever day.
I know I'm bias as I'm actually friends with most everyone that works at PBM. And I can tell you from a first hand perspective, these people really care about this industry and those that are surrounded by it (you, me, everyone on here, etc).
I truly don't understand why a statement like "I thought it unlikely they would last through 2010" would roll off your tongue with out a lead up of "unfortunately". You do realize that PBM is backed by a fairly large publisher "infinity group"? And that PBM is the leading magazine in sales for this hobby/sport we love so much? So by saying that you believe they will not be around through 2010, really that could mean that no boating magazines will be around in 2010. I personally find that sad. I enjoy flipping through the pages of PBM and what’s left of the other magazines out there that haven’t already fallen victim to these harsh times.
I would say instead of making comments to those that are soliciting for support during these hard times that you don't see them making it, how about helping the cause out and prying out the 35 bucks to get a two year subscription? Give back to a magazine that has given a whole hell of a lot to this sport/hobby over the past few decades.
I realize that internet has gouged magazine sales and that you can get a lot of information on SOS, OSO, Performance boats, Scream and fly, etc etc. I understand the draw to these forums, I mean I’m here almost every day, checking out what’s up. But I really think the internet lacks a certain 'jena se qua'…I guess that tangible substance that comes from holding a magazine in your hands and having that time to read through the articles, look at the award winning photographers work, read insider opinions and professional racer, builders and other industry leaders comments…..Again to me, it’ll be a sad day when the magazines go to the wayside. And until that day comes, I'll try to do as much as possible to help that from happening.