Radio Hobby Magazines Meeting The Reader's/Subscribers Challenge! Re: [MilCom] Pop'Comm & Milcom Dec 2005

[Ken]

Steve & the group:

OVERALL SUMMARY:

Surely it's only a hobby & everyone has their opinions, etc....

However, just to set the record straight:

"Monitoring Times" magazine has at least for the12 years I've been reading 
the magazine,
a  strong editorial policy in presenting military related radio 
communications information you can "READILY
USE in enjoying the MONITORING hobby!!!"

I think that at least some of what you write in your column
is really not within the overall theme of the magazine (e.g. Communications,
as in radio monitoring hobby!!!)... Although I think it's interesting to 
hear about these
project, there's other magazines notably "Aviation Week & Space Technology"
as well as other monthly magazines.( A fairly comprehensive list can be 
found at
http://www.aero.com/publications/magazine.htm ) that provide much more
comprehensive information, and it's within those magazines theme/objective
Note:  BTW they don't list radio frequencies to monitor these 
programs/aircraft
in these magazines!!!

Steve, I think if you mentioned a black project, etc. & than perhaps gave us
some 'potential' monitorable frequencies, that would strenghten your
column's presentation to be in line with the magazine's overall theme.

Of course, with the two major radio communications hobby magazine (with an
up & coming 3rd), there's got to be some DIFFERENTIATION in editorial
policy/theme.. If they are all the same than of course the hobbyist might
just choose only 1 to subscribe to.....

As far as writing goes I've written two feature as well as two
fill in/very minor articles for "Monitoring Times" magazine in the past &
I am aways working on some articles/article ideas.....  Since
I'm not employed as a professional writer/news reporter --
it's basically when I have the time & desire to continue on my various 
writing projects.
I'm in it for the "fun of it" and not as a primary source of income at this 
point.

I also have no interest in negatively affecting radio hobby magazines sales 
or
radio scanner directory/frequency guides sales.. Both provide IMHO 
legitimate information
to the hobby that saves time & effort for the majority of hobbyists. Of 
course
with the various economic pressures today, many hobbyists are being forced
to "stay within budget" regarding discretionary income usage (e.g. radio 
equipment
& accessories purchasing, hobby magazine subscriptions, frequency 
guide/directories purchases, etc).
Furthermore,  I like the portability of a printed magazine, even when in the 
"Metamucil guys" mode it's readily
available (along with a portable scanner!!! :)  ;)  )..............

As I've publically stated before, regarding monthly columns...
It's a difficult task for anyone to undertake...

I have no personal long lasting resentment/deep seated ill will
towards YOU OR ANYONE who writes a monthly column.

Other comments are imbedded below....

Ken

NOW THE DEVIL IN THE DETAILS:


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steve Douglass" <webbfeat at 1s.net>
To: <milcom at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Saturday, November 19, 2005 7:42 PM
Subject: Re: [MilCom] Pop'Comm & Milcom Dec 2005


> Let me start by saying that I do appreciate Ken's monthly commentaries on 
> what the scanner magazines have to offer (or not offer) and I promise he 
> isn't being paid to promote either magazine.

COMMENT:  No I haven' asked yet for any payment..Perhaps
I should, since it does take valuable time away from doing other
things!!! :) ;)

>
> Like they say, there is NO bad press.
COMMENT:  Didn't think my comments weren't bad at all, it peaks folks 
interest!
>
> In response to Ken's comments on my column in Pop Comm, he insinuates that 
> there is something
> hokey or silly about the "Space Marines and the  FB-23 pieces.
COMMENT:  Is it currently monitorable by the hobby community?

>
> I assure both are legitimate programs and not based on rumor or tabloid 
> fodder. I'll let you read and decide for yourselves.
COMMENT:  Never said it wasn't legitimate, just monitorable!!!
>
> Ken seems to enjoy critiquing both MT's and Pop Comm's MILCOM content 
> (which is his right)  as what he undoubtedly feels is a public service for 
> those who don't subscribe to either magazine, but keep in mind the 
> comments expressed are colored by his obvious negative opinion that 
> neither magazine is doing enough to promote MILCOM monitoring.
COMMENT:  See above on Monitoring Times meeting the challenge..
Popular Communications Magazine seems to be looking for the right editorial 
policy
to meet it's business objectives -- nothing wrong with that!!!!
>
> I suggest you buy, beg, borrow (but don't steal) an issue and see for 
> yourself if we have any monitoring merit.
COMMENT:  Actually Barnes & Noble has a bench right next to the
magazine rack.. You can readily read both "Monitoring Times" &
"Popular Communications" magazines.  "Scanning USA" is wrapped in
a plastic packet so it can't be read without buying it.

> But just as it is Ken's right to cast doubt on the how grounded in reality 
> my column in, I also reserve the right to respond.
COMMENT:  No problem with that!!!
>
> Comments like "Just as I thought the column had come back to earth.." 
> insinuates that in the past my column was somewhere on the lunatic fringe 
> and is only now getting back to reality
COMMENT:  Didn't mean that at all.. Actually just looking for
something that "can READILY be used in hobby radio monitoring enjoyment".
Each of your monthly columns stands on it's own in my monthly
comments, no comments have to do with your cumulative style or
past months columns..
>
> Sure I have covered topics as diverse as black military projects and SETI, 
> but they all have been grounded in fact and (from the overwhelmingly 
> positive mail I've received) of interest to utility monitors.
COMMENT:  No argument on that.. everyone has opinions....
>
> It is my personal suggestion that Ken walk a mile in our shoes and try his 
> hand at writing articles of his own and submitting them for publication.
COMMENT: Always working on some writings, BUT as stated
above, it's only a hobby -- no deadline!!!
>
> If they are  well researched, written in a professional, interesting and 
> readable style they will be accepted.
COMMENT:   See comments at the top of the message.

>
> In other words.. if you think you can do better ... then do so!
COMMENT:  Never said I could do better, do have an interest
in writing, but at this point only as a hobby!!
>
> Show us what you got Ken!
COMMENT:  As above.
>
> I honestly think Ken has the knowledge to write about MILCOM for a major 
> publication.
COMMENT:  Don't consider that I know very much on milcom... Basically
just do some daily monitoring..  Guys like B in eastern Mass, & D in eastern 
NY
B in ME, S in CO, R in MD, are really the experts!!!!
>
> If the magazines aren't hiring, how about a BLOG, or an Internet Magazine, 
> or even a pod cast?
COMMENT:  Nope, too much time already on the computer, don't want
to spend any more time..
>
> Maybe he should give it a shot and see what it is like from this side of 
> the fence.
COMMENT:  See comments at the top of this message...
>
> But no matter the critiques from Ken and others, we are (and I think I can 
> speak for both staff's at both magazines) trying to do our best to publish 
> news and articles that are entertaining, filled with new information and 
> promote radio monitoring hobbyists' interests.
COMMENT:  Let MT stand on it's own, let your column stand on
its' own.. and let PC overall stand on it's own!!!.
>
> Don't forget,  the writers at MT and Pop Comm are just as interested in 
> MILCOM as you are and we write and research articles that we would like to 
> read ourselves.
COMMENT:  That's for each reader/subscriber to judge for themselves!
>
> Sure, we sometimes trip, stumble and make a few mistakes from time to time 
> but who doesn't?
COMMENT:  My past public comments have stated the understanding
that this happens in meeting deadlines,etc...
>
> Personally, I have been pushing very hard for more MILCOM coverage, but we 
> can't be all things to all people and no matter what we write about some 
> group will feel slighted.
COMMENT:  I don't feel slighted in the least... Buy the magazine, read
it & post some comments.. Pop'Comm for a number of years lost interest
in military communications... It's unclear again at this point what will
finally happen!
>
> We accept the fact that none of us are experts and we try not to push 
> ourselves as being the ultimate or last word on radio monitoring, although 
> some think we are doing just that.
COMMENT:  I never said that about any columnist. Perhaps some on this
list feel that way!
>
> Since taking on the column , I have been criticized, vilified and even had 
> personal attacks (including identity theft) all aimed me because some do 
> not like (no.. hate) my work.
COMMENT:  Personally don't know that much about you to
formulate an opinion on what prompted the personal attacks &
criminal activity against you.  I'm just posting my opinion on
column contents -- not about you!
>
> But I have also received a lot of "Hey attaboy " and "Don't let them get 
> you down" and "I just love your stuff!" comments which are what have keep 
> me going.
COMMENT:  I'm happy for you!!!
>
> So its not enough just be a good writer, you have to be able take the heat 
> along with the praise.
COMMENT:  ?
>
> Like I've said before, honest criticism is always welcome. Criticism based 
> on personal rancor is not.
COMMENT:  Wow had to look up the term "rancor"  Defined as
Bitter, long-lasting resentment; deep-seated ill will....  That definitely
isn't me... It's only a hobby.. Frankly what IMHO is positively informative
in your column is also presented.. .
>
> I've always sought help and guidance from the real experts (not the 
> self-appointed ones) who  keep us on our toes and pushes us to keep things 
> real, honest and accurate.
COMMENT:  Never said you didn't & have no idea who the self
appointed ones are......
>
> With that in mind, I stand by both the  Space Marines and FB-23 story and 
> are as down to earth as the rest of the column.

COMMENT:  Once again the key in pointing out some "weaknesses"
in your column revolves around the question "Is it readily monitorable
by me with my equipment & if so where do I need to look for the
potential frequencies?"

>
> -Steve Douglass
>
> P.S, Thanks for reading Popular Communications!

COMMENT:  Yep, I swung the 'stealth' monitoring vehicle into the
Barnes & Noble store parking lot (Holyoke MA) on the way back
from an "On Scene" monitoring activity at KBAF this morning &
bought two hobby related magazines.  See the separate report
posting to this list.

Ken
Springfield MA Monitoring Area