[TVARC] QST News

[Bruce Cusanelli]

     TVARC:

January 2018 QST Debuts Fresh, New Design

12/08/2017

QST -- ARRL's monthly member journal -- is more than a century old, and with
the major exception of color printing throughout the magazine starting in
December 2000, it’s remained mostly unchanged for the past couple of
decades. Starting with the January 2018 issue of QST,
<https://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader/production/defaul
t.aspx?pubname=&edid=2a06ee1b-62e8-47fe-a67f-80a2ce937bb6> now available to
members in digital form, several noticeable changes are being made to the
journal’s format, design, and size. QST Editor and Publications Manager
Steve Ford, WB8IMY, said member feedback over the last few years, has hinted
at “significant shifts in media preferences within the Amateur Radio
community.” Extensive research undertaken late last year, “revealed an
undeniable mandate for change,” Ford said.

“The majority of you told us that the ‘look’ of QST was becoming stale, that
it wasn’t in step with modern publications,” Ford said in editorial remarks
in the January 2018 issue. “You also told us that you desired different
types of articles that spoke more to the needs of the average amateur. We’ve
heard you – and we are responding.”

Ford said that starting with the January 2018 issue, QST will sport a
modern, eye-catching design, and will be easier to read. The journal has
been trimmed slightly to 144 pages per issue (in addition to covers), plus a
smaller size to match the 8 × 10.5-inch publishing industry standard. The
current QST trim size is nonstandard.

“These changes will create significant savings for us in the cost of ink and
paper, and will save even more on postage, which is one of our largest
expenses,” Ford explained, adding that cost savings will fund the
development “of more of the types of the articles you’ve told us you want”
as well as to provide more engaging social media content. In addition, fewer
pages will let the editorial staff focus greater attention on each issue’s
content.

Ford said League members have indicated a preference for articles that
provide practical, immediately usable information, guide readers to new
activities, and tell more about what radio amateurs are doing — with an
emphasis on personal stories that inspire.

“While we will continue to publish QST in digital form each month, our
research, and the research conducted by other publishers, has shown that a
clear majority of readers still prefer books and magazines printed on paper,
and so do our advertisers,” Ford said. “So, thanks to the support of our
advertisers, we will continue to publish QST on paper for the foreseeable
future.”

Ford said additional changes are possible. “As your needs change, we will,
too,” he concluded.

 
73’s Bruce WA1UTQ 

 

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