Please read and comment

I have for some time been knocking around the idea of publishing a (probably quarterly) RacersReunion magazine. The concept that interests me is to share this experience we enjoy with some of the older fans who still do not use the internet. The mag would include racing history articles, (perhaps highlighting some of the discussions from this forum), photos, and coverage from recent events. I've spoken to some about this...Ray Lamm and Tim Leeming to name a couple...but I would like your feedback on some of the questions I have.

1. Do you think going backward in technology for this purpose is advisable? Many print magazines are failing due to the emergence of online mags.We would make this one available online as well.

2. Do you think semi-annually...or quarterly is best

3. How much will folks be willing to pay? Gotta see if it makes financial semse.

4. What would you name it? I like RacersReunion SCENE.

Please feel free to share your thoughts.

Jeff

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Founder/Creator - RacersReunion®
updated by @jeff-gilder: 01/11/17 12:38:27PM

I'm 83 and I use the internet!

In my opinion there are not enough of us "old folks" to make a RR Mag break even.

Jeff, there is a current monthly newspaper called "Life in the Fast Lane Racing News" and it covers pretty much all the local and adjoining states tracks. They charge $20 a year for a monthly issue, usually about 15 pages in length. I haven't ordered it yet, though I intend to because I still like to read when I have a quiet moment.

I think it's a good idea and very generous to think of those that do not use the internet. You could sell advertising spots in the paper to help offset the costs and hopefully you will break even. I think a quarterly issue would be good, semi-annually is too far in between, there's a lot happens in 6 months. For 4 issues a year I would be looking at $10-12 subscription fee per year.

And Jim Streeter is an exception to the rules, he's the "Internet Kid." I tried and tried to get my mother to use the internet and she just wouldn't do it. I have an older sister that STILL refuses to use the internet, there are plenty of people that just will not do it so a paper might be a good idea. Maybe you should speak more to your customers than us tech savvy gurus.

Jim,

Thanks very much. That is good input...and you are right...Mr. Streeter you ARE an exception in addition to being exceptional!'

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Founder/Creator - RacersReunion®

This is indeed my fear, but it is one of those things that has been bugging me for a while. I created RR for that purpose, but miss a large portion of those who care because they have not given in to the cyber world. Many tell me they've gotten along without it til now and have no intent to start. But some have asked for and gotten help to get computers and get on the net because of us.


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Founder/Creator - RacersReunion®

Yes PKL, getting the word out, I think, would be the biggest challenge. But there is a company here at the beach who recently gave me hope. They are doing very well with a collection of print and online mags. One of them you see displayed here on the site "Waccamaw Outdoors". Another of their most popular mags is called "Transitions" that is targeted to the senior audience.


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Founder/Creator - RacersReunion®

Hi Jeff..glad I caught your post. Quarterly will keep it fresh and updated. Economy is bad but for most a good read takes the everyday away..cost should be affordable but competative with others as I am sure it will be a great seller. RacersReunionScene..sounds great. Offline paper goes a long way on the front porch...even give us online users a chance to relax without the screen. There is something to be said about a friend sharing things in person..strikes up conversation and good memories shared. Isn't that a big partof RacersReunion Jeff..remembering the ones that gave us the passion of racing? Paper can be passed on...maybe even saved for that special interest someone wants to pass on or even discuss up close and personal. Good luck! Linda

I have read all of the opinions given so far and each has it's own merit. The biggest problem I see is in distribution, getting the mag to places where people can buy them and not just advertising it online. I think there is still a place for printed material. Whether it is cost prohibitve is another thing. I think done as a collectors type mag, or perhaps an anuual that could be larger in format and number of pages would work. I think our market, although narrow, has a market for this type of thing. It really hasn't been done before. I would wait until the economy shows improvement, whick may take some time but will before we reach our non-reachable social security. I still like having an item to hold in my hand and take with me. Let's face it, you can't take a computer to the bathroom with you, but I'm sure that will be coming soon too. Depending on how frequent it would publish, around $4.00-$5.00 an issue, or perhaps $10.00-$15.00 for an annual. I really like the annual idea more. Maybe something like Vintage RacersReunion, or RacersReunion Historical Annual would tell more about our nich.

A tough call there sir---yes there are old soles out there that still read and enjoy especially in racing.

This could be done on a need to basis quarterly with with requests taken by phone mail or internet then you could run off the required copies and mail them, if it takes off then look into the distribution factor.Would $10.00 an issue cover the costs initially ??

Thanks very much! All your comments are appreciated. There are two things that seem to be laying at me feet every time I turn around...this magazine and my idea of creating a Vintage Championship Series (VCS). I'm just wondering do I continue to push them out of the way or pick them up and do something. Perhaps BB you provided the solution by combining the two. Only problem is the VCS is expensive...lol.


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Founder/Creator - RacersReunion®

Jeff, I think the essence of the concept is dead on. I'm not sure a sufficient number of our senior fans would participate. A common senior mindset: "that was then, as special as it was, it's never coming back. I'm just gonna live with my memories..."

Count me in Jeff i already get about 3 or 4 vintage mags a month im not that old LOL but it would be neat to get a mag that lets us no whats going on because my comp will go down from time to time and i no on RR that there are people from NY to FL and east to west i think quartly would be good or even once a month would be good i will get in on a subscription

I think it is a great idea

Well, "Sweet Daddy-J" I have a lot of thoughts on this...it is always difficult to make this kind of decision. Weighing pros and cons...start up costs, planning, marketing. Online vs print form, or both? Would there be a charge for the online version?

I think the printed version would work. Why? Think of all the racing people who are not on the internet. Think of the people who still like to read the newspaper. Think of the people who do like to strut down memory lane in printed form. Even I like tosit down with a magazine or a bookwithout clicking buttons to read about a particular area of interest. Look at all the large companies who still print their own magazines who also have a great deal of info available to people online. It's all about down time for each individual. Time management.

In short, I am all for it! Sign me up and I know several others who would sign up "site" unseen!

Ok, my opinion. I love to read so the concept is a great idea to me. But, having said that, I realize the burdenis not mine to bear. The one thing I think would make such a production OUTSTANDING is to include Ray Lamb and may Ed Sanseverino photograph in each issue. These two gentlemen have photographs that are priceless and having those in a magazine would be awesome. Better for me than on the computer. I like the idea, but, again, it is no expense to me except the subscription.

Tim

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What a change! It's been awhile since I've checked in and I'm quite surprised. It may take me awhile to figure it our but first look it's really great.

Well Jeff, since you asked for it here's my two cents worth. But be warned it is probably worth far less than that.

1. Is it really the technology or the content that has caused publications to fail? My guess would be the content. I think it is more about the demographics and I have no clue as to the size of a group that would be interested in a special interest or themed publication like this. My guess is that it is always changing, people leaving and new ones coming in. I'll use myself as an example, when I was racing I wanted to have the most current racing magazine that might could help me so I kept a subscription of Circle Track. When I was no longer racing I dropped it because my subscription budge was spent on other interest. Now, I would subscribe to this publication because it is my current interest. Obviously production cost can only be handled with a large enough volume of sales so demographics are key. But I suspect that you know all this already and are thinking that the numbers just might be there or you would not still be considering it.

2. I like Billy Biscoe's idea about covering the B&B Vintage Racing and would suggest that not only sharing content from online RR but dedicate one issue to the RR/Memory Lane Hall of Fame each year so then I would think it would need to be quarterly.

3. I'm the wrong one to ask about the price of admission. I tend to go by what's in my pocket at the time.

4. Racing Thru History. Rats that's be taken, well anything with RacersReunion in it will be good with me.

Sometimes it is not about how good the idea is but it's about the man putting the idea into practice. Does the fact that I'm posting this on RacersReunion tell you anything?

jeff,it would be honor to have racersreuion magazine.i like old school i ilike to have paper in hand

I like it Jeff I need something to replace my stock car subscription when it runs out anyway.It has gotten very hi tech and is getting boring. Or maybe it's way over my head !!!!!