BCM Community

Any of you guys in the loop know what is going on with our beloved magazine I just recvied my November issues and it has gone from 70 pages to 30 pages in 1 month. I know Dennis said changes were being made but this ? is the magazine leaving us, the Nov issues unless I am missing it has no form for renewals and mine is due next month   Good Luck

I hope not,I just renewed mine for an additional year last month. First class as I look forward to the mag every week

I have not recieved mine as of yet for nov I hope its still going to be around. Alot of info for newbies

I noticed some of the advertisers like Peninsula Windows and Marathon are gone maybe more, could be Mike wants to do the electronic version it would be a lot cheaper for him   sorry but Motion window is still a advertiser  good luck

With the current state of the RV ecnonomy and the economy as a whole advertisers are probably cutting back.  If advertisers cut back you either reduce the number of pages or increase subscription rates.

I work at a newspaper and our ad revenue is quickly going bye bye.  The newspaper I work at currently uses less than half the tonnage of paper as we did seven or eight years ago.  Some of the reduction is reduced page width and thinner paper, but a fair bit is less advertising and therefore less news.

Belfert, a 40 page cut in 1 month is huge to me    good luck

Wow! that is a reduction of more than 50%.  We are still on the road but will get home Sunday or Monday to see our copy.  Jack

    Sure hate to see it's demise - but the quality has really gone down hill over the last year.  Just one of the reasons I did not renew this year.  Kinda had a feeling this was going to happen.

Progress has been slow on my conversion - did not think BCM would be around long enough for me to submit a centerfold.

Hi Guy's,

I too am dissapointed with my Nov. edition... I do know that the RV industry is under strain but, the printing busisness is entirely different.

I think that Mike has not found a buyer yet for the mag. and has lost alot of intrest in it. It's a shame to see it die out..

I would love to see someone purchace it from him because the mag has alot of value to us all here on the bbs. I see lots of new venues and

directions it could take. If my hands were not so full, I would concider taking it on but, no can do now...

Hopes for better times ahead
Nick-

I have not received ours yet, but then again I'm in the middle of Texas. ::)

If the mag size has changed that much, that's not a good sign. Wonder if they will refund our money if it goes under? What a shame, I was hoping to see our Eagle in the centerfold in a couple of years! ;)

I just hope that someone will pick it up and keep it going! :)

Paul

I got my online copy of the mag and usually read it there before the hard copy shows up.

Have not finished reading it online yet but what I have read looks good.

I am sure that there will be hiccups as they make changes and try to remain profitable.

A little patience and optimism goes a long way in my opinion.

I try and support the advertisers that show up and the magazine in general.

Just my way.

Melbo

i agree with Melbo.  i have faith and did renew my  subscription for another year, pdf version, since we may be on the road more in the future(?) depending on fuel, etc.  it took 2 weeks and a reminder phone call to get the November issue emailed, but i'm happy with the response from the office and Chad.

i'm sure Dennis reads the BBS.  a little support from those of us that use the bbs and subscribe to the mag would probably be helpful to them.

Fuel has hit us all hard, then the stock market decline lessoned the pot to draw fuel and travel money out of.  more RV's for sale and less travel means some advertisers may be cutting back instead of doing more to attract scarce dollars.  there are also a lot more web dollars which are less expensive and trackable instead of magazine dollars.  We should remember which advertisors are still supporting us in the mag, with your puchases.

my 2 cents.

I just renewed mine for an additional year for 67$ CND...It's very expensive for the magazine in going down...Must I regret my renew? I hope not....I like this magazine and my girlfriend too...for the "Miss" each month ;D (I'm jaleous! ;D ;D)

Yes I hear that Most of the RV manufactures in Elkhart IN have folded. I hope Mike can survive, Good suggestion on digital copy only. I will wait and see, but if less pages helps the Mag survive then so be it.

John

It is human to not miss the water...... till the well runs dry.

I would hardly say most RV manufacturers have gone under.  A number of smaller RV makers have gone under, but Fleetwood, Coachmen, Thor, Winnebago, Monaco, Country Coach, Forest River, Tiffin and others are still surviving. 

Most have cut back employment and production with a number closing in the Elkhart area to consolidate production elsewhere.

I wouldn't bank on Fleetwood being around very much longer - FWIW

Belfer,

Sorry I should have said the Elkhart area, as it is like a Ghost town,

John

One of the ones in Oregon crashed even before the big US crash, I forget which one but it was a biggie.

Alfa-SeeYa owned by Crean's son - FWIW

Bus Nuts,

Don't panic.  The delays in shipping have been partly due to the steep learning curve I have experienced as I have assumed the art director responsibilities and the restructuring of the magazine.

You will notice significant changes this month.  In the November editor's message, Dennis Myers does an excellent job of explaining the "what's and why's" so I will refrain from presenting a similar discourse.

As the new art director, it is my job to continue to deliver the same amount of content in a fewer number pages.  I believe we have succeeded in creating a magazine that has made a more efficient use of the BCM canvas, while maintaining the integrity of our content, and improving our look.

I will continue to work hard to deliver the content that the BCM community has grown to expect.  I'll need some help, though, in the form of feedback. I welcome it all.

Together we can continue to keep this 17 year old publication alive. It is my hope that can we slowly rebuild our advertising base, and thus boost our page count and deliver even more content.

As a sign of good faith, I will email the December issue as a .pdf to any subscribers at no additional cost.  You will receive your magazine sent electronically by the 18th of November or sooner.  Just send your request to chad@busconversions.com

Thanks,
Chad

Chad,

Thank you for your hard work and your responce. After receiving the mag for nearly 17 years I can say its had its ups and downs, but always has info and articles on my 25 year old hobby.

Even the very old articles were fabulous, maybe you could cut and past and add one of these in every once in a while?

John

I don't received my magazine (november) yet. Almost my renew (october) has been charged in my credit card. I still wait...Quebec is so far..... ;D

I asked to be converted to email.  Every little bit counts, I hope.  Personally, I find the hard copy easier to peruse but I must be old school.  I'm old everything else.

John

I have not received October or November yet. Contacted Dennis who refered it to a Karen but still have not received anything after over a week. It seems strange that no one would at least notify us on the board if they are having some problems.

I have received my copy and it is smaller. So is my Farmer stockman, and My northern hydraulics master catalogue. Probably a sign of the times. I did think the pictures of centerfold were much sharper and glossier.
   Big John

What's the problem with BCM? I send message by mail and I have no answer! What a lot of bull(edited)!

The bill is passed on my credit card but the magazine is not in the boxmail!!!!! RRRRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! It will be the last year this renew...BCM is not serious company.....

Gaëtan Girard
St-Casimir (Portneuf)
Quebec, Canada


Gaëtan, I am sending Mike a link to this.  I certainly understand your frustration, but please let's try to keep the language civil here.

November 20th and I still havn't recieved my november issue, guess I won't be getting one.

I see that I'm not alone in the boat! I have just sending a message at JeromeBettis. I wait his answer and explanation....Curiously, I have received my renew "just in time" (for my cash $$$$ may be!)

Why we will put each name of member here who don't received his BCM yet (november 20th)?

I begin.....(just copy the post....)

1. Gaëtan Girard (Le Mirage), Quebec, Canada

Mine renews in Dec and after 16 years no more for me sad in oneway but like they say all good things come to a end,the same with his rallies at one time where the very best you could ask for     
good luck

I do not understand the lack of compassion. We're not talking huge sums of money here.
We all know times are tough & that the magazine serves a limited market. & as it seems a fair weather market at that!

I know how disappointing it is to not get what you paid for, but it isn't like he is actively trying to defraud anyone. . . . Or is that what you think?

What is the benefit in kicking him when he is down? Seems a better approach would be to offer valid suggestions on improvement. The bitchin' & moaning don't serve to elevate anything.


I would have thought that we, as a busnut community, would be more eager to stand behind (or at least beside) a fellow busnut to help strengthen this great hobby!

I, for one, am so glad that BCM is so different from the Good Sam rag & I get ZERO spam from BCM & still get tons from good sam.

I renewed my first class subscription & feel it was one of the better deals I have gotten lately.

Kyle, I have never kicked Mike when he was down, I have supported him in all of his endeavors over the years.But it hard to have compassion for someone that has lost instrest in his product.I subscribed to a magazine of his that was far better than the BCM it included airplanes,boats and buses filled with great information in fact I got ideas to do my conversion from it and one day it was gone with no warning.Only Mike knows what is going to happen with magazine and knowing him he is not going to tell ,if he doesn't find a buyer I think it will cease to be in the very short future.      good luck

I'm not sure if anyone is kicking anyone over this, I'm disappointed but thats all, I pay for 12 issues a year, in the last 12 months I've gotten 7 out of the 12, not a real good record but if it were a batting average it would still be pretty good.

Kyle,

   I think that what most subscribers are "bitching" (as you say) about, is the communication gap.  I personally don't think it would take but a moment to make a post here.  Even if its like hey guys I know your mags are late but hang in there as we are reorganizing or something like that.  I am old school in agreements and it don't mater if its a nickel or 500 dollars, if you pay for something you should receive it or at the very least an explanation as to why you didn't get it.  It doesn't cost a dime to talk and I can tell you that to get the money for the subscriptions the subscribers had to do a little more than talking or typing.  Just my nickels worth.  

Quote from: dkhersh on November 20, 2008, 08:09:22 AM
...if you pay for something you should receive it or at the very least an explanation as to why you didn't get it.  It doesn't cost a dime to talk and I can tell you that to get the money for the subscriptions the subscribers had to do a little more than talking or typing.  Just my nickels worth.  

I'm agree with you! My question is: "Why <nobody> take a time for to answer my mail?" Two time, I sent a mail for having information almost I paid for my subscription! I must write here for to have an answer (I hope).
If BCM have some problem actually, I think that I can understand the situation with explanation...but, many busnut, have received her magazine. Not me! Why?????

(Sorry, I don't speak english very well but I try...)

La Mirage; I love your english working in south Louisiana reminds me of the Cajun,Acadian and the Creole language spoken there great people in our part of the world         have a great day

Quote from: makemineatwostroke on November 20, 2008, 08:48:39 AM
La Mirage; I love your english working in south Louisiana reminds me of the Cajun,Acadian and the Creole language spoken there great people in our part of the world         have a great day

You make my day!

Quebec city (Canada) is french like France whitout their bad character.  ::)
Beautiful place in summer only... ;D

Come to visit us with your bus...

Call it what you like, but in my opinion, IF advertising you aren't renewing because you feel the mag isn't going to be around isn't kicking, I'd hate to be on the receiving end of what you do call kicking.  :o

If I have contract with company 'X' that isn't being satisfied, I will direct my concerns to the company, not the customer base.

My definitions:
If you are 'sharing' your problems in a negative manner to uninvolved parties, that's bitching.
If you are 'sharing' your difficulties in a positive manner, it ain't.



Posting "how does one go about contacting BCM concerning missed issues?" Ain't bitching.

Posting "the magazine is not what it used to be since I'm not getting what I paid for". Is bitching.



If someone is in a tough spot, I don't see how negative public criticism is going to help lift them up, on the contrary, I see it as adding to the burden.

Sometimes a little encouragement goes a long way. . . . .



But, that is only my opinion . . . . & what do I know?




With all the negativity here . . . .
Even a dog knows to stay away from a cat fight.  ;)

Kyle, call it kicking or what ever you want but I subscribe to the electronic version and the hard copy. I have attended every rally Mike has had over the years even one that didn't happen in Ca can you say that I don't think so and if you have all the answers Mikes needs your help with his problems so please help him solve it.   good luck

wow, nice attitude
:'(  :'(  :'(

To see all the past efforts & history so easily discarded. . . .
I guess it is easy to be a supporter when times are good . . . .

I'm sad to say I became a busnut too late to have been able to attend Mike's rallies. How would that change anything anyway?

Never EVER would I claim to have the answer, but I have been known to spot the wrong tool for the job.


luvrbus, I hope you find more compassion from others if you are ever in need. . . . .


I gonna try to give this dead horse a rest now. . . . (Maybe, I'll look for another to ride.  ;D )

Compassion from others that wiil never be a problem knowing Clifford for 60 years.It is out of character for him maybe he is having a bad day and you pushed the wrong button like I do sometimes. BTW I am not going to renew again in Feb they do need to make some changes in the BCM along with public relations   

have a great day

This horse has been buried long before now.   Just watch.

QuoteAs a sign of good faith, I will email the December issue as a .pdf to any subscribers at no additional cost.  You will receive your magazine sent electronically by the 18th of November or sooner.  Just send your request to chad@busconversions.com

How many of you that requested this electronic magazine, did or did not receive it on or before the 18 of November.

dk; have you received yours I haven't in the spam or regular boxes I hope the magazine stays around but in today's economics who knows.I read on another board that it was going to be quarterly publication after the 1st of the year anybody here this.   

Gaëtan
Prevost, Le Mirage, 1982
Quebec, Canada
La solitude a un prix mais la liberté n'a pas de prix!
Vivre et laisser vivre

Gaetan,
     I do not speak French, (some say I don't even speak good English).  Could you tell me what the French in you tag translates to?  Thanks Jack

literal

  The solitude has a price but freedom is priceless
   Live and let Live

Skip

Quote from: skipn on November 20, 2008, 04:20:40 PM
literal
     The solitude has a price but freedom is priceless
   Live and let Live
Skip

Thanks Skip.    Jack

In the grand scheme of things, between the mag (which i started subscribing to pre-bus) and this board i have gotten more than my moneys worth.  In the past, missed mags were shipped right out,  and the quality picks/paper have been good,  advertizing is there but not way too much.     So Mike is making changes and im sure he has reason.  

Anyway, this mag wasn't that bad but it has been so good in the past we have high expectation.


I don't understand the selling, but may be he'll sell it to hugh hefner and it can be:

i renewed my subscription, just for the email pdf.  got it within 2 weeks in my email from chad.  i also wanted to see the mag and told them so when i subscribed, just the nov. version since luvrbus told me i was one of the stars.
that came also.

i don't know if i'll get a year out of them.  it  is much smaller, less advertising.  but i like this bullitin board and i'm willing to give up $40 in hopes it will generate an even better magazine when the economy gets better.  i'd rather $40 for BCM than $25B for execs in private jets and $80 union reps.

we ran an ad last year because Dennis gave me a deal for a couple months.  no one bought anything or even inquired, so we dropped the ad.  i would have thought someone needed either internet or TV, but didn't happen.

maybe other advertisers had the same experience.  subscriptions alone don't publish at a profit.  Advertisor don't advertise if they don't show some successes from the readership.  how many of you bought your TV antenna at camping world.  how many of you have seen Camping Worlds ad in BCM.  that's a rhetorical question.. i really don't want an answer, just making a point.  the camparison may not be accurate.  you may be getting stuff from wrico for all i know.

in

Well guys I got my Nov magazine & for the life of me I don't know what all the grousing was about.  I thought it was a much higher quality publication than I have come to love and expect from MAK - hardly any typos, obvious dropped or added lines and all in all a pretty good piece of work.  

I spent a couple of years working for a farm publication and -------- NEWSFLASH ----------- magazines are editorial filling in the spaces where the ads aren't.  I don't know what MAK's ad ratio is and its none of my business what it should be.  If somebody has nothing to do then collect about 30 or 40 back issues and count the column inches of ads as well as the total number of pages, including editorial.  If you don't want to do the math then post the numbers and I'll do it for you.  My guess is that the ad ratio has been too low and they are moving it up.  That's called good business in the publishing world.

We received our Nov issue a couple of days ago and I think it looks classy. I'm not sure why so many of us have delivery problems, we have been receiving People magazine for the past couple of months and we didn't even subscribe then they send us a bill! ??? I don't think so! That's one gossip filled rag! ::) I would pay for BCM anyday before that crap!

It would be nice if Chad would respond here or send PM's  to get our questions answered.

Happy Trails,

Paul

Quote from: skipn on November 20, 2008, 04:20:40 PM


literal

  The solitude has a price but freedom is priceless
   Live and let Live

Skip

Right!
I wrote the first sentence (because) after my wife, in october 2006, has prefered our neighbour. I got out with my old bags, my dog and...my "bus". Actually, I attend my legally divorce (money and paper) ;D
The second sentence: you'll be agree with me? (loll)

My problem is:

1. I paid for my renew in october
2. I have not received my magazine yet (november 21th).
3. I sent 2 mail and no answer.

May be the postman is on the long side of the road (shoulder) with the tumb over head with my magazine in his bag...Please, give him a lift! ;D

NB. I love this magazine and I'm anxious each month before pick up it in my boxmail...

LaMirage I ordered a subscription in September and after weeks of no answers I had my credit card carrier charge back the amount, you will receive an answer if that approach is taken.   

David

I received and read the November issue last week, and I agree that it is much improved.  Smaller, yes, but more compact and concise.  The letter from the editor explained that they've reformatted the number of columns, putting more information on the page.  In other words, they've reduced the white space, and by definition, white space doesn't contain information.  

I don't keep track of delivery times - but I do also note that my Motor Bus Society, Boston Street Railway Association, and other publications can't be used to set a clock, or even a calendar.  Gaetan, we've found that cross-border mail (relatives in New Brunswick/ Nova Scotia) can sometimes have great delays - so that may be part of the problem.  One suggestion - if Mike, Dennis, or ? post a message here - ______ issue was mailed on _______; we'll know when it should arrive.  If the post office delays the mail, that's out of their control.

Frankly, I consider my subscription to the magazine as payment to help keep this bulletin board up and running.  I don't know what the economics are, but my thought is that we all get so much free information, advise, etc. here; but someone is bearing the costs of the servers, bandwidth, etc.  If I want this board to continue, I feel I should somehow contribute to the costs - and since I'm not going to buy another bus, the subscription seems the only way.

Arthur  

Gaëtan,
    Knew there was more to the story Thanks :)

  I think I have recieved 0ne issue since I moved.........My own fault.
Don't want to go through the hassle of trying to get the new address updated with them.

   Not really like I got to read it anyways. Turns out the grand daughter loves to pull out
all pictures of Eagles and then hides them :O
  By the time I get a chance to read it pages are missing.

Skip

Hey Skip,

We moved last March, I sent an email to BCM on the address change and the next issue was delivered to our new address, didn't miss a beat! ;)

HTH,

Paul

Paul,

   Sure rub it in...I promise to get organized :)

  But what do I do about the little Eagle thief.....Especially if
there is an Eagle ornament in the picture.......2 yrs old and
she is already learning the difference. There's just no hope
I suppose I'll have to sell my MCI and get an Eagle........
Maybe I'll get an Eagle Emblem and put it on the front of my
bus.....There already is a great big Eagle of one on the back.

Think that would qualify me for one of those special groups  ;D

  Have a Great weekend

  Skip
 

Skip, What a great idea, sell your MCI and buy and Eagle! ::) Then you won't have any more little gremlins stealing your Eagle stuff cause she will want to drive it! ;D

Happy Thanksgiving! (Wanted to make sure I was the first!)  :D

Paul

Skip,

If you want to switch to an Eagle, I should have a box of it around here somewhere.

Dallas,

    You sure that's not a picture of one of them fangled modernistic art hanging
at the googenhiem?
    They're all 6 and 7 figures............A wealth right there ina box.

   I'd save that box if I was you.........Might be worth a fortune.

    Probably not this winter but you going to make it to the rockies?
    I hear there is a eagle gathering in MT this July we see if we could sneak in
    and fill up some more boxes   I'll build my Eagle one box at a time :)
     even take pictures............Now if I can only find a portable foundry  ;)

   A true green bus I'm sure

Skip

 

HEY Dallas no bad mouthing any brand of bus here.

Melbo

Quote from: Dallas on November 21, 2008, 04:16:57 PM
Skip,

If you want to switch to an Eagle, I should have a box of it around here somewhere.

;D :D ;D

Hey Dallas, that looks like my red dust! How the heck did you get it???????

;D

Now Dallas...you are a bad bad man!
If that would have been Tekebird that made that post we would have been attending a funeral in Mechanicsburg next week and about a dozen Rust...I mean Eagle owners in the Mechanicsburg Jail! ;D
Jack

Quote from: jackhartjr on November 21, 2008, 07:54:59 PM
Now Dallas...you are a bad bad man!
If that would have been Tekebird that made that post we would have been attending a funeral in Mechanicsburg next week and about a dozen Rust...I mean Eagle owners in the Mechanicsburg Jail! ;D
Jack

Now that is funny! At least I know Dallas has good intentions...............I think anyway........... ::)

I do not know much about a Eagle but when they are done right they are 1 of the most beautiful buses on the road and this is coming from one that owns a H-45 that looks likes a Monoco RV 

David

Quote from: skipn on November 21, 2008, 07:02:39 AM

  I think I have recieved 0ne issue since I moved.........My own fault.
Don't want to go through the hassle of trying to get the new address updated with them.

   Not really like I got to read it anyways. Turns out the grand daughter loves to pull out
all pictures of Eagles and then hides them :O
  By the time I get a chance to read it pages are missing.

Skip

My DECEMBER arrived this morning!!!  i haven't even read it yet, but wanted to post that i had it.  Came in from my buddy Chad in my email.

This would solve both your problems, skip.  it would arrive via email no matter where you are as long as your email stays the same, and it would be tough for your grandaughter to remove all the Eagle pics until you printed them out. 

Since you wouldn't easily be able to do that (print), your best bet is to actually get a fine bus.  however, i'd be careful of Dallas' method.  from what i hear, the orange stuff also accumulates underneath certain other brands, although Eagles appear to be more prolific.  Dallas' box of stuff might have other brands like MCI or Van Hool mixed in and you'd end up with some mix like a Dina or something. :o :o :D

I usually have good intentions, at least I have tried to have good intentions...

And yes it's all in fun, after all, as the saying goes...

Ashes to ashes,
and Dust to Dust,
If wasn't for Eagles,
My GM could rust!
           ;) ;D ;)

Quote from: Dreamscape on November 21, 2008, 08:15:35 PM

Quote from: jackhartjr on November 21, 2008, 07:54:59 PM
Now Dallas...you are a bad bad man!
If that would have been Tekebird that made that post we would have been attending a funeral in Mechanicsburg next week and about a dozen Rust...I mean Eagle owners in the Mechanicsburg Jail! ;D
Jack

Now that is funny! At least I know Dallas has good intentions...............I think anyway........... ::)

Quote from: Dallas on November 21, 2008, 04:16:57 PM
Skip,
If you want to switch to an Eagle, I should have a box of it around here somewhere.

;D :D ;D

Gee Dallas,
   You sure that is from an Eagle.  Thay looks like what came out of the front of our MC-8 below the windshield.   Jack

When I saw the rust I went out to our GMC and made sure it wasn't GGOONNEE! LOL
Jack

Yup, that's honest Eagle stuff... along with a bit of Setra stuff, but hey, they are brethrens and cisterns. It came from a little shop in Western Tennessee when an unnamed bus nut from waaaaayyy up north brought the snow and sleet with him.

I won't mention any names, as that would not let the anomalous donor keep his/her privacy.

DF

Quote from: JackConrad on November 22, 2008, 05:42:23 AM

Quote from: Dallas on November 21, 2008, 04:16:57 PM
Skip,
If you want to switch to an Eagle, I should have a box of it around here somewhere.

;D :D ;D

Gee Dallas,
   You sure that is from an Eagle.  Thay looks like what came out of the front of our MC-8 below the windshield.   Jack

I will say that in the past when I called BCM I got a live person on the phone every time, but last week I tried several times during normal business hours, and all I got was a recording. I did not care for that at all, and I was going to get a subscription for a Christmas present, plus buy some back issues, but I'm wondering if they are even there at all.  I think I might just hang onto my money, and see what happens, or I'll just use the money to subscribe to Farm Show a great little mag for the do it yourself kind of guy.

WvaNative

I apologize for the lack of response to  your calls.  I assure you that although BCM is in a transition phase we are alive and well and putting out a magazine with improved quality and a preservation of content integrity that readers have come to expect when reading BCM.

If you'd like an electronic copy on the house.  Let me know. I'd be glad to send one out to you for your troubles.

Chad
BCM Art Director

Hi Chad, I would love to see what an electronic version looks like.
jackhartjr@aol.com
Thanks a ton!
Jack

Chad, thanks for your reply but some of us are getting upset over when we have a question about the magazine nobody will answer and we know you guys read the board.Why is there no renewal form in the magazine any longer Mike has always wanted you to renew early so you wouldn't miss a issue I am just asking a question here.

Quote from: luvrbus on November 22, 2008, 01:58:39 PM
Chad, thank your reply but some of us are getting upset over when we have a question about the magazine nobody will answer and we know you guys read the board.Why is there no renewal form in the magazine any longer Mike has always wanted you to renew early so you wouldn't miss a issue I am just asking a question here.

While I don't know the reasons why the print magazine doesn't have the renewal card in it, I do have good news for many about online subscription/renewals.  I am in the process now of rebuilding the BCM website.  One of several new site features will be a new fully automated subscription system with some great new functionality:

• It is fully automated.  This removes human error from the handling of subscription renewal/expirations.
• It can accept online subscriptions/renewals with secure online payment processing or you can still mail in a check.
• You can log in and change your mailing address at any time and the change is made instantly in the system.
• Subscribers to the email version can log in and download their copy if they don't get the email.

Other new features include:

• An improved online classifieds system with some great rates and free listings under $150.
• An e-store for buying back issues and even the current issue for immediate download (and possibly some BCM and bus related novelty merchandise soon).  Maybe even some bus conversion books.
• Other bus related free content to be available soon to registered site members.

Also, there will be a post in the forum and a notation made on the forum's calendar each month when the print magazine mails out.

Quote from: JeromeBettis on November 22, 2008, 01:49:08 PM
I apologize for the lack of response to  your calls.  I assure you that although BCM is in a transition phase we are alive and well and putting out a magazine with improved quality and a preservation of content integrity that readers have come to expect when reading BCM.

If you'd like an electronic copy on the house.  Let me know. I'd be glad to send one out to you for your troubles.

Chad
BCM Art Director

Chad, I would love to accept your offer for an electronic copy on the house to my email, because I was planning on buying a subscription, and four back issues each month. I would also enjoy having a phone number that would be answered by a real person if possible.

Dean Hamilton
WVaNative

I have enjoyed the fruits of this forum and have not given anything in return so I subscribed to the magazine just now. Done thru Magazines.com. The ship to address line will not accept my full address so I had to split between two lines. I hope it works that way FWIW.

In the November issue, there was no subscription card.  This certainly was not be design; Simply an oversight.  The magazine renewal form has returned for December and as posted today, our website will soon have a feature to renew on line.

Apologies.

Chad
BCM

Instead of complaining why not contribute some information or articles to the magazine. Maybe we could have a few pages of conversions that are already done or on progress. I once did a club newsletter and I can tell you it isn't easy trying to constantly come up with things to put into it. If the population doesn't participate and only complains what progress are we making to help improve the magazine and share information with other readers.

Ok Guys, I am here to report that Chad was true to his word, and waiting in my email box first thing this morning was a copy of the Dec 08 issue of BCM. This will be the very first issue I will have ever read or for that matter I have ever seen. Chad I want to thank you for the free issue, I plan to begin reading as soon as I finish this note to you guys. Chad I will contact you very soon to place a order for more as I think you have gone out of your way to service a customer, and to build some confidence in your magazine. 

Dean
WvaNative