http://busconversions.com/mag/BCM_November2011/ (http://busconversions.com/mag/BCM_November2011/)
Here's a link to the November issue in a flip format that we are thinking of using on the new website. Check it out. and let us know your thoughts. On the next version the ads will link to the advertisers. Were are working on a new classified ad syetme, just sign in with email and write ad, simple I hope.
mak
Thanks for working to keep this great magazine alive!
I found the new flip format not much to my liking, since I have a sl-o-o-o-w internet connection and simply flipping pages took quite a while to load. If I had a fast connection and was using a larger desktop screen, I would probably like it just fine. (Instead I use mostly an 8.9-inch Acer Aspire One. They call them "netbooks" or "mini notebooks".)
Also, the downloadable PDF format you have been using seems easier to use on my Android phone.
My two pesos' worth.
The insulation article still appears to be cutoff in both formats. My two cents...
Right hand side of page is cut off on my mine, tried several things to get the page on screen, no go. Changed to 75%, tried 125% still not getting the entire page, it's 2:30 AM maybe thats my problem.
Rick
I like it, but I suggest making the page turning sound 'off' by default. It's loud and doesn't sound like a page being turned sounds. I still think the PDF should be offered as well at the same price so subscribers get both automatically, because I have faith I will be able to read a PDF from today in 20 years. This online magazine company you're using for display, I have faith they won't be here in 20 years.
I have Radio Shack catalogs from 30 years ago that I keep for nostalgia. I'm sure I'll do the same with all my BCM magazines. PDF has been around a long time, and it's entrenched. It will be here in 20 years I am certain.
I say that even if Adobe shuts down or is acquired.
Kevin Warnock
http://kevinwarnock.com (http://kevinwarnock.com) - my blog
The file appears complete to me so it's interesting to hear that other people are having problems viewing the whole thing.
I hadn't come across 'aXmag' before, but there is lots of this sort of DIY software out there. I can't immediately see the 'save' or 'print' options in the aXmag interface - it's usual for a heavily watermarked PDF version to be available through the Flash interface, but you might have turned this option off.
For the paid version of BCM you might consider the different approach of using a digital magazine bureau (I would suggest Yudu or Issuu) - as well as technical advantages (hosting, more robust software, automatic publication in PC / iPad / Android versions etc) your publication is also made available for sale through their outlets (ie. website and Apps), which gives you greater exposure and the opportunity for a new income stream.
Different bureaus use different pricing models so it's worth looking at several to see what will be most cost effective for BCM. The big boys in the market are of course Zinio, who in turn offer further sales advantages (eg, they have an army of affiliates taking their product feed and working hard to sell everything in it via thousands of other websites).
Jeremy
I prefer it to the PDF if only because you can see the full spread as opposed to its being cut into single page views as the PDF.
This provider does seem slow. I've not seen a flip page magazine do that white page -load bar thing elsewhere.
Really made the magazine pop though!
PDF all the way! I have the ability to search all the files and pull only the articles with key words. Makes searching a specific topic very easy.
Keep up the good work. It is always nice to see the ownership willing to try new things to meet the needs of customers.
8) :o :( ;D :D
Grant
Running on Linux, with Chrome, displaying to a 23" monitor, it was beautiful.
-jbn
Quote from: grantgoold on November 15, 2011, 04:48:52 AM
PDF all the way! I have the ability to search all the files and pull only the articles with key words. Makes searching a specific topic very easy.
That only works with certain types of PDF of course (or, to be more accurate, PDFs that are created in a certain way). It should certainly always be possible with PDFs created directly from the original source material, as in the case of current and future BCM issues. But it probably wouldn't be the case (unless labourious extra work was done) if older BCM issues were scanned and turned into PDFs.
Either way, the Flash page-flipper interfaces usually have the search facility built into them, although not in this case apparently. And another advantage of the bureau-type service I mentioned earlier is that you can then search the entire library, not just individual issues.
Jeremy
Bells and whistles don't make a magazine Mike. I quit subscribing because I was reading the same old articles by the same old authors. Its content that makes a magazine.
It worked very well on my setup but with a 15 inch monitor it was to small to read. and ditto on bobof the north
Same here Bob you can dress a pig just so many ways
Would rather spend bus money on bus than buy equipment to make it possible for me to read mag on. You are to high tech with this online crap! Computer Dumb! You are pushing many of us away for good. Bob Enjoy computer savy guys
I like the fact you see the whole magazine diplayed. My computer had no trouble flipping the pages and my screen is large enough that I could easily read it. I like this the best for me. I do like the pdf so that I can save it forever. I did save this format but I'm guessing it is only as good as the web page stays active. I like the fact you are trying to improve the viewing pleasure. More people might read it online if it is easy to do. However, I like my print copies best of all.
Mike
LOL I am having problems with Adobe hell I cannot even read the online version I paid for
For the folks who find the text too small - that's what the zoom button is for!
For the luddites who think 'online' is "to (sic) high tech" - there's no button to fix that...
I agree with the comments about the content, and have said so before at length. BUT content and delivery go hand-in-hand, and BCM are absolutely right to be looking at better ways of delivering the on-line version - get the delivery right and income and circulation goes up, which will pay for the better content, attract more advertisers, and the rest of the virtuous circle that follows.
Jeremy
Don't know what Luddites are! sort of offended. I'm 65 yrs old like building buses and sharing experiences but like the time, resources, and yes desire to become a computer literate person to enjoy these things. I feel I speak for at least 1/3 or more of the people involved here. So I guess time will tell. So does this mean I have no valueable skills because I have no desire to be computer/I phone skilled? Just plain old simple me. Bob By the way I use spell check.
Nobody has said the print version is going away yet. The online version can be posted the very same day it is finished while the printed version takes some time as it has to go to the printer and then it has to be delivered to your house.
I like it but I always print the online version anyway. seems I just need to hold the paper :)
Ok folks, I am a bit upset.
Some of you dump about the content of the magazine. A couple of you even dump and then acknowledge that you have not subscribed for a while.
First, a few of us have worked our tails off to furnish new articles. Yes, we get criticized because they are technical articles written by technical folks. But it is new information that has not been published. Sean has published some wonderful stuff for those that care to learn. I have tried to add stories that I think are of general interest, albeit technical. I do a ton of research for each article and try my darnedest to give useful information with documentation/links so that folks can confirm my thoughts or develop their own.
Next, and this is my real bitch: Where the hell do you think the content comes from? Do you think that authors are lined up to write articles that will somehow meet your expectations?
I guess I had better quit before I piss everybody off!
Jim
question if you had 1 of those smart toilets that is discussed in another thread could you read it on the can?
Rick 74 m c 8
Quote from: robertglines1 on November 15, 2011, 06:38:07 AM
Don't know what Luddites are! sort of offended.
No offence intended. The Luddites were people who tried to stop the spread of new technology during the industrial revolution:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luddite (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luddite)
Quote from: robertglines1 on November 15, 2011, 06:38:07 AM
So does this mean I have no valueable skills because I have no desire to be computer/I phone skilled?
Of course not, but suggesting that BCM shouldn't explore on-line distribution methods is to suggest that no-one else should be allowed the benefits of these just because you don't want them.
Quote from: robertglines1 on November 15, 2011, 06:38:07 AM
By the way I use spell check.
Doesn't help if you use the wrong word..
Jeremy
Didn't say you could not use best technology. Just saying you will leave me and others that do not have money or education behind. Bob Sorry for your loss
The flip format came up beautifully on my 30" screen, and it really made the experience of reading through the 'zine much more rich than browsing through the PDF version.
That said, I do share concerns expressed above about archiving from this format. As spiffy as it is, being able to maintain access to them for the long run is a concern for many of us. If there remains a PDF version available, problem solved.
And, I just happen to have a high speed connection right now - so it was smooth. But that is not always the case for us, so I'm sure it would be a touch annoying when we're roaming somewhere on satellite or 2G speeds. With a PDF, we can download it and then browse it locally, meaning the experience is not affected by our connection speed. (This is probably important for a magazine that targets a decent number of us full-timers whose connection speeds fluctuate.)
At any rate.. greatly appreciate seeing newer technologies being played with, and appreciate the solicitation for feedback. There will always be Luddites (which is no more offensive than calling us 'computer savvy', by the way) who resist change, and there will always be us tech savvy folks pushing for change :) I don't envy anyone the task of finding balance in that.
- Cherie
As far as content goes, I believe in many ways I am a fairly technical person. But not all of your articles are technical. And yet I find all of them interesting. I for one have learned a lot and still have a whole bunch more to learn.
If you don't like some of the articles, may I humbly suggest you try writing a few of your own, and submit them to the magazine.
I am also looking forward to a time when we can buy more back issues. I have already purchased and downloaded what you have available.
On the 'archiving' thing - this is a very valid issue to raise but in fact shouldn't actually be a concern. The page-flipper document is created using proprietary software and viewed in a proprietary viewer, but the source material is a plain-old PDF. The proprietary bits may cease to exist, but the original PDF would remain and could easily be re-constituted in a whatever new and improved form science had to offer at the time. (3D holo-projections anyone? Coming to an iPad near you, and sooner than you think).
The extra bells-and-whistles that come with the page-flipper are not it's main purpose, which is to turn the PDF (which anyone can copy and re-distribute for free) into a document which the publisher can keep control of. As I mention earlier, it is usual for a watermarked PDF to be available for saving or printing through the page-flipper interface. The purpose of the watermarking being of course to dissuade the aforementioned re-distribution.
Jeremy
good example: I made it past the first two sentences and that was it. Barley.
I hope the magazine continues in any format. We all have our like and dislikes, but consensus seems to be that we want it to stay alive. I appreciate the authors that take their time to write something that we can put to use if we choose. I don't like the fact that people need to attack to get their point across. Let's all just take what we can get and appreciate what we have. For those that don't like the content, get off your a** and write something everyone else can critique.
Mike
The answer to this may be too proprietary but I think it would help put things into perspective...
How many people is this magazine reaching?
In the past I've purchased it in magzine shops. It's no longer there but that's ok because neither are the magazine shops.
If you want the publication to thrive - IMO -
You have to do what you're doing...seek the best way to distribute it online.
You have to expand the market. By that I mean applying the technical material to all forms of conveyance that a person might be converting or restoring. Installing an updated 12 volt or plumbing system can apply to a bus an RV or a boat. There's a wealth of expertise here. Bus converters were the first to do these things and remain the well of knowledge. To pigeon hole the information is to ignore a much larger market. Online distribution allows you to repurpose the material and deliver it in an appropriate wrapper to a subscriber. Bus people get bus specific articles, bus drivetrain material and Bus Porn. RV people get the RV wrapper...boat people...well..you get the idea.
Finally - Jim is right. Content doesn't appear by itself. It isn't generated by cutting and pasting material lifted from the internet. That's a forum post - not a magazine article. It takes a lot of work and that work needs to be compensated. No revenue means little in the way of content.
I personally enjoyed the flip version. I like it better than scrolling down through a PDF. However, the PDF is great for archiving and searching articles.
I can't think of any reason that the magazine can't be made available both ways. The magazine can also be printed for those of use who prefer to sit down with a paper copy. I'll pay extra for the paper copy, but still love the ability to search old articles through the PDF version, and the convenience of reading the flip version.
Once you've built the content, the production of various media is rather simple.
* Print Magazine
* PDF Searchable
* Flip - easy read onscreen
* even HTML on your website for specific articles
I'm working on a magazine for one of my companies (not related) and intend to offer all four options. Additional cost obviously for the print version. All others have no extended cost.
Dave
Quote from: Rick 74 MC-8 on November 15, 2011, 06:46:48 AM
question if you had 1 of those smart toilets that is discussed in another thread could you read it on the can?
Rick 74 m c 8
Rick: If the toilet was that smart, the toilet would read to you!
;D
Well, I do appreciate all the feedback. In a perfect world it would be offered in all forms.... including audio, but, the worlds not perfect, and for the most part it is because of the cost of doing it. If BCM was run by Uncle Sam... wow, would we have a magazine, I'm sure it would be printed in 17 languages (Just in California) and have a video addition in both Spanish and English.
It seems a flip version and PDF would be easy to do. Both could be tied to searches and links. The printed copy is the expensive item, that with the rising cost of postage.
When it comes to content, well, I quit writing years ago when it seemed like I wrote 10 stories on how to install a toilet, they all said the same thing, and it still hasn't changed much, has it? New content is great, and yet new folks to Bus Conversions still need to know how to install the toilet.
If anyone wants to come to the rescue and 'save" the magazine, I'm all ears. But as it stands, the income from the last 4 months is not in the account, and things need to be getting done. Phil, Chad and myself are working on a solution.
Thanks again for all the feedback. If we could only get nickle from every post and a penny from every page view, we would be set!
I'm very confused!
Mike, you publish a «pdf version» for november magazine. I note that this version are similar at the magazine. True? Why may not received this magazine in my mailbox? I paid for 1 year and I have not received «all magazine». Now, I want «all magazine» that i paid. Like promised!
May be, november is in the airplane...so, last week (thursday 10th), I was at your office and I should pick up my copy! ;D
I wish the best for the magazine soon....
OK Mike. How can I help?
The ball is back in your court.
No charge. The wife and I will be happy to do spell check on the magazine. I can put it into PDF 9 or newer form, readable from PDF 5. I can also resize photo's and make the whole thing searchable.
I haven't played with the other forms that are available now, but they can't be that hard to do.
When the magazine makes even one cent of profit, you owe me back pay.
Here is a tip about viewing the PDF version most people don't know about - you can view it in a two page format.
www.BusConversions.com/november.pdf (http://www.busconversions.com/november.pdf)
Right click that link and choose "Save Target file" (or whatever your browser says to that effect) and save it to your computer. Then go to where you saved it and open it. It should open in Adobe Acrobat Reader (a free program that comes with most computers or can be downloaded free at www.adobe.com (http://www.adobe.com) .
Go to the "View" menu and choose "Page Display" > Two Page View. In the later versions it offers an option in that menu labeled "show cover page in two page view". Making sure it is "checked" (click it if it isn't) will make sure the pages are paired correctly - for example the centerfold will be properly shown.
OK Guys you need to read between the lines.
I like the print version but costs make the mag a little expensive from a sales point of view.
I think the flip version and pdf version is the best.
You can create a pdf version for pennies on the dollar.
That can be sold in volume cheap with touch of a mouse.
Lonnie
What ever happens to the printed magazine is most likely beyond my control. However, I honestly hope this very important and critical resource of practical knowledge from both "older" and "newer" busnuts remains intact. I can honestly say that without the content in both the magazine, and this board, I would not be anywhere near completion and most like would have sold the bus years ago. Currently, I am learning how to make granite counter tops and I give almost all the credit to members of this board and authors of the magazine. Each has directly helped me understand and become confident in converting a perfectly good bus into a home on wheels.
Again, thank you to everyone for all your help! I anxiously watch how this issue plays out in the near future. If the magazine goes away, please let me know how to pay for access to this board and the gold mine of knowledge from all of you.
Regards
Grant
Full-fill the obligation to the hard copy people then take it in another direction,we had about the same deal with the Eagles news letter people wanted the hard copy and now most have accepted the electronic version the paper version was costing us more than we were taking in for dues.
Draw the line in the sand Mikey don't worry about it the ones that leave 95% will return.
Me personally I would like it a lot better if you just said this is the way it is going to be for the magazine to survive like it or not maybe a little different wording lol
All of here should know that some kind of a profit or a break even has to be done or it is gone works that is way in our society.
I would ful-fill my obligations then let the chips fall
good luck
One of the kayak clubs I belong to is going through a similar situation. The club has charged an additional $5 annual membership fee if you wanted a printed edition of the 5 newsletters. Only problem is that it cost the club about $13 per year to cover to cost of printing and mailing the printed version, and another postage increase coming in January. The members will be voting shortly on a couple options. Looks like it will probably end up costing the members desiring the printed version a larger annual membership fee. Jack
What about the two yrs some of us have already paid for?????????????????? As or as mine keep it! and apply it to the cost of membership to the board. The main reason I subscribed was to help the board survive. Just my opinion. Bob Glines
oh dear...
PM on the way.
happy coaching!
buswarrior
Print form IMO should be the standard. That's why it is called a MAGAZINE. I look forward to getting my next issue in the mail. If it is online only, I don't see what makes it any different than any web forum that allows picture posting. In fact the forums can be more beneficial as they are "real time" and do not make you wait for months for your next issue. So, if you are gong to sell a magazine, price it accordingly so that you can at least break even. If the cost is too much, nobody will buy it, and it will sease. But please don't create an online only version and call it a magazine.
Boyce
I'm of the old school where you fulfill contracts, obligations and agreements no matter what and after that you are free to make new changes. You made the deal, you stand by your word before making changes midstream. Settle all existing accounts first before new changes. I know it sounds callous but it's not my problem that cost obligations can't be met. I signed up based on the offer made, if the offer (subscription price) was not enough to cover costs then it should have been properly adjusted before being submitted.
This is like a contractor bidding on a job and then coming back and saying that his bid was too low to actually perform the job. It's not the other parties fault.
I don't like the direction that the "magazine" is going, now it seems we get an e-zine whether we like it or not and after money was paid and agreements were made. The decisions really seem to have already been made. If memory serves there was an option to buy the magazine in online form only or printed and I chose printed. I wanted a hard printed copy that I could take with me, read where I chose such as on trips etc where I don't carry internet and a laptop with me. That's what I paid for either way and what I expected to get. Now it's incumbent on me to print out an online PDF if I want to have what I paid for.
Now I doubt very much that I'll see my money again or a magazine and I don't plan to renew again, I'll just re-read my old mags and be glad that I at least got them.
Lesson learned. I'll go subscribe to another rv type magazine that I know that I'll get but I believe that there should be options offered for those who have paid already so as to start fresh. Either donate the monies paid to help keep the forum going (though I believe it's a separate entity or at least should be), roll the dice with an e-zine or whatever unfolds or a refund.
I'm sure MAK never intended to get the magazine back and he's likely making the best of a bad situation so maybe we should all just ease up and let him do whatever he is going to do. I also don't buy the notion that the magazine subsidizes the board and therefore we should support the magazine or vice versa for that matter. I realize that bandwidth costs money but this is a pretty small enterprise so it doesn't cost THAT much. And there's plenty of ads hanging onto the site - gotta think that maybe its revenue positive or at least close to neutral. Don't ever forget that we the busnuts generate the content - if we go elsewhere, so does the content.
I don't think the print form of the magazine is going away.
The magazine takes longer to produce compared to pdf
Its too early for people to bring up contracts subscriptions and other legal stuff against mak.
Be nice and patient please.
Lonnie
The printed copy was gone years ago Mike and Mike gave it their best may it rest in peace
good luck
Has anyone actually called the office to find out if/when the Nov issue went to the printers? I don't subscribe so I can't call them. (I don't subscribe to any magazines for whatever reason.)
714-799-0042
Since this post seems at least partially aimed at me or at least applies to me I'll try to elucidate:
1- The magazine as we knew it has seemingly already gone away.
2-Yes, the magazine does take longer but if memory serves there was a post asking what people prefer. I voted for the print. Since that post I've seen little about the magazine being published but a whole lot about pdf versions and flip versions and their merits, testing the waters apparently. This while seeing posts about how apparently improbable the magazine is. This is concerning to me.
3a- It's never too early to raise concerns over something that you paid for and are not getting while the possibility of seeing what you bought seems to be dwindling or the way that you get it (the terms) is changed without your consent, that's not what I paid for or wanted and I wouldn't have paid for it if I knew. I paid for something and that gives me an interest in what I get ...or not and when. That's what this is all about. Would it be better to remain silent and just take what I get...or not?
3b- Clarification in case of misunderstandings: I am
not interested in "legal stuff". Not worth it to me.
4a- I am kind. I support this forum and the people who have worked and continue to work so hard and my intention is not to be difficult or an @$#. My intention is only to voice my preference and views as I was asked to do and thought this forum was about. Not all will agree and some will, be that as it may, it's my voice.
4b- I can be patient, I just have concerns which I don't see being addressed well while rumors are flying. In fact I see things seemingly rapidly going in the opposite direction. I highly support those who are in charge and I commend their efforts. I'm just concerned about my magazine subscription which I just paid for and am now seeing alarming news about ( Uh, Dave, it looks like you probably will not see or get what you bought).
I'm also concerned about the future direction and outcome of the magazine as we all are. I think that anyone would be alarmed after paying any money even though, granted, mine was only a year this time, a small amount of money. I also think that I have a right to voice my concerns.
I can be very patient...as long as I at least know what's being considered, what's being done and that my voice is heard. I just had to deal with a kennel of imported European bred German Shepherd Dogs and had to exercise great patience over much more money than this, the breeding future of my girl was in serious doubt. I can be patient but I'd just like to be kept in the loop. If the printed magazine is going to happen I'd like to know when. If it isn't then why, for how long, and what will happen to those who paid money?
Summary: I'll repeat again my stand. I'd like the printed magazine that I paid for. I'd like it in a reasonable time frame or know when and I understand problems and concerns. If the printed form of the magazine will be suspended I'd like to know for how long or indefinitely and how that decision would impact me.
Lastly and very important: If the magazine just isn't going to happen then in lieu of a refund I'd donate my relatively meager monies paid towards the running of this forum since I'm not that interested in an online form of subscription since I know in reality I'd never read it. I've had online rights to several regular print magazines for years until recently and not once read them online. Not even the ones given to me free as gifts. I know I just won't get around to sitting there reading on the computer.
I default back to my original suggestion that the printed magazine try to be kept and maybe those who want it can pay more. Those who want online can pay a lesser fee. I'm not sure of the logistics of this though. Perhaps accept donations for the forum and then make the pdf version free to people who donate?
-Dave
Quote from: Lonnie time to go on November 16, 2011, 05:22:48 PM
I don't think the print form of the magazine is going away.
The magazine takes longer to produce compared to pdf
Its too early for people to bring up contracts subscriptions and other legal stuff against mak.
Be nice and patient please.
Lonnie
I am glad I cancelled my subscription and got a refund before it went away. I think the magazine was dead in July. No one would say that and looks like no one will say it now.
old reliable PDF format works for me. I'm used to it.
Paladin very sorry you think it was about you, it was not. I thought (my bad) it was just a question about personal likes and dislikes from bcm.
I seem to have a way of making people angry with the way I word my posts. I will put more thought into future posts.
I could see a possibility that it might be to early to tell if the magizine in the current form was done.
You have every reason to be upset if you paid for service you did not get.
Patients was for time to get answers from bcm.
I should have made it more clear of the light hearted nature of my post.
When I type a post its with a goofy laugh. I need to find a way portray that.
You and others have every reason to post your concerns.
Paladin again If in any way I have wrong you I am sorry.
Lonnie
Quote from: Paladin on November 17, 2011, 11:59:07 AM
Since this post seems at least partially aimed at me or at least applies to me I'll try to elucidate:
1- The magazine as we knew it has seemingly already gone away.
2-Yes, the magazine does take longer but if memory serves there was a post asking what people prefer. I voted for the print. Since that post I've seen little about the magazine being published but a whole lot about pdf versions and flip versions and their merits, testing the waters apparently. This while seeing posts about how apparently improbable the magazine is. This is concerning to me.
3a- It's never too early to raise concerns over something that you paid for and are not getting while the possibility of seeing what you bought seems to be dwindling or the way that you get it (the terms) is changed without your consent, that's not what I paid for or wanted and I wouldn't have paid for it if I knew. I paid for something and that gives me an interest in what I get ...or not and when. That's what this is all about. Would it be better to remain silent and just take what I get...or not?
3b- Clarification in case of misunderstandings: I am not interested in "legal stuff". Not worth it to me.
4a- I am kind. I support this forum and the people who have worked and continue to work so hard and my intention is not to be difficult or an @$#. My intention is only to voice my preference and views as I was asked to do and thought this forum was about. Not all will agree and some will, be that as it may, it's my voice.
4b- I can be patient, I just have concerns which I don't see being addressed well while rumors are flying. In fact I see things seemingly rapidly going in the opposite direction. I highly support those who are in charge and I commend their efforts. I'm just concerned about my magazine subscription which I just paid for and am now seeing alarming news about ( Uh, Dave, it looks like you probably will not see or get what you bought).
I'm also concerned about the future direction and outcome of the magazine as we all are. I think that anyone would be alarmed after paying any money even though, granted, mine was only a year this time, a small amount of money. I also think that I have a right to voice my concerns.
I can be very patient...as long as I at least know what's being considered, what's being done and that my voice is heard. I just had to deal with a kennel of imported European bred German Shepherd Dogs and had to exercise great patience over much more money than this, the breeding future of my girl was in serious doubt. I can be patient but I'd just like to be kept in the loop. If the printed magazine is going to happen I'd like to know when. If it isn't then why, for how long, and what will happen to those who paid money?
Summary: I'll repeat again my stand. I'd like the printed magazine that I paid for. I'd like it in a reasonable time frame or know when and I understand problems and concerns. If the printed form of the magazine will be suspended I'd like to know for how long or indefinitely and how that decision would impact me.
Lastly and very important: If the magazine just isn't going to happen then in lieu of a refund I'd donate my relatively meager monies paid towards the running of this forum since I'm not that interested in an online form of subscription since I know in reality I'd never read it. I've had online rights to several regular print magazines for years until recently and not once read them online. Not even the ones given to me free as gifts. I know I just won't get around to sitting there reading on the computer.
I default back to my original suggestion that the printed magazine try to be kept and maybe those who want it can pay more. Those who want online can pay a lesser fee. I'm not sure of the logistics of this though. Perhaps accept donations for the forum and then make the pdf version free to people who donate?
-Dave
Quote from: Lonnie time to go on November 16, 2011, 05:22:48 PM
I don't think the print form of the magazine is going away.
The magazine takes longer to produce compared to pdf
Its too early for people to bring up contracts subscriptions and other legal stuff against mak.
Be nice and patient please.
Lonnie
Lonnie,
I wasn't offended at all, I was worried that I was perhaps overly harsh sounding and unclear in my comments (now rant). I was just trying to be more clear since words with no inflection, intonation or facial view can be misleading and sound so severe. No offense taken and I hope no offense given to you or anyone else!
Like I said, I'm just concerned for the future of the magazine. I wanted it and I think I made my vote clear, perhaps overly clear but if the magazine can't happen then the money can go to a good cause, this forum!
I'm good, you're good, we're all good. I'm smiling though it can't be seen.
-Dave
Dimmit, i just wanna know what happened and is happining to the girl from Massachusetts/(westcoast longings) with the engine swap!
I can't believe the uproar over the simple request to try the flip version. I have read over the last few months everyones concerns about the magazine. We finally received a pdf version and the assurance that the magazine went to the printers. The poor guy is trying to resurrect the magazine and offered the flip version for those who get the online subscription. He even gave everyone a copy of the pdf even if you are not a subscriber. I don't know what more he can do to satisfy us at this point.
I subscribe to both the print and online versions. I am concerned we are going to lose them at some point. However, I believe an attempt is being made to save it. Call me optimistic. I have also read about people getting what they paid for. I don't know about anybody else around the country, but in California we stopped getting what we paid for a long time ago. I would like to see everyone try a little patience and give them a chance.
If we find down the road that the end is imminent, we can all get on here and call each other any names we want to. But I for one would like to stay confident until the last breath has been taken. When all is said and done, if all I lose is what I paid for in a subscription, I won't be heartbroken. Turn on the news, much more is at stake these days.
If the time comes, I will renew my subscription and thank Mak for his hard work.
Good Luck,
Mike
When George and Sue stopped their bulletin I don't think one person asked for a refund because we knew they were losing money and was way to much work involved for the return it was sad to see it go same with Bill's publication the Bus Enthusiast which IMO was the best out there 1st class was his publication but it is what it is
good luck
If you switch to that new flip version of your on-line magazine I will have to cancel my just started 3 year subscription BECAUSE:
1. I waited long for the results of M Sullivan's demise.
2 I saved all the magazines so far and I do read them often on line, print some articles out for my bus conversion handbook, I.E Speaking electrically etc, Thoughts on engine conversions, there are so many highly interesting articles, I read these often again and again.
3 If the new flip thing could be saved like I have been doing, then by all means, it looks good. But since I cannot save these any more, I just as soon bow out and you lost a so far faithfull patient customer. I sure hope you keep the PDF system going, since I really look forward for the new editions; then save them and read them for years to come.
Sincerely
Juergen
1. Flip version works on my computer
2. I enjoy the vintage BCM articles a lot. I would like to also see buses that are not perfect but very functional. Owners talking about what works and what didn't. What they like about their conversion and what they don't. Even some old school stuff like found in the early issues would be cool.
3 . There are many that complain about content but don't submit articles. Having many contributors could make it more interesting to some. The ones that do contribute do a great job in IMO. I have wanted to do several articles but for some reason I haven't done it.
4. My father is one of the most loyal BCM magazine readers I know. He always calls me to see if they have been sent out and reads every word when they show up. He has every magazine from the very first issue. There will have to be a way to print it out at a minimum or he will be crushed.
5. My father just renewed a few months ago for three years, and while he was at it, he paid three years for me also as a gift. That was a lot of money for just a couple of magazines. I am OK with an online version, but a way needs to be found to honor those who paid for one to arrive in the box.
Quote from: Barn Owl on November 21, 2011, 09:49:13 PM
3 . There are many that complain about content but don't submit articles. Having many contributors could make it more interesting to some. The ones that do contribute do a great job in IMO. I have wanted to do several articles but for some reason I haven't done it.
I can't remember all the different magazines I have subscribed to over the years. BCM is the only one where anybody has suggested that it is the subscribers' fault if the content isn't good. I'm sorry but I don't get it.
Quote from: bobofthenorth on November 22, 2011, 06:43:25 AM
Quote from: Barn Owl on November 21, 2011, 09:49:13 PM
3 . There are many that complain about content but don't submit articles. Having many contributors could make it more interesting to some. The ones that do contribute do a great job in IMO. I have wanted to do several articles but for some reason I haven't done it.
I can't remember all the different magazines I have subscribed to over the years. BCM is the only one where anybody has suggested that it is the subscribers' fault if the content isn't good. I'm sorry but I don't get it.
I wish I had time to help you but I don't. Look through your old magizines and you will get it.
Quote from: mak on November 15, 2011, 10:14:00 AM
But as it stands, the income from the last 4 months is not in the account, and things need to be getting done.
I feel bad bringing this back out for comment, but someone just made a comment to me that brought it to my attention and the way it is worded could easily be misinterpreted in a way that reflects badly on me. So I just need to set the record straight for anyone that wondered what happened to the income that wasn't "in the account."
MAK was referencing that during the four month period without a published magazine there wasn't the usual income. Obviously a magazine can't bill advertisers for missed issues, and because of the skipped issues renewals were down.
Also, I want to reiterate that all subscriptions and prepaid ads were extended to offset the missed issues before I left. I know that doesn't make up for the disappointment of not receiving magazines, but I just want it clear for subscribers, and interested non-subscribers, that every effort was made to ensure subscribers and advertisers didn't get shortchanged in the process of what was happening.
As I said, I hate bringing this back up. But I was a member of this awesome bus nut community long before I was involved in the magazine and expect to continue to be for the foreseeable future and don't want my reputation in it damaged by any misunderstandings.