BCM magazine update

[John316]

And once again, I would like to mention how much I appreciated Jim's article. Huge amount of study and research into those. Thanks again, and kudos to you.

John

[luvrbus]

No I didn't Jim and I won't be reading the next 2 years either unless somebody gives me one lol,but if I had my pick of articles I like the radiator cap

I been doing that for years to do away with the pressure relief on the surge tank for Eagles works good doesn't it, your articles did probably help if anyone paid attention

How many times can one write about electrical,plumbing,paint and cabinets that horse has been ridden to death over the years

[rv_safetyman]

John, thanks.  Now that I look at my list I realize that I had typed it before for some other thread.  When you type an 8 followed by ) you get   No way to change it.

Like others, I was contacted by both Kellie and Chad about both advertising and writing articles.  I told Kellie I was out of business and Chad that I am burned out.  I gave it my all to help keep the magazine going.  However, given the huge challenge and cost of producing a quality magazine for a very limited audience, the handwriting was on the wall.  

Like someone else asked, I would like to know who Gary is and what he brings to the party.  For one thing, it would have to be a big wad of cash.  There would be very little income, since a very large percentage of subscribers are owed many issues.  New subscribers would be very reluctant to fork out $$$ for a publication with BCM's track record.  I would think that advertisers would also be reluctant to spend their limited funds on a low volume publication. 

Like so many others, I can only hope that they find a way to bring us a publication (in some form) that we can enjoy -- even if it had repeats of articles.  My thought as I read the boards is that there continues to be a significant influx of new bus folks that are hungry for good information.

One of the big issues with publishing a magazine is getting reasonable quality articles in a format that does not require a huge amount of editorial correction.  I am proud of the fact that each one of my articles was published exactly as written.  That said, a great deal of credit goes to Pat as she always proof read my drafts and offered great suggestions.

I read almost every post on the main boards, and there have been some great threads about folks bringing great old buses back to life.  I subscribe to a great antique tractor magazine, and I live for each publication so that I can see what relic someone has drug out of the "back forty".  Many of these buses are being resurrected by young folks and that is really neat.

So, I wonder if we could get folks to team up and write about "bringing back" some old buses.  The team might be the folks doing the work and volunteers to help them get the information into a publishable format (if the writer needs the help - some will not).  BCM is working on some sort of "payment schedule" and maybe you can buy a few gallons of die$el.  

Jim

[lvmci]

Hi All, after lurking for sometime and reading good advice presented in a way that somtimes seems welcoming and encouraging and sometimes seems to put down the questioner, I came away from reading the magazine and forum, positive this network of people would help me out with proper advice, or discourage me from wanting to continue the busnut lifestyle. But I was embarrassed on a few occasions when the questioner seemed to be told his questions were trite. After 2 1/2 years or so of reading the 3 or 4 forums I think overall the different contributers are solid good hearted, experienced and knowledgable folk who only want to help, but I would hate to see the forums dwindle, because of mean spirited responses. I can feel how upset people and contributers are with the demise of the magazine that I take it people feel their money was taken by the publishers and ran. I'm not suggesting anything here other than, most of you present, I feel, the best information I could get anywhere, and didn't make me feel stupid for being less knowledgable, I feel its the same for a newby today or for a newby ten years ago. What a loss it would be to our little section of American society, if you guys were to stop contributing to the overall welfare of bust nuts. Lvmci...

[luvrbus]

Jim, Gary has a cabin he bought from Mike he rents it out sometimes to other people it seems to work for him

I have meet him before helluva of a nice guy if I got the right Gary lol

good luck

[Jeremy]

 I subscribe to a great antique tractor magazine, and I live for each publication so that I can see what relic someone has drug out of the "back forty".  Many of these buses are being resurrected by young folks and that is really neat.

Jim

I've said before that, to my mind, the direction BCM ought to go if it wants to become viable is towards being a general 'old bus' magazine, not something aimed specifically at buses being converted to motorhomes. There are three or four 'old bus' magazines here, and they're all very professional glossy publications available on high street newstands, not the sort of amateurishly-produced fanzine which BCM was (at least, it was in the year I subscribed to it).

I don't see any reason why the appetite for a general 'old bus' magazine should be any lower in the US than it is here, and as far as I know there aren't any other American publications in that space at the moment.

Jeremy

PS. I've also previously suggested broadening BCM out in another direction, into other 'home built camper' areas - eg everything from truck conversions to home-built teardrop trailers. That would probably work as well, and would be easier to do, but I see the market for an 'old bus' magazine ultimately being much bigger. Everyone gets the 'restoration' thing, and everyone has fond memories of the big, daft buses of their childhood.

[Kevinmc5]

Just got to say, I appreciate all the help I have received on this form. But for the BCM thing all I can say is


    HEAR WE GO AGAIN 

Kevin

[kyle4501]

I'm looking forward to the printed version. 

I wish them well in their endeavours.