I would support a magazine dedicated to steel guitar. But like some others have said, be careful not to overextend yourself.

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Steelin' Video * * * Clip-1* * * * Clip-2

[This message was edited by Jay Ganz on 14 November 2002 at 07:20 AM.]

Have you thought of an E-Zine? (don't I recall that your wife does stuff like that?)

NO POSTAGE
NO PRINTING
NO DISTRIBUTION

You have the subscriber enter a password and they can look at the current issue, archived issues, and other goodies. Worth a thought.

However, in order to be successful, you would have to advertise nationally! This would mean big-market radio (or possibly TV) ads to inform all of those who aren't online. Remember, probably 2/3 of your market can't be reached by computer, and those are the ones who would be most interested in a printed publication, since they have no other source of information on the rest of the steel scene.

My advice is not to even think about this...unless you have access to "front money" of about $50,000. If you're going to be successful...you gotta start out right! (Check and see what a 15 second spot on the Opry TV show would cost. That would be a good, but maybe discouraging, start.)

Advertising is the key to startout success in most businesses.

[This message was edited by Donny Hinson on 14 November 2002 at 08:52 AM.]

As much as I love the instant access of the Internet and the Forum, it's rough to take the computer with me for reading at the doctor's office or when I know I'm going to have some down time (not to mention reading in the bathroom).

Count me in.

jdg

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MSA D-10 w/Nashville 400
'63 Gibson Hummingbird
16/15c Hammered Dulcimer

Online lessons, similar to the tab+clip that Guitar Player has available (for an extra charge).

Featured clips of live steel players (I bet there are some killer players out there who we would love to hear).

Interviews with a wide variety of players, with detailed discussions of gear (we steel players are all gear heads, after all).

Articles about historical players, with clips of rare solos.

Probably not product reviews, because there are way too few manufactures who are potential advertisers, so any review will likely be a love fest. That kind of review doesn't do anybody any good, and takes away credibility from the magazine.

In answer to your question, if there were to be a print magazine release, I would subscribe, if it didn't suck too bad. I'm not talking about fancy graphics or layout, I'm talking about decent writing and editing.

I appreciate the very good ideas and suggestions too! I actually believe the internet should go hand-in-hand with printed copy. [my opinion]

... anyone else?

[This message was edited by Terry Wendt on 14 November 2002 at 09:36 AM.]

This forum is my main source of info.

This SGF and a great teacher are all I need.

the newest total is:

58 YES
6 No
3 dimpled
2 Contributors
1 Writer

Russ operated in the red throughout the entire life of the magazine. He needed 3,000 subscribers to make the magazine profitable. The most he ever got was 2,700, and that was before the forum. Once the forum got started he lost about 400 subscribers.

Additionally, certain advertizers (I won't mention any names) failed to pay for their ads.

Terry, I'd think about this very carefully if I were you.

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Steelin' Greetings
Marco Schouten
Sho-Bud Pro III Custom; Sho-Bud LLG

Count me in.