From: pyron@skndiv.dseg.ti.com (Dillon Pyron)
Subject: Re: Good alternative to SDM is........
Reply-To: pyron@skndiv.dseg.ti.com
Organization: TI/DSEG VAX Support
Date: Tue, 1 Sep 92 14:26:39 GMT


In article <1992Aug30.051635.7882@news.Hawaii.Edu>, teshima@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu (A. Lani Teshima) writes:
>In article <92241.49453.6845400@LMSC5.IS.LMSC.LOCKHEED.COM> 6845400@LMSC5.IS.LMSC.LOCKHEED.COM writes:
>>A very good alternate, actually a better, magazine to SDM is one called
>>DISCOVER DIVING, the travel reviews are not always favorable as they are
>>in SDM. The articles on equipment are also much better than in SDM, they are
>>more objective. Of course the magazine is not as glitzy/slick as SDM but the
>>content is much better. There is another magazine, it used to be PACIFIC DIVER,
>>Rodales or Rondaless that isn't too bad.
>>
>
>Original poster wanted to know about alternatives to Skin Diver
>magazine, and why some people didn't like SDM. Here's my $0.02.
>
>I know a person who used to be an assistant to SDM's editor in chief.
>She said that SDM's publisher (I believe it was Petersen's) actually
>sells quite a few magazines. "Some of them make more money than
>others, and those that make more money are the ones that pay the bills
>for the smaller magazines." I believe she said that SDM was one of
>their magazines that made money. Basically, that's their driving
>motivation, $$$. It's very expensive to place ads in them--even the
>small ads in the back of the magazine cost thousands of dollars. So
>those big full-page full-color ads are very expensive. Sure, diving
>equipment could be fashionable, etc, but I am always leery of "product
>reviews" that are placed very prominently next to the full-page ad of
>the product. It is seldom you see a review of a product where they
>trash it as being bad, or even mediocre. Their slick style reminds me
>of real estate brochures.

The surprising part to me is that SDM is the only magazine in the rather large
Petersen's stable that acts this way.  I currently subscribe to Guns & Ammo and
used to subscribe (as a mere child) to Hot Rod and Car Craft.  The editorial
staff on these are/were always willing to review a product and point out
negatives.  I remember one issue of HRM where they stated, in print, "this
product is crap and should be view with a catious eye".  They got sued, but
won.
>   ... accurate portral deleted
>
I subscribe to U/USA and Undercurrents.  I understand that In Depth is similar
to Undercurrents.  I do buy SDM occasionally, mostly for the ads and pretty
pictures.
>
>--
>A. Lani Teshima, UH School of Library & Info Studies   o | /_/_/ "Sea Hare"
>A small mind is easily filled with faith.               o|<0_0>--------*
>Blessed is a mind too small for doubt.                    \=^-| |____| | 
>teshima@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.edu                                 \_}B   \_}B
>
--
Dillon Pyron                      | The opinions expressed are those of the
TI/DSEG Lewisville VAX Support    | sender unless otherwise stated.
(214)462-3556 (when I'm here)     |
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I sure hope this new NEWS feed holds up.

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