The magzine...an update

[B.Scott]

Huuum a stickler here...
If I understand it right the magazine will go online and be available to one and all. I have no qualms about an online magazine nor do I feel unwilling to support it financially. Where I get stuck is the fact that it will be financed with subscriptions monies paid to receive something that will now be distributed for free.

Don't get me wrong, I would hate to sound like a whiner. I would gladly contribute to help an online mag if asked and have no problem with others who don't contribute sharing it as well but as things stand at the moment I spent a big chunk of my Xmas money to receive a single magazine and am now being told that I can write off the money for the rest as contribution to an online mag. I have the feeling that this contribution has been crowbarred from my wallet and I just have to learn to live with it, like it or not.

In a bit of a quandary and not a happy bunny

B.Scott

[kiky]

It's good to hear from you again, Brian. Here is to the best of your health.

I agree with some here who would be willing to pay higher price for the magazine. I personaly have nothing against going on-line. But for those whose internet connection is not as good as in some countries, like in my case, printed version will be preferable, and definitely much more convenient!

[cbcdesign]

Quote: Originally Posted by B.Scott Huuum a stickler here... If I understand it right the magazine will go online and be available to one and all. I have no qualms about an online magazine nor do I feel unwilling to support it financially. Where I get stuck is the fact that it will be financed with subscriptions monies paid to receive something that will now be distributed for free. Don't get me wrong, I would hate to sound like a whiner. I would gladly contribute to help an online mag if asked and have no problem with others who don't contribute sharing it as well but as things stand at the moment I spent a big chunk of my Xmas money to receive a single magazine and am now being told that I can write off the money for the rest as contribution to an online mag. I have the feeling that this contribution has been crowbarred from my wallet and I just have to learn to live with it, like it or not. In a bit of a quandary and not a happy bunny B.Scott

I am in a similar position having received just two issues for my subscription fee and have similar feelings. The printed versions were nice but not worth what I paid.

Alan

[Brutuscz]

The only problem with an online magazine is I can't bring my computer in the bathroom...Where I do some of my best reading and thinking!!! LOL!!!

[JamesPR]

I think the transition issue is going to be the real test of survival of this magazine.

On one hand there is the commitment or verbal contract to deliver the printed material paid for. And then there is the future of the magazine in whatever form the management decides to take with new subscribers.

I fear that changing rules in mid stream is not going to go over well? I'm a major supporter of Brians but koi-bito, the business, made certain statements when taking subscriptions and I think they may be stuck with those statements- to print 4 mags a year in return for X amount of dollars. The only alternative may be to give pro rated refunds? If that is not practical or affordable,than I see only one answer- finish the job. Then start fresh with the new concept with no hard feelings possible.

I'm sure Brian has discussed the Internet publication idea with the old Rinko folks. I'd be curious to know what the circulation fo English Rinko was as a printed medium compared to what it is today as an internet publication?

Brian you didmake one error in your post- ZNA charges for MEMBERSHIP in ZNA. The magazine comes along as just one benefit of membership. Those that see it only as a magazine are short changing themselves. So you can't compare Nichirin to Koi Bito even in terms of printing comparison costs. ZNA is not a money maker- it is a nonprof organization.
JR

[monscine]

Quote: Originally Posted by kiky It's good to hear from you again, Brian. Here is to the best of your health. I agree with some here who would be willing to pay higher price for the magazine. I personaly have nothing against going on-line. But for those whose internet connection is not as good as in some countries, like in my case, printed version will be preferable, and definitely much more convenient!

Yes, I do agree with Mr. Kiky. Is it possible to launch online magazine and a printed one (with a new price).

For printed one, maybe Brian could pick cheaper paper quality for an article which only contain words and good quality paper for any picture involve in any pages. Just a mix for better budget pricing magazine without loosing the quality of Brian writing. And maybe this magazine should be quarterly published or twice a year. It's would be much better if Brian have some authorized distributors for his magazine over the world which would sell this to their customers/hobbyists.

For the online one, I think this magazine would be look alike Rinko online magazine.

So let's people decide which one they want to choose.

Just a thought ....

[dinh]

Quote: Originally Posted by JamesPR .... Brian you didmake one error in your post- ZNA charges for MEMBERSHIP in ZNA. The magazine comes along as just one benefit of membership. Those that see it only as a magazine are short changing themselves. So you can't compare Nichirin to Koi Bito even in terms of printing comparison costs. ZNA is not a money maker- it is a nonprof organization. JR

Hi James,

Good to see you here James.

I did not see that in that para... I think it meant that, it's very top for koi mag bussiness, specially with the high quality mag for serious hobbyists because the serious hobbyists are too small, and other mags such as KoiUSA or Nichrin have non-profit org. support.

In other regards about Koi-Bito Online subscription, I think it was just an idea of having free subscription for anyone. I don't think it is a final said.... We all love the KB mag because of the quality of it. Without resource for traveling, time, engergy and works, I don't think Brian can produce a finest quality as it is today. So, if we all want the best info from the best breeders in Japan, hope we will do our share in helping to make it a great mag as it is or better....

--Dinh

[damiles1]

Quote: Originally Posted by cbcdesign I am in a similar position having received just two issues for my subscription fee and have similar feelings. The printed versions were nice but not worth what I paid. Alan

don't feel to bad, I paid for a year and recieved one issue and it looks like I get the rest in one smooth kick in the ass. Thanks Brian

[jnorth]

Quote: Originally Posted by damiles1 don't feel to bad, I paid for a year and recieved one issue and it looks like I get the rest in one smooth kick in the ass. Thanks Brian

All of you that are concerned about losing your money must have missed this:

"I realize that this online solution will not be acceptable for everyone, nor did I expect it to be. I wanted to be frank and honest with everyone here, and I ask that you give me until August to mull over the future of the print magazine and then we will start to address reimbursement for those not satisfied with this solution. If it works though, KB will be free to all that signup for a free account."

For those of you that have PM'd Brian or emailed him please be aware that he is being buried with PM's and will be answering them as fast as possible which means it may take a bit for him to get back to you. Thanks.

[JamesPR]

Well Jim, I must be stupid then? I see that an online version is suggested and I see that this is free. I also see that August is the next decision date for print or no print? I also see no mention whatsoever about the release of issue 11?


Review:
2002

issue #1- # 2 ( first year of magazine mid year)

2003

Issue # 3 ( Jan/Feb 2003)
Issue # 4 ( March/April 2003)
Issue # 5 ( Autumn 2003)
Issue # 6 ( Winter 2003/04)

2004

Issue # 7 ( 'All Japan issue' )
Issue # 8 ( Spring 2004)


2005
Issue # 9 ( 'Wakagoi 2005)
Issue # 10 ( 'All Japan issue)

2006

No issues


Now Jim, I'm a very patient guy and have not complained ONCE and always begin with a message of support for what Brian is trying to do. And if he can make a buck while addding to all our knowledge bases- more power to him.
But you have to see a trend here no?

Maybe we should begin at the beginning- when is Issue #11 coming out? If somone subscribed in 2005 and 2006 they have gotten two issues, not good.
I think it is reasonable to ask and get an answer, no?