Koi Nation's Effect on Koi USA?

[karipeters]

I think it is far too soon to tell how this will affect KoiUSA, but any improvement in any publication is a good thing, and if this inspires improvement, then bravo! I do think Koi Nations is a publication that shows an entirely different perspective and it thought provoking. Also, I really enjoy the layout/artwork. Of course there is room for both magazines. I think we get most of the publications available, and Koi Nations is a keeper.

PS - just no way to estimate the life of this publication... why try??

[nezueagle]

Good questions Don, and the very ones that have been addressed by the KOI USA board and staff in the past months. It's really too early to notice any effect on KOI USA subscriptions or profitability. We have gained many new subscribers at recent koi shows where both magazines were available and are getting a great deal of response to our new, improved website.

Although we expect our base of AKCA club members to continue to subscribe for the features we provide on shows, judging, and club news, many koi folks are now subscribing to both magazines. As current subscriptions expire and when Koi Nations turns one year old we will pay close attention to our renewal rate. Many may opt to continue with the two magazines, but we are aware of the competition we now face, and I believe that competition will result in a stronger editorial focus for KOI USA. Obviously, competition requires a stronger marketing program as well.

As you said, the profits of KOI USA are returned directly to the hobby through AKCA programs, and we believe that's a strong selling point. Other magazines may indirectly aid the hobby through increased awareness of koi, but their profits, if any, are returned to a corporation.

Incidentally, John and Todo's on line interview with Michael Cox was low key and he explained his reasoning in starting a new koi magazine.

Bill Thompson

[lildude]

That means more great articles about koi!

[KoiCop]

Bill D . . .

Thanks for adding your perspective as an advertiser. That's something I hadn't considered.

Bill T . . .

Well said and thanks for responding so promptly. I wish y'all the best of luck.

Dick B . . .

Whilst in the short term I agree with your statement, "The fact that Koi USA is an arm of AKCA and that Koi Nations is an independant for profit operation doesn't mean anything to me as a consumer," I'd opine that a hobbyist should hold a long term view -- and the two might not be the same.

Russ & Kari . . .

I like dancing with a bunch of pretty girls as much as the next guy. But when the party's over, I'm going home with the gal I brung -- the one with whom I have a reciprocal and long-term relationship.

To change metaphors: If only one horse is gonna make it to the finish line I know which one I'm rooting for.

That's what I'm worried about. That's why I asked. Nothing more. Nothing less.

[Brutuscz]

I say...buy them both...the more the merrier!! I wish we still had koi-bito magazine as well!!!! As the hobby expands, so should the number of publications. This is a hobby that essentially requires some dough...so, who should complain about an extra $30 a year??? Get your subscription and enjoy the read!!!

[Redfrick]

This seems to be the topic on each of the other boards. I think the fact that Koi Nations has the money backing of a koi forum owner means much success. I wish the subscription discount was offered to all in stead of those who visit the one forum.

Cheers,
Todd

[Roddy Conrad]

Koi Nations does NOT have the backing of an owner of a Koi message board. Koi Nations is solely owned by Michael Cox of Phoenix, Arizona, with no backing or financial interest by anyone else anywhere. Michael puts the magazine together by persuading folks to write articles for it and businesses to advertise in it.

Michael is a koi hobbyist who wanted to see a magazine which printed the stuff other than the specific interests of AKCA and the koi judging community. This is Michael's first venture into publishing. He also owns an insurance business, and a few other businesses.

[HEADACHE6]

Quote: Originally Posted by Roddy Conrad Koi Nations does NOT have the backing of an owner of a Koi message board. Koi Nations is solely owned by Michael Cox of Phoenix, Arizona, with no backing or financial interest by anyone else anywhere.

The above is Fact .

[JasPR]

Roddy is correct about that. As far as we know. I have also heard the rumors that some foul and secret covenant exists between Michael and the dark lord of the koi board. It is a hard rumor to kill. That's what makes rumors so dangerous and damaging. They soon build a life of their own.

For the anti-AKCA types out there, you should also know that from the 'other camp's ' point of view, AKCA folks have a lot of reasons for the concerns they have- rightly or wrongly. We know that the dark lord has threatened and vowed to harm AKCA and it's members. We know that the dark lord has tried to create a competing organization. And we know that the dark lord tortured and harassed the departing members who started the new board. And we know that KN had the unfortunate timing of coming out during these threats.
You should also know that several years ago now, another wealthy entrepeneur who came seemingly out of nowhere, wanted to be more involved in AKCA. He had several businesses that allowed him time to pursue his interest in koi. He specifically wanted to help the less involved clubs of America in the AKCA process by becoming their voice. He wanted to be chairman of AKCA for the disenfranchised. Many of us supported him as he represented change. It was only a few years later that we found out that he had purchased large amounts of koi for resale and had them in a remote location from his home. A known dealer eventually admitted he was the wholesale source. Soon the motives were clear.

Throw in the imp Hot Air and his trouble making bent, and you have all the ingredients needed for mistrust, suspicion and over reaction.

It is against this backdrop that the current drama is being played out.

JR

[JanT]

Quote: Originally Posted by JasPR Roddy is correct about that. As far as we know. I have also heard the rumors that some foul and secret covenant exists between Michael and the dark lord of the koi board. It is a hard rumor to kill. That's what makes rumors so dangerous and damaging. They soon build a life of their own. For the anti-AKCA types out there, you should also know that from the 'other camp's ' point of view, AKCA folks have a lot of reasons for the concerns they have- rightly or wrongly. We know that the dark lord has threatened and vowed to harm AKCA and it's members. We know that the dark lord has tried to create a competing organization. And we know that the dark lord tortured and harassed the departing members who started the new board. And we know that KN had the unfortunate timing of coming out during these threats. You should also know that several years ago now, another wealthy entrepeneur who came seemingly out of nowhere, wanted to be more involved in AKCA. He had several businesses that allowed him time to pursue his interest in koi. He specifically wanted to help the less involved clubs of America in the AKCA process by becoming their voice. He wanted to be chairman of AKCA for the disenfranchised. Many of us supported him as he represented change. It was only a few years later that we found out that he had purchased large amounts of koi for resale and had them in a remote location from his home. A known dealer eventually admitted he was the wholesale source. Soon the motives were clear. Throw in the imp Hot Air and his trouble making bent, and you have all the ingredients needed for mistrust, suspicion and over reaction. It is against this backdrop that the current drama is being played out. JR

Nice story, JR. Yes, it happens. For those of us who believe in Karma, it comes around, somewhere, somehow.
Those who have wealth enough to attempt change should simply look for all the ways to accomplish contributory improvement, and choose wisely how they would spend such huge amounts of money. (no matter what the hobby, health issue, political agenda,etc. they might choose) Instead, they so many times choose endeavors which first and foremost are simply to feed an ego -or six! I know, call me the idealist. I've had that addiction my whole life.

I wish Michael Cox/Koi Nations much success. There is no doubt value in the magazine so far. I have read them and enjoy the variety of articles/information.