i too am in agreement,to many ads,and theyve just put the price up.why cant they do something for the less well off vanner,like buy a van for less than
May PC Magazine!
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i too am in agreement,to many ads,and theyve just put the price up.why cant they do something for the less well off vanner,like buy a van for less than
I'm always concerned to find that readers aren't enjoying the magazine because an enormous amount of thought and effort goes into producing each issue.
With regards to advertising, it's important to bear in mind that the magazine is a business and ads are a major source of revenue which it would be bad business sense to turn away, and I think on the whole all of our advertisements are appropriate for most of our readership. You might also want to consider that if it wasn't for the ads, the magazine would have to be more expensive. Put it alongside its competitors and, even without the ads, I think it's obvious that Practical Caravan offers a lot more quantity and quality of material, so I think a few extra ads shouldn't detract from what is in fact a very good value magazine.
I'm also sorry to hear that anyone would think that Practical Caravan's journalists don't reflect the 'real life' experience of caravanning, because we all caravan frequently for the magazine (each of us goes away 1 week in every four during the summer, and regularly during the weekend) so it's a real pity if our experiences don't come across as being useful to other readers, and that's certainly something for us to address straight away.
As for the lack of DIY/practical content, it's important to bear in mind that even many used caravans have so many mod cons fitted that there isn't the pressure to retro-fit items such as cassette toilets or cookers as there once was. However, we are currently planning to increase practical content of the magazine, including help and advice for everyday ownership of a caravan, so I hope that this concern will be addressed before too long.
Aside from responding to your most prominent complaints about the magazine, I would like to say that I believe Practical Caravan offers far more everyday advice and, importantly, entertainment and actual interest to readers than any of our rivals, and seeks to present its content in the most appealing way possible to inspire and encourage newcomers and old hands alike. Our magazine is by far the more enjoyable read, thanks to our dedication to combining useful and exciting ideas, professional and properly crafted journalism, and great design and photography. And if you want to talk about readers voting with their feet, I'm pleased to report that people have already done exactly that - in favour of Practical Caravan, with a yet another increase in sales saying all there is to say about what caravanners think of PCV.
Please keep the comments coming, none the less - I'm still keen to hear what you want to read about in the magazine.
Alex Newby
PCV Editor
With regards to advertising, it's important to bear in mind that the magazine is a business and ads are a major source of revenue which it would be bad business sense to turn away, and I think on the whole all of our advertisements are appropriate for most of our readership. You might also want to consider that if it wasn't for the ads, the magazine would have to be more expensive. Put it alongside its competitors and, even without the ads, I think it's obvious that Practical Caravan offers a lot more quantity and quality of material, so I think a few extra ads shouldn't detract from what is in fact a very good value magazine.
I'm also sorry to hear that anyone would think that Practical Caravan's journalists don't reflect the 'real life' experience of caravanning, because we all caravan frequently for the magazine (each of us goes away 1 week in every four during the summer, and regularly during the weekend) so it's a real pity if our experiences don't come across as being useful to other readers, and that's certainly something for us to address straight away.
As for the lack of DIY/practical content, it's important to bear in mind that even many used caravans have so many mod cons fitted that there isn't the pressure to retro-fit items such as cassette toilets or cookers as there once was. However, we are currently planning to increase practical content of the magazine, including help and advice for everyday ownership of a caravan, so I hope that this concern will be addressed before too long.
Aside from responding to your most prominent complaints about the magazine, I would like to say that I believe Practical Caravan offers far more everyday advice and, importantly, entertainment and actual interest to readers than any of our rivals, and seeks to present its content in the most appealing way possible to inspire and encourage newcomers and old hands alike. Our magazine is by far the more enjoyable read, thanks to our dedication to combining useful and exciting ideas, professional and properly crafted journalism, and great design and photography. And if you want to talk about readers voting with their feet, I'm pleased to report that people have already done exactly that - in favour of Practical Caravan, with a yet another increase in sales saying all there is to say about what caravanners think of PCV.
Please keep the comments coming, none the less - I'm still keen to hear what you want to read about in the magazine.
Alex Newby
PCV Editor
Alex
Just an idea, How about inviting some readers to get together and discuss the content of the last issue. You must have lost of subscibers who are willing to input directly into the mag.
Probably best done face to face in a group so that you have the chance to explain things that they do not understand about the business.
Afterall, you could only benefit from this. Triumph Motorcycles did the same thing in relation to bith their New ST bike and their Torque magazine. Both are now looked on as being some of the best around.
Another benifit is that new ideas for articles may pop up, it must be hard to always find somthing new to cover.
Steve
Just an idea, How about inviting some readers to get together and discuss the content of the last issue. You must have lost of subscibers who are willing to input directly into the mag.
Probably best done face to face in a group so that you have the chance to explain things that they do not understand about the business.
Afterall, you could only benefit from this. Triumph Motorcycles did the same thing in relation to bith their New ST bike and their Torque magazine. Both are now looked on as being some of the best around.
Another benifit is that new ideas for articles may pop up, it must be hard to always find somthing new to cover.
Steve
i too am in agreement,to many ads,and theyve just put the price up.why cant they do something for the less well off vanner,like buy a van for less than
Nice to see that Alex and crew are on the ball here online.
Steve again makes good comment, but some times we are to close to our own ideas. May be stepping outside the worls of caravanning and looking in might help a bit.
(Post below posted in error in comment)
Only contact with Haymarket is as a customer.
I agree with Steve's post, but maybe follow people with a new van a good 6-10 year old and someone with a bargain bucket do-up job.
This site has a lot of valuable input of ideas,tips and experiences and maybe the Mag should encompasss that more. I feel some would like to see issues re reliability and build quality addressed.
Accountability from manufacturers would be popular with us punters I feel. The money side of things would have the Ad revenue guys quivering in their boots, but done in the right way it could be good for us the mag and the industry.
Camparison re build style and practice between UK and Euro van Builders etc. Luxury v Practical and Funtional features.
Don't get me wrong, but what we get reflects current life and business trends. Even with change in content the Journo's have a balancing act that only we can guess at.
A broader range of articles would appeal to me, all this New car New van stuff leaves a bit to be desired.
Some can't afford and others don't want all the new latest gear and arcticles geared to a wider spread of budgets could be a direction to explore more and of interest to many.
Recently I've noticed comment re bed sizes for the kids and additional resident of vans. Some may like a nice big fixed bed, but do the kids arrangements suit their needs, especially size wise. My kids were all tall like me and caravan beds were not made for them.
The mag could be addressing and questioning such issues. They could even take couples and families who have never thought of Caravanning and see how they cope and adapt to vans and how they think vans should be laid out or work.
Steve again makes good comment, but some times we are to close to our own ideas. May be stepping outside the worls of caravanning and looking in might help a bit.
(Post below posted in error in comment)
Only contact with Haymarket is as a customer.
I agree with Steve's post, but maybe follow people with a new van a good 6-10 year old and someone with a bargain bucket do-up job.
This site has a lot of valuable input of ideas,tips and experiences and maybe the Mag should encompasss that more. I feel some would like to see issues re reliability and build quality addressed.
Accountability from manufacturers would be popular with us punters I feel. The money side of things would have the Ad revenue guys quivering in their boots, but done in the right way it could be good for us the mag and the industry.
Camparison re build style and practice between UK and Euro van Builders etc. Luxury v Practical and Funtional features.
Don't get me wrong, but what we get reflects current life and business trends. Even with change in content the Journo's have a balancing act that only we can guess at.
A broader range of articles would appeal to me, all this New car New van stuff leaves a bit to be desired.
Some can't afford and others don't want all the new latest gear and arcticles geared to a wider spread of budgets could be a direction to explore more and of interest to many.
Recently I've noticed comment re bed sizes for the kids and additional resident of vans. Some may like a nice big fixed bed, but do the kids arrangements suit their needs, especially size wise. My kids were all tall like me and caravan beds were not made for them.
The mag could be addressing and questioning such issues. They could even take couples and families who have never thought of Caravanning and see how they cope and adapt to vans and how they think vans should be laid out or work.
Sometimes the proof reading leaves a little to be desired as in the May edition page 81 "Under-inflated tyres INCREASE fuel economy . . . . . " or am I misreading that ? Also the review on the new Kia Sedona page 11. Are there really three seats in the middle and a pair at the back which goes against convention?
Nit picking, I know, but confusing.
Mike E
Nit picking, I know, but confusing.
Mike E
I have always felt that despite the limitations of the magazine, which are such that I scan it before buying in contrast to other mags that I buy/subscribe to on name and previous good experience.
The main limitation in my mind is the comparison between the "Practical" Car magazines and the Practical Caravan. I personally would like to see mare real practical input on everyday problems.
So I am delighted at what Steve says above in that there now seems to be a "Workshop" item.
But - Errrr! - Forgive me Alex - but when I suggested this at your invitation for ideas - you dismissed it as likely to put newcomers off caravanning by concentrating on what can go wrong!
I felt at the time, anyone that is an Editor of any mag with the name "Practical" in it must be a little of centre to make such a comment, but am delighted that more practical help and ideas are being focused upon.
It will make a real and pleasant change from the never ending "samey" articles and as mentioned before all the adverts. A regular "practical" slot would certainly make me check out the mag with more interest! I may even start to buy again!!
Whilst I recognise that adverts are an important revenue source, I think the publishers and Editorial team should appreciate that those that want to read adverts generally buy Exchange & Mart or the local Free Adds.
The main limitation in my mind is the comparison between the "Practical" Car magazines and the Practical Caravan. I personally would like to see mare real practical input on everyday problems.
So I am delighted at what Steve says above in that there now seems to be a "Workshop" item.
But - Errrr! - Forgive me Alex - but when I suggested this at your invitation for ideas - you dismissed it as likely to put newcomers off caravanning by concentrating on what can go wrong!
I felt at the time, anyone that is an Editor of any mag with the name "Practical" in it must be a little of centre to make such a comment, but am delighted that more practical help and ideas are being focused upon.
It will make a real and pleasant change from the never ending "samey" articles and as mentioned before all the adverts. A regular "practical" slot would certainly make me check out the mag with more interest! I may even start to buy again!!
Whilst I recognise that adverts are an important revenue source, I think the publishers and Editorial team should appreciate that those that want to read adverts generally buy Exchange & Mart or the local Free Adds.
I am sorry but you have just glossed over everything. PC Mag is NO WAY as good as it was 6 months ago! Yes, you need to advertise but surely not to the readers expense. Not only that we have many more adverts (not just a few!) and the price has increased.I'm always concerned to find that readers aren't enjoying the magazine because an enormous amount of thought and effort goes into producing each issue.
With regards to advertising, it's important to bear in mind that the magazine is a business and ads are a major source of revenue which it would be bad business sense to turn away, and I think on the whole all of our advertisements are appropriate for most of our readership. You might also want to consider that if it wasn't for the ads, the magazine would have to be more expensive. Put it alongside its competitors and, even without the ads, I think it's obvious that Practical Caravan offers a lot more quantity and quality of material, so I think a few extra ads shouldn't detract from what is in fact a very good value magazine.
I'm also sorry to hear that anyone would think that Practical Caravan's journalists don't reflect the 'real life' experience of caravanning, because we all caravan frequently for the magazine (each of us goes away 1 week in every four during the summer, and regularly during the weekend) so it's a real pity if our experiences don't come across as being useful to other readers, and that's certainly something for us to address straight away.
As for the lack of DIY/practical content, it's important to bear in mind that even many used caravans have so many mod cons fitted that there isn't the pressure to retro-fit items such as cassette toilets or cookers as there once was. However, we are currently planning to increase practical content of the magazine, including help and advice for everyday ownership of a caravan, so I hope that this concern will be addressed before too long.
Aside from responding to your most prominent complaints about the magazine, I would like to say that I believe Practical Caravan offers far more everyday advice and, importantly, entertainment and actual interest to readers than any of our rivals, and seeks to present its content in the most appealing way possible to inspire and encourage newcomers and old hands alike. Our magazine is by far the more enjoyable read, thanks to our dedication to combining useful and exciting ideas, professional and properly crafted journalism, and great design and photography. And if you want to talk about readers voting with their feet, I'm pleased to report that people have already done exactly that - in favour of Practical Caravan, with a yet another increase in sales saying all there is to say about what caravanners think of PCV.
Please keep the comments coming, none the less - I'm still keen to hear what you want to read about in the magazine.
Alex Newby
PCV Editor
Without ads there would be no magazine or web forum or the magazine would be about aWell, I may try it for another month! Then, if it is no better, I will cancel my order.
A agree, Chris, mags do rely on advertising. Unfortunately, over the last few months the adverts are out numbering reading information!!!
I think this whole subject is a little difficult because we do not know the business requirements of producing the mag. However, we are all on the same side here as in, if the mag is successful then everyone wins.
Adverts cannot be dropped, we know that and Cris has already explained why, however people, how many other mags do you know that the editor is DEFIANTLY reading your comments?
Lets gets positive people, help Alex out and we all win
Steve
PS Alex, mail me for the address for the free subscription ;-)
Adverts cannot be dropped, we know that and Cris has already explained why, however people, how many other mags do you know that the editor is DEFIANTLY reading your comments?
Lets gets positive people, help Alex out and we all win
Steve
PS Alex, mail me for the address for the free subscription ;-)
I guess that is part of Alex's problem getting help and pleasing a lot of people.I think this whole subject is a little difficult because we do not know the business requirements of producing the mag. However, we are all on the same side here as in, if the mag is successful then everyone wins.
Adverts cannot be dropped, we know that and Cris has already explained why, however people, how many other mags do you know that the editor is DEFIANTLY reading your comments?
Lets gets positive people, help Alex out and we all win
Steve
PS Alex, mail me for the address for the free subscription ;-)
Re more ads, I guess production costs have gone over the past few months. As our own council tax and fuel bills etc escalate the Magazine industry has the same problems. So do they keep increasing the cover price ormake the most of ad revenue.
I feel that the mag needs to get people onside, how Alex's and her Journo's jobs work, and get views from all age groups in caravanning.
Time and time again on here we see comment re customer service or lack of it.
Be brave Alex and you will have the Public eating from your hands an buying the mag by the million
If we step back from our own involvement and look at the business case for magazines - a small number of readers must be buying huge amounts of products / services, directly as a result of seeing ads in the mags, otherwise companies wouldn't bother paying to advertise.
Wouldn't it be better if the magazine identified this small number of readers / subscribers, sent them the advert pages directly and then produced a magazine for the rest of us with no adverts at all.
Wouldn't it be better if the magazine identified this small number of readers / subscribers, sent them the advert pages directly and then produced a magazine for the rest of us with no adverts at all.
I see several problems here. firstly there is nothing I hate more than undoing a magazine and lots of bits drop out so I do this over the Blue bin ,now that solves that problem, Adds in the mag I try to ignor but know that if they were not there it would cost more. then there is the editorial imput. all I can say there was a magazine last year that completly changed its format, it was to me a disaster, if I want to read about new vans and new vans only I will get the makers to forward the buff, however they have a sister mag that I feel has got it a right as any so far, but I still open it over the blue bin
Hi Alex, Good to see that you read the forum, and thank you for replying..However, I would agree with most of the comments so far.Personally, I run a 14yr old car, and 27yr old caravan, not because I can't afford modern kit, but because I prefer to use older stuff.I know you ocaisionally do articles on older vans, but a regular piece on maintaining the older kit would be great.Noting the number of older vans on the road,I'm sure there are many more who think like me.
Also, as a lot of effort has gone into organising the Easter Meet, it would be nice to see a report on that in the magazine, for the likes of me who cannot get there.
I'll carry on buying the mag,but sometimes the competion is very tempting!
Also, as a lot of effort has gone into organising the Easter Meet, it would be nice to see a report on that in the magazine, for the likes of me who cannot get there.
I'll carry on buying the mag,but sometimes the competion is very tempting!
I guess that is part of Alex's problem getting help and pleasing a lot of people.
Re more ads, I guess production costs have gone over the past few months. As our own council tax and fuel bills etc escalate the Magazine industry has the same problems. So do they keep increasing the cover price ormake the most of ad revenue.
I feel that the mag needs to get people onside, how Alex's and her Journo's jobs work, and get views from all age groups in caravanning.
Time and time again on here we see comment re customer service or lack of it.
Be brave Alex and you will have the Public eating from your hands an buying the mag by the million.
Without being rude Roger, it is a business and that is going to happen as fast as it snows black and pink flakes.
Be real it's a BUSINESS, They make Mr Hesseltine and Co lots of money, or try to ;-)
If you support this web site and forum that is part of the magazine surely some positive input on article content that you and others would like to see is what is needed !
Ads are not going to go away !
Re more ads, I guess production costs have gone over the past few months. As our own council tax and fuel bills etc escalate the Magazine industry has the same problems. So do they keep increasing the cover price ormake the most of ad revenue.
I feel that the mag needs to get people onside, how Alex's and her Journo's jobs work, and get views from all age groups in caravanning.
Time and time again on here we see comment re customer service or lack of it.
Be brave Alex and you will have the Public eating from your hands an buying the mag by the million.
Without being rude Roger, it is a business and that is going to happen as fast as it snows black and pink flakes.
Be real it's a BUSINESS, They make Mr Hesseltine and Co lots of money, or try to ;-)
If you support this web site and forum that is part of the magazine surely some positive input on article content that you and others would like to see is what is needed !
Ads are not going to go away !
I enjoy reading the magazine and have an annual subscription. I agree with some of the replies that feel there should be a greater emphasis on "practicle issues".Alex has said this will be addressed in the future.As for the advertising this can be of help if you wish to keep up to date with whats new and of use to us. Example,security,Digital TV,accessories and stuff, you dont have to read them all just the ones that interest you.
Jim
Jim
Mark.
We have no idea re finances the finances, extra ads could be paying for increased production costs or short fall from Ad income as Advertiser are under financial pressure.
The press can discount Ads and then take others to make up the shortfall. All sorts of things effect the magazines income, easy to slag it off but we are not the ones running it.
We have no idea re finances the finances, extra ads could be paying for increased production costs or short fall from Ad income as Advertiser are under financial pressure.
The press can discount Ads and then take others to make up the shortfall. All sorts of things effect the magazines income, easy to slag it off but we are not the ones running it.
I've gone from one extreme to the other, reading this thread! First, I thought I'll skip the May edition. However, having read the latter messages, I'll stay loyal for another month. I can live with advertisements, as long as there's some content worth reading elsewhere. There's the rub.......this other content is getting less interesting for me each month.
PC only has to spend an hour looking through this forum (as they undoubtedly do, well done to them!) to see what a fair cross-section of caravanners like reading about.
I don't see a huge amount of new caravan talk on the forum - once we buy one, we are sorta stuck with them for a few years. OK, it's nice to see what the manufacturers are doing, but can we have more emphasis on older vans, please?
I used to love the 2nd hand van comparisons. It would be interesting to see what dealers have on their forecourts, what they charge for them, and what the experts look for when they inspect them.
Similarly, more "technical" information. Start from basics; tell us about how things work and why they are like they are. Compare Sunncamp vs Panorama awnings for a start.
Tell us more about damp and springy floors and what to do when things go wrong. Tell us how to pull pegs from hardstandings without breaking our backs. Tell us where to pitch our caravans and how to. Take a caravan apart - show us how long a breakaway cable is. Show us what's behind the panels.
Sorry to have gone on and on ....
PC only has to spend an hour looking through this forum (as they undoubtedly do, well done to them!) to see what a fair cross-section of caravanners like reading about.
I don't see a huge amount of new caravan talk on the forum - once we buy one, we are sorta stuck with them for a few years. OK, it's nice to see what the manufacturers are doing, but can we have more emphasis on older vans, please?
I used to love the 2nd hand van comparisons. It would be interesting to see what dealers have on their forecourts, what they charge for them, and what the experts look for when they inspect them.
Similarly, more "technical" information. Start from basics; tell us about how things work and why they are like they are. Compare Sunncamp vs Panorama awnings for a start.
Tell us more about damp and springy floors and what to do when things go wrong. Tell us how to pull pegs from hardstandings without breaking our backs. Tell us where to pitch our caravans and how to. Take a caravan apart - show us how long a breakaway cable is. Show us what's behind the panels.
Sorry to have gone on and on ....
Regarding Alex's comments that without the advertisments the magazine would be dearer to produce. How can this be as the adverts account for approx 65% of the overall contents which if they were not printed in colour on glossy paper would reduce the overall printing costs and also save on salary regarding the advertising staff and overheads such as office accommodation, telephones, etc.
I stopped buying the magazine about two years ago because I had this opinion then. I look at the cover in W.H.Smith to see what is in the issue but very rarely buy it. Mind you the same can be said about all magazines and newspapers - the technical information is only a small percentage of the overall number of pages - the rest are adverts. The Daily Mail on Saturday and Sunday is ridiculous regarding adverts (not much better on a weekday). We are dull ones in supporting the magazines/newspapers by paying for adverts - the more adverts the cheaper the magazine/newspaper should be.
I stopped buying the magazine about two years ago because I had this opinion then. I look at the cover in W.H.Smith to see what is in the issue but very rarely buy it. Mind you the same can be said about all magazines and newspapers - the technical information is only a small percentage of the overall number of pages - the rest are adverts. The Daily Mail on Saturday and Sunday is ridiculous regarding adverts (not much better on a weekday). We are dull ones in supporting the magazines/newspapers by paying for adverts - the more adverts the cheaper the magazine/newspaper should be.
Well they do sell ads for profit as well as covering costs!
"market forces" ie, what the competitors do and use and what advertisers demand and expect plays a big part.
Alex has targets to hit no doubt, may be she is holding her hands up to some extent guys.
Posting here involves you in someones business plans, bottom line, profit, bang per buck etc.
It's no good questioning the ads and their business, what we want is content that attracts us and others.
"market forces" ie, what the competitors do and use and what advertisers demand and expect plays a big part.
Alex has targets to hit no doubt, may be she is holding her hands up to some extent guys.
Posting here involves you in someones business plans, bottom line, profit, bang per buck etc.
It's no good questioning the ads and their business, what we want is content that attracts us and others.
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