Melges 14

kind of... yes.  A list of pros and cons for both get more or less universal acceptance.

Originally posted by Rupert Can't remember how we got to sailing mags from the Melges 14 - possibly because we ran out of things to say about a small plastic singlehander with nothing particularly "new" about it. Which would be a bit of a problem for magazines trying to make such a boat interesting enough for readers to buy a copy.

Magazines require enthusiasm, enthusiastic readers and writers, I'd love to do it precisely because I'm still in that first flush of enthusiasm I always get for a new sport then generally ruin by turning it into a business where it becomes more about sales and the money than the sport and I'd promised myself not to let that happen with this, even though everywhere I turn I can see better ways that things could be done.

Having written for all of the Mags, "I feel your pain"! One of the problems facing the sport(or the pastime if you would prefer that definition) is that it lacks a clear voice. Indeed, it is by no means an exaggeration to suggest that one of the core issues that impact on dinghy sailing (only one mind you!) is that lack of voice to get a positive message out to a wider audience.

Many years ago, the great Jack Knights used to write for Y&Y, if ever there was a man to 'tell it like it was' it was Jack. Compared to him, iGRF/Woodbotherer is a tame pussycat. Sadly, if Jack were still with us today, his voice would be silent, for he would have been sacked long ago. The boa-constrictor coils of 'advertising revenue' would have strangled his opinions. As a result, we're now left in the position where some pretty rotten goings on get by, without censure, simply through the lack of the 'voice'. (including some recent shockers that have slipped by under the radar)!!

Graeme is not alone in looking at the issue, I know for a fact that others have (as I was contacted regarding content provision....posh term for articles) but in every case it became clear that it just didn't stack up.

I think that the direction Mark is taking Y&Y.com has to be the best - indeed, possibly the only route for going forward. The news is instant, available in many differing formats (nothing stopping you printing off copy if you've a rain forest or two going spare)and there is the space to develop articles far beyond that on the printed page. Just once, in a number of years of writing for print copy, did I break 1800 words. Recent articles on Y&Y.com have run to double that - and with 3 times the number of pictures you'd be able to get into the 'mag'.

With a new Editor, the print version of Y&Y has a chance to re-invent and re-establish itself...this won't happen overnight, but knowing the new Editor (who used to be at the helm of DSM at the time when you really liked that mag) it looks to me that it should be given a chance. If there is something missing - either in the paper version or on-line, tell them; after all, the game of the game has to be finding the right opportunity to exploit.

Proof of the pudding is surely in the freedom I've got to write Part III of my series. Just a year ago that would never have seen the light of day, now it will get front page billing (when I finish it.....).

Dinghy sailing may have lost its voice for a number of years, but there is now a chance for 'alternate' views to be heard. Rather than loose that opportunity, because people are trying to create a new platform, why not make more use of the ones you have now?

Edited by Dougaldog - 22 Jan 15 at 11:41am

Agree Graeme...Which is a shame.   Would a digital magazine be much cheaper?  Surely a consumer led website is the best thing?  Problem is that without spending the money on advertising.  or more importantly having somewhere to get some kind of ROI.  You will never break into the club market.