After finding out Swimmer takes 30% of our budget,I was thinking how to make it better.I think it is perhaps fine as it is now for what it does now,but if it is to help us grow...
What do you think?
Rodale had a magazine called "Fitness Swimmer' a few years ago and I thought it was excellent and I think implied that such a mag could be(almost) profitable.The current 4 in one format of "Swimming World" now seems excellent.Perhaps Swimmer should have sections:Competitive Swimmer,fitness swimmer,tri,noodlers(to be totally inclusive.)This might help with the problem of technique articles in Swimmer.The articles seem aimed for the middle and are too simple for elite swimmers and too advanced for beginners.
If you want to sell issues how about more pictures of good looking Masters swimmers in swim suits(it worked for Sports Illustrated.)
I don't find the "new product"section very helpful as it just gives what the company says.How about product testing? I expect a company would be glad to say"our goggles were the top rated by USMS-publicity for us.)If you really want to sell how about product testing on LZR vsTracer Rise,vs Nero Comp.I bet most swimmers,coaches,and parents would be interested in that.
Parents
Former Member
I have yet to see one as I'm a new USMS member (but longtime swimmerA). "Letter to the Editor" or "Letters from the Reader" on articles are always fun to read in my Motorcyclist magazine, no reason it wouldn't apply here.
I also think we have A LOT of experience swimmers (competitive, open water, triathletes) so why not put it to use and have a "Guest Columnist" each issue. If you just asked me, or whoever you picked a few qualifying questions and tell me what area you want me to write on, how many words, etc. I know I could write something by a deadline of your choosing.
I have yet to see one as I'm a new USMS member (but longtime swimmerA). "Letter to the Editor" or "Letters from the Reader" on articles are always fun to read in my Motorcyclist magazine, no reason it wouldn't apply here.
I also think we have A LOT of experience swimmers (competitive, open water, triathletes) so why not put it to use and have a "Guest Columnist" each issue. If you just asked me, or whoever you picked a few qualifying questions and tell me what area you want me to write on, how many words, etc. I know I could write something by a deadline of your choosing.