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.
My biggest problem with Swimmer is that it is so.....benign. There is no edge, no attitude at all comparable to what is in this board.
It almost seems like they are working so hard to avoid offending anyone. If we have to offend 5% of the readers/members to gain 20% that is OK with me.
USMS is for adults. No need to make it kid-safe.
To the earlier point about advertising - I see no reason it can't have had for Porsches or vodka or other adult-targeted products.
Please - no pathetic "what's in your MP3 player" articles either.
The writing is serviceable but could be better. Most of the articles suffer from a "first paragraph" problem. You really have to sweat it, take a walk, discuss with friends or the dog. "Did you ever wonder" and "Most US Masters swimmers are familiar with" are not riveting opening lines. The story subjects are somewhat obvious. Swimming makes you feel better. Dancing is good exercise.
I agree, the mag through its membership should be able to attract a variety of advertisers: watches, cars, shoes, sportswear, bookcases to hold all those swimming DVDs and references, food and nutrition, related sports, lifestyle items (bicycles, etc.), Rodale Press, Morningstar, business services. Digicams. But businesses catering to adults can't afford to blur their carefully cultivated corporate image by advertising in what looks like a low-budget or children's mag.
Things work out, or they don't and get changed. Getting through 16 issues is a lot. I want to commend the hard work and successes of the editor and contributors while at the same time asking whether the magazine can be more than it is now.
VB
My biggest problem with Swimmer is that it is so.....benign. There is no edge, no attitude at all comparable to what is in this board.
It almost seems like they are working so hard to avoid offending anyone. If we have to offend 5% of the readers/members to gain 20% that is OK with me.
USMS is for adults. No need to make it kid-safe.
To the earlier point about advertising - I see no reason it can't have had for Porsches or vodka or other adult-targeted products.
Please - no pathetic "what's in your MP3 player" articles either.
The writing is serviceable but could be better. Most of the articles suffer from a "first paragraph" problem. You really have to sweat it, take a walk, discuss with friends or the dog. "Did you ever wonder" and "Most US Masters swimmers are familiar with" are not riveting opening lines. The story subjects are somewhat obvious. Swimming makes you feel better. Dancing is good exercise.
I agree, the mag through its membership should be able to attract a variety of advertisers: watches, cars, shoes, sportswear, bookcases to hold all those swimming DVDs and references, food and nutrition, related sports, lifestyle items (bicycles, etc.), Rodale Press, Morningstar, business services. Digicams. But businesses catering to adults can't afford to blur their carefully cultivated corporate image by advertising in what looks like a low-budget or children's mag.
Things work out, or they don't and get changed. Getting through 16 issues is a lot. I want to commend the hard work and successes of the editor and contributors while at the same time asking whether the magazine can be more than it is now.
VB
