So, we've all had this issue in our favorite reading area for a few weeks now.
For those who aren't in the know, Popular Woodworking and Woodworking Magazine (sister publication) have merged into Popular Woodworking Magazine.
Since no one asked :gar-La;, here is my take.
My favorite parts? Longer, yet more focused articles. This month's pieces about furniture, furniture makers (yeah Jerome!), design and "what makes a table a table" were fantastic.
I also am happy with the columns they retained. A nice variety. Plus, they did not keep the "Table Saw Shoot out" or "Which cordless drill do you need" stuff. Glad to see that era in (at least this magazine) is passing.
I would drop the "Glossary" section. Its a full page that I think could be better used for expanding other content.
Sadly, I don't like the cover. It reminds me too much of Woodworking Magazine, which is now behind us. I'd like to see them drop that border/frame.
I'd also endorse dropping the word Magazine from the title. It is a tad redundant
In this new digital era, I also think its time to stop printing "Letters to the Editor". With email, websites and blogs, people are able to comment and share world wide opinions. That accounts for two to three full pages of content.
Like many, the tinyurl's were not something I cared for, but the publisher is working on it.
Lastly, I think they would benefit from ending "how to build a queen anne lowboy in 4 simple pages". Measure this, cut that, route this edge. Those articles, IMHO, don't belong in a magazine. Its like trying to stuff an elephant in a matchbook with a tennis racket.
I'd love to see either "we are going to take the next year, and document this project in gory detail" or focus on a specific aspect of a project. Bring some realistic perspective to these projects.
Oh, I'm also thrilled they didn't feature a story on a brand new way to magically make hand cut dovetails
Overall, I'm relieved. I loved both magazines and was worried. Its good to know they kept the best.
My hat's off to the whole staff, they continue to do what I think is one of the most revolutionary jobs in the woodworking publishing industry. Keep up the good work!
If this thread is popular, I'd be happy to send our thought on to the Editors.
Jim
For those who aren't in the know, Popular Woodworking and Woodworking Magazine (sister publication) have merged into Popular Woodworking Magazine.
Since no one asked :gar-La;, here is my take.
My favorite parts? Longer, yet more focused articles. This month's pieces about furniture, furniture makers (yeah Jerome!), design and "what makes a table a table" were fantastic.
I also am happy with the columns they retained. A nice variety. Plus, they did not keep the "Table Saw Shoot out" or "Which cordless drill do you need" stuff. Glad to see that era in (at least this magazine) is passing.
I would drop the "Glossary" section. Its a full page that I think could be better used for expanding other content.
Sadly, I don't like the cover. It reminds me too much of Woodworking Magazine, which is now behind us. I'd like to see them drop that border/frame.
I'd also endorse dropping the word Magazine from the title. It is a tad redundant
In this new digital era, I also think its time to stop printing "Letters to the Editor". With email, websites and blogs, people are able to comment and share world wide opinions. That accounts for two to three full pages of content.
Like many, the tinyurl's were not something I cared for, but the publisher is working on it.
Lastly, I think they would benefit from ending "how to build a queen anne lowboy in 4 simple pages". Measure this, cut that, route this edge. Those articles, IMHO, don't belong in a magazine. Its like trying to stuff an elephant in a matchbook with a tennis racket.
I'd love to see either "we are going to take the next year, and document this project in gory detail" or focus on a specific aspect of a project. Bring some realistic perspective to these projects.
Oh, I'm also thrilled they didn't feature a story on a brand new way to magically make hand cut dovetails
Overall, I'm relieved. I loved both magazines and was worried. Its good to know they kept the best.
My hat's off to the whole staff, they continue to do what I think is one of the most revolutionary jobs in the woodworking publishing industry. Keep up the good work!
If this thread is popular, I'd be happy to send our thought on to the Editors.
Jim
