I think I started a subscription of Renaissance Magazine around issue 10 because I wasn't sure if I could always fine it on the news stand. I loved that magazine. I enjoyed the articles, reviews, and mostly the colorful photos from Renaissance Fairies around the country.
But I let my subscription end. Here is why.
1. I always felt bad for the people who took the time to research and write such detailed historical articles only to have readers two issues later rip them apart on the letters page. It seemed that 'the fact Nazi' ruled the magazine. Yes researchers miss things or get things wrong but relax a little for Pete's sake! I felt that the authors always had to be guarded instead of creative.
2. Do we need a Celtic Wedding Issue every year? Every other year? If you are married or male this issue has little appeal. I think this popular trend could have been addressed differently.
3. That Goth movie reviewer is harsh. It seems that he hates everything. Why bother reading it. Just list a movie and he hates it.
What I would do if I owned the magazine or had influence to change it. It is one thing to just belch and another to suggest a change.
1. Review faires around the country. Send people out with cameras and write articles about the various Renaissance Fairies. This would help new faires and might encourage people to try neighboring faires. Not just pictures but tales of these places!
2. Start new column on making characters or performing at Renaissance Fairies. Things you can do if you would like to attend a faire in period garb/ how to get started. Even many of us who have attended these events for years might learn a few tricks with some helpful solutions to dealing with weather, weaponry, and even using the toilet (and if you are a woman in a hoop skirt who has climbed into a port-a-pot you know what I am talking about.
3. Interview Renaissance Faire performers, authors who write historical books, musical groups, maybe even scholars on various period themes. Wouldn't you be interested to read an interview with "Zilch the Torysteller" or "The Seattle Knights"? How about a one on one with Alison Weir? An article on a trip through Museum Replicas? A disccourse with Jim Hrisoulas on his blade work? I know that the magazine does do some interviews and articles about some Renaissance themed folks but I would have liked to see more. Even tales of how faires appeared back in the "good old days" by some of the people who started the trend could be fun. I bet the issues would even fly off the stand if you had an article on what a Renaissance Faire is like after hours...
I am guessing from the ads and my long subscription to the magazine that the fan base is at least 80% Festies. Tailor the magazine to fit the fans. Limit the history pieces and make the magazine a magazine about Renaissance Fairies instead of a history magazine with a slight Renaissance Faire appeal.
Just my opinions. A rant after ending a relationship with an old friend.
I would love to hear your opinions. I know that I am most likely in the minority but perhaps at least one of you has shared in my disappointment.
1) I'm tired of the corrections in almost every issue. But I don't blame the readers for that. But to your point the "kudos and correction s" letter in the current issue(#61 wedding 2008) was nitpicky.
2) I don't need one every year. But their market research might show the need for it.
3) I quit reading the reviews a long time ago. I even said so in their survey last year.
Quote from: Obadiah Jib on June 22, 2008, 11:25:47 AM
3. Interview Renaissance Faire performers, authors who write historical books, musical groups, maybe even scholars on various period themes. Wouldn't you be interested to read an interview with "Zilch the Torysteller" or "The Seattle Knights"? How about a one on one with Alison Weir? An article on a trip through Museum Replicas? A disccourse with Jim Hrisoulas on his blade work? I know that the magazine does do some interviews and articles about some Renaissance themed folks but I would have liked to see more. Even tales of how faires appeared back in the "good old days" by some of the people who started the trend could be fun. I bet the issues would even fly off the stand if you had an article on what a Renaissance Faire is like after hours...
I would love to hear your opinions. I know that I am most likely in the minority but perhaps at least one of you has shared in my disappointment.
read Faire news by our own Escarlata
interviews http://www.fairenews.com/category/have-you-met/
edit for clarity
Thanks for the referral, RFP *grinning*
Obadiah, I've saved your post for article ideas. I'm always looking for what interests my readers. I might not always deliver but it won't be for wont of trying.
My Fiance keeps my Ren Mag subscription paid, and that's why I still get it. I have had many of the same thoughts already posted here, although, being female, I do love to look at the Wedding Issue. I can see where it might be more beneficial to others to make the annual wedding photos a supplement instead of an entire issue.
I, too, quit reading the movie reviews. But then again, I never read a movie review before seeing the movie. When I go to the movies or rent one to watch at home, I do so for the pleasure of escaping for a couple of hours. I don't sit down to watch a movie with the intention of picking it apart, and reading a negative review by someone else before I even see the movie kind of spoils any enjoyment I can find during that two-hour break from reality.
I have also long thought that there should be more than just pictures of a given faire. Tell me about the faire! How much is admission, is there a parking fee, a shuttle, etc.? Highlight some of this years performers, tell me which acts are there every year, describe the setting, give me info about nearby lodging/campgrounds and where we can eat after hours. If there is a picture of a particular person, don't just give me their faire name - tell me why they portray that character and what makes their character unique. I would love to read full-page articles like the ones suggested by Obadiah!
The more I think on this, the more I think perhaps it is time to sit down and write a letter to the owner of Ren Mag.
* I will be sure to check out the fairenews link, Escarlata. That's the second time this week that I've noticed a mention of it here in the forums, so now my curiosity is piqued.
What great points. I hope the magazine folks are smart enough to read this forum. . . hell, you guys gave me ideas for my own rag and it's not that Ren-oriented!
There are some good points brought up here, and some that I disagree with.
First off, I like the articles written about historical events, and hope the editors continue running them. I'm a history nut, and that's one reason I got into Renaissance festivals. I do think a great point was brought up about interviews with authors being a good addition to the magazine. I'd love to see an interview with Allison Weir or David Starkey, and even authors who write historical fiction such as Philippa Gregory.
I enjoy the pictorials on various faires, but my gripe with that is that it seems to be the same ones over and over. I've gone through some back issues that I have, and have seen a few faires featured more than once, usually the larger, well established ones. I'd like to see smaller faires featured, and think those spreads would be just as interesting.
As for faire information, the Faire & Festival guide is a valuable resource for dates, estimated attendance, and pricing. Each listing includes the festival's web address where more info can be obtained. I think that would be the best way to get information on parking, vendors, lodging, entertainment, etc. It would be too much work for the editors to print all of that info with each pictorial, especially since they start working on each current issue weeks, if not months ahead of time, most likely before faire management releases said information.
I also tend to disagree with Mr. MacLean's film reviews, but keep in mind he's only voicing his opinions. He's certainly entitled to them, and we're entitled to disagree. Whether he reviews a film favorably or not won't change the way I feel about it, and a negative review will not stop me from watching a film I'm interested in.
To the magazine's credit, they have a regular feature on sewing garb, though it's not in the current issue. Several years ago there was an entire issue about the history of Renaissance festivals (which can be purchased via their website, along with other back issues), and there have been faire performers featured. I do agree this should be something that's more common, I'd really like to see interviews with performers. Kudos to Esc for making this a regular feature on Faire News!
There is room for improvement, but I enjoy Renaissance Magazine and will continue looking forward to each new issue.
I think I will give Faire news a try!
To the magazine's credit, they have a regular feature on sewing garb, though it's not in the current issue. Several years ago there was an entire issue about the history of Renaissance festivals (which can be purchased via their website, along with other back issues), and there have been faire performers featured. I do agree this should be something that's more common, I'd really like to see interviews with performers. Kudos to Esc for making this a regular feature on Faire News!
[/quote]
Athena is correct the articles on sewing are very nice and well done.
I wrote a series of articles a few years back on the history of games, and believe the mag has a lot of potential and has a potentially a very valuable niche as an "industry" magazine for both participants and playtrons, but I do think it could do better. I confess I was a little disappointed that they turned down the idea of a column for merchants/crafters when I suggested it.
Quote from: groomporter on June 22, 2008, 10:47:58 PM
I wrote a series of articles a few years back on the history of games, and believe the mag has a lot of potential and has a potentially a very valuable niche as an "industry" magazine for both participants and playtrons, but I do think it could do better. I confess I was a little disappointed that they turned down the idea of a column for merchants/crafters when I suggested it.
When did you write those? I have back issues dating as far back as 2001 and would love to take a look at the articles.
It's unfortunate that your idea was turned down. I think a column on mercants/crafters would benefit vendors and patrons, and would be a great way to introduce some of the smaller, lesser known businesses.
I agree, the magazine is a valuable resource but there's always room for improvement.
Quote from: groomporter on June 22, 2008, 10:47:58 PM
I wrote a series of articles a few years back on the history of games, and believe the mag has a lot of potential and has a potentially a very valuable niche as an "industry" magazine for both participants and playtrons, but I do think it could do better. I confess I was a little disappointed that they turned down the idea of a column for merchants/crafters when I suggested it.
From the moderators forum
Quote from: willin on June 16, 2008, 02:26:18 PM
last night i was looking up some festival websites using Google
(i wish we had our old directory)
i found that RenaissanceFestival.com now comes up #11
putting it on the second page of the search results.
about three weeks ago it was in the #3 position,
right near the top of the first page.
my limited understanding of how search results are determined is by keywords
and not via the Google bidding process (pay for placement) like the Google ads ?
the #11th, second page position resulted when i entered "renaissance festival" as the search.
the same search via Yahoo results in the #2 spot !
is there anything we can do to boost our position back into the top 10 so it comes up on the
first page of Google search results ?
My reply...
Willin, the path to Google nirvana is content, content and more content. We have the Joomla portal running the homepage. It is a tool for publishing content. Tom is working on integrating forums logins with Joomla logins. This should allow us to divide and conquer the content beast. I personally know members who would be glad to contribute articles and I suspect there are others who would be willing to write if asked. A topics outline would be a good way to start.Groomporter, don't be suprised if I lean on you for articles. For that matter all the merchants/crafters. I think Calith is putting something together for his perfume shop.
Quote from: Obadiah Jib on June 22, 2008, 11:25:47 AM
2. Do we need a Celtic Wedding Issue every year? Every other year? If you are married or male this issue has little appeal. I think this popular trend could have been addressed differently.
Despite being female, I have to agree with you 100% on this one Obadiah. A yearly wedding issue, IMHO, is waaaaaaaaay to much for the price I pay for my subscription. I agree with the person who put forth the idea of an insert - an publish that insert every other year. To much of a good thing is still a bad thing.
Quote1. Review faires around the country. Send people out with cameras and write articles about the various Renaissance Fairies. This would help new faires and might encourage people to try neighboring faires. Not just pictures but tales of these places!
Again, I agree with both you and someone else. Do cover faires across the country but please cover more than the big corporate faires/festivals. There are so many faires/festivals that the magazine's supply of them is limitless for their "up-close-and-personal" lay-out.
Quote3. Interview Renaissance Faire performers, authors who write historical books, musical groups, maybe even scholars on various period themes. Wouldn't you be interested to read an interview with "Zilch the Torysteller" or "The Seattle Knights"? How about a one on one with Alison Weir? An article on a trip through Museum Replicas? A disccourse with Jim Hrisoulas on his blade work? I know that the magazine does do some interviews and articles about some Renaissance themed folks but I would have liked to see more. Even tales of how faires appeared back in the "good old days" by some of the people who started the trend could be fun. I bet the issues would even fly off the stand if you had an article on what a Renaissance Faire is like after hours...
Thank you Obadiah! As a performer who has written and submitted an article on my stage show to the magazine (and having it's publishing date continually pushed back), I feel that since we're not a "nation wide name," the powers that be feel we don't deserve the same attention. This was reinforced when we were "overlooked" for the pirate issue because the editor "misplaced [my] article." There are more than just "big name" performers out there on the circuit. It takes all of us, big and small to make a faire happen. Maybe I'm absolutely crazy but, I think we ALL deserve our 15 minutes of fame - not just a select few.
Not sure what other faires are like but, for the most part, faires in this area of the country look like a ghost town after hours. Rarely, in these days, have I seen a faire stay "open" after it closes for the day/weekend. Some of the area faires have gone to a strict policy of "no one stays on site after hours, not even vendors" due to underage drinking and illicit acts. So, not sure how well an issue and/or article on faires after hours would go over. But, I do appreciate the fact that you are thinking outside the box, kudos to you!
Just appears to me that some areas of the magazine have turned into a popularity contest. I do like the articles on history/historical areas of the world. Not so crazy about the art museum lists (most of which are a ways away from me and cost more than I am willing to part with ... and I like museums!). I love the resource the costumer's corner provides, I'm still trying to get a handle on cartridge pleating, even though I don't do noble court anymore!
Yeah, the reviews seem VERY harsh as of late (and some of them are out-of-date) but, you never know what subscribers are hanging on every word of the reviewer.
I would like to see more information on the photo spread faire (pricing, etc) like was mentioned in an earlier post. I do appreciate the hard work that goes into creating the faire listings - that is a good resource for stage shows and vendors.
So, despite it all, I will keep my subscription and see what the future holds. Who knows, perhaps we'll see changes in the months ahead.
Just my opionion, for what it's worth.
Fair Winds
Emerald
Quote from: Athena on June 22, 2008, 11:09:21 PM
Quote from: groomporter on June 22, 2008, 10:47:58 PM
I wrote a series of articles a few years back on the history of games, and believe the mag has a lot of potential and has a potentially a very valuable niche as an "industry" magazine for both participants and playtrons, but I do think it could do better. I confess I was a little disappointed that they turned down the idea of a column for merchants/crafters when I suggested it.
When did you write those? I have back issues dating as far back as 2001 and would love to take a look at the articles.
I think it started back in 2000. The series was entitled "The Compleat Gamester" and periodically appeared 11 times. They are listed here http://renaissancemagazine.com/mastercol.html and they have my first one available online at http://renaissancemagazine.com/backissues/game.html
An issue for authors is that they started buying all rights to articles they use (I forget the official term) so you cannot resubmit the article for later publication elsewhere. But I don't think they are big enough, or pay enough to justify that kind of deal.
Other Ren PublicationsThere is another magazine, The
Regional Renaissance Reporter that is supposed to be quarterly but it seems not quite that regular. It comes out of Iowa, so it also has more of a Midwest slant. I see on their website http://www.renreporter.com/ the theme of the next issue (due out anytime now) is
"Not Made in China" focusing on artisan merchants."It seems to me there used to be a small publication connected to one of the California shows also but was mainly promotion for that show. Anyone remember what it was?
While I agree, with a lot of what's been said here, I do have to disagree on the Wedding Issue. Its one of my favorites. It maybe because I've always known someone whose particpated in their wedding contest and its always a thrill to see someone you know in print. I also love looking at the wedding dresses they feature every year. I wish they would do stuff like that more often--sort of garb fashion spreads.
I have never subscribed to the mag. I believe my collection starts with issue #4, but the collection is scattered. I go to the newstand and peruse the issue and if there are articles that are of interest I will get it, otherwise leave it. I was highly interested in an upcoming issue a few months ago because I saw, online, that in the next issue they were going to run an article and pictures on the Gulf Coast Faire. Only modesty prevents me from expounding on why I was interested in that article. Needless to say when the actual issue came out they instead ran several pictures on the Michigan faire. I don't remember if that particular faire had ever been featured before but I think it had because I remember seeing a picture of Mary Kababic in it as Q.E. I. If they could not follow thru on their proposed upcoming issues then that is where I would expect to see some sort of blip as to why. Many photos were sent by our faire Photog. so I know they were well done. So who knows, I just know that I agree with the wedding issue, so when it comes out I don't even bother to look at it.
Of my collection there are most likely 5 - 6 that I would keep for various reasons but the rest, if someone wants them to complete their collection contact me I'm sure we can strike a deal.
I, too, have often felt bad for the writers whose work is ripped apart by the nitpicking readers but then I remember that the publishers have ultimate control over what is printed so I think maybe they're just masochists.
I enjoy the wedding issues but I agree that once a year may be overkill.
I love the idea of more in depth reporting from various faires. You should voice your opinions to those in charge of the magazine, you might just be able to shape the future of it.
They've actually refused my offers of photos for different faires several times because they said "they had a photographer submitting images for that faire already". I've yet to see the photos that were apparently submitted before my offers.
Glad I'm not alone on this one. I'm even happier to know that we have other publications to choose from. Perhaps they will address our passion better.
Bottom line though is, it is the major publication for our industry, so for all its faults...
Quote from: groomporter on June 23, 2008, 11:09:49 PM
Bottom line though is, it is the major publication for our industry, so for all its faults...
Ya know, it is to bad that the average Rennie (myself included) doesn't have the disposable income (or time) to start up a competitive national magazine for our industry. Might just be the thing that's needed to shake things up at Ren Mag. Competition is good for many industries.
Quote from: Emerald Shaunassey on June 24, 2008, 12:40:40 AM
Competition is good for many industries.
Well spoke luv. . .well spoke.
I have had occasion to peruse many issues of this mag but have never purchased them. I find them over filled with ads (for the price, there shouldn't be that many) and the content too repetitive.
The wedding issue... yikes! Again, you're paying how much for the magazine to begin with then an entire issue is completely useless to you... Not good value for the price. Why not a wedding "section" every couple of issues. An insert, as has been suggested.
The whole thing just seems like a "Good ol' boys club" as far as published articles, photos, etc. I would think the best view of a faire would come from someone who loves it and knows it well, not a visitor who only gets the surface image and couldn't possibly find all the charms to share and entice newcomers.
Ren Mag...? Are you listening?!?
Can't blame them too much for the number of ad. There general rule I've heard is that most periodicals need to be around about 1/2 advertising to be able to pay the bills.
I try to keep advertisements to 40% in The Pyrates Way. Right now, the postage to mail to subscribers is starting to catch up with the entire printing cost of the magazine. . . . all the costs involved are going up but I've been able to balance the books and not raise prices to either advertisers or subscribers through 2009.
I also try to coax the advertisers to come up with cool graphics and eye-popping visuals for their ads. . it eases the reader's pain! LOL
How about other suggestions that would "Help" Renaissance Magazine? Do you have ideas?
I'd keep the history article but perhaps not so many per issue. Add in things for Festies such a Faire reviews, dos and don't, and interviews with performers/ crafters/ and attendees.
Oh and I'd kill that weak comedic section where they take historical art and superimpose celebs on top with bad puns. That monthly feature just stank!
Quote from: Emerald Shaunassey on June 24, 2008, 12:40:40 AM
Ya know, it is to bad that the average Rennie (myself included) doesn't have the disposable income (or time) to start up a competitive national magazine for our industry. Might just be the thing that's needed to shake things up at Ren Mag. Competition is good for many industries.
Would a full color magazine with full features about different faires including prices, types of food and drink, and detailed info on where to stay in the area, what to expect, etc. . . be a good idea? What if it included a part just for serious reenactors. . . and a vendor's area. . .and a garb-making area. . . and a feature on some interesting faire artists that you might not know about? If it all came in a nice package every quarter for only about $6 an issue. . .would you be interested?
http://www.fairemagazine.com (http://www.fairemagazine.com)
Yes, I'm seriously thinking about such a project. . . if there's enough support from both renfaire enthusiasts and advertisers.
I'm sure there's interest form the renfaire enthusiasts. I don't know about advertisers. You have experience with that. And you have publication experience, I think thats something that one of the previous attempts of another faire magazine lacked.
Quote from: Obadiah Jib on June 26, 2008, 10:35:47 PM
Oh and I'd kill that weak comedic section where they take historical art and superimpose celebs on top with bad puns. That monthly feature just stank!
I agree! Totally lame and not funny at all, IMO.
Quote from: SirBlackFox on June 26, 2008, 11:28:37 PM
Quote from: Emerald Shaunassey on June 24, 2008, 12:40:40 AM
Ya know, it is to bad that the average Rennie (myself included) doesn't have the disposable income (or time) to start up a competitive national magazine for our industry. Might just be the thing that's needed to shake things up at Ren Mag. Competition is good for many industries.
Would a full color magazine with full features about different faires including prices, types of food and drink, and detailed info on where to stay in the area, what to expect, etc. . . be a good idea? What if it included a part just for serious reenactors. . . and a vendor's area. . .and a garb-making area. . . and a feature on some interesting faire artists that you might not know about? If it all came in a nice package every quarter for only about $6 an issue. . .would you be interested?
http://www.fairemagazine.com (http://www.fairemagazine.com)
Yes, I'm seriously thinking about such a project. . . if there's enough support from both renfaire enthusiasts and advertisers.
Black Fox darlin',
You definately have *my* attention! I'd gladly sign up in heartbeat for a subscription. And .. I might be persuaded to be a roving photojournalist/writer for faires that I've either worked or attended.
Tell me more, oh great one!
Excitedly yours,
Emerald
... who's off to check out the weblink
The answer to your question, for me is yes. I just let my subseption laps, last month. I got tired of nothing in there. But I due love the history articles .
We renewed our subscritpion last February. The letters are peoples opinions which like everything else I read and take with a grain of salt. Other sections that catch my attention are the news, the reporting of excavations, what is on exhibit, and most of the feature articles. Sure, there have been a couple of dud issues but we still like it. We have issues 16, 21, and 24-present.
I just had an article accepted for the November issue. It's about my transformation from mundane woman and mother of four to an
Italian Rose Seller at Mirf (lane act, I sing). I would be terrified to write an historical article for them.
A few years ago, they did what I thought was a very nice article on me and our brass rubbings. The author spent about 3 hours on the phone with me the first time, and then there were several phone calls afterwards to verify the things she put in her article. So she did put a lot of time into it to ensure its accuracy.
We have been subscribing since about the 4th or 5th issue, and while there are some articles that I am not interested in and skip over them, I always find interesting things to read.
I hardly ever buy an issue anymore either.
The yearly wedding issue was boring, because they are basically the same article the same year, with the same overpriced gowns.
The bad jokes on the art is soooooo lame.
I do love the historical articles though, even if they are wrong sometimes.
I have been disappointed with this magazine for a while now and basically only buy one every now and then. Usually in the middle of the time between faires for us.
For me, my disappointment out weighs my interest.
I wish it was not so.
I have to admit as a vendor I do get a fairly large number of hits from the link on their website that comes with my ad in the web resources area of 'zine
As a longtime fan of Renaissance Magazine and, more recently, a published author in the magazine, I have mixed feelings on many of these issues.
I agree 100% with the opinion that the magazine could have more focus on local faire performers & life, but I also feel that the magazine has established a reputation as a reference source. I enjoy the historical articles, although I've not written one myself, and I appreciate the research that goes into these. My personal purpose for submitting articles to the magazine has been to try to bring national exposure to some local performers that I have seen/heard at faire, or been in touch with through this and other web sites. While there is certainly always room for competition, to date RenMag remains the definitive publication for national exposure, and I think most performers would be happy to have a favorable review published in it. (I hope so, at any rate!)
I would suggest to anyone who wants to see more focus on faires (whether on performers, the faire itself, or anything associated with it) is to write an article and submit it to the magazine, rather than to write to the magazine with your suggestions. Or, if you feel you cannot write such an article yourself, perhaps contact one of the writers [ahem!], in order to put him/her in touch with the performers/faires that you think would make a good contribution to the magazine. To the best of my knowledge--and I could be wrong--the editor does not make assignments, but rather accepts or declines anything offered for publication. That's the way it has been for me, at any rate.
Also, I think someone pointed out that you can sign up for the faire news, which gets emailed from the magazine. These are news and information bulletins that local faires submit directly to the magazine for distribution to anyone who's interested.
Last item, for those who wish to submit: RenMag does indeed buy 1st serial rights, which means the copyright reverts to the author once the article has appeared in print.
My limited experience with the magazine involved a trip to the bookstore where I stumbled upon it while wondering if a ren faire magazine even existed. So I found this magazine, but upon flipping through the content it seems more targeted to those who are interested in the Renaissance time period more so than renaissance faires.
I was looking for coverage of other faires, the latest faire trends, costume ideas, crafty stuff, and that sort of thing. This appeared to appeal more to the history enthusiast crowd.
Quote from: GypsyWriter on July 07, 2008, 11:51:36 AM
I would suggest to anyone who wants to see more focus on faires (whether on performers, the faire itself, or anything associated with it) is to write an article and submit it to the magazine, rather than to write to the magazine with your suggestions. Or, if you feel you cannot write such an article yourself, perhaps contact one of the writers [ahem!], in order to put him/her in touch with the performers/faires that you think would make a good contribution to the magazine.
Barb, if I'm reading you right, you mean anyone can submit articles and ideas for articles? That makes it our fault if we don't like the content. Makes sense to me. I can and will make some suggestions to the publisher and if that works then no one has a right or reason to complain. If smaller faires took more of a pro PR approach, they would all be vying for feature in an issue. The same goes for performers accept its difficult to write something to promote yourself without sounding like an egotist but that's why we have you, dear Lady, and you do it so well.
All those who find fault with the publication should a rise from the pillows and make it what you would like to see instead of complaining about something that could be a great source of interest, entertainment, information and marketing tool.
Terry
Remember that most magazines run on what the advertisers want. . .not what the readers want. At about $20 a subscription vs. $500 an advertisement which would you decide to go with if it was up to you?
Faire Magazine will change that idea. I'm in it to clear the cost of the magazine. . .not a lot more. M'wife makes us a good living and Pyrates Way magazine is giving us a nice boost in income. . . I really don't want to be rich on Faire Magazine. . . just want to enjoy (with all the readers) the joy of being at faires/festivals I'll probably not make it to. . . sorry, but it's that simple.
Join us at FaireMagazine.com and enjoy the future of Renaissance Festivals. . . where we all partake of what's available. . .without spending $4 a gallon to do so.
I let my Renaissance Magazine subscription lapse. I was very disappointed by their falconry article. The author NEVER did any research. There are several blatant errors about birds of prey and falconry in the article. I submitted an article years ago, but they rejected it. (They called it poorly written). Hey, my day job for years was an EDITOR. Then they publish the highly inaccurate article. I've been a falconer since 1974. I've been a regional Director the the North American Falconers' Association, so I KNOW about the history of falconry.
My article was published on the old Renaissance Forum. I would like to re-post it on the new one. How can I do it? IT is a long article, but is good for finding out about the history of falconry.
Hi HawkMom,
Thanks for sending your updated article. The original was very popular on the old site.
http://www.renaissancefestival.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13&Itemid=2
I use to have a subscription, but I didn't renew simply because I got tired of the same ol' same ol' stuff. It became boring and I too got tired of the Costume Nazi's.
There are so many more things that could be written/photographed, but since the magazine owners don't wish to do that - nor lower their outrageous issue price, I like some others here (and those who just read and not post) have gone onto bigger and better things.
Aside from the articles on the SCA Pennsic Wars, did anyone notice the EXTREME lack of colour pictures?
Come on, the joust pictures could have been magnificent if done in colour.
The magazine feels thinner too.
Sorry but I am not resubscribing either.
Our copy came in the mail last week along with the separate directory they just published. I found it a little annoying that in the "games and toys" area my listing is surrounded by a bunch of modern game stores that are probably regular advertisers in Renaissance Magazine, but have no connection with Renfairs except as a cross-over market for modern gamers.
Thank goodness the new magazine is about to come out ... I hear it is at the press now.
We have subscribed since the very early issues. Except for the listing of faires, and pictures of different larger faires, it isn't very "faire" oriented, as opposed to "history" oriented. Which serves a different market.
I was interested to see there is now a column where people can send in their own faire pictures. However, disappointed that the pictures were in black and white. They would be much more striking if they were in color, and I bet people would buy several copies for their "fifteen minutes of fame."
Quote from: Lady Renee Buchanan on October 08, 2008, 07:03:21 PM
We have subscribed since the very early issues. Except for the listing of faires, and pictures of different larger faires, it isn't very "faire" oriented, as opposed to "history" oriented. Which serves a different market.
I was interested to see there is now a column where people can send in their own faire pictures. However, disappointed that the pictures were in black and white. They would be much more striking if they were in color, and I bet people would buy several copies for their "fifteen minutes of fame."
I got my 15 minutes of fame in Faire Magazine in full on color. So Faire Mag gets my vote.
Quote from: sir clisto on October 08, 2008, 07:17:02 PM
Quote from: Obadiah Jib on June 22, 2008, 10:22:19 PM
I think I will give Faire news a try!
Faire News?
http://www.fairenews.com/ is a blog written by one of our members
This forum has it own blog(s)
main page http://www.renaissancefestival.com/
and
http://renaissancefestival.wordpress.com/
and coming to print soon by the Pyrates Way folk's
http://www.fairemagazine.com