Does anyone read Traditional Bowhunter Magazine? I do, it is a wonderful magazine. I couldn't help but notice, however, that my last couple of issues seem shorter and have a stapled spine instead of the usual flat glued spine it normally does. I loved the 'journal' look it had and I'm disappointed that they seem to be changing it. Does anyone else notice that?
~Adam
Yes, I agree. Not sure why they did that.
I read it for the content not the glue or staples.
Just about everyone here reads TBM, I'm not sure why the binding would bother you :dunno: it's what's inside the front and back cover that's important to me. I would still subscribe if they send it in individual pages!
I am sure it is to save money. Everything is getting more expensive nowadays.
I have subscribed to the mag for many years. That is the way the mag was put together in the 90s. Maybe it's more traditional the way it is now!
Was a original subscriper. Canceled a year or so ago. It's true it's about what's in between the covers that matters and it just didn't matter to me any more!
Obviously what is between the covers matters. I save the magazine, however, like I would a good book, and I prefer the glued spine as it fits better on a shelf. My personal opinion, apparently not a popular one, lol! Anyhow, I can't stand most bow hunting magazines as they are all technology and advertising and I like my mag as it was.
Not sure I care how they put it together. I've gone on so many hunts through that magazine. I love them no matter how they stay together.
-Jeremy :coffee:
Haven't even noticed...
QuoteOriginally posted by Elksong:
I read it for the content not the glue or staples.
HAHAHAHAHA!
That's rad!
For almost 17 years now.
After all the years I have had it, there is not much new between the covers. Usually one article per issue that holds my attention. Still I have a stack my 2.5 year old grandson pours over pageby page IDing the animals. Tj and crew do a crefitable job
Agreed Roadkill. Gets pretty boring reading the same old "I shot my first trad deer" or "my dads old bow" or "I hung up the compound" story. And then the always popular, E. Don killing deer in his back yard articles. I canceled my subscription a few years back because of content but will still page through it at the news stand.
A positive though, Whips Bison hunt article was very well written and really takes you along for the hunt. An outstanding effort and a great first printed story from Joe.
I don't get bored with the first trad deer type of stories. not only something to celebrate, but weve over analyzed the sport of hunting enough. TBM still celebrates a good hunt, a unique happening in the woods, and good camaraderie fun. love the magazine!
the first thing I turn too each issue is the page with the reader pics, then next is any elk article in the mag. liked Whips story a lot too!
subscribed for a good while now and don't have any intentions of quitting.
Left TBM a few years ago and signed up for Primitive Archer and Backwoodsman.
I really don't care that they are saving a few bucks and stapling. I page through and look at the ads as soon as I get it. As an advertiser it's important too me how the ads are presented and always look for good ideas to incorporate in ours.
I usually get around to reading a few articles of interest as the month goes by. Henry has taken a liking to the pics now and thumbs through. Sometimes he says"read me this story about the moose, Papa" and I do of course.
It's easy for us to get bored with the same old story lines but remember there are new fresh minds that haven't heard them for the first time yet.
I remember spending my own money on Outdoor Life when I was first reading and reading it cover to cover every issue going on hunting adventures to the backwoods. Those articles and fantasy built the foundation that has taken me around the world hunting.
I think I'll put the current issue out for Henry this morning and hope he asks for a story.
Mike
I sure look forward to the new issues...
QuoteOriginally posted by wingnut:
I really don't care that they are saving a few bucks and stapling. I page through and look at the ads as soon as I get it. As an advertiser it's important too me how the ads are presented and always look for good ideas to incorporate in ours.
I usually get around to reading a few articles of interest as the month goes by. Henry has taken a liking to the pics now and thumbs through. Sometimes he says"read me this story about the moose, Papa" and I do of course.
It's easy for us to get bored with the same old story lines but remember there are new fresh minds that haven't heard them for the first time yet.
I remember spending my own money on Outdoor Life when I was first reading and reading it cover to cover every issue going on hunting adventures to the backwoods. Those articles and fantasy built the foundation that has taken me around the world hunting.
I think I'll put the current issue out for Henry this morning and hope he asks for a story.
Mike
Well said Mike!
I too find myself getting bored with the contents sometimes but I only have to think back to that high scool kid that used to slip the magazine inside his text book during study hall and go on far away adventures for 50 minutes a day to remember what the magazines are really for. I plan to have them on hand for my son and hopefully they will spark his passion as well.
I buy the magazine off the shelf. I almost never miss an issue. In fact, I've been known, by accident, to by the same issue twice...really bugs me when I do that!
Doesn't matter to me the way it is put together but I can see how a collector would like the glued versions better.
I'm not going to complain about content because I have a keyboard and stories I could tell. Lots of work writing.
I too buy mine off the shelf these days, and not always consecutive. I had so many periodicals coming to the house through either memberships or subscription that I had to cut back simply because too many found there way into the recycle bin unread. I have several years of TBM stored, and as many on here stated, the glued spine sure makes it easy to put in magazine storage boxes without damaging the covers. I think that was the point of the post, not a complaint about the content. I am concerned that they are cutting cost from either concern for losing readers through cost increase, or that Trad readership was falling off. None of us want either, so concern is valid.
I stayed with Trad Archer's World publication, it's shorter, comes less often, and keeps my short attention span with the short stories and pretty pictures(lol).
it's time they got some new blood. The same small group of writers tend to repeat themselves
only one i subscribe to. i also sometimes let the majority of it go unread until later, but i usually get through it before the next one comes. i was disappointed by the switch in the binding too, but there's no telling how much money it saved. probably had to be done to keep it going.
I've subscribed to TBM since day one. I have ALL of the back issues stacked on the top shelf of my closet. Occasionally I'll pull one down and read it. Invariably, I'll find and remember reading an article and then say to myself, "That's good stuff. Why haven't you remembered that?"
I have been a subscriber since the premier issue. If you guys feel the need for new ideas and fresh blood, submit an article. I have on several occasions and they welcome worthwhile submissions. We must admit that the scope of the magazine is pretty limited. A friend of mine once remarked about In-Fisherman magazine--one I guess is slanted heavily toward walleye fishing--"there are only so many ways to catch a walleye" and I guess to some degree that is true of the limited niche of archery that we pursue. For my money TBM is by far the best mag we have. I look forward to every issue and have read every article in every issue since issue one.
Oh, yeah, one more thing, I don't care how it is put together. I didn't even notice when they went back to the stapled method until someone on one of the Trad forums complained. :saywhat: :D
I've subscribed for years and will continue. E. Don Thomas is one of my favorite outdoor writers. I always learn something new from his articles. For instance; I didn't know why bears in some areas were color phase and in other areas not until I read one of his articles. I usually read Tips from the Old Timer first. Also like G. Fred Asbell's articles. I plan to submit an article or two someday but maybe first I'll change my first name to an initial. ha ha I say keep up the good work and I also don't care how it is held together.
been reading since 90s....never noticed about the staples or anything. All I care about is the content and it still has color pictures. :)
Also subscribe to Primitive Archer, Sticks and Strings magazine, Muzzleloader magazine, TradArchers World magazine and of course get the included magazines for The Comptons and PBS.
killinstuff, you forgot the other popular stories about "I didn't get any game but thats o-k.
Have been reading it for years also. I would like to see some new writers - the average Joe needs to send in some articles. I can't believe they don't get articles from the average hunter. - seems like you have to be in the "in group" to get something published. Tips from the Old Timer are always good. Some of Fred's articles are a little long and drawn out. Have you ever counted the advertisements for bow builders - usually about 50 in each issue. I couldn't believe how many people are making bows.
I also like Trad Archers World. Wish it was a monthly or bi-monthly magazine. He published one of my articles - the story about my bow - the bow was telling the story. I have a lion article ready to send.
Does anyone have an online subscription to Stick and String? their price is only $5.99 for a year. i was wondering if you have access to all the back issues if you subscribe online. wouldn't be a bad deal.
I used to subscribe to TBM and pretty much read it every month. The thing that got me off it was when I switched my subscription over to the on-line version. I'm not sure why I switched, maybe because I would have access to back issues or thinking I would read it while I was away from home on trips with my computer or something. But a funny thing happened: when I switched to on-line, months would go by and I wouldn't even open the thing; just didn't have the same interest. It's funny, because hardly a day goes by that I don't open Trad Gang and I look forward to that, but it just didn't work the same way with TBM. I think sometimes I should re-subscribe to the paper version, but I've gotten out of the habit of reading it, and haven't had the motivation to start a new subscription yet. Maybe tomorrow....
acolobowhunter, it is not true that you have to be in the "in group" to get something published. I hear that from time to time and it is just sour grapes! I certainly am not in the "in group". I am a nobody as far as anybody at TBM knows! But they have been very kind to consider my submissions and I have had maybe 8-10 articles published as well as a couple of book reviews. If all of the people who are wishing they had some new writers would get off their duffs and write a decent article, there would be some new writers!
QuoteOriginally posted by acolobowhunter:
Have been reading it for years also. I would like to see some new writers - the average Joe needs to send in some articles. I can't believe they don't get articles from the average hunter. - seems like you have to be in the "in group" to get something published. Tips from the Old Timer are always good. Some of Fred's articles are a little long and drawn out. Have you ever counted the advertisements for bow builders - usually about 50 in each issue. I couldn't believe how many people are making bows.
I also like Trad Archers World. Wish it was a monthly or bi-monthly magazine. He published one of my articles - the story about my bow - the bow was telling the story. I have a lion article ready to send.
I've written two articles for TBM and four for TAW. Both magazines are great for our sport. Don Thomas has been very generous with his training and guidance with my submissions. Tom Colstad is also very easy to work with at TAW. It's interesting that the TAW magazine that just came out has an article by Billy Berger on photo support. Don Thomas has mentioned this in his editorial's and TBM ran articles on photo's by Jerry Gowins a few years ago. Good photo's are part of the story and help sell your story! Also, the editors are looking for new material, from whomever (not just the big names, because I'm for sure not). I've had some stuff turned down on whitetail hunting that had average photo support. If you're going to write about common topics, have great photo's and a unique story, otherwise you're going to be competing for a couple of slots that open up each year in the magazines.
I'm glad both TBM and TAW publications are out there. I'm also glad that Tradgang is here. They all serve a purpose and are good for our sport.
P.S.-if I considered the time invested into writing/re-writing, taking/submitting pictures, ect., I probably averaged about 10 hours per article. There are a few gifted writers who can whip stuff out, but this bow hunter is not in that group.
I have been lucky enough to be able to say I've had 5 or 6 articles submitted to TBM over the years.
Now I'm no fancy high flyer, nor am I Hemingway but I do enjoy writing and do enjoy what TBM has to offer... that being quality writing and or photographs. I would have have more published but the editors are only willing to print articles from people overseas every so often, and I am fine with that.
They do their best and from what I know its sure is a labour of love keeping it fresh and in tune with what us readers want.
Guess it comes down to not being able to please everyone...
ak.
It's what brought me back to recurves and longbows. I picked up a copy at our local grocery store back in the summer of 91 I read that magazine over and over I sold my wheels and bought a Martin hunter recurve and have never looked back. Thanks TBM I will be on the 3 year plan until you stop printing it !!!!
Been a subscriber for 6+ years. I get it electronically. What a great read!
Go buy a wheel bow mag, and you'll quickly have a new appreciation for TBM for sure!
B
QuoteOriginally posted by Bow Bum:
Go buy a wheel bow mag, and you'll quickly have a new appreciation for TBM for sure!
B
Best comment on this entire thread!
I was there when the magazine rolled out the first issue and bought it. TBM is STILL the benchmark magazine, and really has no serious competition in its market.
QuoteOriginally posted by Bow Bum:
Go buy a wheel bow mag, and you'll quickly have a new appreciation for TBM for sure!
B
AMEN, Brother!
Well it worked.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v79/mwestvang/20131028_163631.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/mwestvang/media/20131028_163631.jpg.html)
Henry wanted to read the Bear story but it got too scary so we read the squirrel one instead.
Mike
Bow Bum is right.
It would be great to see more trad oriented magazines on the market, even though I like TBM.
QuoteOriginally posted by wingnut:
Well it worked.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v79/mwestvang/20131028_163631.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/mwestvang/media/20131028_163631.jpg.html)
Henry wanted to read the Bear story but it got too scary so we read the squirrel one instead.
Mike
That is great stuff right there. I comment often with "thanks for sharing" and mean it, but this one seems different "thanks for sharing!" Awesome. Two lucky men right there...
YEAH I BUY IT OFF THE NEWSTAND .BUT I HAVE SUBSCRIBED .WHAT HAPPENED TO THE BOWTESTS?
Writing is hard work (I know from experience). Writing is not just a good story, there's a lot of mechanics involved in the process. I received my share of pink slips (rejection notices) over the years trying to hone my skills. You can be a great story teller around the campfire but putting that sucker down on paper is a whole 'nother thing. My hat is off to those who do it. It took me eighteen years to get my first novel accepted. Just finished my sixth and it wasn't any easier (but less than eighteen years :) ).
Like someone else noted, try the wheelie mag just once.
I really enjoy the magazine, Have been a subscriber for about 8yrs now. The thing I like most is the hunting stories don't start with "I was at so&so outfitters and let at least 10 shooter bucks walk past, didn't meet the minimum"
QuoteOriginally posted by Bow Bum:
Go buy a wheel bow mag, and you'll quickly have a new appreciation for TBM for sure!
B
This. Modern archery magazines are noting but high gloss ad binders for high tech gear. Yes, there are a couple of writers in TBM that I don't care for. But it is the best magazine out there.
Be honest I lost interest and respect for them over a couple of the editors opinion articles. I won't elaborate due to the fact that it'll guaranteed start something. But bottom line I just don't wanna put my money there anymore. I get regular Bowhunter mag bc my family buys it off the school magazine fund raisers and will occasionally enjoy one of the no-wheels articles but that's about the limit of my reading. Too busy building, shooting and hunting with curves to spend a lot of time reading about it.
Dave
It's what converted me over to traditional archery back in 1995.Ordered my first longbow kit after seeing a binghams ad in TBM .I haven't looked back.Great magazine in my opinion.
Too much to read hear. Don't have time to read a mag.