The Economy
- This topic has 80 replies, 31 voices, and was last updated Mar 21, 2009 at 4:13 pm by
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In the interests of keeping things on track, I am going to define national tax schemes as a subset of ‘politics’ and request that we avoid the topic (which was how the economy is affecting fly fishing).
Zach,
Thanks for the clarity on the topic…sorry to hear about your friend…
These are going to be some tough times ahead of us…
One thing we can do if we have the means…try to take your discretionary dollars to the local business – the fly shop, the restaurant, the hardware store…you name it…if you can…every bit helps…
Kevin
This is the sad news I was referring to:
http://www.midcurrent.com/news/2008/12/american-angler-editor-loses-j.html
Zach
I fear the fly fishing industry will be particularly hard hit because it is a discretionary product.
Really sorry to read that Zach (and Phil ).
As it relates to the topic and in this case the publishing industry alot of publishers are in trouble. First as noted in the included link
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gpTC0LxmLRXVlut0Z7FsFSDKb4dQD94VIK280You might note they make mention that problems to be traced to “credit”.
Up here in Canada Quebecor is and has been in dire straits.
http://www.quebecor.com/NewsCenter/PressReleasesDetails.aspx?PostingName=16122008smcA relatively recent newsletter I received from the “Outdoor Writers of Canada” dealt specifically with some of the issues facing various aspect idustry..From writing and photography, to travel and outfitters which included to a lessor extent FX (CAD / USD) and how that might impact things.
None of which were particularily good. By way of but one simple example given.
People are going to spend less on travel. Thats going to impact Outfitters, Lodges and guiding. That in turn is going to impact the publishing end vis a vie less ad revenue. Meaning can companies be expected to continue to pay for ad space. If not, that in turn can be expected to impact writers and photographers.
Back in October Ontario Out of Doors (canadas largest pub by circulation) and who Im doing stuff for was sold by its parent publisher
(Rogers media) to Ontarios hunting/angling “lobby” (for lack of better words)…. the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.On one hand thats good ( logically you have to think its a good marriage) but on the other why would one of the larger publishing and Media companies sell the publication that has Canadas largest subscriber base in the Hook and Bullit industry………………………….
“persoanlly” I was quite taken aback. Id worked hard over the last year establishing a relationship with the Art director. Fortunately they all went with the exception of one.
J
I have shied away from this thread, because I really do think its tough to separate the specific FF industry economy from the general state of the economy and from politics… They are all so tightly woven together.
After reading the news about Phil this morning, I did want to post. Sorry to hear … It is obvious, just from the posts on this board, that Phil put tons of effort into creating a solid publication. American Angler has lost a great editor.
No way…
Phil, little of what we say will make any difference, but in my mind and the little I have seen of AA, your work is superb. It is not always the most positive thing to say, but, “what will be, will be…” an adage my dad lives by and has taught me… there will be positives out of it and probably a different future.
If you want a challenge, come down here, we’re in dire need of a decent publication…
I have shied away from this thread, because I really do think its tough to separate the specific FF industry economy from the general state of the economy and from politics… They are all so tightly woven together.
After reading the news about Phil this morning…
I’m with you brother. Politics is hard to shy away from on this one with the machine being a part of the “whole” economic picture and being a major player in the solution. About every 10 years the economy tends to turn toward a recession. Economic booms always have a downturn. The Industrial revolution had its Great Depression and this techno revolution of today is finally seeing its downturn. I realize the dot coms fall was about eight years ago but the trickle down from the rest of the geek wars is starting to show. There have been some major mistakes made and some major things learned. Usually the growth behind an economic downturn is very exciting. This one may be a little slower to turn around but it will. Borrowing and lending were out of control but take a little knowledge from your Grand Parents – Do not live beyond your means.
I love the printed page probably a little more than most. It is what I have studied my entire life and turned into a living. The Internet has taken a portion of that away but it has also created different opportunities. I will not read “LONG” internet articles because I hate to read off of a computer screen & it is also hard to trust the source. There are reputable sites and maybe those who are being cut from a slowing printed publishing industry of wonderful news stand rags will transfer their loves and talents to the net.
I am excited to find out where Phil lands because times like these set fires that amazing to watch burn. Go get em Phil.
I am excited to find out where Phil lands because times like these set fires that amazing to watch burn. Go get em Phil.
Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Florida could use a solid FF publication. Dare I say Itinerant Angler the magazine!!??
::)I believe Phil is in Maine but a similar thought crossed my mind.
I can quote an IA mag to see how much it would cost to run. It could be a quarterly like the Drake. Run it a different size so it stands out. Distribution Numbers is a hard part and SPONSORS (advertisers) but Zach has a good start on that. Between everyone on the site, I am sure would could pool enough money for a startup adventure. AND we would have to talk to Zach. It could be a logistical nightmare – I do not know.
I am curious how many would sell and would love to have a magazine to design (A DREAM THAT I HAVE ALWAYS HAD). That is a job that I would do for free (during startup) to see what would (could) happen. Just out of fun and getting to know everyone.
If we only knew some photographers and writers that thought the same way. ;D
You’d need a pretty good hook in these times.
Watching niche market pubs fall off is becoming more and more common. The ones that still seem to appear to be hanging on are those that cover a broad spectrum or “Lifestyle” types. From FF to spin fishing..to hunting..to back country camping.. Something for everyone. If you look at FF alone, its what 3 big ones this year alone?
NY times just released some *news* this morning. AD revenues are down 21% for 2008 and is expected to be worse in 2009…Not sure when their fiscal year end is, could be anywhere fro Sept through to Dec 31. Just more evidence of whats occuring in the publishing industry.
The one great benefit is that with a broad user base, source material could come from a wide variety of people that are still making trips todo some FFing out of their own pocket…As opposed to how ever many “contributors” and “Field Editors” mags have to draw from. Bascially I would expect everyone to cut back on their expenses over the next 12 to 18 months significantly.
Sorry… I wasnt clear. Get the thing ready for the up turn in the economy. The time it would take to organize and get it going would be right on the upswing.
That is what I meant sparks and fires during a down in the economy. Some of the greatest ventures were created in one of these lows in the economy.
(and living in the AD world – I saw the revenue turn before the papers with all the lay-offs, 21% matches the numbers when Reagn came into office)
Anne Rand, John Galt and Atlas Shrugged is a peculiar ideology to fall back on. The flaw in her argument is human greed and stupidity and I think an awfully big slice of that has got us into the situation we currently face.
Heard a really interesting interview on the radio today re the USA and Asia. Asia manufactures and the US consumes, its been the relationship for 30 years now and guess where all your money’s gone. His solution was to turn the whole thing round, get the US back as a major manufacturer, albeit off a smarter base. Its hard to feel sympathy for US motor vehicle manufacturers when they just keep on churning out gas guzzlers at time when the demand has shifted.
Take heart guys, I heard some interesting stats the other day, can’t quote them exactly but out of the top 100 universities in the world 15 were in the US and there are more patent applications in the US each year then the rest of the world combined. Time to roll the sleeves up methinks and stop buying so much foreign crap. 😉
I had Winston build a rod for me back in 96 and I think I’m going to get them to build me another one in 09. Judging from their catalog they are getting back to their roots a little bit. Screw the recession, depression or whatever the hell it is! Head over to the fly shop and buy something and fell good about it or its going to be gone! I don’t see Sage, Scott, Winston,T&T etc and the craftmanship they represent surviving through BassPro and Cabelas etc.
Merry Christmas!I spent all my 401K money on Guns Ammunition fishing gear MREs Spam Grits powdered eggs Jack Daniels whiskey, wine coolers for the wife Coca Cola toilet paper and band Aids. I have cached this treasure trove of goodies in a secret cave near a pretty good trout stream in east Tennessee. When the godless mutants roll off of Wall street once they finished destroying the world I will be ready. Any Hawiians out there don’t get any ideas about my Spam either!
Merry Christmas!
I f you need some calories Spam is loaded with them! Its pretty good sliced thin and fried crispy, put it between 2 pieces of white bread with some Miracle Whip and you have one of the great sandwiches ever!
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