We're contacted everyday by prospective readers looking for Pop UP Times magazine. We've also had a number of calls from subscribers who object to travel trailers and motorhomes in their magazine; some have even cancelled because they don't want an RV magazine. Bob's been hammered with email from unhappy readers and I'm afraid he's losing his enthusiasm.
So before we get too far into this new publication I need your opinion and your vote.
I would like to explain my vote with a brief synopsis:
The new RVE was disappointing. It read, cover-to-cover, like simply a brochure; nothing to help a reader understand options, their needs, what camper would fit them (ie, a guide, etc).
Every feature contained little more than the pictures from the manufacturer's website, and the same "glowing praise" the manufacturer themself would write. Nothing negative about anything (which is unrealistic -- every trailer has shortcomings).
My wife and I did not discuss the magazine until both read it, and be both thought the same thing.
The exception was For Alex: Great story. More what magazines should have.
That said, the concept of RVE is good - a magazine for us more economical campers would be nice.
I chose not to vote because we now have an HTT. If we still had the PU I would choose #1.
My opinion is that I'm an RV Enthusiast. I started out with a pop-up and moved on, like many of us here did. I like all types of RV's and enjoy reading about them. I have a Travel Trailer now, that does not mean that I don't want to read about pop-up's, or motorhomes . I don't have a 5th wheel but I still like reading about them. I guess I don't understand what the big deal is other than pop-up owners wanting a magazine just for pop-up owners. I purchased the A/C Brace from the Pop-Up Times website and installed it on my TT's A/C unit, was that wrong? I get Trailer Life magazine, I have read articles about pop-up camping in it, they also have articles on MH's as well, a MH is not a trailer. But if the roof is being raised by people wanting a pop-up only magazine I say give them what they want. There are plenty of other magazines out there for the rest of us. Good Luck!
I liked the new magazine. We will some day move into a non-popup rv and it is nice seeing all the different options available. I would also like to see more personal pictures taken of the rv being shown. I agree with Zambonie it looked like an advertisement for the models you were showing. .
I would like to see more "hybrid" options. For some reason out in our area it is next to impossible to find a dealer that sells/has hybrid models. If they have them it is with the rear bed slide only.
I really enjoyed the story about Alex. It made me shed a few tears. I remember when "Cajun" was an active member many years back.
All in all, we will keep our subscription going. It is still the only periodical out tere with any info on popup campers.
Jacqui
We had a popup for 2 years, and we are on our third year with our Hybrid TT, yet we are still here at Pop Up Times!!
Notice how many people start with a popup, and then after a few years move on to something else, which is why RV Enthusiast is perfect, covering the topics of owning a popup, and still showing us what is out there for when we want to upgrade to something else.
I like the new format.
Hey all!
My vote is for the magazine to be called Pop Up Times... however I do not object to the occasional article about other types of RV's. The only thing that felt "Pop Up Timey" in the issue of RV Enthusiast was the story about Alex. Pop Up Times always felt like camping warm-fuzzies when I read it. I felt like I was reading cold, emotion-less sales brochures with RV Enthusiast.
Dave, since you asked for our opinion here's mine: I have yet to read something Bob has written that did not come across as condescending and off-putting. I know I am not the only one that feels this way, because it was discussed around the campfire...
Whatever happens I sincerely wish you and the crew the best of luck. I have enjoyed hanging out around here for many, many years at this point and plan to be around for many more.
I didn't vote as none of the choices I felt fit my opinions.
I did get a chuckle about the "budget/low cost" RV central focus with a $100,000 limit.
About the only thing that leaves out is diesel pushers....LOL
There must be a lot of money in the publishing game if economical means $100,000
I think that the idea of a magazine dedicated to the low end of the RV spectrum is a good one. I would suggest that RV content be limited to popups, hybrids, and small TT/5ers/motorhomes (maybe limited to 27ft. or less). I also agree with the earlier poster who made the point that the magazine should not be just a brochure for the RV manufacturers. It should contain info on rigs both good and bad and it should cover camping topics of interest to low end campers. Just my 2 cents.
Magazines that cover a broad spectrum of the available RV types abound, so it seems to me that rehashing what everyone else is doing would be an unwise business decision. Why fight established players when the chance of success is probably quiet slim?
On the other hand, focusing strictly, or at least predominately, on one select type of RV -- popups, for example -- can't be financially rewarding either. Especially in light of the fact that by all measurable categories the PU market is dwindling. I don't see a magazine focused almost exclusively on a shrinking market to be wise either. So what to do?
There might be a market for a magazine that was geared exclusively, or almost so, to towables, eschewing motorized entirely. And to take that a step further, perhaps even the lower end, or entry point, of the segment. That way, you could do PU's, HTT's, TT's and some 5th wheels. Maybe even a little tenting stuff too. Make the focus camping, camping and more camping. Have real, honest to goodness articles, not reprinted sales literature (like TL does).
Evaluate brands, print recall info, do long term tests of units, and stuff like that. Do reviews of camping supplies; clothing, hiking boots, knives, portable stoves, and on and on. Gear it towards the people who still like to camp, as opposed to those who like to be sequestered in lavish RV "resorts".
Personally, I don't think there's enough pointed directly at people who actually enjoy[/i] smelling like a camp fire. Seems like most of the other magazines don't have that focus, including CL. I can see a market for us there...
Quote from: copcarguyDave, since you asked for our opinion here's mine: I have yet to read something Bob has written that did not come across as condescending and off-putting. I know I am not the only one that feels this way, because it was discussed around the campfire...
It's unfortunate but I feel that way myself, and even went as far as expressing it in a post I made a while back.
Quote from: jawilsonMagazines that cover a broad spectrum of the available RV types abound, so it seems to me that rehashing what everyone else is doing would be an unwise business decision. Why fight established players when the chance of success is probably quiet slim?
On the other hand, focusing strictly, or at least predominately, on one select type of RV -- popups, for example -- can't be financially rewarding either. Especially in light of the fact that by all measurable categories the PU market is dwindling. I don't see a magazine focused almost exclusively on a shrinking market to be wise either. So what to do?
There might be a market for a magazine that was geared exclusively, or almost so, to towables, eschewing motorized entirely. And to take that a step further, perhaps even the lower end, or entry point, of the segment. That way, you could do PU's, HTT's, TT's and some 5th wheels. Maybe even a little tenting stuff too. Make the focus camping, camping and more camping. Have real, honest to goodness articles, not reprinted sales literature (like TL does).
Evaluate brands, print recall info, do long term tests of units, and stuff like that. Do reviews of camping supplies; clothing, hiking boots, knives, portable stoves, and on and on. Gear it towards the people who still like to camp, as opposed to those who like to be sequestered in lavish RV "resorts".
Personally, I don't think there's enough pointed directly at people who actually enjoy[/i] smelling like a camp fire. Seems like most of the other magazines don't have that focus, including CL. I can see a market for us there...
I am a newcomer to the RV life (just bought our first PU) and am not familiar with the magazines that are out there. That said, jawilson's description of what might work in such a magazine appeals to me. I don't, at this point, foresee moving up in class (as it were), but it would be nice to read about what the options are if I do move up - options that do not require a six or seven-figure income.
I might also be interested in reading/learning about the challenges of camping in National Parks and/or Forest Service campgrounds with a PU or TT, as well as the benefits of using a commercial campground (besides or in addition to the obvious ones of electric/water hookups and showers).
Even articles about how/if RV manufactures are trying to improve fuel economy, weight loads, manufacturing and materials, etc., could be of interest, at least to me.
I didn't vote, but I thought I'd voice my opinion anyway. That's the American way, isn't it? :p
I do not subscribe but did in the past.
I enjoy articles about travelling in a trailer (popup, htt or a small van).
Not really interested in the big rigs as I think i have bought my last trailer.
I would be interested in reading articles about people who are full-timing or taking long trips ie 3 weeks or more.
Also like to see reviews on different trailers in regards to bed comfort, ease of setup, cabinat storage space that is usuable, etc.
I guess I am asking for a trailer review similar to what Consumer Reports does with cars but I realize that this may not be possible since the magazine does depend on advertising for support.
An article on how to deal with dealers on getting a fair price would be great. It is difficult to determine what the real cost of the trailer should be. When I look at a htt and see a price of $23,000, I know I don't want to pay that much, but how much should I pay.
Popup Times was sometimes accused of taking information right off of this forum but I found many of the articles to be interesting. Articles about personal camping experiences are interesting and informing.
Dave, good luck with this venture.
Personally, I thought Pop UP Times was more fun and it filled a unique niche. I'm thinking I should bring it back and experiment with different formats until I find a way to make it profitable.
So I vote for PUT.
Quote from: PopUPTimesWe're contacted everyday by prospective readers looking for Pop UP Times magazine. We've also had a number of calls from subscribers who object to travel trailers and motorhomes in their magazine; some have even cancelled because they don't want an RV magazine. Bob's been hammered with email from unhappy readers and I'm afraid he's losing his enthusiasm.
So before we get too far into this new publication I need your opinion and your vote.
Dave, firstly, thanks for asking for our various opinions. I voted for PUT. But, I think the magazine should be expanded to cover Aliners, Chalets, Hi-Los, Trailmanors, and a whole host of other trailer and truck camper rigs that somehow fold down, pop-up, get relatively good gas mileage, etc. I've written Bob (a super guy, by the way) before to say that we could simply feature modifications ("mods") and information from Tim's excellent "Natasha's Camping Site," "Bart's pop-up buildout site," and a couple of others. Those modifications alone, if each described in some detail with several more close up photos than on their web sites, would fill up two years of quarterly issues. Well, there's my five cents. Tnx agn for all you have done and continue to do. I'm still your subscriber one way or the other, Scott
Dave, I have to say when I first heard you were changing the format i wasn't too happy, but i gave RVE a chance and I like most of it. I think it should cover PU, Hybrids, Light Weight trailers and TT, under $50,000.00. I think thats what most of us are interested in when we move up from a PU. Also how about doing some stuff on the smaller SUV's in each edition. I have a Hyundai Santa Fe I tow my PU with. I had a hard time in the begining trying to find out if it could handle the weight of our PU. If you notice on the boards that alot of people are towing with smaller vehicles and are always asking if and what their TV is capable of handling. You could make it easy for them by adding this info to the magazine.....Just my honest opinion. No matter what the outcome of this, i plan on sticking with you.......Ed C
:sombraro:
I didn't vote. I will be here which ever way it goes, BUT I miss PUT. I liked the magazine and hope it has a rebirth. RVE is ok and I do like information on trailers other than PUs, so I didn't vote. :eyecrazy:
The title is not as important as the content.
I am frustrated by the concept that changing from a pop-up to another type of recreational vehicle is "moving up", seemingly implying that the only reason any sane individual would ever own a pop-up camper is because they can't afford something else or couldn't afford a larger tow vehicle. When I subscribed to PUT I was seeking a magazine with a focus on people who purchase and use a pop-up camper or other small campers such as Casitas or Scamps by choice instead of necessity. It seems to me that owning a small camping unit by choice is reflective of families seeking a healthy and physically active lifestyle, of being close to nature, and treading lightly upon our natural resources. Campers in small camping units would more likely pick up and read a magazine on rock climbing, running, fishing, civil war history, or birding than a magazine in which the articles involved NASCAR, diesel engine performance modules, the newest toy-hauler, and motorhome dinghys.
There is a lot of opportunity for the editor and advertisers to appeal to the lifestyle of those of us that fits somewhere in between Backpacker and Trailer Life magazines. I hope that the current publication, whatever it may be called, can grow to fill that gap. From reading the first issue of RV Enthusiast, I am reservedly optimistic that it is headed in the right direction.
I agree with CopCarGuy:
"My vote is for the magazine to be called Pop Up Times... however I do not object to the occasional article about other types of RV's. The only thing that felt "Pop Up Timey" in the issue of RV Enthusiast was the story about Alex. Pop Up Times always felt like camping warm-fuzzies when I read it. I felt like I was reading cold, emotion-less sales brochures with RV Enthusiast."
I am not a subscriber (yet), and was looking for the instructions on how to subscribe when I saw that the whole thing had changed. I will probably never have a motorhome and most likely not a TT. I really like our pup.
Maybe publish 6 times/year would be good if you could swing it, but dedicated to pups, with the occasional TT or MH article thrown in to see how the 'dark side' lives! :)
I won't subscribe until a decision is reached.
We have new neighbors with a pop-up. My first thought, "I'll drop by a brochure about PUT." Then I realized there is no more PUT. Made me sad. I liked the new magazine, but I'd like to see maybe something that's between the two mags. I think the suggestion to keep it to the lower end units is a good one. How many of us will seriously be interested in a class A unit any time in the future? I don't see a pop-upper ever going into a huge rig -- we're humble at heart and like it that way.
Thanks, Dave, for caring what we think. We'll keep caring right back.
I think sacrawf and jawilson both have zeroed in what what seems to me would be a winning strategy. That is, focus on the niche of CAMPERS who have chosen to enjoy CAMPING with relatively inexpensive rv's. I know that there is a world of difference between "roughing-it" camping on one hand and luxurious motor-coach travelling on the other. It is in that middle ground that I love to live, and I intend to continue to do so.
Also, for me, a very important element in a magazine's appeal is a heavy use of story-telling as a narrative style.
Within that niche there are some topical categories that would provide tons of writing ideas. Many have been mentioned here in this thread. To recap and extend a bit:
- a periodic feature on mods - given in detail and with lots of pics
- a periodic feature on tow vehicles - not just the definitions of GVWR and so on, but actual personal experiences
- a periodic feature on camp cooking - favorite recipes, stories of successful parties, equipment and so on
- updates from rv manufacturers on what they are introducing each year
- occasional piece on "classic" popups and rv's from 30 years ago or more, including personal stories
- features on camping related activities and hobbies: fishing, rock-climbing, hiking, off-road, horseback-riding, rafting, ballooning, geocaching, orienteering, birding, bicycling, wildlife-viewing, photography, canoeing and kayaking, caving, etc. (Even though any one of us enjoys only a fraction of these activities, we might read about something and decide we'd like to try it out.)
- articles on camping-related equipment: grills and ovens, hiking boots, clothing, bicycle racks and so on
- feature articles on people and/or places that exemplify the type of camping experience you are focusing on
For this, I would come back to being a subscriber, regardless of whether it was called PUT or RVE or something else. For this, I would subscribe even if the magazine gave equal time to all sorts of less-expensive rv's.
-Speak
I will continue to subscribe either way, but I really enjoyed PUT, since it focused more on the type of camping we enjoy. I also enjoy reading about small TTs, Aliners/Chalets, and other small campers, since we may be moving on to one in a few years, but I have no interest in reading about MHs, 5ers and large TTs. I would echo the suggestions SpeakEasy posted; it would also be nice to have a regular column devoted to camping with canines.
I voted for a dedicated PU magazine.
But since I have a two year subscription to PU Times, and never received a single issue over the past year, this is rather a moot point.
I would like to comment and even though I'm a subscriber, but I never received the magazine. Eventually we'll get something else, but sure would like to see the magazine. Can I get a copy? Then I'll be happy to vote.
Moose
I voted for RVE, but can honestly understand many of the statements made so far. To be honest, with all the flack that Dave & Bob had to go through making this change, and then try to draw a conclusion about it after a single issue is not exactly giving it a fair shake! Be that as it may, my honest opinion is to probably continue with a scaled down version of PUT, and continue with the RVE also, perhaps putting some marketing people to work to get that magazine out in the forefront of the RV'ing public at large. Just selling it to PU people, and former PU people via a PU board isn't going to 'get it out there' in any great numbers.
As for content, it's too soon to really say. I liked what I saw, and I do see the that it may too closely follow a manufacturers brochure. But it's feedback like this that will help shape the magazine and point it in the proper direction.
I'd like to see more stuff on Destinations....and not the National Parks and stuff that everyone already knows about, but the best kept secrets out there! There are 50 states, plus all those Provinces to the north...so much to do and see and so little is ever mentioned about most of it. We all know about Acadia National Park in Maine, but how many people know about Baxter State Park in Maine? How many know this is the nothern terminus of the Appalachain Trail? How about the unmarked but infamous Aboll Falls? Did you know that Baxters Mt Katahdin is the first place in the continental US that the sun shines on each day? Destinations are going to be a big draw, everyone wants to hear about someplace new!
One issue isn't enough to make this determination, but perhaps less info on RV's as a whole, and more on everything RV related!!
Wow - some great ideas here! I haven't voted - but I think it would be awesome to see some of these topics incorporated into the magazine, whatever it's called. I'm another one who would like to see destination info included.
One criticism I have seen in the past is that too much content is "recycled" from the boards or reader-contributed. My take on this is simple: so what! Who better to submit articles for the magazine than those of us who are actually out there camping? Some of you are likely familiar with an entire group of magazines (among them are Country, Taste of Home, Reminisce, and a bunch of others) that rely on contributions from readers. The concept works for them, so I have no problem with it working for RVE or PUT.
the mag is okay, need more adventure and less ads, I know it cost a lot to put out the mag and the ads pay for 99% , but we get PUT/RVE to enjoy story time, and the pro's and cons of the stuff out there, and read learn about what is coming out next. the personal touch, is what keeps me coming back to PUT, I get the other mags, But I read yours cover to cover! I look forward to the stories, specially in the off season, its my campfire!
you could brake it up into sections, or add section, like a calender of events, so people know what is happening in the rv world, rv shows listings, rally notices, what the different groups have been doing, (like what the sams clubs do) camping reviews, quick fixes for common problems, first aid lessons, stuff like that .
we like reading and learning, and finding out about new places and new things and great ideas!
I have not voted we have signed up for the mag. but so far have not received our mag. either. We loved PUT'S and both of us read it from cover to cover not sure about this new REV but sure would like to see it. When I get the new one I'll vote......carol
Does it have to be a glossy publication? What about doing some sort of newspaper? That would keep costs down and maybe enable you to run more human interest-type stuff. Heck, maybe there are even folks out there who own their own company & would be willing to buy space for a little advertising. Could the "clubs" maybe have a section that they contribute to?
Maybe this isn't the kind of feedback you're interested in, but since I didn't vote, I thought I'd put my 2 cents in anyway.
BTW, I got RVE. Compared to Trailer Life, I liked it better. Compared to the camping magazine I get (the name escapes me right now ...), I like my camping magazine better.
Gee, this is kind of like your own little focus group, isn't it? :D
I think that Speakeasy has captured what would steer me toward subscribing year in and year out. It doesn't matter what the title is, as long as it is all about camping and camping activities.
Hi folks,
Well this is pretty interesting since I don't currently subscribe. I have thought about it a couple of times but never pulled the trigger. I looked the other day and couldn't see where to sign up so maybe you can help educate me.
I formerly subscribed to Trailer Life magazine but let my subscription die because the articles were about equipment that didn't fit my interest. I don't currently own anything. I have been looking and spent a lot of time at the RV show this year checking things out.
I think I am ready to go with a pop up. That doesn't mean I would not be interested in reading about other RV's. I think there all lots of topics that would be good to learn about. I really likes some of the hybrid units I looked at last winter. I think the vintage camper craze is a hoot. I love to see what people accomplish with the older stuff.
I think you serve a great purpose with the lighter end of the spectrum. With gas prices what they are I have to believe the easier towing vehicles will gain popularity. I think that must be true because the number of pop ups for sale used around here is pretty small.
Tell me how to sign up and I will replace one of those folks who decided to move on. You can't keep everyone happy.
Bob
There are all kinds of magazines about RVs in general. I formerly had a motorhome and got Trailer Life from Sam's club which is so generic that you couldn't find much that applied. Now I have a Popup, and I have learned so much from the Popup forum that I couldn't even begin to thank them enough. We are a relatively small group, but we have interests and concerns just like the big RVs do. I do not want a magazine that addresses RVs that are way beyond my means and interests. I have money to spend, but prefer to spend it on my grandkids in a Pup building memories they probably won't have from any other resource. There is a saying out there that applies very well--Keep It Simple Stupid! (please don't take this personally). I think it applies here.
One of the RV Industry mags I got last week had a big article on PU's and I can see the guys at PUT's worry. Basically the article said folding trailers have been dropping in sales the past couple of years.
It also hinted to the reason we've seen so many "inovations" in the same time frame. The builders are trying to regain their market share.
Tough to build in a declining market. Niche market mags certainly have a place, but the niche has to be big enough to support it.
Dont care what you call it you could call it the SwashBucklers gazzette for all I care. Just keep with the core of what we all came to know and love as we enjoy our poups. I have a popup Im not really sure if i consider it an RV sure its a vehicle I use for recreation but we all know it's more then that. Dave and Bob put of a DAMN good Magazine I understand what they are up to and are willing to let them take to magazine we all love in a differnt direction but we are still going tword the same destination that every few months we get an entertaining magazine thats way to small and dosn't arrive fast enough I liked the first issue of RV enthusist just as much as pop up times Im not gonna cancell my sub or complain come on folks quit complaining and just enjoy!
Mick
Quote from: Gone-Campinghow many people know about Baxter State Park in Maine? Did you know that Baxters Mt Katahdin is the first place in the continental US that the sun shines on each day?
Yes I know about Baxter SP in Maine. It takes up a huge amount of the state. One correction though Cadillac Mt. in Acadia NP is the first place on the mainland to have the sun rays hit it. There was a big debate about this back on the millennium. There is an island off the coast that the sun hits at the same time.
http://www.outdoorplaces.com/Destination/USNP/meacadia/
I too have heard that claim about Cadilac Mountain, but to be honest wasn't real sure which to believe. I've been taught since very young that Katahdin took the first rays....guess it doesn't really matter though, I was trying to make a point. Very few people know about that place, and that's just one of thousands of places across the US & Canada...
One of my fondest memories from camping with my folks when I was just a pup, was a stop at North Kingston Ontario for a visit to Old Fort Henry... It was to me (at least at that time of my life) a most amazing place! But to be honest, I've never heard mention of this place ever since then.
I moved from a motorhome to a PUP, so my interests lie with issues that deal with Popups. You can find a myriad of magazines dealing with RVing in general and they are all filled with ads. Seems to me that something dealing with one aspect of RVing is really refreshing. Let's keep the magazine where it's appreciated and acknowledged! We need something we can relate to as a group. Just look at the posts on this website!!!!
Quote from: PopUPTimesPersonally, I thought Pop UP Times was more fun and it filled a unique niche. I'm thinking I should bring it back and experiment with different formats until I find a way to make it profitable.
So I vote for PUT.
Well, there you go.
fwiw ~ I'll subscribe whatever it's called.
I found out about PUT just as you stopped publishing. I kept looking for the link to subscribe until I realized it was no more. I was disappointed, as I had read several issues of TL and although it was interesting, it really did not apply to pop-ups. Haven't seen the new RVE, so I can't comment on it, or compare it to PUT.
Quote from: PopUPTimesPersonally, I thought Pop UP Times was more fun and it filled a unique niche. I'm thinking I should bring it back and experiment with different formats until I find a way to make it profitable.
So I vote for PUT.
I wholeheartedly agree. Bring back PUT - the way it was. There are no rules and nothing says you cannot review a travel trailer or $300,000.00 motor home from time to time. Personally, i would find the "high dollar" reviews just as interesting, but i need a mag that has information on my level as well - a pop up.
I subscribed to PUT for information on ONLY popup campers and not for travel trailers and motor homes. If I wanted travel trailers or motor homes then there is a magazine out there for them.
Also, the magazine needs to be put out in a timely order. We shouldn't
have to wait 8 months.
Hope all these issues can be corrected. The old magazine was GREAT for us PopUpers.
I'm new to the pop-up world, and would love to read about, see more pictures, etc. of just pop-ups. I've fallen in love with these little critters. Feels like camping without getting wet or super cold. There are numerous books, magazines, and even a TV show (RV Today on OLN channel) for RV'ers. I love to look at all of them, especially the show. But I'm so disappointed that there isn't much on pop-ups, new or old. PopUp Times has been a real life saver for me because I can chat and find info about pop-ups. Would LOVE to see a quarterly (even monthly if possible) magazine by and for pop-up owners. Old, new, pics, modifications, adventures, get-togethers, products, pop-ups for sale, maintenance articles, and anything else related to our beloved campers. RV's are great, too, but I'm willing to pay for a subscription just for pop-ups.
I too would like to see Pop Up Times left as it was. I subscribed because I have a popup camper and probably always will, I am satisfied with a popup and have no intention of "moving up" to a TT, 5er or motorhome. I am a bit disapointed with the latest issue of RVE because it offers little about pop up campers and is more towards the RV campers.
I have through the years subscribed to Trailer Life, Camping Life and other RV type magazines and have been disappointed with them because they offered little to me on popup articles. I am not sure at this point if I will renew my subscription when it runs out.
Popup Times had a niche.
RV Entheusiast... is just a "me, too" randomly occasionally publication in a field populated with bigger on-time-ever-month periodicals.
I can appreciate that as a small PUP magazine, you see that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence.
However, it appears that you did not notice until after you jumped over the fence that there is a huge crew of folks (magazines) already over there who mow, weed & feed that "greener grass". As a newcomer, how do you plan on convincing the property owner that even though you only show up every now & then, you're better at lawn maintenance than all the like-clockwork "experts" who have been tending that lawn for years?
Meanwhile, the PUP lawn no longer has a caretaker. It may be small, but it is a dedicated plot. In theory, it could be much bigger (there are many more PUP's sold per year than subscriptions to PUT) -- perhaps it may make better survival sense to go after those... and even grow the PUP market than abandon it and be a tiny "me, too".
Aw, shucks, I've been AWOL for a few months and missed the chance to vote!! And I've been a paid subscriber since 2002. Even when other folk defected when PUT started charging membership, I paid cos the information and camaraderie is priceless!
I did subscribe to PUX (and sent Dean a modest contribution once) but PUT is/was always home.
I, too, think that copcarguy said it best: << "My vote is for the magazine to be called Pop Up Times... however I do not object to the occasional article about other types of RV's.>>
I'd love to see more about A-frames also. There are some neat stories on the Aliner and/or Chalet sites. And Casita/Scamps/Truck Campers...as others said: RVs that are at the lower end of the camping food chain.
I decided to let my Good Sam-Highways mag/Camping Life/Trailer Life subscriptions expire since I have a few unread copies stacking up, but would not leave PUT - unless RVE became less interesting to me.
Speaking of which, I received the first one (with the Alex story)...but haven't received another issue. I guess there hasn't been another????
Dave, I used to have a bunch of PUT brochures that I handed out at campgrounds. Never did get a new batch (tho I asked) when we went for pay. I invariably meet oodles of PUPers - many of them newbies who have never heard of PUT. Please send me more. It's much easier and more effective that writing down the info on a scrap of paper. Or even business cards - that would be far more economical.
Perhaps if we make a concerted effort to shill for PUT, we can help increase the membership.
i was so happy to finally find a magazine that was strictly for pop up owners . i know that market has shrunk but there seems to be alot of magazines for the travel trailer owner and the larger rv's
Quote from: logantr6i was so happy to finally find a magazine that was strictly for pop up owners . i know that market has shrunk but there seems to be alot of magazines for the travel trailer owner and the larger rv's
Welcome to PUT. I hope that you will give the new magazine a chance. It still has PU content.:)