PUT vs RVE

[Used 2B PopUPTimes]

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.

[zamboni]

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.

[ilovecamping]

I chose not to vote because we now have an HTT.  If we still had the PU I would choose #1.

[TheViking]

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!

[OC Campers]

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

[6Quigs]

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.

[copcarguy]

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.

[mike4947]

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

[DrJ]

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.

[jawilson]

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...

[jawilson]

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...

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.

[Walt H]

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...

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

[GeneF]

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.

[Used 2B PopUPTimes]

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.

[The Tree Top Inn II]

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.

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