A Keppler Editorial

mike_p

I'm unable to prognosticate the future of BONSAI TODAY.
However, I'm certain that as with all products offered for sale, the marketplace will be the ultimate arbiter of success or failure.
The contentious discussion here may not portend well for the future of the product.

Mike

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TreeBay

I'm not sure that the majority of subscribers are looking primarily for enjoyment, although it's a factor. We should probably have a poll on that subject to be sure, something like:

Why would you subscribe to a bonsai magazine? (Pick up to 3)

1. learn more techniques
2. learn more artistry
3. gallery photos of beautiful trees
4. keep up with the latest developments
5. bonsai related advertisements
6. enjoyment
7. see whose name is in print
8. calendar of events
9. other
10. don't know

Any other ideas before the poll starts?

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bonsaial1

I think the bases are adaquately covered here, That is a good list.

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farrlinzee

Yeah, that looks like good list but while your concerning yourself with that bonsaiTALK is about to be overtaken by bonsaichat at the BIG poll at www.bonsaifarm.tv.

I don't know the demographic breakup of BT but I wouldn't be suprised if the static nature of it's subscription is attributable to the oldies hanging in there and the burgeoning youth component ignoring it.

Whataya think?
Cheers
Lindsay

bonsaial1

I think that the magazine tried to gain a hold on the youth component and that is just not sound. Bonsai and youth are two words that do not go well with each other. Bonsai requires a true committment to a lifestyle change that many youths are not ready to hand over. With age comes the ability to make this kind of committment. Changeing a magazine to capture a youthful magazine readership is suicide. Bonsai Today, not Teen Beat. Personaly I find that the editing and magazine layout of the old was very good and did not really need its focus there, as Wayne did. I feel that the focus should be on filling the pages with adaquate articles from competant writers. How Wayne does this is anyones idea. If someone has an idea I hope they get it to him soon.

Andy, thanks for taking the time to come by and give us some wisdom. Your preachin to the choir man...

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TreeBay

I don't know how this could be happening. I, myself, have voted over 118 times just this evening.

:O

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farrlinzee

Nobody can vote more than once in a 24 hour period Matt. It takes 118 days for one computer to make 118 votes.

Is that true that you have 118 computers? Silicone valley eh.

It seems to me that bonsaiTALKERS just don't have the right stuff to slant a poll properly.

I've got great faith in the young people in bonsai Al. I think you underestimate them.

Cheers
Lindsay

John Dixon

Well, I still think enjoyment would be the biggest factor for most people to be in bonsai, at least in my way of thinking. Learning new techniques, seeing different possibilities, basically bonsai LEARNING in general to me is enjoyment. I'm not in bonsai for a living and the day it becomes a burden, rather than something I look forward to, is the day I will cease and desist. Learning and bonsai are rather synonymous to me. I hope to learn throughout my life.

I do like the poll you presented. It would be interesting to see the results. Of course, maybe the difference between subscribing to a bonsai magazine and actually pursuing advancement in bonsai aren't as closely related as i would think.

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Stay off the trails of others, that's where the booby-traps are.

FlyBri

Al, you've got me wondering exactly how the magazine tried to snare the 'youth component'....

Interviews with the likes of Eminem and Slipknot about why Bonsai is cooler than smoking Ice?

Articles like: "Coco Pops: Just Like Akadama, Only Crunchy"?

Advertorials for products such as Bonsai Barbie and Kusamono Ken?

The introduction of comic strips like "SpongeBonsai and Squarepots"?

Seriously, if Bonsai Today has tried to garner a younger generation of Bonsai enthusiasts, and they have underestimated the 'youth component' in the way that you have, it is no wonder that it is floundering. All you need do is browse through bonsaiTALK's Members to see that a goodly portion of the folks here are under 20 years old. And they are the future of Bonsai, so we'd better treat them nice.

Thanks.

Fly.

PS: I tried to set up a search of our Members by age, but had no luck. Sorry.

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