What the hell is going on with Popular Hotrodding??
 

Ok, I'm a car guy and love all types of cars but, the last few issues of Popular Hotrodding remind me of Hot Rod magazine of the 80's.. I have always thought of PHR as "our" magazine. Maybe Steve can shed some light on this...

SW

Hmm.. how to say this in a politically correct way where I don't get my ass chewed later...


Ok, newstand sales were a bit down so they instituted a redesign about a year ago and others put input into the magazine. Some thought that the all-g-machine format was hurting us since it was so specific. So the fault with the change lies with those that didn't buy PHR, but were into the g-machine stuff. If our newstand was strong we wouldn't have changed a thing.

In order to draw back readers (like drag racers) the magazine erred to the other extreem by heavily featuring drag cars. PHR also went after more "low buck" driven cars. We were also trying to compensate for the loss of SPORTSMAN DRAG RACING and those readers that like that sort of deal.

Starting around December newstand sales have gone way up. With March being a VERY good month. However, PHR is now moving back to the center and doing more g-machine stuff again (we never really stopped, just slowed). Anyways, I can think of four high end PT cars we are set to feature. The silver/black Mopar from SEMA, the Morrison Vette, The Campbell '69 Camaro, Parson's Nova and few I can't remember.

The fact is that drag race guys buy magazines too and now that we include those types of cars sales have gone up.

I FEEL (just my opinion) that PHR is better when there's a mix of cars and tech. Some low buck, some medium and some high. I also don't mind seeing some street/strip cars with my PT fix. I do not necessarily agree with all the cars we've featured and some did look like they rolled out of the early 90s. lol

Some of these decisions are made by higher management and since we like our day jobs we try their suggestions. lol -- these decisions certainly wern't made by somebody at my pay grade.

Anyways, wait till you see the September issue.. it definetly shows were back into the g-machine stuff.

How was that for an answer? ... I may have to delete this later.. lol

Thanks Steve, I understand it's alot to do with the "numbers".. I don't mind the changes, but don't leave "us" out entirely..:D

SW

how successful was the issue with the build up story of Bob Johnsons cuda? I think the mag needs more build up stories of killer cars. The story on hurricane was cool, but stories with build up pics beat another disc brake install story hands down. Well I know I passed on buying the last 2 issues cuz I can only stand so many big blocks with fiberglass seats and gutted interior drag cars.

What ever you guys were doing in 06 was great I bought an issue everymonth.

Gotta agree with Rodger here! Obviously, my tastes lean to the G-Machine style but I also understand that the bean counters need to make sure the financials make sense. I would like to see a mix of G-Machine, Drag, Tech, Home Builders, Hi-Profile, and Pro-Street all under one issue!:thumbsup:

John

im wirth rodger to lets see some more build photos hell even follow the build up cars across the country. Johns Nova is a perfect example who doesn't like to see build pics. Look at martys truck thread on here everyone always checks it to see waht is going on with it. just my .02 cents

Build up articles are definitely a bonus..... you just cant get the full story on a killer car out in a 3-4 page feature. I am also with Steve on variety. If every car featured has the same LS motor, same T-56 or TKO box, same gauge packages all wrapped up in a different color... It gets old. If you widen the variety of build types and actually pay attention to detail. You can get a lot of ideas. I always tell people that if you want to know what color looks good with what ever color.... pick up a lowrider magazine....... :)

As I recall it wasn't that great of a newstand seller.

Like I said, expect to see more g-machine stuff again. But, we will keep doing drag stuff since sales are up because of it. When there's a g-machine heavy issue make sure you buy it and that will make it easier for us to make our case.


Oh, the August issue has a small build story on a certain Nova. :unibrow:

I agree I think the mag needs more high end cars such as Bob's and a few that have blowed people away besides theres only 12 issues a year even if you put one super high end car in there, theres only 12 for the year and thats what gets me to pick up a mag. Not a steal wheeled clapped out nova not that its a bad thing just "i beleive they would sell more mags aswell with drag cars and fast street cars but also some custom show cars and G cars.
Also i have noticed that alot of mags "Hot Rod" included have picked up on what super rod and Street rod builder has been doing buy putting in alot of build photos! in I love to see them aswell im sure we all do.

The one with mine in it was the best seller!!:D

SW

I estimate that there are about 20,000 real g-machine enthusiasts and growing. Contrast that with a 200,000 circ magazine on its way to 100,000 circ and you come up against some easy math. Scary math.

Street/Strip was, is, and will always be king. The g-machine market is tiny by comparison. It is a growing niche, but still small. Swing the camera around and look at Popular Hot Rodding from a different angle. Rather than focus on one build style or another, they have done a good job of featuring cars that are functional. That appears to be their litmus test--function. I'm eager to read about street/strip cars that work as well on the street as they do on the strip. Same goes for Pro Streeters that are genuinely quick, but possess decent street manners. I don't care how cool a pro streeter looks. If it hasn't run a decent number--with proof, I wouldn't let it into the magazine.

Focus on function and it's possible to showcase a wide variety of build styles--not just pro-touring and street/strip. People will dig it cause function works. PHR is already doing this every month. Now they just need to come right out and say it. And then say it over and over again until they create an army of function-first hot rodders. Wear the word "function" out. Burn it to the ground and then move on to the synonyms. "We're doing this because function is important, and cool, and fun." As opposed to...."We're doing this 'cause our numbers are low and our boss made us." :yes:

I'll agree with Street. I look at and dig all cars that have good design, good execution and that function properly. Doesn't matter much to me the make/mark, type of use, carbs or efi, max dollar/low buck, etc.... I will spend hours looking at stuff that shows a good usage of materials, brain power and that will function as intended every time. Be it a rat rod, muscle, truck or import - building, aircraft or spacecraft....

Steve you may want to copy this and post it up in your office!:lol:

John

Even weird $hit like this - when it's done well and works....

We already know it ;)

Just had our meeting on the next issue.. we will have an minimum of 50% g-machine and 50% "other stuff" in PHR. That's a mix I can live with, especially if the g-machine coverage is top notch.

Oh, and that doesn't include my kingdom know as Hometown Hotrodding.. which is a bastion of g-machine lovin.. lol

You guys will love the September issue.

Steve,

Hometown hotrodding is the best part of the magazine. :thumbsup: If I remember this section was outdated before you took over.

I PM you last week at pro-touring. My kid tells me that the past pics you requested of my GTO are available in the size you needed. Do you still want them?

R.P.

I liked that issue best also SW!:thumbsup:
Much better cover car than that damn ole cuda.......:lol:

Hell yea.. send them pics to [email protected] ... will put ya in the next issue :)

When I took over HTHR it was an outdated mess.. one page in black and white most of the time. It was like some "chore" that they had to do to make readers happy. It was crap.

It's now one of the best areas of the book and if you check out other books you will see they they are making thier readers rides sections nicer as well.

I love those sections of the book because they are real cars owned by real people. Everyone in this hobby deserves a little ink ;)

I notice the change too. I have a subscription to the mag.
I was a little down about the shift, as I subscribed for the gmachines. But it is all ok. I'm still keeping my subscriptionm I mean it's like Christmas every month. I always get excited when I see my magazine on the table, my wife is so wonderful. I think a mix is good :thumbsup:

a.

I have to admit that I don't subscribe, then again, I don't subscribem to most magazines.

That being said, I am always searching the news stand. What am I looking for? I find the how to stuff interesting when it isn't the same old how to. So, I was thinking...

On each feature car, try to find something kind of unique, I don't care if it's a home-made center cap for a wheel, a custom set of front fenders, an interior mod, etc. Just find something unique and run a "how they did it" piece.

I personally have purchased everything from import mags to truck mags, to kit car mags just for this sort of info.

Anyway, hope this helps!
Bill

Just do a swimsuit issue, that'll bring up sales. :unibrow:

Actually, if I want porn, I'll buy porn.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

I agree 100% with Steve Chryssos, emphasize function and safety above all else. I can overlook a ding, rust bubble, or unfinished doo-dad way easier than I can overlook something that is unsafe or detrimental to performance.

I typically just skim through my mags during the summer, and read them cover-to-cover in the winter, so I may miss some things, but I want to read articles such as installing 3-point belts, collapsible steering shafts, and even things like Helmet comparisons and fire-suppression system installs.

BTW, I subscribe to PHR, CHP, HR, and CC, and like different things about each, but Safety equipment seems to be lacking from all of them...

Send emails asking for this.. I've pitched fire-systems a bunch of time and I'm shot down with bad excuses (people don't care, etc)..

You can figure out the right email addresses by looking in the front of the magazine. It's firstname.lastname at primedia.com

For example for PHR it's [email protected]

I would love to do a story on installing a fire suppression system and it's benefits. Also one on cage design, choosing the right helmet and other safety systems.

I would buy 2 issues along with the subscription I have if you guys do something like that! Awesome!

John

Would Johhny Hunkins be the best one to send it to?

Call me crazy, but I think a picture of a musclecar on fire on the cover would at least get the magazine noticed on the newsstands, and getting people to pick it up and look inside is probably half the battle on selling copies...

I have been extreme happy with super rodder magazine.Cars they feature may not all be "full PT" but they do have long build up storys , many pages after the feature of finished car. That makes it really different than any other mag.

Oh yes,i am subscriber of PHR too , just because it want Steve to keep up good work:thumbsup:

To All:

I personally would like to have access to some of your multipart Build articles.

Have you considered, a subscription to "HR/PHR etc. online", where articles from past magazines are available to read or reference for someone with a current build?

At least this way you could, "Sell", the article twice and create some very inexpensive cash flow as well as encourage people to become more interested in the Hobby?

I think it would be real interesting to read articles from back in the 50s and 60s and see how they have changed, or I could really research the different engine builds from the past for ideas for future builds.

It could also be a good incentive for people to buy multi-year subscriptions if this access was included for an extra 20% etc.

Be Creative using it to help gain access to readers from different Magazine markets. There are plenty of niche magazines under the Primedia umbrella.

Some crossover access could help build the Primedia magazine market overall.

For me when I get interested in a subject like the LSx platform for instance, I want to read everything I can on it. Waiting every month hoping that there will be an article on that particular subject can be a real drag. In some cases so much of a drag that, I would just NOT buy the subscription altogether and wait every month to check out the issues at the news stand and see whether or not I want to buy THAT one issue. Whereas, if I knew that subscribing would allow me access to whatever topic I wanted to read about, there is a darn good chance that "buying all issues" would:

a) Save a bunch of Money off the News Stand price and

b) Give me "Instant Subject" satisfaction

Another idea, that would encourage people to subscribe is that only subscribers have a chance at being show cased in the magazine, not just casual, "Doctors office", "Library" or "news stand" buyers. If not this exclusively, then at least preference over the non-subscriber.

The Power Tours are a Brilliant way of exposing people to, and encouraging people to read and be a part of the Hot Rodding community. I would deliberately plan Power Tours through the parts of the country where the magazine(s) don't have good penetration. Everyone loves a parade and being part of an, "Experience".

Guiding 2500 cars through different size cities on a scenic drive, would also bring $$$$ to those towns. Possible sponsorships or advertising might be possible eventually if several, "Tours" took place around the country on the same route and time every year. Look at Sturgis, South Dakota. Everyone knows where it will be and when it will be, so plans can be made a year in advance, and the businesses would know when they will have big crowds in town every year.

The weather and temperature should dictate when a particular tour would take place. In the winter months the Southern part of the county, Summer months the northern part of the country, in between California.

Each Tour should have a name, patch, shirt etc. specific to that tour and the year that tour took place. Sponsors could have there business names added to the "Official" Shirt (Free advertising) Yes, I know automotive sponsors already do this, but annual routes could create additional non-automotive supporters.

With regards to subjects that I would like to read about:

The cage, fire suppression, helmets etc. are excellent new areas to cover. In addition, driving techniques not only for Drag racing but also for open track days, auto cross, rally etc. would make interesting reading. Information about the NHRA, SCCA and the like might be different subjects to touch on occasionally.

I would be interested in peoples thoughts about which subjects, concepts, or ideas you think are good.

Thanks for reading,

Ty O'Neal

Along w/ Ty's post.

I would rather have the magazine be entirely on cd/DVD or at least offer that to your subscribers after each year is up so we can toss our magazines.

I don't want to keep magazines, around taking up space.

It was a joke. And swimsuit isn't porn. :rolleyes:

All I'm saying is, it seems like there was no balance achieved between the "changeover". All of a sudden there was Pro Street cars on the covers, in the main articles ect. The picture of the hot rod camaro on the cover of this months issue does not make sense to me, trying to show that a Pro Street Camaro is trying to take a turn at speed?? I think everyone here agrees variety is great but stepping back into the 80's on the last few issues sucks.

SW

Great ideas!!!!:thumbsup:

John

100% right.. there was ZERO balance in those issues although g-machines were still featured the vast majority were street strip cars. It was a way to slap some realization into the drag guys that we are going to cover their stuff as well. If we would have been subtle then they may not have noticed and it would have been a waste of time.

After the current issue (August) you'll see us go back to a balance. In fact the September issue will be a g-machine love fest. lol

Remember, I don't make up these rules and changes.. I'm just trying to give insight.

Wait till you see what I have planned for the Fairlane once I get her down into the 11s at the track. :unibrow:

my parents tell me I'm too pessimistic but I dont have any complaints on this!!! Im happy to read any article with regard to these old cars...honestly reading PHR was the only thing that got me through my finals...when I would get too stressed out I would grab my copy and chill out on a couch and read and re-read articles, just so I can learn something...by having a variety of articles Ive actually gotten some ideas for my car, ideas from drag cars, pro street and anything in between, from my point of view yall are doing a great job and keep up the good work...the only suggestion I can make is maybe a section aimed at some of the younger kids...one of the things that makes little old rice burners more appealing to my friends is that they dont take much effort to work on, bolt on this, paint that and bam your done, the wiring and everything tough is already done...I think if you maybe had a short series on how to pick a good first project car, and where to go from there, simple stuff...not a build at the magnatude of Jerry Crews '63 biscayne, but maybe a re-introduction to the hobby, I know that most of my friends havent gotten into it because they dont know how to do any of it...I really dont want to see this hobby dissapear as my generation grows older...while I still have some friends who know how to wrench on an old camaro or mustang, the majority of kids these days dont know how to even change their own oil...its dissapointing...but basically, keep up the great work, ive enjoyed all of the articles ive read!!!:thumbsup:

Another Great Idea!!!:thumbsup:

John

Steve, we are just glad that your there because I for one, know where your heart is...:thumbsup:

SW

Steve, pics have been sent along with tech sheet and story line "Fourth Time is a Charm"

Thanks,

R.P.

If readership is what PHR is looking for I highly suggest you guys work on distribution of the magazine. PHR is very hard to find on the news stands.

Major bookstores do not carry it in this area, Metro Detroit. It has been that way for many years. Hot Rod and Car Craft can be found on every street corner.

R.P.

Not sure if it's been mentioned- It's kinda funny that the pro-street car on the cover is taking a corner. Not pulling the front wheels or smokin the tires.

The company that bought Primedia IS a Distribution company :D

We hope this means that our titles will get better exposure. :yes: